iPhone Competitors

Ever since the iPhone launched, different mobile phone manufacturers have done what they could to come up with phones that look and operate similar to the iPhone.Here are some of the mobiles that I think can compete with the Apple iPhone :

1. Samsung Instinct :

Samsung Instinct

This looks like a relative of the iPhone in terms of look and feel, the Instinct comes with a clean, easy-to-use interface, 3G data access, on-demand video, full-track music downloads, voice commands, and turn-by-turn GPS navigation.

Good Stuff: 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.

Bad Stuff: 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: Yes, on Sprint

 

2. Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 :

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1

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.

Good Stuff: 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.

Bad Stuff: Relatively heavy and bulky; Windows Mobile interface much trickier to use than the iPhone UI; sure to be pricey.

Availability: Later this year

3. LG Vu :

LG Vu

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.   

Good Stuff: 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.

Bad Stuff: Interface doesn’t take full advantage of the Vu’s touchscreen abilities; no Wi-Fi; no Exchange support; expensive considering what you get.

Availability: Yes, on AT&T

4. LG Voyager :

LG Voyager

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.

Good Stuff: 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.

Bad Stuff: Relatively big and bulky; Web browser’s so-so HTML rendering pales compared to the iPhone’s browser; no Exchange support; no Wi-Fi & high priced.

Availability: Yes, Verizon Wireless

 

5. HTC Touch :

 

HTC Touch

 

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.

Good Stuff: 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.

Bad Stuff: Good luck navigating the tricky Windows Mobile interface without a stylus; virtual QWERTY keypad makes for clunky typing; no Wi-Fi.

Availability: Yes, on Sprint

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