Smartphones are ebook readers, portable gaming machines organizers navigation system and a phone, all packaged in a bundle small enough to fit in your pocket. They can do so much, it almost doesn't make sense to buy a regular cell phone anymore. But the choices can be overwhelming, and new smartphones are coming out all the time. So which is the best smartphone for you?
Before you buy your smartphone, you'll first need to make some important choices about which operating system—iOS, Android, BlackBerry or Windows Phone 7—and which features are right for you. This buying guide will walk you through those decisions and help you find the perfect smartphone.
Important Choices
Apple iOS vs Android vs BlackBerry vs Window Phone 7?
The biggest choice here is between Apple's iOS and Android. Unless you're a BlackBerry Messenger user or need BlackBerry for work, there isn't a compelling reason to go with BlackBerry. The operating system is outdated, the phones choices are limited and the app store pales in comparison with Apple and Android. And while we believe Windows Phone 7 has a lot of potential, it isn't quite there yet.
Apple's iOS has a lot going for it. Like all Apple products, iOS has a clean, easy-to-use interface. Finding apps is easy using either the App Store on your phone or iTunes on your desktop. And there are more apps for iOS than Android.
The biggest drawback is that there's just one device, the iPhone 4. Not that the iPhone 4 isn't a great phone (it is), but there is no 4G version, it has a relatively small screen compared to many of the Android phones and Android free Google Nav is better than the iPhone version. Not to mention iPhone's history of dropped calls in many major metropolitan areas.
But the iPhone 4 makes up for these failings with its best-of-show camera, super-high resolution display and overall design.
Android has a lot more choice when it comes to devices–different size displays, 3G and 4G networks, physical keyboards. And Android phones also tend to be less expensive, often on sale for just a penny.
There are plenty of apps available for Android now, though it's still missing some key ones, such as Netflix and Skype video chat. And the Android app marketplace still feels pieced together compared to Apple's app store.
The Android OS is a little rougher around the edges than Apple's iOS, though it's improving quickly. Even the latest devices don't all run the same version of Android and, if they do, often the manufacturers layer their own software on top of Android—HTC Sense, Motorola Blur, Samsung Touch Wiz—for better or worse.
The Techlicious staff uses both Android and Apple phones, At the end of the day, you could be happy with either.
Do you need a 3G or 4G data network?
3G is the current generation of cellular data networks that provides broadband-like speeds for watching videos, streaming music and browsing the Web. Actual 3G speed varies significantly by carrier and location, but you can expect speeds between around 400kbps (worst case) up to about 5mbps (best case).
4G is the newest generation of data networks, with speeds (at least theoretically) far faster than 3G. The term 4G has a specific technical definition, but it is quickly being obscured by the T-Mobile and AT&T marketing departments who are using it to describe their faster 3G networks. No matter, what 's important for you to know is that the phones advertised as "4G" will have real world download speeds that are likely to be much higher, up to 12mbps or more as the new networks get rolled out.
To see what speed you are likely to get in your area for a given carrier, ask a friend who uses a smartphone on that carrier to download an app called "speedtest" to their phone (or go to a store and do it) and see what speed they're getting.
So which should you get?
If you plan to stream movies or use your phone as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, 4G is probably the way to go. And If you want to make calls while simultaneously using your data connection, AT&T and T-Mobile will let you do that. Placing a call on Verizon or Sprint's 3G networks will disconnect you from the data network—their 4G networks don't have this limitation.
Keep in mind that carriers may charge extra on your monthly plan for using a 4G phone, so be sure to check.
Using your phone as a mobile hotspot
Many—but not all—of the new smartphones let you create a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot so you can use your smartphone's data connection for your laptop or iPad. It's a great feature, but comes at a cost. Namely, the extra fees the carriers charge for the privilege. Check with your carrier for rates and any usage limitations.
AT&T
With the iPhone 4 arriving on Verizon, AT&T is finally fleshing out its Android line-up. This spring AT&T got the HTC Inspire and the Motorola Atrix 4G ,with its super-fast dual-core processor, and the Samsung Infuse 4G is on the way with a huge 4.5-inch next-gen display.
Samsung Captivate
The Samsung Captivate is one of the best phones available on AT&T. While other phones offer features the Captivate does not, the overall combination of slim form factor, beautiful 4-inch screen, decent camera and cheap price make it a winner.
Price: Free with new account, $30
with 2-year extension on Wirefly.com
Apple iPhone 4 (read review)
With its high resolution display, the best camera on a smartphone, support for video chat and tons of apps, the iPhone 4 is a great choice—as long as you're not in an area (like New York City) where the iPhone is notorious for dropped calls. The next model is expected in late June, so prices on the iPhone 4 should drop around that time. We recommend waiting.
Price: $199 (16GB), $299 (32GB) on ATTWireless.com
RIM BlackBerry Torch 9800 (read review)
If you are a BlackBerry fan, this is the phone for you. You get both a physical keyboard and a capacitive touchscreen, the ability to do real web browsing and integration with your social networks. And you’ll love its ability to sync your music wirelessly through your home Wi‐Fi network. But BlackBerry is way behind Android and Apple on the app front.
Price: $0.01 with new account, $50 with 2-year extension on AmazonWireless.com
Samsung Focus (read review)
If you’re looking for a Windows Phone 7 device that can compete with the other smartphones on the market, the Samsung Focus delivers. It’s sleek, light, has a great display, feels comfortable in your hand and is dirt cheap. Plus it has a scratch-resistant display, which makes those screen protectors a thing of the past.
Price: $0.01 with new account or 2-year extension on AmazonWireless.com
HTC Inspire (read review)
The HTC Inspire 4G is a great phone for AT&T customers at a good price. It offers most of what you’d want in an Android phone, a 4.3-inch display, high-quality 8MP camera and mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. The drawbacks are a very slow 4G experience, no front-facing camera and it's above average in weight (5.8 oz).
Price: $60 with new account. $70 with 2-year extension on AmazonWireless.com
| 3G/4G | Operating System | Display | Weight | Input | Camera | Wi-Fi Hotspot | Recommendation | |
| Samsung Captivate | 3G | Android 2.1 | 4" Super AMOLED | 4.5 oz | Onscreen Keyboard | Rear: 5MP Front: None | No | Recommended |
| Apple iPhone 4 | 3G | iOS 4 | 3.5" LCD | 4.8 oz | Onscreen Keyboard | Rear: 5MP Front: 0.3MP | No | Recommended |
| BlackBerry Torch | 3G | BlackBerry 6 | 3.2" LCD | 5.7 oz | Slider Keyboard | Rear: 5MP Front: None | No | Recommended |
| Samsung Focus | 3G | Windows Phone 7 | 4" Super AMOLED | 4.2 oz | Slider Keyboard | Rear: 5MP Front: None | No | Neutral |
| HTC Inspire | 4G | Android 2.2 | 4.3" LCD | 5.8 oz | Onscreen Keyboard | Rear: 8MP Front: None | Yes | Recommended |
Sprint
Sprint is due for another round of phone announcements, with new phones expected late spring. Stay tuned.
Samsung Epic 4G (read review)
The Samsung Epic 4G is one of the most full-featured smartphones on the market. It throws just about everything you could possibly want into its slightly chunky body—fast processor; large, bright display; physical keyboard; mobile Wi-Fi hotspot; front-facing camera; and 4G.
Price: $100 with new account, $200 with 2-year extension on AmazonWireless.com
HTC EVO 4G (read review)
The phone that set the bar for smartphones last year, the HTC EVO, is still a great choice for media junkies. It has a front-facing camera for video chat, 4G connectivity, a large 4.3-inch display, and mobile W-Fi hotspot. Plus it has a sleek design and feels good in the hand.
Price: $100 with new account, $180 with 2-year extension on AmazonWireless.com
HTC EVO Shift 4G (read review)
Like an Epic 4G in a more compact package, the HTC EVO Shift 4G has a front-facing camera for video chat, 4G connectivity, and mobile Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices. But the smaller display and extra weight are disappointing, and battery life and call quality during our testing was poor.
Price: $100 with new account, $150 with 2-year extension on Wirefly.com
RIM BlackBerry Bold 9650 International
This is the current best-in-class BlackBerry for Sprint. It runs the new BlackBerry OS 6, which delivers a decent browsing experience and better multimedia capabilities. Plus it has 512MB RAM, a 3.2MP camera, calling over Wi-Fi and works on GSM networks in Europe and Asia. But BlackBerry is way behind Android and Apple on the app front.
Price: $150 with new account or 2-year extension on Wirefly.com
| 3G/4G | Operating System | Display | Weight | Input | Camera | Wi-Fi Hotspot | Recommendation | |
| Samsung Epic 4G | 4G | Android 2.1 | 4" Super AMOLED | 5.45 oz | Slider Keyboard | Rear: 5MP Front: 0.3MP | Yes | Recommended |
| HTC EVO 4G | 4G | Android 2.2 | 4.3" LCD | 6 oz | Onscreen Keyboard | Rear: 8MP Front: 1.3MP | Yes | Recommended |
| HTC EVO Shift 4G | 4G | Android 2.2 | 3.6" LCD | 5.9 oz | Slider Keyboard | Rear: 5MP Front: None | Yes | Neutral |
| BlackBerry Bold 9650 | 3G | BlackBerry 6 | 2.4" LCD | 4.8 oz | Keyboard | Rear: 3.2MP Front: None | No | Recommended |
T-Mobile
T-Mobile has had a pretty steady stream of announcements, most recently the Samsung Galaxy S 4G, which replaces the Vibrant and gives the HTC MyTouch 4G plenty of competition on T-Mobile.
T-Mobile MyTouch 4G (read review)
The MyTouch 4G looks great and feels solid in your hand. As you go down the feature checklist, it has almost everything you could want—large 3.8-inch display, high-speed "4G" network access, mobile W-Fi hotspot support, front-facing camera, etc.—in a slim, compact design.
Price: $50 with a new account, $90 with 2-year extension on Wirefly.com
Google Nexus S (read review)
Sleek and light with a beautiful 4-inch Super AMOLED (480 x 800) display, the Nexus S picks up where our former favorite, the Samsung Vibrant left off. It has a front facing camera for video chat, mobile Wi-Fi hotspot and a number of smaller usability changes thanks to its new Android 2.3 operating system. But why oh why is it only 3G?
Price: $200 with new account or 2-year extension on BestBuy.com
RIM BlackBerry Bold 9780
This is the current best-in-class BlackBerry. It runs the new BlackBerry OS 6, which delivers a decent browsing experience and better multimedia capabilities. Plus it has 512MB RAM, double that of its predecessor the BlackBerry Bold 9700, a 5MP camera and calling over Wi-Fi. But BlackBerry is way behind Android and Apple on the app front.
Price: $100 with new account, $150
with 2-year extension on Wirefly.com
HTC HD7 (read review)
The HTC HD7 stands out for its large 4.3-inch display, kickstand and classy build quality. You should seriously consider the HD7 if you’re looking for a Windows Phone 7 device that will function heavily as a media player. But we recommend waiting on Windows Phone 7.
Price: $90 with new account, $120
with 2-year extension on Wirefly.com
Motorola Defy (read review)
The Motorola Defy is a very good phone. It's light weight, small and has a long battery life (at least by smartphone standards). And parents will especially appreciated its durability and water-resistance.On the downside, the display is average, and it's still running Android 2.1, which means no Flash video. But Android 2.2 is happening soon, so go for it.
Price: $30 with new account or 2-year extension on AmazonWireless.com
Samsung Galaxy S 4G (read review)
The Samsung Galaxy S 4G is one of the best phones on T-Mobile. It offers almost every feature you would expect, in a slim form factor. It doesn't contain a dual-core processor, which is found in many of the new phones that arrived this spring, but most users won't need that extra power.
Price: $99 with new account, $150 with 2-year extension on AmazonWireless.com
| 3G/4G | Operating System | Display | Weight | Input | Camera | Wi-Fi Hotspot | Recommendation | |
| T-Mobile MyTouch 4G | 4G | Android 2.2 | 3.8" LCD | 5 oz | Onscreen Keyboard | Rear: 5MP Front: 0.3MP | Yes | Highly Recommended |
| Google Nexus S | 3G | Android 2.3 | 4" Super AMOLED | 4.55 oz | Onscreen Keyboard | Rear: 5MP Front: 0.3MP | Yes | Neutral |
| Samsung Galaxy S 4G | 4G | Android 2.2 | 4" Super AMOLED | 4.2 oz | Onscreen Keyboard | Rear: 5MP Front: 0.3MP | Yes | Highly Recommended |
| Motorola Defy | 3G | Android 2.1 | 3.7" LCD | 4.2 oz | Onscreen Keyboard | Rear: 5MP Front: None | No | Highly Recommended |
| HTC HD 7 | 3G | Windows Phone 7 | 4.3" LCD | 5.7 oz | Onscreen Keyboard | Rear: 5MP Front: None | No | Neutral |
| BlackBerry Bold 9780 | 3G | BlackBerry 6 | 2.4" LCD | 4.3 oz | Keyboard | Rear: 3.2MP Front: None | No | Recommended |
Verizon
Verizon's most exciting new additions are the iPhone 4 and the first 4G phone, the HTC Thunderbolt. Also look for a few more interesting Android phones to hit soon, including the Samsung 4G LTE with it's improved Super AMOLED plus display and the powerful dual-core Motorola Droid Bionic.
Motorola Droid 2 Global
If you’re an international traveler, you’ll want a phone that can work on the GSM networks in Europe and Asia. This is your phone. It has a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, a 5MP camera, mobile Wi-Fi hotspot—everything you need.
Price: $30 with new account, $50 with 2-year extension on AmazonWireless.com
Motorola Droid X (read review)
The Droid X is one of the best things going on Verizon right now. If you're looking for an Android phone that maximizes your video watching and browsing experience, the Droid X is a great choice. Buy now, with its low price, or wait for the Droid Bionic.
Price: $30 with new account, $80 with 2-year extension on AmazonWireless.com
RIM BlackBerry Bold 9650
This is the current best-in-class BlackBerry for Verizon. It runs the new BlackBerry OS 6, which delivers a decent browsing experience and better multimedia capabilities. Plus it has 512MB RAM, a 3.2MP camera and calling over Wi-Fi. Too bad BlackBerry is so far behind Apple and Android with apps.
Price: $0.01
Apple iPhone 4 (read review)
With its high resolution display, the best camera on a smart phone, support for video chat, and tons of apps, the iPhone 4 is a great choice. Will it have the same call quality issues as it does on AT&T? Time will tell.
Price: $200 on VerizonWireless.com.
| 3G/4G | Operating System | Display | Weight | Input | Camera | Wi-Fi Hotspot | Recommendation | |
| Motorola Droid 2 Global | 3G | Android 2.2 | 3.7" LCD | 5.45 oz | Onscreen Keyboard | Rear: 5MP Front: None | Yes | Recommended |
| Motorola Droid X | 3G | Android 2.2 | 4.3" LCD | 5.47 oz | Onscreen Keyboard | Rear: 8MP Front: None | No | Recommended |
| HTC Thunderbolt | 4G | Android 2.2 | 4.3" LCD | 6.23 oz | Onscreen Keyboard | Rear: 8MP Front: 1.3MP | Yes | Recommended |
| Samsung Fascinate | 3G | Android 2.1 | 4" Super AMOLED | 4.16 oz | Onscreen Keyboard | Rear: 5MP Front: None | Yes | Neutral |
| BlackBerry Bold 9650 | 3G | BlackBerry 6 | 2.4" LCD | 4.8 oz | Keyboard | Rear: 3.2MP Front: None | No | Recommended |
| Apple iPhone 4 | 3G | iOS 4 | 3.5" LCD | 4.8 oz | Onscreen Keyboard | Rear: 5MP Front: 0.3MP | No | Highly Recommended |
