Android is the most popular and widely used open source Linux-based operating system for smartphones and tablets. An android phone comes with a set of pre-installed official apps like Gmail and Facebook, but there are tons of other apps with new apps added daily in the Android Market which is now known as Google Play. Surfing and discovering all those apps is obviously a tedious work. But not more as we sort out some of the best apps in 2012 for your Android. We have categorized the apps to take make it easy for you to choose.

Communication

1. GO SMS Pro:
   Yes it is PRO but it is absolutely Free. A featured packed, cool replacement for in-built SMS utility with lots of themes.
   
   
2. chompSMS:
   If you don't like GO SMS Pro, try this one. They also have their own SMS service with cheaper rates, but you need to get a paid version for that service.
   
   
3. Skype:
   Official app for free Skype-to-Skype video calling.

Social

1. WhatsApp Messenger:
   A messenger which lets you chat with SMS over Wi-fi or 3G. Just verify your phone number and get started.
   
   
2. TweetDeck:
   Stay up to date with Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare and Buzz in one intense social feed.
   
   
3. Google+:
   Official app of the latest and hottest social networking site, Google+. Can manage circles and do video chat.
   
   
4. GetGlue:
   A social recommendation engine for movies, shows, music and more. This app is featured on popular sites like Mashable and TechCrunch. Also available on web.

Games

1. Angry Birds (All Versions):
   This game needs no explanation. Most popular and addictive game with all levels for free.
   
   
2. Fruit Slice:
   Another addictive game with nice graphics. Try to get the perfect score.
   
   
3. Ice Age Village:
   If you are an Ice Age fan you must love this game. Gives you entire Ice Age experience where you build your own village. It is the official game.
   
   
4. Drag Racing:
   This game comes with realistic controls and over 50 cars including the officially licensed 1200 bhp Hennessey Venom GT™. Download and rule the streets.
   
   
5. Andoku Sudoku:
   Open source game packed with lots 10 different game variations, 5 difficulty levels and 200 puzzles per game variation and difficulty.
   
   
6. Alchemy:
   Simple game with lots of fun. You have make combinations with four elements Fire, Water, Earth and Air to get more new elements. The fun is that you can get surprising outputs like Hunter + mouse = cat.
   
   
7. Chalk Ball Lite:
   A new concept of bouncing game where you need to draw chalk lines so that the ball doesn't fall and hit the other balls to recover your chalk. As they say "Easy to learn, hard to master!"
   
   
8. Roll It:
   A brain twisting puzzle in 3D with excellent sound effects.

Browsers

1. Opera Mini web browser:
   Claims to be the world's fastest android browser with unique compression technology. Comes with a speed dial. Suitable for surfing only.
   
   
2. Dolphin Browser HD:
   If you want to play flash and videos from a browser with good surfing then try this browser as Opera Mini cannot play flash.

Launchers

1. GO Launcher EX:
   One of the most popular and best android launcher with plenty of features and themes. Can make folders to categorize your apps.
   
   
2. LauncherPro:
   A fast and clean launcher with super-smooth scrolling and 3D app drawer.
   
   
3. ADW Launcher:
   Simple launcher with limited features compared to the other two above. Paid version available with more features.

Music & Audio

1. Shazam:
   Want to more about the song or music you are listening? This is the right app for you. It can identify a track, artist, get you the lyrics, find its video and much more.
   
   
2. doubleTwist Player:
   Sync your android phone with iTunes from your Mac/PC over USB or AirSync over Wi-Fi. Can also download some legal, high-quality albums.
   
   
3. Winamp:
   A nice replacement for built-in android music player. Can sync music to your phone from a Mac or PC.
   
   
4. TuneIn Radio:
   Listen to radio with over 50,000 stations from all over the world. A great way to discover new music.

Productivity

1. Any.DO To Do List:
   A must have app to organize your day-to-day activities. Smooth and slick app.
   
   
2. Barcode Scanner:
   Scan those square squiggles on products then look up prices and reviews. You can also scan Data Matrix and QR Codes containing URLs, contact info, etc.
   
   
3. Dropbox:
   Official Dropbox app for android. Allows access to your files when you need it.
   
   
4. Evernote:
   Write down important notes or ideas for future reference. Can sync with the Windows/Mac version.

Photography:

1. Camera360:
   A very powerful camera app with fantastic built-in effects.
   
   
2. Little Photo:
   Another powerful app for retouching your photos with over 70 effects and tools.
   
   
3. QuickPic:
   A best replacement for your built-in picture viewer. Much faster and smoother. Can also view animated GIFs.

Security

1. avast! Mobile Security:
   Our personal favorite security app for android with rich features like Web Shield, Anti-Theft, App Disguiser and much more. It's all for absolutely free.
   
   
2. Lookout Security & Antivirus:
   Award winning mobile antivirus. Free and lightweight with features like backup and locating your stolen phone.
   
   
3. KeePassDroid:
   Easily and safely manage your passwords. Must have app if you use a desktop version.
   
   
4. Pocket:
   Pocket not only secures your passwords but also stores sensitive information like bank account details, credit card numbers, etc. with easy categorization.

System Utilities

1. AppBrain App Market:
   An alternative to Android market (Google Play) with smart app recommendation engine and new and hot apps of the day.
   
   
2. DroidStats:
   Comes with widgets to monitor your call, sms and data limits with interesting stats. Can also set limits of usage.
   
   
3. Elixir:
   Get to know almost every information about android device with this amazing app. Battery information, CPU usage, memory usage, sensors and the list never ends.
   
   
4. ROM Manager (For Rooted Devices):
   Download ROMs and flash your device easily with this app. This is only for rooted devices. Can also backup and restore.
   
   
5. Titanium Backup (For Rooted Devices):
   A must have backup utility but unfortunately it is only for rooted devices. Can backup almost everything.
   
   
6. DiskUsage:
   Get to know what is eating up your precious SD card storage with this app. You can delete unwanted stuff from within the app.
   
   
7. WiFi Analyzer:
   Get in-depth info on all Wi-Fi networks in range, find a less crowded channel and configure it for your wireless router for best connectivity.

News & Reading

1. Pulse News:
   A clean and elegant news reader you will ever see. You can import all the RSS feeds from Google Reader.
   
   
2. Aldiko Book Reader:
   A user-friendly and customizable book reader. Comes with lots of eBooks, some free and some for a price. Alternatively you try Moon+ Reader.
   
   
3. Read It Later (Now known as Pocket):
   Save articles, videos and read or watch them later on when you have time. Can automatically sync your phone to your computer.
   
   
4. Kindle:
   This app comes with thousands of free Kindle books. You can sync between Android, PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, BlackBerry, Windows Phone 7, and your “real” Kindle using their Whispersync technology.
   
   
5. Kobo:
   If Kindle is not of your taste then try this alternative reader which comes with millions of free and affordable books. Book previews available before buying

Others

1. RunKeeper:
   Improve your overall health with this app. It uses GPS to track your fitness regime.
   
   
2. JuiceDefender:
   Tweak your android with this app and save your battery for long usage.
   
   
3. Sanity:
   An app this rich features like record call, call blocker, automatic answering and it can even speak the caller's name.

That's all.
We hope you enjoy these apps and discover more. Let us know what your choice is.
Do you also use an iPhone? Don't forget to check out 60 Best iPhone Apps That Are Free [2012].