Top iPhone competitors square off
Wed Apr 9, 2008 2:07PM EDT
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When it comes to touchscreen handsets, the iPhone isn't the only game in town anymore. Take a gander at the latest crop of touch-enabled phones now (or soon to be) in stores, and see which one's right for you.
Samsung InstinctA close cousin to the iPhone in terms of look and feel, the Instinct comes with a snazzy, easy-to-use interface, 3G data access, on-demand video, full-track music downloads, voice commands, and turn-by-turn GPS navigation.
Pros: Touch interface rivals the iPhone, and even beats it with vibrating "haptic" feedback when you tap the screen; speedy 3G data access for video and music, as well as tethering to a laptop; almost the same size and weight as the iPhone; expandable memory.
Cons: No Wi-Fi; Web browser looks clunky compared to the iPhone's; no Exchange support (save for Outlook Web Access); probably won't be able to match the iPhone's potential as a mobile software platform.
Availability: Mid-June on Sprint
Price: Probably in the $200–250 range
The first Windows Mobile phone made by Sony Ericsson, the Xperia X1 boasts an "arc-slider" form factor, a full QWERTY keypad, and a unique "paneled" interface running atop the Windows Mobile OS.
Pros: One-touch panels look promising; "arc" form factor ideal for viewing the display while typing; three-inch, razor-sharp WVGA screen; "optical" joystick makes it easier to scroll through Web pages; full Office and Exchange support; on-board Wi-Fi.
Cons: Relatively heavy and bulky; Windows Mobile interface much trickier to use than the iPhone UI; sure to be pricey.
Availability: Later this year
Price: No details yet, but bound to be $400 or more
This thin, light, and stylish HSDPA-enabled handset boasts AT&T's new live TV service, which delivers about nine channels of streaming video. It also comes with a slick animated interface, mobile email, and AT&T's one-way video conferencing service.
Pros: Great-looking video quality using AT&T's live TV service; slips easily into a jeans pocket; access to full-track music downloads; memory expansion.
Cons: Interface doesn't take full advantage of the Vu's touchscreen abilities; no Wi-Fi; no Exchange support; expensive considering what you get.
Availability: Later this month on AT&T
Price: $299
Think the old enV music phone, except with a 2.8-inch touchscreen display on the outside flip. Inside the clamshell you'll find a full QWERTY keypad, while couch potatoes can tune in to Verizon's live TV service.
Pros: Snazzy touch interface; physical QWERTY keypad for tapping out long messages; 3G data access for on-demand video clips, full-track music downloads, and speedy Web browsing; turn-by-turn GPS navigation; memory expansion.
Cons: Relatively big and bulky; Web browser's so-so HTML rendering pales compared to the iPhone's browser; no Exchange support; no Wi-Fi; pricey.
Availability: Now on Verizon Wireless
Price: $299
It looks like a fairly typical (if slick-looking) slider phone. Look closely, however, and you'll see the Venus' dual displays; a touch-sensitive LCD on the bottom, and a larger, standard display just above.
Pros: Touch-enabled navigation pad "morphs" depending on what you're doing; 3G data access for on-demand video clips and full-track music downloads; expandable memory.
Cons: Besides the touch-screen navigation pad, we're basically talking a standard phone here; expensive considering what you get.
Availability: Now on Verizon Wireless
Price: $199
Another Windows Mobile handset, except this one comes with HTC's TouchFlo interface—a spinning 3D cube that gives you one-touch access to your contacts, messaging, Web browsing, multimedia, and more.
Pros: Small and slim enough to fit in a jeans pocket; clever TouchFlo interface makes for easy access to oft-used phone features; full Office and Exchange support; 3G data access for on-demand video clips and full-track music downloads.
Cons: Good luck navigating the tricky Windows Mobile interface without a stylus; virtual QWERTY keypad makes for clunky typing; no Wi-Fi.
Availability: Now on Sprint
Price: $249
It's essentially an HSDPA-enabled version of Touch with exactly the same features, but adds a slide-out, 20-button keypad.
Pros: Again, same as the Dual, except you can tap out messages on a physical keypad.
Cons: The Dual's pseudo-QWERTY keypad (similar to the one you'll find on a BlackBerry Pearl) takes some getting used to.
Availability: Later this year; will be offered unlocked instead of on a carrier.
Price: No details yet, but I'm guessing about $400 or so.
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207 Posted by stormtrooper3059 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:45PM EDT Report Abuse
you got to try out the LG Dare by Verizon Wireless. It's the close you're gonna get to the iphone without the price. I just received it last week and had fun uploading all of my music and contact information into it. The sleek touch screen which provides you with a touch tutorial is flawless and on point. I paid only $99.00, after an online rebate and $100.00 credit through my carrier. It also provides you with a quick text function you can shoot to someone should you recieve an incoming call while on the phone.
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208 Posted by dillmidget on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:43PM EDT Report Abuse
wuts the difference between wi-fi and web browsing
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209 Posted by mark_tang23 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:08PM EDT Report Abuse
and also another thing if you are doing a review please get your pcitures right the HTC Touch picture you have there isnt a Touch. That is a HTC Touch Dual for god sake. the keypad just didnt slide down yet. Please get your source right before posting a picture. It is really easy to tell. a HTC Touch doesnt even have a front video calling camera. How would it be the Touch.
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210 Posted by seerinc on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:12PM EDT Report Abuse
Good job guys, but youve left out the HTC Mogul. It has wi-fi, a touch screen, full microsoft office suite, voice dialing and uses a memory stick. It has an Mp3 and Mp4 player as well as running JAVA apps. Internet browsing is easy and fast. And it can be used as a high speed modem for your laptop when wi-fi isnt available. The sound quality is great and I have yet to have an issue with reception. Also, it is about $100 cheaper then the IPhone.
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211 Posted by lorri_roberson on Thu Sep 3, 2009 6:57PM EDT Report Abuse
the mogul/tytn/xv6800 is the official iphone killer!...hands down! read the forums! these other phones don't compare!
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212 Posted by jeremydmeier on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:33PM EDT Report Abuse
Well, I own an iPhone, and I have to say that I find myself using it more than my home PC anymore, and the sheer ease of use, intuitiveness, and simple interface make it wayyy more attractive than other phones. Blackberrys, 'cmon, lets get rid of that stupid "wheel" on the side, the pearl? That thing reminds me of ban roll on, and really isn't that easy to use. Sure, other phones may sound clearer than this, but I'm not at home, I'm on a mobile device, so 100% top notch sound quality isn't going to be there. Now for what seems to be one of the biggest gripes out there...the keyboard. For anyone that has actually taken more than an hour to actually get familiar with the keyboard and how to work it, I think you'll find that it really is far above tactile response buttons, and that once you are used to it the speed can't be compared. I can type with one finger so much faster than all my associates with their two thumbs on their blackberrys, and with the addition of spell correction in case I happen to miss a letter, it just can't be beat. Sure the phone has some areas wher eit lacks, but the overall interface more than makes up for it in my book.....
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213 Posted by callmepeli on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:16PM EDT Report Abuse
Even though the Nokia N95 8gb is not a touch screen, I think its the Iphone killer!! It might not be as fancy and look as cool as the iphone, but for ppl that are looking for features and functions over looks, definitely NOKIA RULEZ!!
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206 Posted by k.kamrodi on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:45PM EDT Report Abuse
I agreed that i felt exhilarated with the new rivals coming up to beat iPhone but unfortunately still cant match the advancement of hi-tech of iPhone without having a bulky shape. Congratulation iPhone!! Cant wait for much anticipation of the 3G iPhone!!