Cell Phones Holiday Gift Guide 2010
Verizon Wireless
Honestly, who wouldn't like to enjoy the awesomeness of the DROID X, probably the most pumped-up device in Verizon's Android squad. This Android 2.2 smartphone can give you lots of cool features like an enormous 4.3” screen and super-fast performance, combined with a pretty good 8MP camera. Add to that its full Flash Player 10.1 support for desktop-like internet browsing, and you've got an all-round great package for hardcore users.
Samsung's Galaxy S line is quickly gaining momentum, and Verizon's Fascinate is a wonderful example for the smartphone's top of the line capabilities. Not only does it sport a larger than life 4-inch Super AMOLED screen, along with a pretty decent 5MP camera with HD video recording, but it also has a powerful Hummingbird chipset that's reportedly faster than a real hummingbird.
Forgive us for suggesting yet another Android phone, but we just couldn't help but include the just-released, business-centric DROID PRO, which is packing both a 3.1" touchscreen and a front-facing QWERTY keyboard, mixed up with all the wonders of the Froyo software. What's also important though is that in terms of design, the Motorola DROID PRO surely makes a statement, as it clearly stands out from the rest of the smartphone crop in Verizon's catalog. Reserved for the good businessperson in the family.
While we are on the topic of business, here's another intriguing device - the Curve 3G, which is a pretty decent smartphone for those users camping alongside BlackBerry. In addition to its pretty good overall functionality, of course, it features a wonderful QWERTY keyboard that would be perfect for lots of messages and emails. Besides, the handset is updateable to BlackBerry OS 6, so it easily makes for one future-proof present.
Finally, if it's a more straightforward and simple device that you're looking for, then we would recommend that you take a look at the Casio G'zOne Ravine - a rugged flip phone that will withstand some beating, plus it has some additional goodies, such as GPS, microSDHC slot for lots of music and a 3.2MP camera with flash.
These are some pretty exciting phones that Verizon can offer its users, but the world doesn't end with Big Red. Next stop – AT&T!
AT&T
Let's face it, there is simply no better handset in AT&T's lineup than the Apple iPhone 4. Cupertino's latest and greatest will surely amaze you with its responsiveness and functionality, but most of all, with its breathtaking design, constructed out of premium materials. An inseparable part of every geek's wish list, the iPhone 4 is capable of keeping you constantly entertained, thanks to hundreds of thousands of quality apps and games available on the App Store.
Being a Galaxy S smartphone, the Samsung Captivate just can't escape from its high-end nature that's allowing it to stand out with a gorgeous 4-inch Super AMOLED screen and a zippy 1GHz Hummingbird chipset. However, the Captivate doesn't impress with its hardware alone, as the Android platform it is running has a respectful place in the current smartphone market. With its more than 100,000 apps, Android can easily captivate you with the aid of this phone's outstanding hardware.
What could make a better present than а phone that will make you feel different? The Windows Phone 7-powered HTC Surround and Samsung Focus are just that. Having a handset that's running a brand new and yet unproved operating system is undoubtedly an exciting experience for every smartphone fanatic out there, especially if it's a long-awaited Microsoft OS. Each of these offerings will manage to deliver a fantastic performance, with the Surround having the advantage of a kickstand and a powerful loudspeaker, and the Focus sporting a brilliant 4” Super-AMOLED screen.
Even though the last thing we think about during the Holidays is work, business is business. And it often can't wait. Feeling overwhelmed by the numerous tasks that have to be accomplished, coupled with emails constantly pouring into the inbox? Well, it's a tough situation, but certainly not unsolvable, and we know just the right solution – a BlackBerry! The Curve 3G by AT&T is an inexpensive smartphone, packing a very good QWERTY keyboard, which will make responding to texts and emails a breeze, while on the go.
Not everyone's into all that smartphone hysteria though. For those of you who don't care about stuff like mobile OS's, native applications or cloud computing, there's the LG Encore – a touchscreen feature phone, which will keep things simple and most importantly, safe for your budget. Plus, you won't be missing that much, as the Encore is decently equipped with a 3” screen, 3MP camera and GPS.
This year AT&T managed to pick up some pretty decent handsets alongside of the iPhone 4, which is evident with the aforementioned devices. However, the 3rd-largest carrier in the U.S. - Sprint – is not to be overlooked, as the WiMAX-promoting company's portfolio is more spectacular than ever.
Sprint
Sprint's second 4G WiMAX phone managed to enchant us with its wonderful capabilities and features. If there's a tech-savvy person in the family, than this is the Sprint phone for them. With a giant 4” Super AMOLED screen, ultra-fast processor and groovy 5MP camera, the Android-running Samsung Epic 4G is a pure winner. Of course, its most-valued feature is its WiMAX support, which can get you lightning-quick data speeds wherever you are (read: wherever there's coverage).
A nicely-balanced Android smartphone can be found in the form of the Samsung Transform. This mid-range device has all the prerequisites to be a great companion, especially when you take into account its more than decent 3.5” display and slide-out physical QWERTY keyboard, which will surely come in handy for all the heavy texters out there.
What better present than a full-featured and at the same time affordable smartphone? If you are looking for just that, the LG Optimus S fits the bill with its $50 on-contract price and Android 2.2 operating system. What you get is a healthy-sized 3.2” capacitive display, decent 3.2MP camera, GPS and over 100,000 applications in Android Market.
The BlackBerry Curve 3G seems to be subscribed to this year's Holiday Gift Guide! Indeed, RIM's mid-range handset comes with a pretty decent price-value ratio, which makes it more appealing than most of the competition in this price range. Throw in a traditionally great physical QWERTY keyboard, and the Curve 3G becomes the ultimate texting fiend.
Available for free on contract, the Sanyo Innuendo is a phone that boasts an intriguing design that will never leave it unnoticed. With a side-opening clamshell form-factor, the Innuendo manages to fit a full QWERTY keyboard and a 2.8” screen. The front is quite futuristic with a clean, flat surface that hosts an external display and touch-sensitive numpad keys. Great for science fiction-loving youngsters, who also happen to text heavily.
Quite impressive stuff indeed by the nation's third-largest carrier. Let's now turn our attention to the company that recently launched the first devices to take advantage of its blazing-fast HSPA+ network, namely T-Mobile!
T-Mobile
You consider yourself an Android maniac? Then you should know which the first handset to run the OS is – of course, that's the venerable G1. Truth be told, the G1 was never quite a success, but now that other devices have managed to attract a lot of interest to the platform, HTC has given the G line a second chance with the all-new T-Mobile G2. And this time the guys have come up with a real winner, considering the G2's next-generation Snapdragon chipset, large touchscreen, Flash Player 10.1 support and most importantly – HSPA+ compatibility for some lightning-fast data transfers. T-Mobile G2 is really a dream come true for all Android maniacs.
Well, of course we won't overlook T-Mobile's Galaxy S variant – the Samsung Vibrant, especially when it's one of the carrier's most impressive offerings. The Vibrant is an incredibly thin Android smartphone, which, however, is very feature-rich, as it packs a great 4” Super AMOLED screen with ultra-saturated colors and enormously high contrast levels. In addition, it performs magnificently in all benchmarks, so it would be a perfect gift for the geek in the family.
Now here's a well-balanced smartphone that's both appealing and inexpensive - the BlackBerry Curve 3G! A handset that relies on a tried and true stylish design scheme, the Curve 3G is naturally packing 3G connectivity, along with compatibility with RIM's latest BlackBerry OS 6 software. Not to mention the keyboard, which is suitable for most intense texting.
If a budget-cautious smartphone is what you seek, then there could hardly be a better deal than the LG Optimus T and its free on-contract price. Sure, you won't get a 4.3” screen, but the Optimus T's 3.2” one, coupled with the pretty decent performance of Froyo and more than 100,000 apps is still an offer that's clearly worth your while.
Of course, you don't have to pick up a smartphone if you simply need a decent phone. For those occasions, the LG dLite is very suitable, even more so when we know that it ups the ante a bit with its stylish hidden external display and social networking capabilities through the Social Buzz app. 2MP camera and GPS are also included to supplement the dLite with a complete set of basics.
Now that we've discussed the worthy offerings in the U.S., it is time for a trip overseas, where customers are equally hungry for some help with choosing the right presents.
Europe
When it comes to choosing the best handset to give as present, there is probably no better choice than the Apple iPhone 4. Both loved and hated, the mighty iPhone has now acquired the status of a household name, which is by no means by accident. The latest iteration of the device offers an incredibly delicious design with its glass plus stainless steel construction, while managing to stay the thinnest smartphone out there. It's hard to imagine how so much great stuff has been tucked inside though, given the iPhone 4's incredible hardware potential. Furthermore, its countless applications make it a gift that will surely come in handy in a lot of ways.
If you are looking for a powerful Android device, that's probably as good as it gets, at least for the time being. The Galaxy S is an unstoppable machine that finds its key points in the wonderful Super AMOLED screen, lightning-quick Hummingbird chipset, as well as Android 2.2 Froyo operating system, which offers some unique features like full Flash Player 10.1 support. The latter will be highly-appreciated by all users who love surfing the web on their handsets.
Finally, here's a Nokia handset that has managed to win a place in our Holiday Gift Guide 2010! Undoubtedly, the Nokia C7 is a worthwhile device that should not be overlooked in any way. After all, the phone sports a 3.5" capacitive AMOLED screen, along with an 8MP camera and the latest Symbian^3 operating system. To top it off, it is designed in the best traditions of the leading Finnish manufacturer.
A very affordable, yet nicely-made Android phone, the Sony Ericsson Xperia X8 is capable of delivering a very satisfying overall performance, while not making a dent in your pocket. It has a straightforward user interface that is great to use on the 3" capacitive screen, while the device packs just enough punch to take care of most Android applications. It's only significant drawback is the lack of multi-touch support, but one just cannot have it all when buying a budget-oriented smartphone.
On paper, the Nokia X3 Touch and Type seems like a strange hybrid between a standard-looking numpad candybar and a touchscreen handset, however, in reality the phone turned out to be quite good, with the 2.4" resistive touchscreen being put to good use, while the usability of the classic form-factor remains unquestionable.
As it seems, European users are also up to their necks with great offerings, which they can pick for their close ones. Finally, we would advise you to base your decision on the particular person's needs and desires - that would help you make the best choice for a present.
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