‘This type of technology has come a long way in the past few years,’ comments our gadget expert Christian Ellwood. ‘Most models are more powerful than laptops were when they first came out, and there’s a fantastic amount of choice available.’ Christian lists internet browsing, email functionality, camera and wi-fi capability as essential criteria; the latter especially, as data is so expensive. Currently, 3 is the only network provider that genuinely offers unlimited web browsing.
‘Budget is naturally a factor,’ says Christian. ‘Frankly, I would recommend an iPhone to anyone who is open to paying a little bit more.’ Other models do have their advantages: BlackBerry is good for its BBM messaging function, although Apple has just announced its own iMessenger, and some people prefer Nokia because they don’t like the idea of carrying around such an expensive gadget. Brand loyalty is also important: some people choose to stick with their make of phone for years.
We’ve asked Christian to pick some of the best options currently on the market. Call us if you’d like advice on a new purchase.
Overall winner: iPhone 4
This is at the top end of the price scale, but for a reason. Aside from the hundreds of apps available, the iPhone has the best games, essential tools and highly functional social media apps. The only negatives are its hefty price and the fact it is more than likely that, once activated, your phone will be locked to the network of the first Sim card put into it. ‘You are paying for a brand, and there is the danger it might make you want a MacBook or iPad, which is when things can start to get expensive,’ Christian warns.
Mid-range pick: HTC Desire HD
Although not quite as impressive as the iPhone, HTC still packs a big punch. A good camera, fast internet, slick interface and high-quality screen all make this a worthy opponent of Apple. In fact, there are more Android (the operating system that HTC runs on) users in the UK than there are those with iPhones. Christian comments: ‘As with most smartphones, it’s a bit on the large side, and the battery life might make you miss your old Nokia 3210, but once you’ve streamed BBC News live on your handset you won’t have any regrets.’ Remember that all smartphones have a reasonably bad battery life as they are the equivalent of miniature laptops.
For phone photographers: Nokia N8
Despite Nokia’s acrimonious downturn in the mobile phone market, the Finnish-based company is still a major player and attempting to fight back with its stylish N range. With Carl Zeiss on board, Nokia has a distinct advantage over its competitors for those who just want a photo to preserve the memory of an event, rather than win a Pulitzer Prize. ‘A camera with a high pixel count is not necessarily a good camera,’ Christian adds. Nokia’s Ovi Maps function is also brilliant, being useful to both pedestrians and drivers. ‘It is usually more accurate than Google Maps,’ Christian believes. The major downside is its clunky operating system, which has played a part in Nokia’s slump. But unless you’re a technophile, this will not be too much of a concern.
Best for business: BlackBerry Torch 9800
‘This is BlackBerry’s first venture into the touch-screen market,’ says Christian ‘and it is an admirable first attempt, at half the price of the iPhone 4.’ The obvious advantage is its QWERTY keyboard, which makes emailing and texting much easier than it is on other devices. The apps are more functional, rather than the irreverent options that make up the bulk of those sold by Apple (the sounds of a cow mooing, for example), but there are some good games available to help make long-distance journeys that bit more enjoyable. The downside, like the other options, is the battery life. Christian advises: ‘Unless you are constantly close to a power source, the first thing on your shopping list should be a Powermonkey charger.
