HTC has great mobiles (I think on their website, you can even enter your desired functions to see the best mobile for you), I don't like Samsung, but It is the strongest Android on the market (DualCore 1.5Ghz) you might consider it.
I don't like the XperiaPlay, I can't game with those Touch(exAnalog)Sticks. Instead of sticks, there are touch surfaces. Don't like it

And pay attention to a D-Pad/Trackball or so because moving the cursor isn't fun without it. I never rooted my phone, no hints from me there, never needed to as Android lets you install everything just by checking "Allow 3rd party software" once.