Google has taken its foray into the world of iPhone killers one step further this month with the release of the Nexus One. The Nexus One, manufactured by HTC, will run Google’s Android operating system, which is already available on many phones, including the Motorola Droid.

The Nexus One differs from other Android phones in that it is considerably faster. Much of the criticism that has come against Android phones stems from their sluggishness. The Nexus One uses a full 1GHz processor and houses 512MB of flash memory, 512MB of RAM, and a 4GB Micro SD card that can be expanded to 32GB.

At the width of that of a pencil, the Nexus One is one of the thinnest phones on the market (even thinner than the iPhone). Unlike many phones in its class, it has a trackball that can be used to scroll through applications. This trackball also has the capability to change colors, depending on the type of alert that the phone has received. Unlike the iPhone, the Nexus One’s battery is removable.

In addition, the Nexus One has a 5 megapixel camera with flash video capability compared to the iPhone’s flashless 3 megapixel camera.

Also, the Nexus One’s camera is much quicker to load at about a second opposed to the iPhone’s 2.5 seconds. That extra second and a half could mean a lot when you need to snap a quick picture of your friend acting stupid.

The phone is available for $179.00 with a new two-year contract with T-Mobile or for $529.00 unlocked.

Google has plans to make the Nexus One available to Verizon customers in the spring of this year. At the time of purchase, Google provides customers with a chance to engrave a personal message on the metallic area on the back of the phone.

Google is going to have some difficulty knocking the iPhone off of its throne, but the Nexus One seems to present a quality alternative to users wary of some of the iPhone or AT&T;’s flaws.

The Nexus One might not be a true “iPhone killer,” but it is certainly a step in the right direction for Google.