iPhone Competitors

Apple iPhone
The iPhone may redefine our expectations for cell phones much as the iPod did for music players. But is it right for you? Check out some alternatives on the following pages, or take a deeper look at how the iPhone's specs compare with its competitors'.
HTC Touch
The HTC Touch looks most like Apple's phone, with a large touch screen and little else for controls. Though it isn't yet available from a U.S. carrier, you can buy an unlocked version for around $600 at Web sites such as Dynamism.com and pick your own GSM cell phone service.
Helio Ocean
The distinctive $295 Helio Ocean has dual-slider controls: You slide it lengthwise to expose a phone keypad, and slide it the other way to reach a full keyboard. It's paired with Helio's cell service, which uses the Sprint network.
Nokia N95
Nokia's N95 is a feature-packed mini-computer, with GPS and a 5-megapixel camera. Like the HTC Touch, it's not yet available through a U.S. carrier, but you can pick up an unlocked N95--for a hefty $750--through Nokia's site.
BlackBerry Curve
BlackBerry models are popular with business users for their e-mail capabilities, but the $300 Curve (currently sold with a $100 mail-in rebate) has consumer-focused multimedia features and a camera. It's available with AT&T cell service.
Samsung Upstage
For more budget-minded buyers, the Samsung Upstage offers inexpensive multimedia. One side is dedicated to phone usage, while the other is for music and video and sports a larger display. It has GPS, too, but it will set you back only $80 with a two-year cell plan from Sprint.