Chinese input methods on Android devices

[feihong]

I need to buy a new phone. I know that the iPhone has a good number of choices: pinyin, wubihua, handwriting, cangjie, and zhuyin. Android users, does your phone have all of these built-in? I've heard online that Android doesn't automatically have Chinese input methods -- you have to either install an app or the handset manufacturer might bundle it in their customized OS.

[skylee]

My samsung phone, bought in HK, came with the Samsung Chinese IME and google voice typing. I have installed google pinyin and the Cantonese keyboard, both are free apps, and they are all I need. Installing such Chinese ime is easy and hassle free. I have also tried the baidu and sohu ime but I think google is good enough.

[gamerfu]

I use Google Pinyin. The latest version of Google Pinyin does not let you write text messages in Chinese anymore or I cannot figure out the settings. It use to be Alt+Tab to switch, but now it's touch based.

[ChTTay]

My HTC - bought in China - has great Chinese input already installed. I am fairly sure I read HTC do this as standard now. You simply select a button on the right of your (touch) screen and can select a variety of language options (Japanese, Korean, Chinese - pinyin, writing, radical etc, Spanish...). Very easy.

[laurenth]

I've heard online that Android doesn't automatically have Chinese input methods

I suppose it depends on where you buy your phone. I bought mine in Europe, and there was no Chinese. However, installing a Chinese input method is trivial. For what it's worth, I use Go Keyboard, with pinyin and handwriting.

[Matty]

I find the Baidu IME best for Android and the Sogou IME best for PC.