Smartphone Review

Does anything beat the iPhone?

While most cell phones can store contact data and some calendar information, smartphones offer greater functionality, with the ability to access the Internet, download email, work with document attachments, sync data with personal and corporate computers, send instant messages, play music, show streaming video and scout out locations with GPS, as well as make calls. These devices are like small PCs, replete with processors, operating systems, internal and expandable memory, wireless networking, full keyboards (most of the time) and many have touch screens. Andrew Kitson of Juniper Research says that smartphones are morphing into "Internet-centric, highly-personalized mobile computers," which means that software and content -- versus hardware -- will be the "battlegrounds" of the future, according to Natasha Lomas of BusinessWeek.

Three main elements factor into smartphone performance: the device hardware, the operating system (OS) and the network carrier's support. While well-designed hardware is essential, it can only perform at its peak when paired with an effective operating system. Likewise, the reverse holds true; just because an OS works well, it may not be loaded on a good device. And even though the hardware and OS may both excel, both ultimately rely on a carrier's network support to function. The quality of services and support vary greatly among carriers, so the end result isn't guaranteed. To learn more about cell phone carriers and services, see our report on cell phone plans.

Currently, smartphones use one of six OS platforms -- Apple, BlackBerry, Microsoft's Windows Mobile, Google Android, Palm or Symbian. Apple and BlackBerry platforms are available only on proprietary devices -- the Apple iPhone and BlackBerry devices, respectively. Palm's now-defunct OS generally worked only on Palm-branded devices, but it also appeared on some HTC models. Palm recently announced it was developing a new platform called webOS that will be featured on the much-anticipated Palm Pre device In the U.S., Symbian is exclusive to Nokia handsets; the Symbian OS is much more prevalent in Europe. Microsoft's Windows Mobile has broad applicability, including in some Palm devices, and Google Android is poised to operate on multiple smartphones.

A wealth of information is at hand for navigating the world of smartphones. CNET, PCMag.com, PC World, Laptop Magazine and InfoSyncWorld.com are at the forefront of smartphone round-ups and standalone evaluations. These expert sources test new devices and provide the most thorough write-ups, covering elements such as form factor, user interface, call quality, multimedia functionality and battery life. PhoneScoop.com, MobileTechReview.com and Wired magazine review smartphones but don't look at or compare as many models.

ConsumerReports.org conducts rigorous tests of 21 smartphones with side-by-side ratings of key performance factors, including call quality, ease of use, operating system and functionality. in recommending phones, the editors take into account overall ratings as well as unique features and price. In another large survey, J.D. Power and Associates polled 1,388 smartphone users. This 2008 report rates six major brands versus individual models -- Apple, HTC, Motorola, Palm, BlackBerry and Samsung -- on ease of operation, operating system, physical design and handset features. Neither source provides detailed reviews.

Other sources such as Kiplinger.com, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal offer reviews geared for lay readers, although none cover smartphones with the regularity and depth of the tech publications. In addition, helpful user reviews appear at CNET, PhoneScoop.com and Amazon.com.