A first-class browser, responsive touchscreen, and a truly open approach to apps make the G1 a strong iPhone alternative, but it needs improvement.

Very good touchscreen, Customizable user interface, Excellent Web browser, One-touch search, Fast data speeds over 3G

Can't input text using touchscreen, No video recorder, 3.5 mm jack, or stereo Bluetooth, Small number of apps in Android Market, Limited cut-and-paste functionality, Runs warm

The G1's interface is perfectly functional but lacks the polish and consistency of the iPhone's. The white-text-on-black-background aesthetic used in some apps and even the app icon themselves look a bit dated and boring. Google also missed an ...

RIM's first clamshell packs a punch despite the lack of 3G support.

Good call quality, Sharp clamshell design, Beautiful display, Comfortable keyboard, Good call quality

Lacks 3G and GPS, Inconsistent Wi-Fi performance', Lacks 3G and GPS

The Pearl Flip's SureType keypad is both flatter and smoother than the original Pearl's keyboard; the keys felt more spacious than the earlier Pearl models, and all had a good bounce to them. The Alt button is awkwardly close to the @ key, but we got ...

A stylish and fun clamshell that offers fast data for a budget price.

Clean, speedy user interface, Budget price, Speedy 3G Web browsing speeds, Long battery life

Limited 3G coverage, No stereo headset or memory card included

When playing "Minimum Wage" by The Expendables, the phone's speakers were sufficiently loud but tinny overall.

T-Mobile's latest music phone scores big with its intuitive controls and sharp camera, but a few drawbacks give us pause.

Big, simple music controls, Sharp 3.2-MP camera, Good call quality

2.5mm headphone jack, Basic, unattractive interface

The home screen of the 5310 features T-Mobile's five rotating myFaves icons. The main menu has shortcuts to applications such as Music Player, T-Zones, phone book, and IM and E-mail, among others. We thought the UI was ugly; icons have jagged edges, ...

Zumobi extends its useful application to BlackBerrys, but is it any better than the Windows Mobile version?

Good content, Customizable tiles, Improved user interface

Slow download and installation, Software is sluggish at times

We love that Zumobi has added new content, and while the performance could be snappier, the interface is much improved. Since it's free, we recommend checking Zumobi out, especially if you want to keep up on news and social networks all in one place. ...

This easy-to-use, e-mail-only device fills the void for non-smart phone users who can live with carrying two devices.

Thin, stylish design, Simple interface, Breezy setup process, Very comfortable keyboard

No Wi-Fi, Uncomfortable scroll wheel, Cannot search e-mails, Attachment support limited to photos 

The Peek's 2.5-inch display is crisp, and we had no problem reading our e-mail outdoors on a sunny summer day. Above the screen on the left is an icon of an envelope, which flashes blue when a message arrives. The Peek has a minimalist design with ...

Samsung's ultra-high-end touchscreen phone brings a welcome makeover to Windows Mobile along with a sharp 5-MP camera.

Top-notch user interface, Wi-Fi and HSDPA (in Europe) support, Loaded with apps, Supports multiple video and audio formats

3G doesn't work in the U.S., Keyboard and touchscreen could be more accurate, Expensive

The impressive touchscreen is just a notch below the iPhone in terms of quality: It's still hard to be dead accurate on Web page link selections without using a stylus, and you need to use force to press icons. Like the iPhone, the Omnia switches to ...

Customizable lighting effects, good voice and data performance, and a booming speaker make this clamshell a nice addition to the Katana family.

Very good call quality with loud speaker, Customizable lighting effects, External music controls, Speedy data connection

Can't multitask while listening to music, Bland interior design and menu, Dated-looking Web browser

Web browsing was a mixed bag. Thanks to the Eclipse's speedy 3G connection, CNN.com loaded in just 7 seconds; NYTimes.com loaded in 8 seconds. Visiting the photo-heavy Cracked.com proved more troublesome as some of the words on the main page spilled ...

This chic silver clamshell offers a fun interface and quick access to music, TV, and more.

Fun and intuitive interface, 3.5mm headphone jack, Good GPS navigation performance, Access to NFL Mobile Live

Dim external LCD, Lid and dialpad pick up fingerprints fast

Sprint TV lets you access Sprint's TV channels (E!, Comedy Central, the Weather Channel, NFL network, CBS Mobile, MTV, and more) and Sprint Radio (10 stations). For $5.95 per month, you can subscribe to premium channels such as PIX, which lets you ...

The lower price and new customizable shells are nice, but the latest Sidekick doesn't stack up well against other messaging phones.

Good e-mail interface with POP/IMAP support, Great typing experience, Customizable shells, 3.5mm headphone jack

Poor video recording, Sluggish upload speeds, No Wi-Fi or 3G data, Limited applications

Four themes that will appeal to the teen crowd are available: Argyle, Crew, Cut-n-Sew, and Grime. We liked the graffiti- and diamond-accented Grime theme.