Choosing the Best Smartphone for You
50Our choices for smartphones can be overwhelming with a wide variety of company offerings. I will offer a brief overview of the best smartphones in each category based on their available features. For the budget conscious I have included a budget phone category.
Before I begin getting into the nitty gritty of the devices, I felt it would be prudent to mention the different operating systems these phones run on. This should help keep you focused on the bare minimum of facts to help ease your decision.
Unlike the PC world which basically consists of Windows, Apple and occasionally Linux, you have at least seven different mobile Operating Systems. Lets briefly take a look at each.
1. Palm
Palm has been around since 1996 and the original Palm Pilot. The operating system is somewhat dated and diehard fans have been patiently waiting for an update for years. Granted, Palm has made incremental upgrades but has definitely fallen behind their competitors. I believe this is the reason Palm licensed Windows Mobile for some of their devices, buying some time.
Needless to say, Palm has tremendous user support and a plethora of 3rd party applications to customize your device. The ability to multitask is limited and the user interface(UI) looks outdated. 3rd party applications can help with this. This OS is very easy to learn and intuitive.
2. Windows Mobile Professional and Standard
Windows Mobile comes in two flavors, professional and standard. The major difference between the two is that professional is offered on touch screened devices and standard is available on non-touch screen devices. Both versions come with the standard Windows applications; calendar, contacts, web browser, email client, Mobile versions of Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint plus much more.
Windows Mobile Standard has been set-up to allow for easier one-handed navigation while Professional is more one-handed challenged. However, the iPhone has helped push Windows Mobile so that the Professional version has seen recent updates making it much easier to navigate. This OS has more of a learning curve than the others, but offers tons of customizable options as well as thousands of 3rd party applications.
3. RIM
RIM, a Canadian company, has been around since 1997 specializing in delivering information over wireless networks. Over the years, RIM has been widely accepted in the corporate world and known for delivery of "push" email.
Initially, RIM was renowned for it's email prowess. In the past 2 years RIM has begun reaching out to consumers by adding more multimedia rich devices. Who said you can't mix business with pleasure. RIM has a 44.7% of the US smartphone market. There are 3rd party applications and it relatively easy to use.
4. Symbian S60 and UIQ
The Symbian OS, the most phone-centric of the OS's, has been around since 1991 where it debuted in the Psion Series 3 handheld computer. Since then it has undergone numerous revisions. In 1998, Symbian, Ltd was formed as we know it as a partnership between Nokia, Sony-Ericsson, Motorola and Psion. Today, Nokia, Ericsson, Sony-Ericsson, Panasonic, Siemens AG and Samsung are the partners and Symbian has 67% share of the mobile device market, moreso in Europe than in th US.
Currently, there are two versions of the OS in use, S60 and UIQ, both of which run on non-touch screen devices. You will see S60 in Nokia phones and UIQ in Sony-Ericsson and Motorola. The S60 is relatively easy to use and comes in consumer-centric as well as business centric handsets. UIQ is also relatively intuitive, but not as smooth as S60. UIQ is not as polished in my opinion. Both have plenty of 3rd party applications available.
5. Apple
The newest OS on the block burst onto the scene with much fanfare last year. It has spurned rapid change and reactions from the other players in the game. The OS is pleasing to the eyes and just plain fun to use. It does email and internet as well as iPod functions. At the moment, you cannot edit office documents. However, you can open a spreadsheet or Word doc as an attachment in a email for viewing, but that is it. The good news is that its functionality will improve with the next revision.
All of the smartphones in this article can perform smartphone functions. Let me list what all these smartphones have in common:
- Personal Information Management Software(PIM)
- Web Browsing
- Office Document viewing and editing
- Media Player
- Games
Smartphones, in some instances, can allow you to leave your laprop at home. Some come with 400 MHZ processors allowing you to multitask on the go. There is a couple of things to remember if you are making the jump to a smartphone for the first time. First, they are geneally larger than regular cell phones as they have more hardware to fit in, ie. Wi-fi, GPS, arger screen. Also, because of the larger screens and extra wireless radios, the battery life is ot as robust. Lastly, they are more expensive. Let's take a look at some of the giants in the market.
Best Consumer Smartphones
1. Nokia N95/96
Carrier(s): Can be used on AT&T and T-Mobile
Price: $599 - $750.00. Sold Unlocked.
OS: Symbian S60 Ver. 9.2
Size: 4.2ounces
Battery Life Estimate: 5 hours talk time
Other Features: 3G, Wi-fi, Bluetooth, GPS, 5MP autofocus camera, 8GB memory, FM radio.
This phone truely has all the cutting edge features. What makes this phone stand apart is it's camera. Taking photos on par with a digital camera, you will never miss a special moment. It also has a great multimedia player so you could take your music and videos along for the ride. It also has great reception. There are very few downsides to this smartphone. 1 - there is no memory expansion options and the battery life could be better.
2. Blackberry Pearl
Carrier(s): AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and Verizon
Price: $149 - $199.00 with contract
OS: RIM
Size: 3.2ounces
Battery Life Estimate: 4hours talk time
Other Features: Depending on the carrier, these will vary. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Micro SD expansion slot, 2MP camera takes stills and video, Suretype keyboard.
This is the classic Blackberry in a much smaller package. To do this RIM had to compromise the keyboard by using 2 letters per key. This device is extremely portable, and views office documents. This phone also has very good reception and plays your music and videos. The only downside is that the screen feels somewhat cramped and a resolution not up to par with big brothers "the Curve" and the 8800.
3. Apple iPhone
Carrier(s): AT&T. Can be unlocked for use on T-Mobile
Price: $299 - $399.00 with contract
OS: Apple
Size: 4.8 ounces
Battery Life Estimate: Up to 8 hours.
Other Features: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 2MP Camera, 3.5 inch touch screen, Full iPod capability with either 8 or 16GB.
The iPhone is probably the least capable smartphone of the group. However, the things it does do, it does great. It's large screen is easy on the eyes. The UI is very intuitive and fun o use. The battery life is unbelievable. Don't forget that you have a full iPod with ample memory to carry music and videos.
As great as the iPhone is, it does have shortcomings. First is that it does not have 3G for high speed access on AT&T's network. This can be forgiven due to the presence of Wi-Fi. It has no option to add a memory card. The battery is not user-changeable. The speaker is weak. No 3rd party applications, unless you jailbreak, voiding your warranty. Despite the many shortcomings, the iPhone is a great device.
4. HTC Touch
Carrier(s): Sprint, Verizon and sold unlocked for use on AT&T and T-Mobile
Price: $299.00 with contract; $425.99 unlocked
OS: Windows Mobile Professional
Size: 4 ounces
Battery Life Estimate: 210 minutes
Other Features: Wi-Fi on GSM version but omitted on Sprint and Verizon, EVDO High-Speed Data for Sprint and Verizon, Bluetooth, 2MP Camera takes stills and video, Micro SD expansion slot.
Many view the Touch as an attempt to do battle with the iPhone, although it was released prior to the iPhone. The Touch is a very portable smartphone with large, clear screen that also uses finger gestures to navigate. There is no built-in hardware keyboard, however, there is built-in handwriting recognition or iPhone like keyboards. The only downside is having to remove the battery cover o access microsd slot.
Best Business Smartphones
1. Nokia E90
Carrier(s): Unlocked for AT&T or T-Mobile
Price: $739 - $799.00 Unlocked
OS: Symbian S60
Size: 7.4 ounces
Battery Life Estimate: 5.8 hours talk time
Other Features: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, 3.2MP Camera takes stills and video, Micro SD expansion slot, FM Radio, Dual Screens (5 inch inner 800x352 and 320x240 outer display)
If you want a near laptop experience with a cell phone, this is the device for you. It has everything! It can act as a regular candy bar cell phone, with a number keypad. Open it up and voila, a miniature notebook. While larger than the other Smartphone's, you have everything and the kitchen sink. The cons are obviously it's size and there is no U.S. 3G.
2. HTC TyTN II(aka AT&T Tilt)
Carrier(s): AT&T, can be unlocked for use on T-Mobile
Price: $299.99 with 2 year contract
OS: Windows Mobile Professional
Size: 6.7 ounces
Battery Life Estimate: 4.5 hours talk time
Other Features: 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, infrared port, 3 MP Camera that takes video along with a 2.8 inch touch screen, Micro SD expansion slot. It can be unlocked for use on T-Mobile. Alternatively, an unlocked version can cost as much as 499.99.
This is the other Swiss army knife of smart phones. The most notable feature is that the screen slides out and then tilts up like a mini laptop, hence the name. This is an update on a popular model adding GPS to the mix. This is the top-of-the-line Windows Mobile device. I can't find much fault in this device besides it's heft. Also, this device is a little more difficult to use one-handed.
3. RIM Blackberry Curve
Carrier(s): AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint(coming soon)
Price: $199 - $249.99 with 2 year contract
OS: RIM
Size: 3.9 ounces
Battery Life Estimate: 44 hours talk time
Other Features: Wi-Fi(T-Mobile) with ability to place calls over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 2MP Camera stills only, front facing 35 key keyboard, Micro SD expansion slot.
The Curve is aimed at small business owners and for corporate types who are able to take a camera phone to the workplace. It will save you some money if you are considering a 8800. It looks good and feels good to use. The keyboard is easy to use as is the trackball. The only downsides are the decreased battery life compared to other Blackberries and the lack of GPS.
4. Motorola Q
Carrier(s): Verizon, Sprint, AT&T and Unlocked for use on T-Mobile
Price: $49.99 - $399.00 with contract, unlocked
OS: Windows Mobile Standard
Size: 4.7 ounces
Battery Life Estimate: up to 5.5 hours with extended battery
Other Features: Bluetooth, GPS(AT&T and Unlocked versions), Wi-Fi(Verizon), 2MP camera with flash does stills and video, Micro SD expansion slot.
There are various versions of this Smartphone available. It is a solid device with a great keyboard, large screen and great software bundle. The addition of GPS to the AT&T version is a plus. The device does come with two batteries due to poor battery life with the standard battery. The key board is one of the better keyboards available. Remember, this is a non-touch screen device.
Best Low-Budget Smartphones
1. Nokia 6120 Classic
Carrier(s): Unlocked for use on AT&T and T-Mobile
Price: $230.00 from online retailers
OS: Symbian S60
Size: 4.6 ounces
Battery Life Estimate: 3.5 hours talk time
Other Features: 3G, Bluetooth, Micro SD expansion slot, 2MP Camera with LED Flash shoots stills and video, beautiful 320 x 240 screen, FM Radio.
This is a Symbian S60 device. It is a svelte, attractive candy bar Smartphone that operates on the GSM network. It has a great battery life, keeps you connected to your office with email support and all the software available for the S60 OS. The web browser is based on safari(found I the iPhone) and runs one of the faster processors in this group at 369MHz. Note that there is no Wi-Fi or GPS.
2. Nokia E51
Carrier(s): Unlocked for AT&T and T-Mobile
Price: $279.99 from online retailers
OS: Symbian S60
Size: 3.52 ounces
Battery Life Estimate: 4.4 hours talk time
Other Features: 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Infrared port, 2MP Camera does stills and video, Micro SD expansion slot.
This is an upgrade from the 6120 Classic. Almost the same except, add wifi, infrared and built-in office applications. It is also smaller with a better battery life. So, if you a few extra dollars, this would be worth the upgrade.
3. Palm Centro
Carrier(s): AT&T, Sprint, Can unlock for use on T-Mobile
Price: $99 with contract
OS: Palm
Size: 4.2 ounces
Battery Life Estimate: 3.5 hours talk time
Other Features: Bluetooth, Micro SD expansion slot, 1.3MP camera does stills and video, front facing qwerty keyboard, sharp clear 320 x 320 resolution screen.
The best thing about this Smartphone is the price. It is essentially the same Palm device we have seen for the past few years in a smaller attractive package. You have a wide selection of programs to choose from to personalize your device. However, there is still no Wi-Fi or 3G.
4. Samsung Blackjack II
Carrier(s): AT&T or unlock for use on T-Mobile
Price: $99 with contract
OS: Windows Mobile Standard
Size: 3.52 ounces
Battery Life Estimate: up to 7 hours with extended battery
Other Features: 3G, Bluetooth, GPS, 2MP Camera does stills and video, Micro SD expansion slot, front facing keyboard.
This is very similar to the Motorola Q in a different package. The battery life is better, the Blackjack II is a smaller device. However, the keyboard is not as fluid as using the Moto Q. The Blackjack II has plenty of built-in memory to allow for quick response when switching between programs or performing tasks. You also get GPS, though Wi-Fi is missing. It comes in 2 colors, burgundy and black. Watchout, as the phone is slippery. You don't want to drop your $99 investment.
In conclusion, as you can see, there are many devices to choose from. There are plenty more that I have not mentioned. Also, new devices are coming out this year to keep things fun. A new iPhone with 3G is due out. A updated HTC Touch has been announced. RIM has announced the Blackberry 9000 and there is rumor of a touch screen version later in the year. Lastly, a Google Android device will be released sometime this year. The Smartphone market is heating up and there is no better time to update your device or get your first!
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