Contents
- Features to ignore
- Ultimate versatile
- Midrange versatile
- Still cameras
- Video cameras
- Gaming
- Secure messaging
- Social messaging
- Strictly business
- Creative thinkers & productivity workers
- Rough and tumble
- Mr. Sensible
- Big and loud
- Special needs
- Accessories
1. Features to ignore
- 3D
Whether it is on your TV or your mobile device, 3D is nothing but a useless unsociable headache inducing gimmick – and sales of 3D equipped mobile devices (poor) and WOS agree. If 3D comes as standard with an otherwise well reviewed and specced device, by all means, take it but do not waste time with the 3D features. 3D will only be viable, social and useful when it is ‘holographic’, allowing the scene to be viewed from almost any angle. Such technology is already in the labs and won’t remain the stuff of science fiction for too long.
2. Ultimate versatile
- Apple iPhone 4S*
- Fujitsu Arrows ES IS12F (Japan on NTT DoCoMo)
- Fujitsu Arrows F-07D (Japan on NTT DoCoMo)
World’s thinnest smartphone at 6.6mm but the spec is not as enticing as (for example), the almost as thin Motorola RAZR
- HTC One X (Europe April 2 2012)
World’s most powerful mobile phone thanks to a 1.5GHz quad-core processor. Features 4.7″ display, Beats Audio™, unique high speed camera, Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
- HTC One S (Europe April 2 2012)
Slightly smaller brother to the One X, ideal if you prefer the smaller 4.3″ display, however, WOS says that the display is not as good as the One X (understandable, it is not a top of the line device), so our advice is to try it in person first. The upside is much better battery life and a superb unibody metal case.
- HTC Sensation XL (Europe) Amaze (US only)
- LG Optimus Black
- LG Optimus LTE (USA)
- LG Spectrum LTE (USA on Verizon)
- Motorola DROID RAZR MAXX (USA on Verizon)
Featuring a ground breaking 3300mAh battery, the MAXX offers talk time of up to 21 hours!
- Motorola DROID RAZR XT910/XT912
Extremely slick and professional, the new ultra-thin RAZR blends superb build quality and a high resolution Super AMOLED display with some innovative technology.
- Samsung Galaxy S II
- Samsung Galaxy Nexus
First with Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich/ICS). The 5MP camera is the only real let down, so try before you buy.
- Samsung Galaxy Note (Stylus included)
If you were a fan of the Psion or Palm Pilot devices of the past, this outstanding phone for the productive mind is for you. The Galaxy Note is coming soon to the USA as the SGH-I717 on AT&T.
- Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S*
The popular Samsung Galaxy SII
Jack of all trades, good at them all = Incredible success
3. Midrange versatile
- Apple iPhone 3GS (Huge app library)
Buying a used version? Don’t forget to check it has been upgraded to iOS 5.
- HTC Wildfire (Small and compact)
- Nokia Lumia 800* (Microsoft Windows Phone)
A very stylish compact and original handset, the Lumia 800 proves that Microsoft can be creative when they focus. Take time to play around with the interface, and you will discover they have taken a sensible seamless approach to content and social media integration.
- Panasonic Eluga (Europe April 19 2012)
After many years absence, Panasonic are returning in style with this mid range ultra-slim waterproof handset featuring a 1GHz CPU, PowerVR SGX540 GPU, NFC and a 4.3″ Display.
- Samsung Galaxy Ace
A capable affordable alternative to its big brother, the Galaxy SII
- Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini* (Small & Cute)
- Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray (Thin)
4. Still cameras
Most high end phones now feature cameras that offer similar quality to yesterday’s point and shoots, with the advantage you can share your shots with various social media and online photo services.
Alas, the most significant omission from most recent phones is the lack of a physical camera shutter release as standard. We have all fiddled around trying to take a photo using a touch screen. Fortunately, Apple iOS 5 allows the [+] volume button to operate the shutter on the iPhone, whilst Sony Ericsson and Nokia include a dedicated shutter release on most of their smart phones. All Windows Mobile phones include a shutter release button (thanks to Microsoft sensibly insisting on a minimum feature set), however we have yet to receive enough feedback to evaluate the image quality from specific Windows Mobile devices.
- Altek Leo (Features real 3X optical zoom lens)
Review on Phone Arena
- Apple iPhone 4S* (8MP/1080P Video)
- HTC One X (8MP/1080P Video + unique features)
Until we finish researching WOS (reviews, feedback etc), we cannot comment on the One X camera quality, but until then will give HTC the benefit of the doubt! It does offer some unique features, such as the ability to take stills whilst recording video. To be informed when we receive WOS on the HTC One X camera, watch this space or follow @gofonebox
- Motorola RAZR MAXX (8MP/1080P Video)
- Motorola RAZR XT910/XT912 (8MP/1080P Video)
- Nokia N8* (12MP/720P Video/Stereo Audio)
Offering what is widely regarded as the best phone camera ever, and in the opinion of FONEBOX.COM, superb build quality and design that shames most other devices. Note: The N8 runs the Symbian OS now being phased out whilst Nokia focus on their Windows Phone venture with Microsoft and low end Mr. Sensible handsets. All said, give the N8 a try because there is a lot of similarity between Symbian and Android, plus, the included Nokia mapping is superb.
- Samsung Galaxy SII (8MP/1080P Video)
- Samsung Galaxy Note (8MP/1080P Video)
- Most high end Sony Ericsson Android handsets
5. Video cameras
If you are serious about video, that is, your career or family video archive depends on it, you should not rely upon a phone camera because no pocketable wireless device on Earth features an optical zoom – except the Altek Leo – soon to be re-badged by Polaroid.
If you are a pro, you probably already know that other than a dedicated Full HD camcorder, these prosumer cameras are the best:
- Panasonic Lumix GH2 + 14-140 zoom
The flipout LCD is extremely useful if you intend to be in front of the camera a lot.
- Canon 5D Mark II & new 5D Mark III
- Nikon D800
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6. Gaming
The most controversial aspect of mobile devices. Die hard gamers understandably prefer tactile controls, no matter how advanced the graphics capability. Nintendo’s ongoing success is evidence of this, as is the continued popularity of home consoles, despite the games costing an order of magnitude more than ‘app store’ mobile games.
Interestingly, the success of Angry Birds is due in part because it was one of the first games specifically designed for touch screen control and therefore almost impossible to play using a joypad! If you prefer an all in one mobile device, and still want tactile controls, take a look at the Gametel controller shown below or the new iCade Mobile. Note that the Gametel controller announced at CES 2012 now supports iOS as well as Android.
For the young or those happy with their current phone, the iPod Touch has already proven to be a great way to benefit from iOS apps and games. Once we receive some WOS feedback, we will give Samsung’s Android iPod Touch competitor a mention.
- Apple iPhone 4
- Apple iPhone 4S
The A5 chip delivers almost console quality graphics, exploited in full by Infinity Blade 1 & 2 from Epic Games.
- Apple iPod Touch 3rd & 4th generation
- HTC Sensation
- Nintendo DS
The 3DS is not mentioned because we at FONEBOX.COM believe, whether it’s on your TV or in your pocket, that ’3D’ is a gimmick. Only true ‘holographic’ 3D is going to offer a credible improvement over current state of the art ‘flat’ display technology, and WOS tends to agree.
- Samsung Galaxy SII
- Samsung Galaxy Note
- Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY (Features built in tactile gaming controls)
WOS reports that whilst well conceived and good for moderately complex games, the PLAY is not quite fast enough to offer an alternative to dedicated mobile gaming systems, but as always, try – play!, before you buy.
- Sony Vita (Dedicated gaming system with 3G connectivity too)
What Sony does best, a superb example of precision industrial design encasing advanced technology that take portable gaming to the next level. Our only gripes, the tacky user interface and reliance on non standard storage media – no doubt to deter piracy.
Dislike touch screen gaming?
The Gametel Bluetooth Controller attaches to Android and iOS devices
7. Secure messaging
- Apple iPhone 3GS, 4, 4S or iPad (Using iMessage**)
- Blackberry Bold
- Motorola DROID
Probably the best keyboard on any pocketable phone anywhere
- Motorola PRO+
The iPod Touch 3rd & 4th generation running iOS 5 can also be used to chat over WiFi with iMessage or other chat apps such as WhatsApp Messenger.8. Social messaging (for keyboard lovers)
- Blackberry Curve 9300 (affordable) or Torch (high end)
- LG DoublePlay (Innovative dual display)
- Motorola ME632
- Nokia Asha 303
- Samsung Captivate Glide (USA)
- Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini Pro
Buying a phone for the social component? Ensure it has a good flash equipped camera. The Blackberry Curve phones are not known for their cameras, so BB lovers may want to consider a Bold or Torch.
The Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini Pro
Cute and compact yet suprisingly powerful – with an excellent keyboard too, according to WOS9. Strictly business
With most brands today focusing on the consumer market, there is less emphasis on security and robust design. However, FONEBOX.COM has done the work for you and lists the best robust secure devices available today. Robust in this case refers to day to day use. For weather and shock resistant phones, see Rough and Tumble.
- Apple iPhone 3GS/4/4S
iOS supports Microsoft Exchange allowing full secure integration with corporate mail servers.
- Motorola Atrix
Fingerprint (biometric) login
- Motorola RAZR MAXX (Features high capacity 3300mAh battery)
- Motorola DROID RAZR XT910/XT912
Splash proof Kevlar case, Gorilla glass toughened Super AMOLED display. WOS: The only let down is the camera when compared to competitors, but it isn’t that bad from the samples we have seen.
Not a toy. The slick RAZR from Motorola tweaks Android to provide extra security and smart power management. Whilst a tad thicker at 9mm, the new RAZR MAXX (not shown) features a high capacity 3300mAh battery offering up to 21 hours talktime.10. Creative thinkers & productivity workers
- Samsung Galaxy Note (Engadget Review)
Includes a stylus to use on its stunningly huge 5.3″ display. An amazing and inspiring phone – in fact, the Galaxy Note is the FONEBOX.COM device of 2011. WOS: The only minor downside is the positioning of the volume and power controls opposite each other meaning you sometimes accidentally press the wrong button. And like most phones, we wish the Note had a mechanical shutter release for the camera! To find out why manufacturers leave off such sought after features from otherwise brilliant devices, consult the FBI.
11. Rough and tumble
A Motorola DEFY successfully defending itself against a careless human
(Survives beer too!)- Motorola DEFY+
- Motorola DEFY+ JCB edition, extra toughened case (UK only)
- Motorola DEFY Mini (XT320 in China)
- Samsung Solid Immerse GT-B2710 or Solid Extreme GT-B2100
- Sony Ericsson Xperia active
Water resistant to 3 feet for up to 30 minutes. Shock and dust proof.
12. Mr. Sensible
You have no doubt seen decade old Nokia phones in the hands of keep it simple types everywhere. Thanks to their renowned in house testing methods, low end Nokia handsets offer the essential basics (voice and texting), provide superb battery life and will in most cases last longer than a typical smartphone. They make an ideal backup phone too. Metal keypads are to be avoided, and why we suggest sticking with plastic models, no matter the brand.
- LG a100
- Nokia 100
- Samsung E2121
Excellent value and quite versatile for a basic phone. Good WOS feedback too.
13. Big and Loud
For those who require big chunky buttons and above average volume, there are several manufacturers who specialise in such phones, including Doro. FONEBOX.COM suggests looking out for the following features, taking into account that the needs of the user will change as they mature:
- Big number buttons
- A large clear display
- Seperate [Make] and [End] call buttons to retain familiarity with conventional landline handsets
- A charging dock
Beyond elliminating the need to fiddle around looking for and connecting a charging cable, for those liable to forget where they put things, the dock provides a permanent point of reference if the phone is not on their person.
- Easy to operate volume controls
- If appropriate, quick dial buttons for frequent contacts and/or emergency services. Most Doro phones feature these.
The well conceived Emporia RL1 big button phone in its charging dock- Emporia RL1 (Exclusive to Vodafone in the UK)
Although the concept and usability is excellent, WOS reports poor battery life for the Emporia RL1, so we recommend it only if the owner will have access to the desk charger on a daily basis. WOS also reports no ability to select the incoming text message alert tone.
- Doro 610 flip phone
- Doro 332 + Charger Cradle 5646
- Got a larger budget? Why not dispense with (most) buttons and controls altogether? The Siri voice recognition on the iPhone 4S makes it intuitive to operate key functions of the phone, such as placing calls and searching, simply by touching an on screen button and speaking to the handset. For example: “Call Bobby” or “What is the capital of Lithuania?”
14. Special needs
For those requiring a more sophisticated device than suggested in Big and Loud (above), currently, there is only one phone featuring an OS proven to be effective for those who find conventional device interfaces limiting:
- The Apple iPhone 4S
As Stevie Wonder himself said recently, not only is Siri proven to offer reliable voice control of key functions (within regional language limitations), but Apple have for a while integrated well thought out Accessibility options into their OS X and iOS System Preferences. Got an Apple device? Explore and you will be surprised what you can do to control your iOS (and OS X) machinery using enhanced control methods.
Created for you?
Apple’s Siri voice control on iPhone 4S offers liberation from complex hands-on menu commands15. Accessories
Bluetooth headsets
Fed up untangling wires or catching your wired headset in the car seat belt? A good bluetooth headset is a lot less hassle, and safer when driving***. Although there are hundreds of models, we have narrowed down the best based on our own and WOS feedback. Smaller bluetooth headsets are easy to lose and the microphone will be further from your mouth, making it harder for the other party to hear you. Therefore, we only list larger models.
- Jabra Wave Mono Bluetooth Headset (Available from Carphone Warehouse in the UK or Amazon in the UK and USA)
Easy to use, loud, well made, comfortable, reliable and features spoken status alerts. WOS does report however that although perfect for driving where the background sound is consistent (if you are on your own), the noise reduction will sometimes deaden your own voice if background noise is inconsistent, such as in a busy office. All said, most headsets with noise reduction suffer this problem.
The Jabra Wave Bluetooth Headset
Perfect for driving & other situations where the background noise is consistentCorded (Stereo) headsets
Good audio quality models yet to be added.- Jabra CHILL Stereo headset (Available from Three in the UK)
Features hooks to help prevent the earpieces from falling out of your ears, microphone, music playback controls, plugs into iPhone 1G’s recessed jack. WOS reports lack of bass, but ideal for day to day use and jogging.
Keyboards
Connecting a keyboard to your mobile device makes it far easier to type lengthy messages or work on material you would normaly relegate to your laptop or desktop computer. To do this you will require a Bluetooth equipped keyboard.
- Apple Bluetooth keyboard
Well built and nice to type on if you are happy with ‘chicklet’ keys, this works with all Bluetooth equipped Macs (such as the Mac Mini & iMac) and the iPad, but we have been unable to get the Apple Bluetooth keyboard to work with an iPhone or any Android handsets.
- Matias One Keyboard (Launched at CES 2012)
A great idea – The One Keyboard can switch at the press of a button between your desktop machine and your iPhone. (At this stage we do not know if the Matias works with anything other than the iPhone.) Either way, there are 3 different models, one offering the ultra tactile (and sometimes noisy) feedback of retro PC keyboards from the 80s and 90s that some prefer typing on.
The Matias Keyboard One
Ideal for typing text messages without taking your hands off the keyboard!Wearable wireless wonders
If you prefer not to keep fumbling for your handset, these connected wrist wearable devices are ideal. Using Bluetooth, they not only display incoming messages and social media updates, but allow control over your phone, including music playback and taking or rejecting calls. The new Motorola MOTOACTV doubles as a powerful fitness monitor.
Motorola MOTOACTV wrist wearable wireless fitness tracker
Also allows control over your DroidYou’re not done yet!
Proceed to FONEBOX.COM carrier tips.
