Consumer Nation

Smartphone Guide

Buying Guide

Smart phones are at the top of a lot of holiday shopping lists this year, and with the number of models available, choosing the right one can be tricky. Here's a need-to-know guide to nine devices, based on on features, price, network and platform. Check out the phones (listed in alphabetical order by name).
Photo Credit: Getty Images

Smartphones are at the top of holiday shopping lists this year, and with so many different models available, choosing the right one can be tricky. Here's a need-to-know guide to nine devices, based on features, price, network and platform. Check out the phones (listed in alphabetical order by name).

Posted Nov. 20, 2009

Motorola CLIQ

: T-Mobile : $199.99 (Two-year contract) : Android The CLIQ comes pre-loaded with Google mobile services like search and maps. A secure server backs information on the phone so that if it gets lost or stolen, all data can be erased from the phone remotely.
Photo Credit: Motorola

Network: T-Mobile

Price: $199.99 (Two-year contract)

Platform: Android

The CLIQ comes pre-loaded with Google mobile services like search and maps. A secure server backs up information on the phone so if it gets lost or stolen, all data can be erased from the phone remotely.

Motorola DROID

: Verizon Wireless : $199.99 (Two-year contract) : Android Besides Web access, an app store and a hidden QWERTY keyboard, the Droid’s biggest selling point might be its voice-activated, turn-by-turn navigation system by Google. (Read a review of the Droid .)
Photo Credit: Motorola

Network: Verizon Wireless

Price: $199.99 (Two-year contract)

Platform: Android

Besides Web access, an app store and a hidden QWERTY keyboard, the Droid’s biggest selling point might be its voice-activated, turn-by-turn navigation system by Google. (Read a review of the Droid here.)

HTC Hero

: Sprint : $179.99 (Two year contract) : Android Users have a navigation choice on the Hero: they can either use the trackball or the phone’s 3.2-inch touch screen.
Photo Credit: HTC

Network: Sprint

Price: $179.99 (Two year contract)

Platform: Android

Users have a navigation choice on the Hero: they can either use the trackball or the phone’s 3.2-inch touchscreen.

HTC Imagio

: Verizon Wireless : $199 (after $100 rebate, and two year contract) : Windows Mobile 6.5 The Imagio has a kickstand on the back to hold it upright and allow users to watch TV using Verizon’s V Cast Mobile TV.
Photo Credit: HTC

Network: Verizon Wireless

Price: $199 (after $100 rebate, and two year contract)

Platform: Windows Mobile 6.5

The Imagio has a kickstand on the back to hold it upright and allow users to watch TV using Verizon’s V Cast Mobile TV.

Apple iPhone 3GS

: AT&T : $199 (16GB. Two-year contract) : Apple updated the iPhone this year, adding a better camera and video recording and editing capability. Users also get access to Apple’s App Store, which has over 100,000 applications, ranging from games to time - management tools.
Photo Credit: Apple

Network: AT&T

Price: $199 (16GB. Two-year contract)

Platform: iPhone OS

Apple updated the iPhone this year, adding a better camera and video recording and editing capability. Users also get access to Apple’s App Store, which has over 100,000 applications, ranging from games to time-management tools.

HTC myTouch 3G

: T-Mobile : $149.99 : Android As with other smartphones made by HTC, the myTouch 3G allows users to navigate the phone with either the trackball or by touching the screen.
Photo Credit: T-Mobile

Network: T-Mobile

Price: $149.99

Platform: Android

As with other smartphones made by HTC, the myTouch 3G allows users to navigate the phone with either the trackball or by touching the screen.

Palm Pixi

: Sprint : $99.99 : Palm webOS The sleek Pixi links information from various social networks, like Facebook and LinkedIn, with easy viewing.
Photo Credit: Palm

Network: Sprint

Price: $99.99 (After rebate & two-year contract)

Platform: Palm webOS

The sleek Pixi links information from various social networks, like Facebook and LinkedIn, with easy viewing.

Palm Pre

: Sprint : $149.99 (After rebate & two-year contract) : Palm webOS Unlike other smartphones, the users of the touch screen Palm Pre can use and keep multiple applications open at the same time.
Photo Credit: Palm

Network: Sprint

Price: $149.99 (After rebate & two-year contract)

Platform: Palm webOS

Unlike other smartphones, the users of the touch screen Palm Pre can use and keep multiple applications open at the same time.

BlackBerry Storm 2

: Verizon Wireless : $179.99 (Rebate & two-year contract) : BlackBerry OS 5.0 Research In Motion updated the Storm this fall, tweaking its design and touch screen usability.
Photo Credit: Research In Motion

Network: Verizon Wireless

Price: $179.99 (Rebate & two-year contract)

Platform: BlackBerry OS 5.0

Research In Motion updated the Storm this fall, tweaking its design and touch screen usability.