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16 Jul 2010
Like it or not, Apple knows how to get worldwide attention focused on its new devices, and the latest incarnation of the iPhone is no different.
This time, however, the coverage has been as much negative as positive, thanks to the now infamous difficulties with signal quality that some users have experienced, and Apple's admission that a software bug in every handset right back to the original iPhone has been misleading users about network signal strength.
These problems have almost overshadowed the device itself, which has nevertheless proved even more popular with buyers (if that were possible) than previous iPhone models.
It may seem a little unkind to Apple, but we thought this would be the perfect time to remind everyone that the iPhone is not the only smartphone on the market.
In a move guaranteed to annoy the fanboys, and anyone whose favourite device we have inevitably overlooked, V3.co.uk proudly presents the top 10 current alternatives to the iPhone, as nominated by our team.
10.
Palm Pre
Palm may not have enjoyed the success it hoped for with its new
generation of smartphone handsets, but the
Pre
is still worthy of inclusion for its webOS platform, which is arguably a match
for Android or Apple's iOS in features and ease of use.
WebOS supports multi-tasking, allowing the user to keep lots of apps open at the same time, and the use of web technologies such as JavaScript, CSS and XML for creating applications should make it easier for developers to code for webOS.
Although about the same size as Apple's iPhone, the Pre boasts a slide-out Qwerty keypad that makes messaging a breeze, plus its multi-touch screen supports gesture-based controls.
On the downside, the Pre has no slot for Flash memory cards, but then neither does the iPhone, and that has not put off buyers.
Sadly, competition from Apple and Android-based phones proved too much and, with Palm now part of HP, a question mark hangs over the future of webOS as a smartphone platform.
9.
HTC Evo 4G
The Evo gets on the list for being one of the first 4G smartphones on
the market. On the downside, this takes the form of WiMax, which rules it out
for the UK market as mobile networks here are likely to go down the
LTE
route. But for the moment, the
Evo
has the fastest network connection you can get.
As a device it's around 20 per cent thicker and heavier than an iPhone, but that nets you a 4.3in touchscreen, 8-megapixel camera, decent battery life and a naff but surprisingly useful kickstand.
The phone uses micro SD for storage and an HDMI port for multimedia output. It runs Android 2.2, and looks highly specified enough to handle future upgrades.
Google's open source operating system is attracting developers, and early data suggests that Android is getting more corporate development software than Apple, but a fraction of overall app sales.
The Evo can also become a wireless hotspot, an application so popular it crashed the demos at Apple's iPhone launch.
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Do you agree?
HTC Desire and Font / Text size...Zoom solution
I have taken delilvery of my first smartphone was assured that the text size could be adjusted throughout the phone. It can not. HTC have stated this to me in e mails , and do not seem prepared to address the failing. Google searches do not reveal an app. T mobile my provider are not aware of an app.to change or zoom on text to make it bigger. A google search seems to show that there is great demand for a solution
Posted by: closefx 22 Jul 2010
Samsung Galaxy S is better
I think the Samsung Galaxy S is the best packaged device in the whole lot. Better processor with more memory and better graphics than the entire lot. It is thin, light weight, Wi-fi - N capability, swype and the great screen. Only drawback is the non availability of Flash for the camera. It also shoots HD video at full 30fps - unlike most of the other phones.
Posted by: Ravindra 20 Jul 2010
HTC Desire
The HTC Desire is far and away a better piece of kit than an iPhone. I have had mine since the UK launch, had to have my first one replaced after a day due to a fault but that can happen. The music player and sound quality are excellent (even with the supplied earphones). I have used iPods, iPhones, Creatives and Sony music players and the desire is as good as any of them and in the case of the creative it is definitle better. As a phone it is excellent, the choice of apps is brilliant, ease of use and readability of the screen are very, very good. All in all a super piece of kit and I for one prefer it so much more than any of the apple phones. The android OS is a treat to use as well. I would most definitley recommend any android phone, but especially the HTC Desire, simply put "It is fantastic"
Posted by: Philip 20 Jul 2010
Correction
Err, think you will find that Androids Sence is based on Windows Mobile TouchFlo 3D, which in turn is based on Touch Flo cube, again WM, the HTC HD2 if modded to windows mobile 6.5.5 with Sence 2.5 easily outstrips anything on the market today, its fast, its snappy, its stable and easy to use with advanced features not to far hidden. The only area WM 6.5.5 with Sence 2.5 lacks is androids/Apples market places. There is now an almost working android for the HD2 and its lacking anything new, but the choice is still there if you like the market places.
Posted by: Darren 19 Jul 2010
Why there's no SE X10?
It's another great smartphone which will give iPhone a run for the money...
Posted by: Rod M. Arapan 19 Jul 2010
You forgot the Sony X10
8.1 MP Camera, 1Ghz Processor, 4" Screen. Although Android 1.6 is a bit out of date, it's due for an upgrade in a month or so.
Posted by: Kevin Daly 19 Jul 2010
Why there's no SE X10?
It's another great smartphone which will give iPhone a run for the money...
Posted by: Rod M. Arapan 19 Jul 2010
Surprised but was how I would have made the list.
I was surprised I'm use to seeing Evo 4G taking the prize everytime hehe, but yeah having the Desire I can definitely agree with this. I saw someone complaining about the audio quality, I've never had issues with that, and I listen to music on it every day. It's a great choice, and will be even better with FroYo.
Posted by: Kim-Leo 19 Jul 2010
Surely HTC could have given the Desire better audio!!!!
Had a Desire for about 48 hours before I returned it for a refund. The audio quality through the headphone jack is horrible!! If you only want to use this device as a phone then the fact that it won't play music properly might not bother you, but I'm not sure why anybody would want to fork out the kind of money that they're asking for the Desire when it falls so far short in this respect. It's supposed to be more than just a phone after all.
Posted by: matt 16 Jul 2010