Ask Engadget: Best current smartphone for under $200?
By Darren Murph 
posted Jan 2nd 2009 1:11AM
posted Jan 2nd 2009 1:11AM
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.
Any Nokia N-7x ?
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
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.
Let Me give everyone a nice easy target to LOW RANK.
APPLE IPHONE = $199 w/ 2 yr Contract
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.
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.
Haha, I just saw that you said N-7X, not E-7X :(
Oh crap Flashpoint, you said iPhone. In a positive way. In the Engadget comments section.
DIVER DOWN!
Stuff happens man.
You're okay.
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.
@ 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.
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
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.
@ jay.
he obviously doesnt care about business capabilities. he did not mention anything about email and he had a voyager for christ's sake.
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.
@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.
:)
LMFAO - you just called the iPhone fully featured....... someone tell me how a non-MMS phone can be fully featured? **cough** video anyone?
@ 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).
@ 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
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.
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 ;)
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.
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.
1.) BB Bold
No wifi ,. Storm is disqualified ,.dee dee deee
Bold has no touchscreen and therefore does not meet George's requirements. Try again.
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
The Bold would be the best deal.
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.
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.
The main problem with the iPhone camera is that it is fixed focus. No macroing.
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
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
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...
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.
Also, the iPhone cant record video...
The phone is a big question but the Sprint Everything Plus plan (http://mcguireslaw.com/2008/07/16/psst-have-you-heard-about-everything-plus/) is the way to go if you want all-you-can-eat style telecommunications.
As for the phone, I'd go with the Touch Pro for Sprint, but I'm a WinMo fan and many people aren't. To each his own.
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.
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...
It will be the new iphone which will still be leagues behind the real iPhone.
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.
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!
then that market is obviously not for you
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.
iPhone 3g. I've had mine for 3 months now with nary a problem. I didn't like the click of the bold and the g1 would be great sans t-mobile which I have had nothing but problems with. I think what tips the scales currently is the app store. There's tons of free and very useful apps there. I think overall any of those would be great but for me, its the iPhone 3G all day. (BTW I hate most things apple, they just got this one right)
storm, not bold...sorry
You know you can get the G1 unlocked (tmobile free) with root access, if you buy it directly from google at the unsubsidized price.
You know he said he was looking for something under 200?
8gb iPhone 3g is $197 at walmart with a 2yr contract.
I would agree, with the G1 in a close 2nd and the Original iPhone in 3rd.
The iPhone is so locked down that it doesn't deserve to be called a smartphone; he'll end up feeling just as "trapped" if he gets an iPhone. G1 is somewhat the same way but not as bad as the iPhone. I would go for one of the BlackBerry models or maybe an HTC Fuze.
I'd go with a fuze too, winmo is a tad slow but its fully featured.
Just how in the hell are those two choices not "locked" if you consider the G1 "locked"? Fanboyism doesn't really need to be here.
Locked as in you can't install whatever you want, only what is available and approved by Apple. Not as in SIM locked.
Bb storm no wifi,fuze disqualified he said under 200$,.bold he said touchscreen so disqualified,only the revolutionary is left,iphone
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?
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...)
you just answered the question in the post, the g1 or the iphone
Guys... lets speak of an unlocked smart phone rather than a sucking contract ones. My choice will be Nokia 5320 xpress music. Its cheap its sexy and above all it has S60 FP2... what else do u expect from a cheap smart phone from the most reliable mobile manufacturer.
Centro. The keyboard takes a bit of getting used to but I can still hit 20wpm on it without an issue.
There is a whole ton of palm software and the centro is super responsive. It does the basic job of a smartphone and is awesome.
While the Centro has a LOT going for it, especially for $50 or whatever decent-meal-sized price tag it has nowadays, it has neither Wi-Fi nor a flash for the camera, so it doesn't qualify per the OP's desired specs. Yes, I think Wi-Fi is overrated when you have great 3G coverage, and yes, the flash on most phones is a joke at best, but those are my opinions and not the OP's.
@Craig
"Yes, I think Wi-Fi is overrated when you have great 3G coverage"
What if you live in the middle of nowhere?
What if your only choices for carriers are AT&T, Verizon, or Nextel?
What if you're stuck on EDGE, 1xRTT, or iDEN with no hopes of any form of 3G deployment?
1xRTT gives me the chills, then i freeze along with the MMS im trying to recieve...
First, thanks for your service. Secondly, I'd say either the G1 or Bold.
Even though I'm a satisfied iPhone owner, I've always owned "actual" smartphones in the past which IMO were better at being a smartphone. However, for the features the iPhone DOES have, it does them well and with style. So you need to decide which functions you actually use.
We see what you did there, Paul. You called the iPhone dumb.
I am a phone junkie and trade phones about every 6 months. I have the Bold and the IPhone 3G at the moment. The IPhone is a great piece but battery life is terrible averaging about 8 hours with limited usage. I have the Mophie Juice pack which brings it to about 16. Overall the internet experience is awesome with the IPhone, media handling is great, email is pretty good with HTML rendering, and the phone is OK (with some weirdness with it having calls repeatedly fail sometimes).
The Bold is a great phone/email device with limited media capabilities. HTML rendering works with BIS and with BES (but only if you corporate server has it enabled). Media is the big downfall because you have to rip your own music/videos to put on it.
The Fuze looked interesting but I was put off my several reviews with a lagging interface. I have had a couple of MS phones in the past (6.0) and ultimately I sold them because they tried to be all things to all people - and as a result turned out to be average or poor at some critical functions - such as being a phone.
Just my 2 cents.
bold disqualified no touchscreen,fuZe disqualified over $199,.next
holy shit shugg, settle down
i would go with an instinct
I'm surprised no one said the LG Incite. It has a touchscreen, 3.2MP camera, GPS, Wi-Fi, 3G, MicroSD slot for expandable storage, and Windows Mobile. Best of all, its only $100 on a 2 year contract.
PS: I sound like a advertisement don't I :)
Don't I've used it,blows hard.,u will return wihhin 30 days ,browser is very weak,,AT&T rep said it would be discontinued by march due to lack of sales n high 30 day unsatisfaction rate, just go with the revoltionary top dawg,we all know who.
If you are asking engadget then you are probably looking more seriously than your average iphone buyer. In that case... Android isn't ready (which makes me really sad), BB only has 1 touch screen phone and in that case it defiantly isn't a winner, Windows Mobile is your other main option but it is crazy out dated.
My suggestion...wait till at least April (if you can). New Android phones will have been announced, and maybe available, and Windows Mobile 6.5 will start showing what it will have to show.
Currently I would say the best phone to work with a Exchange server is the iPhone. If you, like me, can't stand Apple than go with the diamond or touch pro. And if you want to save some money, get them on Sprint.
True about the quasimodo status on Android. Although, if you can hold off, cupcake might be worth the wait.
it depends on what you want to do. If you're just keeping appointments and such, dumbphones are fine. But when you get to email, you have to go with either Windows Mobile (my fav. choice) or a BB. They offer dependable networks, and support for all kinds of email. Thus I recommend a WM or BB. ANdroid is too young just yet, and the iPhone has a definite learning curve and (tons) of bugs/missing features. I think it shouldn't even be called a multimedia phone because of lack of A2DP and video recording.
I agree.
Your wrong .storm no wifi,bold no touchscreen both disqualified ,.next
Shugg..
WiFi would only be a valid argument if the network was lacking, and the rate plans were so horrid that one would need to compromise convenience and network for finding a hotspot. Unless you live 99% of your time in your mom's basement and set up a network, I don't find WiFi a valid argument with the right plans and great reception.
And Touch Screen's don't make the phone better, n'or is this topic about exclusively touch screen only devices. Stop being a loser and lay off the kool-aid, the water's fine.
Heh, I'd go for an unlocked Nokia (a 5800 if touchscreen is a must), but on the $200 on contract thing I'd say you're better off with a G1
What about the LG Dare?
I know this might get flamed but I'm a real Storm fan here. The second software update 4.7.076 is a nice enough for me to prefer the multi-media, internet browsing fun, but have the real power to perform for business and most importantly communicative tasks, from SMS/MMS to I.M's and email management is top experience so far in my opinion. This answer can also apply to the Bold too, as I like my physical keyboards also.
Secondly, ANY phone outside the iPhone can perform equally great phone tasks out of the box. I don't think we need to go off on this slippery slope, but the iPhone lacks where it shouldn't, some basic phone functionality should not have been left up to developers to do many months after the fact. And I am not talking just about Copy and Pasting.
Bold no touchscreen disqualified,.storm no wifi disqualifies
what a flamer.,stick with ur bb storm .highest customer unsatisfaction rate.,not to mention highest 30 day return rate,there is a reason y verizon hasnt released official sales numbers.,n that came directly from a vzw store mgr.,tell me how that storm remote control dock working for u.,oh wait it doesnt exist.,or that car integration/steering wheel control wire dock.,oh wait doesnt exist.,let me guess u still carry an ipod/mp3 in other pocket.,lol pathetic ,kind of phone u got that cant even replace an ipod.,1000+ apps n counting,maybe u should look into asking vzw to buy some apps from apple.poor consumer decision making,says a lot about your personality.,trying to be different by going with storm.,now ur past 30 day return n stuck with product that tanking hard here in usa.n now u want everyone else to suffer with u.face it bro.just think about this as long as masses are willing to pay as much as $300-400 for just ipod touch.,iphone will still be top dawg.,iphone as low as $99.tell me what u think about apple macworld new products .i know u will be lusting after whatever apple got up their sleeves.,dee dee deee u just another typical apple hater n dont even remember y he hates apple.,
For those of you who found Shugg's post TL;DR, it goes something like this:
I'm a retard who can't spell or use proper grammar, and whose only job is to rebuke any post suggesting something other than the iPhone with badly spelled WALLS OF TEXT.
@Shugg: and ur just a typical apple fanboi who buys whatever Steve Jobs poops out every couple of months. face it buddy, the iphone isnt Godly, it doesnt even have Copy Paste
iPhone. I will never own another device. The user interface is worth it alone. Try surfing the web on any other phone– there's no comparison. Also, the app store...
I did try surfing on a HTC diamond's Opera and I prefer it over my itouch. It was frustrating using Safari and its lack of flash - I couldn't visit most of my farorite sites. Diamond is touch screen, but also have a scribe. With itouch I have to zoom in to touch a link but using a scribe I can remain full screen use a scribe to choose small links... a time saver! Plus damn Safari kept crashing.
Hate to seem like an Apple fanboy, but...
Right now, your best bet is the iPhone. As far as full-featured PHONES go, it cannot beat. As far as the draconian AT&T data plan that is required, that's up to you. I have an unlocked 2.5G on T-Mobile and have never been happier. If your wallet can handle owning it, you will definitely not be let down.
I agree wholeheartedly.
I don't see the allure of the iPhone 3G as a T-Mobile customer....for obvious reasons. I don't care about 3G or GPS :)
My iPhone 1st Gen/2.5G/(whatever you wanna call it) is pretty much perfection in my books. I pay $10 for voice (additional line on my company's business plan) + 4.99 for extra SMS + $5.99 data....data being the big saver over ATT. $5.99 a month for tzones access + epc.voicestream.com APN = smooth sailing, decent speed.
Overall, i could not be happier. I can't think of a better deal, and i really cannot see how anyone can have qualms with this device. Call it what you want, but the iPhone is DEFINITELY not a closed platform.
My advice: pick up an iPhone 2.5G for cheap now that the 3G is unlocked, and head on over to your nearest T-Mobile store!
You know... I have the G1... my GF has an Iphone. It kind of pains me to say it, but I would have to go with the Iphone, at this point. It is just a more elegant phone. In a year, depending on the speed of development for the G1... it may be different. But, you can't view PDFs, it has abysmal video and music support.
Don't get me wrong, I really like it... and if you are on Tmobile... it is your best choice... but given ANY cell phone, I would probably go with the iPhone, if for no other reason, than its maturity.
Hey Rifter,
If you or someone like you reads this, could you expand on your comments? I've narrowed down my choices to the G1 and the iPhone and very few people have at length experience with both. I have an iPod for a large media collection, so multimedia isn't really that important to me on a phone (at this point - once phones have 60 gb of storage that will probably change) but I am interested in access to Gmail and google calendar and reading engadget. Given those needs, would you still prefer the iPhone over the G1? Thanks!!
I would say G1. For the simple fact that Google Calendar does not work well on the iPhone. That kept my GF from using google calendars much. I use mine all the time. The G1 has a nice gmail client, though, I would suggest a 3rd party client (I use K-9 mail) if you use more than 1 gmail account. (I do). For web browsing, I still think the iPhone is nicer, especially with multi touch, but in practical terms, I don't notice the limitation that often.
Now, with that said, I would say a HACKED iPhone is better. My girlfriend got a new app on her phone yesterday, Nemus sync, that allows her to sync the google calenders. It is stable, and works great. But, because of Apple's licensing, they can't offer it on the app store... If, or when apple allows apps like that, it will be offered on the app store.
One of the best FEATURES, at least in my opinion, of the G1, is the notification bar. It just rocks. It lets you know you have messages, emails (my twitter app posts there), etc. You pull it down, and access the app. It is probably the most elegant solution on a cell phone, I have used. (and I have used Windows Mobile, iPhone, and now the G1).
If, like me, you don't want to be beholden to Apple and Steve Jobs, and let them tell you what is best in a phone... the G1, is the clear, and total winner, as well.
Oh, one final thing, my GF is running a gen 1 iphone, that is hacked to run on Tmobile. I am using a G1, native on Tmobile. She has updated her OS to 2.1.
Sorry this took so long. I had trouble posting earlier.
Rifter,
Thanks so much for your reply - at this point, that kind of user insite is exactly what I needed to help make my decision. I would prefer AT&T over T-Mobile (or ideally, Verizon to offer something not crippled so I didn't have to change carriers) but from what you've said, it sounds like the G1 will fit my needs better than the iPhone. Again - I really appreciate your help.
JT
Holy shit, an intelligent, unbiased comment comparing the iPhone to another phone. Cheers Rifter, I thought that was a good read, even if only one of those phones is available where I live. :)
Nokia 5800 XpressMusic. Somebody has got to be offering it with a contract out there.
It's only available in a dozen countries and does not come to the US until February. And it is still a question if any of the carriers will pick it up. Otherwise it would be a good candidate, camera is very good, it's cheap even unlocked (300-400 USD), so 2-year tie-in is not required.
I think the majority rules. The G1 and the iPhone are the best smartphones under 200 bucks. Heck, they're the best period! I personally have a G1, but that's because I hate AT&T ~_~ However, if I had the aforementioned carrier, I would probably have bought an iPhone by now. It really is a different feel between the two, from a holistic point-of-view. I find that iPhone users are happy with what they have, while G1 owners (myself included) are content with what they have, but excited with what's to come!
Low rank that BIATCHES!
such a wonderful post, destroyed with just one line....
my advice if you want a phone with touchscreen, wifi, and all that good jazz... just go with an iPhone.
It''s got 3G and wifi and a semi-good camera... but no flash. Plus the interface is AMAZING. the support is good and it gets you off of lame Verizon. You also just pay for a service with data and you get ALL of the features where as Verizon you have to pay extra for EVERYTHING. I wouldn't go for Tmobile cuz their service is pretty crappy in a lot of places
1) Blackberry Bold
2) Blackberry Storm (when the 3G US will come out)
3) iPhone 3G 16GB White
4) Nokia N97 32GB (when it will come out)
Either one or all of them... :-)
Isn't the 16GB iPhone disqualified on the account it's over $199.99 limit?