Ask HN: Most important android devices to test an app on?

This depends on your target users. If they only live in the Netherlands for example you have to target different devices than USA or China.

Testing on a few devices across the dimensions (resolution, dpi, cpu, manufacterer, keyboard[less]) then you are pretty save.

But I have experience where we tested on a range of devices, but the app still had problems on 1 or 2 specific devices such as the sony ericsson xperia mini.

So if you have the money I would recommend something like testdroid to be increase your testing confidence.

I have a very crappy 99$ android phone[1] with gingerbread, a Nexus S, a Nexus 4 and a Nexus 7. Everything is tested on all the devices to make sure it works. I think that with this devices I can catch pretty much all cases, from low end to high and tablets.

[1] http://www.huaweidevice.com/resource/mini/201008174756/ideos...

Any one you can get your hand on that gives you both a large and small screen (eg a Galaxy S3 and an older Sony), as well as one running 2.3 (still very common) and one on 4.2, with anything inbetween a bonus

You can sift out some bugs already using the Android emulator (using various Android versions). Saves time and money :)

Also, don't forget about different browsers (on mobile phones).