What phone to get for Android development?

Nexus One

Nexus One, by far, updates are coming primarily from Froy, if you take now.

The trick is that one device in any case to escape do not succeed. You can, of course, to start is to take Nexusone as the basic model, but the problem (in the literal sense of the word) of Android is that the screen resolution and the performance of the devices are too different! As a minimum, the kit will have to either get another Tattoo (if you plan to support older OS versions) or it WildFire — for QVGA resolution and high performance can bring many surprises. Different UI from different manufacturers is also able to "spoil life", so good, need Samsung, and Acer.
Clearly, the more devices, the more you need testers and the more you need money, these all the device to buy... Yes, this is the main problem of Android... But, on the other hand, there are also community?! Beta testing with the distribution of soft — quite lively scheme. Many developers even at the highest level it is used... So not so sad!

It all depends on what you count the amount. If budget is something you can LG GT540, but if more expensive, the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 or HTC Hero

It all depends on what niche you are going to write applications, but ideally the nexus one.

The nexus, as said above. It's like a reference tube, it is for most developer.

If for serious development, then one device is not enough. If pampering and use as main phone, Desire