Ask Engadget: Best current smartphone for under $200?

It's 2009, folks, so we figured we'd start it off with a bang (and about a gazillion comments in this post). George, a proud member of the USMC, is pondering what to do about a new smartphone, and given that your New Year's resolution was undoubtedly to ditch your dumbphone in favor of a more sophisticated model, you'll probably be interested as well.

"I am currently in the market for a new carrier and phone. I have Verizon now, but I am not all that happy with its service in my area. With the release of all the high end phones nowadays, one could get easily lost in the details. I currently have the LG Voyager; I like the phone, but I feel trapped and can't do much with it unless I pay for every little thing. I would like a mobile with WiFi, camera (with flash if possible), touchscreen, etc. I would like to stay under $200 with a 2-year contract. Any advice would be wonderful."

It's tough, ain't it George? There's the G1, iPhone 3G, Bold, Storm -- the list rolls on. So, let's spark up a sane, intelligent conversation on the pros and cons of each, all while remembering that our ideal handset sadly didn't arrive in time for Christmas. Interested in getting your own inquiry up in here? Send one over to ask at engadget dawt com.

[Deputy Doffoos @ Jan 2nd 2009 1:15AM]

Any Nokia N-7x ?

[Deputy Doffoos @ Jan 2nd 2009 1:19AM]

OH SORRY sorry sorry , the internets beats me.
I read the whole thing but forgot the TOUCHSCREEN part

I'll punish myself lowranking me and making me transparent

[Tim @ Jan 2nd 2009 1:23AM]

At least you corrected your own mistakes instead of trying to hide it or defend yourself. for your humility and good influence to others, i vote you up.

[Flashpoint @ Jan 2nd 2009 1:30AM]

Let Me give everyone a nice easy target to LOW RANK.

APPLE IPHONE = $199 w/ 2 yr Contract

[eggothewaffle @ Jan 2nd 2009 1:31AM]

For recommending the E71, I'ma vote you up.

The user navigation benefits of a touchscreen are massively overrated compared to the benefits of massive battery life, an amazing QWERTY keyboard, multi-tasking, copy/paste, and being extremely responsive (and let's not forget stereo Bluetooth!). Those are what makes up a proper smartphone. And if you are going to really need a dedicated multimedia/browsing (I actually prefer the S60 browser to the Mobile OS X browser!)/"gaming" device, then get an iPod Touch and JoikuSpot it up. All the best parts of the iPhone 3G are in the iPod Touch (and it even has a faster processor) and all the worst parts of the iPhone 3G are amazing on the E71.

But I digress. Even though the Nokia E71 costs $370, it's cheaper on AT&T than any of their $200 or even lower smartphones over the course of two years (or even one year!). Gotta love having a $15 data plan instead of a $30 one.

But I'm wasting my time...Oh well.

[Erb @ Jan 2nd 2009 1:40AM]

If you're willing to pay $100 more and get a contract, I'd suggest the HTC Touch Pro.

Yes Winmo has a bad name, but Winmo 6 is MUCH better then Winmo 5. I only soft reset once a week at most.

[eggothewaffle @ Jan 2nd 2009 1:42AM]

Haha, I just saw that you said N-7X, not E-7X :(

[Quix @ Jan 2nd 2009 2:08AM]

Oh crap Flashpoint, you said iPhone. In a positive way. In the Engadget comments section.

DIVER DOWN!

[strider_mt2k @ Jan 2nd 2009 8:50AM]

Stuff happens man.

You're okay.

[John Doe @ Jan 2nd 2009 11:01AM]

well...George I had similar kind of requirements a year ago.
wanted a touchscreen smartphone with a good camera and all other features...but did not want to pay for data plan and messaging etc.

got myself a Sony Ericsson P1i. Its got an amazing touchscreen, awesome 3.2mp camera with flash, wifi, A2DP bluetooth, fm radio with RDS, full html web browsing (Opera mobile 9.5 makes it even better with widget support), hand writing recognition, full qwerty keyboard, play youtube videos on the awesome screen and an awesome speakerphone to name a few features. Business features include viewing and editing word, excel and powerpoint files, microsoft active exchange and blackberry support, business card scanner and vpn access as well. I did not need multimedia capabilities as I have an awesome mp3 player (iriver clix2)

Also, it is the perfect size for a phone...it isn't too big or fat like other full qwerty keyboard phones.

Its operating system is UIQ 3 and there are plenty of applications available for this.
The battery life is amazing as well...I do not charge it for at least 3 days when I do not use wifi.

Its available for about $350 unlocked...search online for better deals.

The only trouble with this is...it does not support US 3G networks and is tri-band but works both on any GSM networks flawlessly. Also, a few bugs with UIQ 3.

[redleader158 @ Jan 2nd 2009 9:08PM]

@ John Doe

I think Sony Ericsson M6xx (last numbers and letter are designated to country) is pretty good too. High-res touchscreen, a full qwerty keyboard, good ol' stable Symbian OS, w810 durability, and quad band for all you international businessmen. No camera though, because some businesses and workplaces require that you do not have a camera. You could find one around $200 USD unlocked.

For you CDMA users, I think the Palm Centro is a good choice. Before one was forced upon me, I thought it was crap. But the OS is stable, customizable (there are tons of developers). The phone is very durable (I've effin' dropped in a pool ...absolutely fine). Battery life is great. I killed mine though overclocking it to 936Mhz (search on Engadget: palm grenade).

So now I'm looking towards a P1, but I have to wait for my CDMA contract to die.

[Brad @ Jan 2nd 2009 1:15AM]

I'm a little suprised you guys didn't jump at recommending the 3G, so I'll do it for you. G1 is not the best possible android phone, which would be ideal, and the storm+bold aren't full featured enough...so in a really small nutshell i would go wiht the iPhone

[jay @ Jan 2nd 2009 1:20AM]

While the iphone is a great multimedia phone and good phone in general, when we talk about smart phones should we be including the multimedia interface? When I think smartphone, I think of business users. The iphone is a multimedia device.

[Rudy @ Jan 2nd 2009 1:28AM]

@ jay.

he obviously doesnt care about business capabilities. he did not mention anything about email and he had a voyager for christ's sake.

[BananaBoat @ Jan 2nd 2009 3:15AM]

Business and touch screen don't really go together. They combine in some bastardized forms, like the HTC Touch Pro, but it's never pretty (Touch pro has lousy wifi, a crappy speaker, a buggy GUI on top of WinMo, and a touch screen that needs a stylus for all but the most basic of functions). The Iphone or the G1 are probably his best options, but even then, he doesn't want to pay for "every little thing" so I'm not sure if he'd pay 30 a month for data on the Iphone. Wifi is really the requirement that sticks a fork in most of the other options, like any of the non-smart LG/Samsung models like the Vu/Eternity/Omnia/etc.

If browsing the web from anywhere is his plan, then I'd suggest an Iphone. Safari kicks the pants off of Opera Mobile or whatever else you can stick onto a G1 right now, and the big screen makes for a better internet experience. If text messaging/business e-mail typing are the goal, then I'd tell him to get a G1.

I'll say this; I pay 24 a month for data on the Iphone 3G (through premiere). That allows me to E-mail/Text Message/Surf the Net/Get GPS directions/etc from basically anywhere. Having the Iphone (or more specifically, the App store on the Iphone) lets me adapt the phone for whatever my needs are (cut and paste, for instance, which is only available through a third party app. Also MMS text messaging). Android will have an app developing community...someday...but it's just not really here yet. Getting a G1 is like getting a cupcake (rimshot) that is only half baked, but that has the promise of being fully baked some day (with additional icing being added on top by developers). Getting an Iphone is like getting a glazed donut, that you can add sprinkles to right now if you so choose (help me, I'm filled with hyperbole).

Either way, I'd wait till the end of Macworld/CES to make a decision. An improved Iphone could come out, or some other killer phone that you'd pine for while waiting for that 2 year contract to be over.

[Josh G @ Jan 2nd 2009 4:34AM]

@BananaBoat
The Samsung Omnia is actually a full smartphone: Windows Mobile 6.1 with Samsungs enhancements

I've had one for the past month now: it is the best windows mobile phone I have used. Period. It is the best smartphone I have ever used.

Let me put it this way: Windows Mobile is a fun platform to fiddle with for a techy sort of person. My LG KS20, I *had* to fiddle with it to get it to a state in which it did everything I wanted. I had to install applications to make it usable basically. Not a *bad* thing, just out of reach for a lot of people.

I have not had to install one application on my Omnia. Period.

That, is amazing. It is extremely usable, and extremely reliable: I've not had to forcibly reset the thing once! The screen is gorgeous, and really responsive once you get comfortable with a resistive screen [I prefer to capacitive. Personal preference ;)]

The camera is... well, let me put it this way: I've not carried my point-and-shoot since getting it.

It is that good.

It has a couple of niggly things, and I wish Samsung would release their display API so we can develop applications that look the same as their own, but it is an amazing phone.


I have *no* idea whether it comes under the $200 on contract mark, as I live in Australia where I get it free, on a 2 year contract: $49AUD gets me $650 worth of calling/texts to any number in Australia, and 500 minutes free to anyone on my network, as well as 3Gb of data.

:)

[Andreas @ Jan 2nd 2009 5:16AM]

LMFAO - you just called the iPhone fully featured....... someone tell me how a non-MMS phone can be fully featured? **cough** video anyone?

[CJ @ Jan 2nd 2009 7:24AM]

@ Josh G

Is it really that good? I ask because I'm probably going to get one in the next week-or-so (699AUD!).

How much data does it chew unintentionally? I had that problem with my last phone, it would use data without letting me know, and I have pretty much no cellular data on my current plan (3's 29 cap, I know, but it came with an N95, so I was happy).

[Oscar @ Jan 2nd 2009 9:36AM]

@ Josh G.

Can you tell me what plan and carrier you're on? Im looking at telstra, optus, voda, 3 and virgin and I dont see anything remotely as good as your plan. cheers

[Mark Anderson @ Jan 2nd 2009 12:42PM]

I live in the UK and have an Omnia which I chose ahead of the iPhone 3G, Touch Diamond and the E71.

Now, before anyone starts ranting, all the phones mentioned are really, really good and definitely the pick of the bunch at the time - perhaps less so now with the Touch HD, N85 and 5800 available - but the Omnia was the one for me because it ticked 95% of the boxes as opposed to the 90% the other phones ticked.

Omnia Pros:

* Extremely versatile. You can pretty much make it look and act as you like by installing custom ROMs, SPB Shell and the likes. Do not, however, use the Samsung widget screen as it's too gimmicky and annoying.
* Huge memory. I have an 8GB with an 8GB microSD supplementing this. 16GB models are available and it'll accept at least 16GB microSD cards, perhaps more when they become available.
* Loads of applications that have been tried and tested over years of development. No, it doesn't have an app store but the fansites will tell you exactly what he good ones are and where to get them as opposed to sifting through the sea of inadequacy that is 90%+ of the app store's offerings. There's a massive developer community out there.
* TouchWiz is excellent - various ROMs have differing sensitivities so you can find one that rocks for you.
* Good camera. Great in daylight but suffers the same problems that most mobile phone cameras do in poor light.
* Great form factor. Just feels comfortable in the hand. The Touch Diamond felt too small and the iPhone 3G too big.
* It connects to EVERYTHING really easily.

Cons:

* The lack of a 3.5mm adapter is really, really irritating after a while. Yes, you can buy an adaptor (don't use the one supplied unless you like having 8 foot of cable snaking around the place). Similarly, as there's only on multi-purpose adapter you can't charge and play in a car unless you use a stereo bluetooth unit.
* It's not for people who are technically challenged or, as we say in Scotland, thick as mince. If you can't program your DVD recorder then stay away.
* Err...
* Um...
* Nope, that's it.

[Josh G @ Jan 2nd 2009 5:30PM]

Staff plan my friends, staff plan ;)

With 3. Loving it.

@CJ
I didn't think it was going to be. I was pleasantly surprised. It's really an amazing phone, and the battery life is ridiculous [coming from a HTC TyTN 2 :P]!

Ditch the widgets crap though, use Samsung Today 2 or 1, they're much more functional, though slightly less pretty ;)

[THJ @ Jan 3rd 2009 12:33PM]

To all the retards talking about 201-10000USD phones, you are not answering the questions. No one cares about your 649 Ukranian dollar triple-mms nut-warmer phone.

Just answer the question.

My Picks:

1. iPhone 8GB
2. BB Bold
3. Google phone.

[JSC @ Jan 2nd 2009 1:15AM]

G1 is what Last week. The only Con is the Battery life. Solved with a Extended Battery from eBay got $60. Rumors of free ones in the works from T-Mobile.

[jay @ Jan 2nd 2009 1:16AM]

1.) BB Bold

[Shugg @ Jan 2nd 2009 2:08AM]

No wifi ,. Storm is disqualified ,.dee dee deee

[CapnShiner @ Jan 2nd 2009 3:03AM]

Bold has no touchscreen and therefore does not meet George's requirements. Try again.

[jay @ Jan 2nd 2009 11:07AM]

See Touchscreen isn't everything, people need to get over that. I assume George wants it because its cool. But it depends on HIS needs. Granted touchscreen is here to stay and it does make certain tasks easier. But let me get to my point.

If George wants to play music from his itunes and make phone calls. Then the iphone is fine.

If George wants to be sending tons of e-mails, twittering, blogging, creating docs, whatever involves alot of typing, BB bold, he would NOT need a touchscreen.

If George really does want a touchscreen, and can deal with modifying programs and using alternative skins, but doesnt want android. He can stay on Verzion and go with the omnia. People have created great working and looking phones and the Omnia has a big base to help him with that, but it's not android, and it'll take some playing with.

Oh and George, don't forget about the monthly services and price differences and factor in where you are traveling.

P.S. Thanks for your service

[Nastro @ Jan 2nd 2009 1:17AM]

The Bold would be the best deal.

[Tim @ Jan 2nd 2009 1:18AM]

G1. owning one would is really great, especially knowing that you participated in something that will grow to be truly amazing.

Not that it isnt already. $199.99 is technically under $200, but $179.99 sounds better.

[Big John @ Jan 2nd 2009 1:19AM]

If the camera is a serious issue for you, avoid the iPhone 3G. I hate the still camera on it. No flash, awful focus, poor low light... just nasty.

[Jason @ Jan 2nd 2009 1:21AM]

The main problem with the iPhone camera is that it is fixed focus. No macroing.

[1234321 @ Jan 2nd 2009 1:25AM]

camera-wise of the options available at the price, the iPhone is the best, really I haven't seen any serious cameras in a touchscreen smartphone. The one real good ones are the Nokia N series, Sony Ericisson-Cybershot series, and then there are those select ones like the Motorola ZN5 with Kodak

[CJ @ Jan 2nd 2009 7:32AM]

The Omnia's camera is pretty top-notch. Not to mention most of the HTC cameras, while not being great, are still argueably better than the iPhone's

[Henry @ Jan 2nd 2009 1:59PM]

My brother has the HTC touch(att tilt) and I have a iPhone....My iPhone takes BETTER QUALITY photos and they arent as washed out...im not saying that the iphone camera isnt the best im saying its better than some/alot of other phones...

[Ben @ Jan 2nd 2009 5:34PM]

Henry,

just to clarify. the HTC Touch is not the same as the HTC Tilt. Tilt has a keyboard, touch is slimmer, rounder, and does not have a keyboard. The touch has been suceeded by the HTC Touch Diamond.

Also, the Samsung Omnia that was refered to has a 5 MP Camera. iPhone has a 2 MP camera. Big Difference.

[sip @ Feb 3rd 2009 9:32PM]

Also, the iPhone cant record video...

[Jason @ Jan 2nd 2009 1:20AM]

G1. Not sure why the BBs are on there. Bold doesn't have a touchscreen and Storm doesn't have wifi. Unless those weren't requirements so much as optional niceties.

[Hi Kenneth @ Jan 2nd 2009 1:20AM]

well it kinda depends on what you want. if you want a very good, touchscreen phone with multimedia capibilities, go with the iPhone. remember it made most of the competition revamp their ideas.

if you want a good, reliable phone thats comparable to the iphone, i'd go with the bold.its fast and good.

BTW, the G1 is a good move too but I can wait for G2 or what ever comes after the G1. The Android OS can/will improve over time. I think it will be the new "iPhone" when its time comes...

[Heinz @ Jan 2nd 2009 9:40AM]

It will be the new iphone which will still be leagues behind the real iPhone.

[Alex.djsilent.wilcox @ Jan 2nd 2009 1:21AM]

The G1 in my opinion I had such ease using it compared to the iphone. I don't own any currently but am going to be getting the G1.

[Jim Nichols @ Jan 2nd 2009 1:21AM]

You forgot to mention how you want to spend per month. Voice Plan + Data Plan + SMS = $$$ Monthly Fees!
$70 - $100 (and up) per month to use 1 cell phone is just crazy!

[Rudy @ Jan 2nd 2009 1:23AM]

then that market is obviously not for you

[neodorian @ Jan 2nd 2009 9:27AM]

That's odd, I only pay $55/month for my HTC phone. Granted I do most of my talking during night/weekend hours so I have a low voice minutes plan. $29.99 for voice, $15 for unlimited 3g, and $5 for text. Add on another $5 for the BS fees and taxes and I have a reasonable monthly bill for voice, Exchange push email, web, streaming radio, GPS, messaging, games, etc. in my pocket at all times.

[dayton @ Jan 2nd 2009 1:22AM]

The iPhone is so locked down that it doesn't deserve to be called a smartphone; he'll end up feeling just as "trapped" if he gets an iPhone. G1 is somewhat the same way but not as bad as the iPhone. I would go for one of the BlackBerry models or maybe an HTC Fuze.

[acme @ Jan 2nd 2009 1:30AM]

I'd go with a fuze too, winmo is a tad slow but its fully featured.

[Big John @ Jan 2nd 2009 1:31AM]

Just how in the hell are those two choices not "locked" if you consider the G1 "locked"? Fanboyism doesn't really need to be here.

[PeterF @ Jan 2nd 2009 1:45AM]

Locked as in you can't install whatever you want, only what is available and approved by Apple. Not as in SIM locked.

[Shugg @ Jan 2nd 2009 2:09AM]

Bb storm no wifi,fuze disqualified he said under 200$,.bold he said touchscreen so disqualified,only the revolutionary is left,iphone

[CJ @ Jan 2nd 2009 7:28AM]

come on Shugg, do we have to turn every post regarding the iPhone/non-Apple smartphones into a pissing contest on behalf of companies whose only direct relation to us is the fact that the take our money occasionally?

[Nick @ Jan 4th 2009 4:29PM]

The iphone may be locked down, but it keeps crap apps from ruining your phone (well, most of the time... ok, some of the time... ok, like maybe a tiny part of the time...)