Reviews of Smartphones, Accessories, Software, and Service Plans
By Liane Cassavoy, About.com Guide to Smartphones
Not all smartphones are created equal. We've tested the latest and greatest models for you, so you can find the phone that's right for you. Plus, we have the goods on some of the hottest accessories and applications out there.
AT&T Smartphones
AT&T Wireless, formerly known as Cingular Wireless, is the largest wireless carrier in the U.S. It offers a wide variety of phones, and tends to focus on offering hot phones, like the iPhone, iPhone 3G, and BlackBerry Bold. It uses the HSDPA 3G network for high-speed service.
Sprint Nextel Smartphones
Sprint Nextel is the nation's third-largest wireless carrier. In the past, the company had a reputation for offering poor customer service and staid business-only phones--but has recently focused on reversing both of those trends. Sprint now offers more consumer-friendly phones than it has in the past.
- LG Lotus: Hip to Be Square
- Sprint's Solid BlackBerry Curve 8330
- Samsung Rant: Messaging Made Affordable
T-Mobile Smartphones
T-Mobile is the smallest of the four main nationwide carriers, but the company is looking to build upon its market share. In 2008, it rolled out a 3G data network and continues to offer more cutting edge phones, like the T-Mobile G1. T-Mobile focuses on offering competitively price voice and data plans.
- Sidekick LX: For the Young at Heart
- T-Mobile G1 (Mostly) Impresses
- The Entry-Level T-Mobile Shadow
- Samsung Memoir: Camera or Phone?
- T-Mobile Sidekick 2008
- The Chic BlackBerry Curve
- Slick Sidekick Slide
- A BlackBerry Pearl to Flip For?
- BlackBerry Pearl 8100: Aging Beauty
Verizon Wireless Smartphones
Verizon Wireless is the largest CDMA carrier in the U.S. and was one of the first to offer a 3G network. Its 3G service is the EV-DO network, which is available in most major metropolitan areas in the U.S. Verizon focuses heavily on multimedia services, like its V Cast Music and TV services.
- BlackBerry Storm: A Mixed Bag
- LG Voyager Gets In Touch
- LG Dares to Compare
- Palm's Simple, Affordable Centro
- Samsung Glyde
Smartphone Accessories
Make the most out of your smartphone with these accessories.
Smartphone Software
Want to get more work done, or just have a little fun? These applications can help your favorite phone do more.
- eOffice 4.5 for BlackBerry
- Google Android Apps
- Verizon Visual Voicemail
- Verizon V Cast Music With Rhapsody
- Verizon VZ Navigator
iPhone Accessories and Applications
The iPhone has spawned plenty of look-alike touch-screen phones. But it's also spawned numerous accessories and software applications, too. These add-ons can add to your iPhone.
