5 Choices Comparable to the New iPhone

The U.S. News and World Report lists five different touch screen cell phones, comparable to the Apple’s new iPhone and perfect for consumers who either cannot afford such pricey smart phone technology or who simply do not need something quite so advanced.

The first is the Samsung Instinct, which Sprint offers for $130. It comes completely with a $100 a month plan which is completely straightforward and applies to unlimited calls, text messages, and Internet capabilities. The Instinct also comes with integrated email and visual voicemail – voicemail to text transcription, which is becoming extremely popular and allows you to read your messages instead of listening to them. The screen is three inches wide, so it is particularly perfect for such functions. As well, since Sprint has its own 3G service, it is extremely similar to the second version of the iPhone.

Next up is the LG Dare, which is $200 from Verizon Wireless. It is great for gadget lovers who like to tinker and explore, and comes with plenty of drag and drop functions, allowing users to create their own menus. There is also a drawing pad, so consumers can do everything from doodle to create actual works of art, and users of the LG Dare can choose their ISO. The phone comes with a particularly top quality camera that produces 3.2 megapixel pictures, as well as video capabilities which include slow motion mode that can take up to 120 frams each second. The LG Dare also has a three inch screen and its email capabilities are basic and straightforward.

The HTC Touch Diamond goes for $700 online and the U.S. News and World Report describes it as pretty. It is a Windows Mobile phone and it is full featured, to the point of offering animated graphics in the most interesting places. At four inches by two inches, the HTC Touch Diamond is a little smaller than some of its brethren, but that makes it easier to transport – you can just slide it into your pocket without worrying about damaging it.

AT&T is offering the LG Vu for $300. Like most of its competitors, it has a three inch touch screen. This phone has excellent control and users can watch live television being broadcast pretty much wherever they are. There is an antenna which allows users to have access to CBS, Fox, ESPN, and the Comedy Channel. As well, the LG Vu is capable of sending and receiving one way video streams from other phones.

Lastly, there is the Sony Ericsson Experia XI – no provider or price as yet, but the snappy little phone has a high resolution screen and a QWERTY keyboard that slides out, so the phone is not at all bulky. The strong suspicion is that either T-Mobile or AT&T will wind up offering the phone.

(July 8, 2008)