Pick the Perfect Smartphone

01.22.08

Here's how to choose a platform and a phone that will keep you content and connected on the go.

by Jamie Lendino

At the risk of starting a flame war, here's what we hope is a balanced overview of each of the four major smartphone operating systems to help you choose the right device with features that best suit your needs. And be sure to check out our recent reviews of the hottest phones in each category below.

BlackBerry OS 4.3

Pros: BlackBerrys have always been sublime e-mail handlers, but now they're no longer the exclusive province of executives and stockbrokers. RIM's latest models sport attractive styling, quality cameras, built-in GPS, and even 3.5mm headphone jacks that accept high-end stereo earbuds. They offer sleek styling, svelte proportions, and several popular keyboard configurations. Plus, the software platform is finally catching up with the hardware, with lots of top-name vendors pitching everything from mobile TV to social networking clients.

Cons: BlackBerrys still require their own expensive data plans, which are separate from the ones offered on all other smartphones. It also costs more to integrate BlackBerrys into an existing corporate network than other solutions such as Windows Mobile or Symbian devices. Most BlackBerrys still have sub-par Web browsers; the Pearl 8130 is the first version to be competitive in this regard. (For other models, download the free Opera Mini 4.) And even if the third-party software market for BlackBerrys is catching up, it still pales in comparison to the other three platforms—notably in document editing.

Palm OS 5.4

Pros: This was my favorite handheld OS a decade ago, back when Palm busted out onto the scene with its innovative PDAs and made everyone want one. Even today, Palm OS responds instantly and makes quick work of everyday tasks, thanks to smart design decisions made years ago. Pick up a 755p and it's like visiting an old friend—that's because it essentially is the same old friend. All Palm OS devices include a high-resolution, 320 by 320-pixel touch screen LCD and a stylus. Often third-party apps, which number in the tens of thousands, are better on Palm OS than they are on the other platforms. DataViz Documents To Go, in particular, is amazing.

Cons: Palm hasn't updated the OS kernel in years. That doesn't mean today's handhelds are defective—rather, you won't get contemporary features such as stereo Bluetooth, Bluetooth voice dialing, up-to-date Web browsers, GPS, built-in video playback, or flashier interface graphics. Aside from the cramped though budget-friendly Centro, Palm OS handsets are larger and heavier than their competitors, and none of the latest hardware designs (such as sliders or dual-keyboards) are represented. Plus, Palm OS handhelds are notorious for crashing, though part of that reputation is thanks to third-party apps and doesn't necessarily apply to a clean out-of-the-box handset.

Symbian Series 60 3rd Edition

Pros: Symbian handsets also have a slick—though different—interface design and tremendous third-party application support. Many Symbian devices are available unlocked, freeing you from unnecessary carrier restrictions. They're a great business choice, too, due to built-in enterprise networking, comprehensive e-mail connectivity, and available third-party solutions such as DataViz RoadSync for Microsoft Exchange synchronization. Some Symbian devices, such as the Nokia N95 and E90 Communicator are downright technological showcases.

Cons: Your only carrier choices are AT&T and T-Mobile; there are no CDMA (read: Verizon or Sprint) Symbian devices available. There also aren't many 3G-capable Symbian handsets, and the ones that are have poor battery life. Despite their robust enterprise compatibility, Symbian devices have less of a corporate presence in the U.S. than the other three platforms, and may be a tough sell to management purely on the basis of name recognition. Plus, there are also no carrier-backed mobile TV services available on Symbian yet.

Windows Mobile 6.0

Pros: Windows Mobile 6 handsets integrate seamlessly with Microsoft Outlook; if that's your e-mail app, choosing a WM6 device is a no-brainer. Windows Mobile handsets often come in slim, lightweight form factors. Two varieties are available—with touchscreen (Professional) and without (Standard). They're capable e-mail handlers, include robust music and video support, and mimic Windows desktop conventions closely enough that you'll likely have little problem navigating the devices. They even view and edit Microsoft Office documents out of the box, and the third-party app market is now booming.

Cons: Although numerous enhancements in Windows Mobile 6 alleviate this somewhat, the OS still gives the impression it was designed by committee and not actually tested along the way. Navigation often takes too many key presses and dialog boxes, even for basic tasks such as locking the keyboard or turning the ringer on and off. On all but the fastest handhelds, WM6 feels sluggish, with frequent screen redraw delays and hiccups when playing full screen video files. And even built-in apps can cause the OS to crash.

In This Roundup:

BlackBerry OS 4.3

RIM BlackBerry 8820
The BlackBerry 8820 pumps up the businesslike BlackBerry 8800 with largely useless Wi-Fi. We'd rather have had 3G, but, hey, we're not going to turn down free Wi-Fi, and neither should you.

RIM BlackBerry Curve 8310
Research in Motion takes the already excellent BlackBerry Curve 8300 and adds GPS. It's still one of the best smartphones out there despite a lack of fast data options.

RIM BlackBerry Curve 8320
Unlimited Wi-Fi calling pushes this already excellent BlackBerry ahead of the pack.

RIM BlackBerry Pearl 8130
The 8130 gets some of the latest technology, including a 2-megapixel camera, GPS, and 3G data speeds, while keeping all of the original Pearl's virtues intact.

Palm OS 5.4

Palm Centro
Call it "My First Smartphone." With the Palm Centro—basically a Treo 755p crammed into a smaller case—price is its best selling point. This is the most smartphone you can get for $99 with a service contract.

Palm Treo 755p (Sprint)
Palm's latest Treo, the 755p is really a sawed-off Treo 700p. Because the Treo 700p was a great PDA/phone, that will be plenty for most people, but there's absolutely nothing cutting-edge about this device.

Palm Treo 755p (Verizon)
Verizon's version of the Treo 755p is much like the Sprint model before it: decent but outdated, even on its first day on the market.

Symbian Series 60 3rd Edition

Nokia E61i
Nokia ups the ante with a welcome refresh to the well-liked E62 smartphone. We like it so much, it's our Editors' Choice for best unlocked keyboarded device.

Nokia E90
The E90 is a hulking, top-notch, all-business smart device for those with deep (and large) enough pockets.

Nokia N95 (U.S.)
The U.S. version of the Nokia N95 is a top-quality smartphone that justifies its high price, although poor battery life and a noisy earpiece detract from the overall package.

Windows Mobile 6.0

AT&T Tilt / HTC 8925
This brawny, do-it-all device integrates seamlessly with Microsoft apps to create the perfect mobile office for Windows users, while plenty of multimedia features, along with a nifty tilting screen, keep you entertained on the road.

Motorola Q9h
If you're looking for a good voice phone with first-rate mobile productivity capabilities, the Q9h is a sure bet.

Samsung BlackJack II
A sleek update to the popular original, the BlackJack II adds TeleNav GPS, AT&T Video Share, and more—while still keeping the price affordable.

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