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Image from HTC

The range of Windows Phone 7 handsets from HTC is gradually becoming the most comprehensive around. With the arrival of the HTC 7 Pro it seems to have all the bases covered as this business-oriented full QWERTY slider has a lot going for it. Of course there has yet to be an affordable PAYG Windows Phone 7 handset, but with Nokia entering the party this may not be the case for long.

The HTC 7 Pro is a reassuringly chunky smartphone which features a cleverly hidden QWERTY keypad which can be accessed by sliding its 3.6 inch touchscreen display sideways to reveal a decent array of keys. This kind of form factor is best suited to people who want the reassuring precision of a physical keypad when typing long emails or editing documents. Of course the keypad does add some bulk to the handset and it will look rather rotund compared to something slinky like the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc. However, if you are tired of the virtual keypads and the often annoying experience of typing on a touchscreen this will be a compromise you are willing to make.

The slider mechanism deserves a paragraph all of its own, because not only does it move the screen out of the way of the keypad but it also angles the screen towards the user. This makes it more comfortable to type and interact with the phone and there is a sturdy, reassuring nature to the hinge which enables the tilting which will make it satisfying to move it into place each and every time.

Thanks to the minimum system requirements outlined by Microsoft, the 7 Pro is no slouch when it comes to hardware specifications. It has a 1GHz processor and a native resolution of 480×800 on its 3.6 inch display. Around the back you will find a five megapixel camera which can record HD video clips in 720p.

Windows Phone 7 has a few tricks up its sleeve, with the super-slick interface being one of the most obvious. You can arrange apps and services in live, interactive tiles on the main homescreen and swipe to the left to see a more extensive list of the available apps. With Xbox Live functionality there are tons of games which are not only fun to play but also improve your GamerScore to enhance your bragging rights amongst your friends. This is something the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc cannot match and PAYG users who consider themselves to be gamers will envy. You can get the 7 Pro on a PAYG contract, which is the same with any high end smartphone, but you will need to cover the cost of the handset upfront when signing on to a PAYG deal. The phone’s high end capabilities and speedy networking also make is unsuitable for PAYG.

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Image from HTC

The smartphone market is complex with many operators, manufactures and operating systems out there. The operating systems include Google’s Android, Apple’s iOS, BlackBerry’s BlackBerry operating system and Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7. iOS and BlackBerry are only available on their own phones, while Android and Windows are available across a range of phones.

Smartphones come in a number of different styles, with all touchscreen, touchscreen and phone keyboard, touchscreen and “full” keyboard and just keyboard styles. Most new models involve at least a basic touch screen, as it tends to make menu navigation easier, with full keyboards for easier typing. Apple’s iPhone and its related iPad and iPad 2, the latter two while not technically being smartphones they run the same operating system that the iPhone does, are full touchscreen variants, with a minimal amount of tactile buttons. Two of HTC’s latest Android models the HTC Desire Z and the HTC ChaCha on the other hand go for the separate tactile full keyboard option. The method’s they chose however are very different, with the HTC Desire Z choosing to have the user slide out the keyboard from the phone in a landscape position, for a large screen size, while the HTC ChaCha choosing to have a permanently out keyboard below the screen with the phone in a portrait position, in much the same fashion as the classic BlackBerry layout.

As a smartphone for those that like to keep in touch with their social networks on the move, the HTC ChaCha has additional features other than its QWERTY keyboard to make typing easier, in addition to the usual raft of apps, both included on the phone and available from the android store, the phone is equipped with a Facebook button to allow those that so wish to more easily post pictures and their thoughts to Facebook on the move. This choice of having a permanent rather than slide or flip keyboard comes at a cost though, over other smartphones the screen is a bit small, especially compared to smartphones with slide keyboards in the landscape position. On the flip side it does keep the thickness of the phone down to similar to a pure touchscreen smartphone and make the phone less mechanically prone to failure. The ChaCha is meant to fit bellow the Desire range of phones in the feature line up and as well as having a smaller screen, it is less powerful and has less memory than the latest Desires.

The smartphone market is fleshing out and filling out, so where one style used to be the preserve of a certain manufacturer the choice is generally quite broad, with only Apple’s offerings being limited to a certain input layout.

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Images from LG & HTC

Two of the latest smartphones are the LG Optimus 3D Vs HTC Desire HD. Both of them use their unique media capabilities to try to create a unique selling point to set themselves apart from the other smartphones.

The LG Optimus 3D is an improved version of the 2X, sporting a dual core 1 GHz processor, 512 MB of RAM with 8 GB of flash storage and dual 5 megapixel cameras with LED flashes. These cameras allow it to take 3D images and video in addition to normal 1080p video. It has standard connectivity options up to the 3G mobile data level, though the lack of 4G or LTE is a little disappointing and Wireless-N along with Bluetooth and USB 2.0. The unique selling point along with the dual cameras is the 3D screen. It is a 16 million colour, 800 by 480 pixel touchscreen LCD which can display 3D images without the need for 3D glasses, viewable in games, for 3D photos and video but the screen can also display normal images in 2D. At 4.3 inches across, it is the largest size of smart phone screen so far making, it ideal for watching films and web browsing.

HTC’s Desire HD takes a different route, it also has a 4.3 inch screen at the same 800 by 480 resolution and though it doesn’t offer 3D the colours are higher quality as the display is WVGA. Unlike the Optimus 3D the Desire HD only has a single core processor running at 1 GHz, for many apps this will not matter as smartphones apps are single threaded but for any kind of multitasking such as listening to music while surfing the web the advantages of having two cores are soon apparent. It has more RAM than the 3D at 768 MB though very limited storage at 1.5 GB, given the marketing of the Desire HD as a media smartphones this seems like far too little though it has a microSD card slot allowing you to expand the storage by up to 32 GB. Connectivity is also standard 3G and Bluetooth with a superior 8 megapixel camera complete with flash, face detection and geo-tagging. Where the Desire HD tries to be different is its use of simulated surround sound using Dolby Mobile and SRS virtual surround sound to improve the sound quality as much as possible.

The LG phone is comparable to other top smartphones while the Desire HD is half-way between the top and the last generations. This difference is reflected in the price with the Optimus 3D available for £500 and on top contracts while the Desire HD is a highly competitive mid-tier phone at £380. The screen size and quality, camera and processing power of the HTC Desire HD are extremely impressive for a mid/top tier phone, making it a good choice compared to the Optimus 3D. The 3D smartphones are for those who like 3D as it is £40 more expensive than the 2X model which is very similar save for the 3D capabilities. With many consumers finding 3D irritates or makes them feel ill the Desire seems like the superior phone, especially with the price difference and lack of uses for dual core at the moment.

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Images from LG & Samsung

Both models – the LG Optimus 2X and the newer Samsung Galaxy S2 – are dual-core hyper-phones from Korea. They both are in tough competition between each other. Which one will you choose? Are you a LG fanatic? Or a Samsung  addict? It’s battle of the best, and only you can decide for yourself. But read on to find out what else the two Korean phone giants are offering the UK with their latest smartphone models…

Connectivity:

Both models feature 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, and while LG’s Optimus 2X, interestingly, was the first smartphone to feature a dual-core processor, the Samsung can now compete with its own dual-core engine.

With 3G/HSDPA (10.2Mbps) and Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, the LG is pipped by Samsung’s offering of 3G/HSDPA/HSPA+ (21Mbps) and Bluetooth 3.0+HS.

Storage:

While a 16GB version is also available, the S2 incorporates a much larger storage capacity of 32GB than the Optimus 2X’s 8GB potential.

Additionally, although the Optimus 2X does also boast an expansion slot to increase the maximum capacity to 40GB, there’s a similar slot on the Galaxy S2 which would enable the memory to be expanded to an incredible 64GB.

Processor:

The S2 features Samsung’s very own 1GHz dual-core Exynos processor.

The Optimus 2X, however, features a 1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2, featuring a dual-core ARM Cortex A9 processor and GeForce graphics.

Size & Weight:

At only 8.49mm thickness, the Samsung Galaxy S2 is slightly slimmer than the LG Optimus 2X.

At 66.1mm wide, though, the Galaxy S2 is actually wider than the Optimus 2X’s 63.2mm width – clearly where it makes up for its slimness. The Optimus 2X weighs in at 139g, while the Samsung Galaxy S2 comes in lighter at 116g.

Camera:

Both have an 8.0 MP lens and feature autofocus, an LED flash, geo-tagging and full HD/1080p video recording, plus a front-facing lens for video calls.

Additionally, the Samsung Galaxy S2 boasts image stabilization and 1080p video capture, while the Optimus 2X features 3264 x 2448 pixel maximum resolution.

Screen/keyboard:

The LG Optimus 2X features a 4” touch-sensitive LCD display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. The same specs go for the Galaxy, except that it’s got a larger 4.27” screen.

While there’s no difference in the resolution, the Galaxy S2 does, however, feature an impressive Gorilla Glass-reinforced, touch-sensitive, Super AMOLED Plus screen, making for a brighter display, less sunlight reflection and reduced power consumption.

Although both models can boast 384000 pixels, the Galaxy’s pixel density does come in lower (218.501 pixels per inch) than the smaller Optimus (233.25 pixels per inch).

Software:

LG’s Optimus 2X uses Android 2.2 (Froya) software, while Samsung’s Galaxy S2 comes with 2.3 (Gingerbread). Even though it will be possible to upgrade the LG’s software to 2.3 in the future, the Samsung obviously wins this one.

Extras:

Both models include GPS/A-GPS, DLNA content sharing, a HDMI port a digital compass and a gyroscope.

The S2, however, gives us that little bit more, featuring four software ‘Hubs’ (Readers, Social, Games and Music), Wi-Fi direct, a stereo FM radio (with RDS), and optional NFC support – which will enable the phone to double as a payment device.

So, while essentially, it’s been a fairly steady race, the extras, storage capacity and screen technology offered by Samsung sees its Galaxy S2 as the clear winner. Sorry LG – good effort, but must try harder next time.

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Image by karlaredor via Flickr

The HTC ChaCha is a relatively unique arrival on the mobile market, putting the emphasis firmly on social networking, or more specifically on Facebook integration. The HTC ChaCha, while sporting a full physical QWERTY keypad to match that of the BlackBerry Torch 9800, has a considerably lower price point.

From a hardware point of view the HTC ChaCha is unlike many modern smartphones in that its touchscreen display is relatively small, to go with its dinky physical size. There is a kink about halfway down the phone which makes it easier to hold to your ear during a call and it gives it a quirky little side-on view which is reminiscent of the HTC Hero from 2009. The 2.6 inch screen is certainly compact, but it is still touch sensitive and is definitely well matched with the physical keypad as the whole youth-oriented feel of the phone will make sure that it appeals to people who love to text and chat online.

As previously mentioned the ChaCha goes above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to Facebook integration. There is even a dedicate Facebook button located below the keypad. A single touch of this will help you to share your life via the social networking site. You can upload videos and photos direct to the site and keep bang up to date with your Facebook friends via the same chat feature that is available on the desktop version of the site but few other smartphones.

The hardware powering the ChaCha and all of its social networking features is decent if not outstanding compared to rival smartphones. It matches the likes of the HTC Wildfire with its 600MHz processor and 512MB of RAM, which should make light work of Android without wearing down the battery too quickly. Flipping it onto its front will reveal a five megapixel camera and LED flash built into the back, while video calling is possible via a forward-facing VGA snapper which is well hidden and subtly integrated.

Your appreciation of the HTC ChaCha will largely depend on whether or not you think it is necessary to have a Facebook button and deep links with the social networking site. Other smartphones like the BlackBerry Torch 9800 have Facebook apps which get the job done, but for anyone who lives their whole life through the site then this could well prove to be a worthy investment.

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Image from Sony

Along with the Apple iPhone, the latest Android smartphones are making their mark on the consumer market. The Android operating system has two things in its favour – one is the amount of customisation possible. The other is the excellent range of apps available from the Android Market. Take a look at online stores to see what Android handsets are on offer in the latest mobiles listings.

One of the latest Android smartphones to enter the market is the Sony Xperia Arc, which will be available from Expansys when it is released. The touchscreen is 4.2 inches; moreover it’s a TFT LCD screen, which offers accurate colour reproduction and is very sharp, with an 854×480 pixel resolution.

The ultra-slim handset has Sony’s Bravia Engine image-processing technology. Sony claims the system offers the best in sharpness, colour, noise and contrast, making it great for viewing downloaded videos. Hardware-wise, the Xperia Arc may not be the most sturdy of the latest mobiles, with its ultra-slim, plastic case but Sony has included a shatterproof cover.

Cameras are becoming an important feature on the latest mobiles and the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc has a snapper with a whopping 8.1 megapixel processor and its Exmor R CMOS sensor is of a type that is appearing on compact cameras. In addition the camera is complimented with an LED flash. The Xperia Neo, available from Expansys, also boasts an 8-megapixel camera.

HD video is appearing on smartphones not even at the top end of the market and the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc offers 720p video. What is more, you can even view them on your TV because the handset features a mini-HDMI port. But it doesn’t stop there, the phone, which is to be supplied with an HDMI cable, will allow you to see whatever you’re doing on your phone screen on your TV screen.

In terms of connection, the Xperia Arc has 3G, HDSPA and Wi-Fi on board. It should be speedy, thanks to a Qualcomm Snapdragon 1 GHz processor and it runs the latest version of Android 2.3 (aka Gingerbread) so should be a dab hand at multitasking. The Sony Xperia Arc has AGPS, which should allow you to gain a quicker fix for navigation. Sony has also added the Neoreader barcode scanner and Track ID app.

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Image from HTC

The software update that will bring copy and paste amongst other functions to all mobile phones based on Windows Phone 7 has finally been launched.

The NoDo update, as it is referred to by Microsoft, brings with it the first significant set of improvements to the fledgling smartphone platform, although it is technically the second update to grace compatible mobile phones.

Taiwanese manufacture HTC has already said that it is launching a tweaked version of the HD7 smartphone which will come pre-loaded with the NoDo update, along with an improved Super LCD display. It is the Windows Phone 7 equivalent of the HTC Desire HD, sporting the same 4.3 inch screen and packing in 16GB of storage space.

Chief amongst the improvements implemented by NoDo is the ability to copy and paste text or other pieces of content from one place to another, making it much easier to compose emails, share links and post comments. This finally brings Windows Phone 7 in line with the features that owners of rival smartphones like the BlackBerry 9780 have been enjoying for a while, but leaves its cross program functionally behind Apples.

As well as being able to copy and paste, Windows Phone 7 users will have a smoother experience overall thanks to performance enhancements made by NoDo. Although the platform still lacks the kind of multitasking which you can access on mobile phones like the HTC Desire HD, launching apps and resuming them from the lock screen should not take as long as it currently does, particularly when it comes to the Xbox Live games which have helped attract users over to the platform.

A few less interesting augmentations are made by the NoDo update, including improvements to the Wi-Fi network performance.

Most users will be waiting to see what the next big update will bring. Microsoft is planning to add full third-party multitasking support so that its mobile phones are not left behind by rivals. It has been suggested that by holding the back key users will be able to bring up a list of open apps and return to ones they were using or kill processes which are wasting processing power and battery life.

Recent Windows Phone 7 launches like the HTC 7 Pro have shown that the platform is able to compete as a decent enterprise-style software package, giving previous favourites like the BlackBerry 9780 a serious run for their money.

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Image by The GameWay via Flikr

The HTC Incredible S is one of the newest mobile phones made by the Taiwanese group. It is called an Android phone meaning it uses the Android operating system developed by Google to run middleware and key applications on mobile phones. Android is open source which means that any developer is free to use it to write new and innovative apps without paying costly licensing fee. In theory this should provide a cost advantage over other operating systems like Microsoft mobile or Blackberry. The argument is that we (the consumer) will benefit from having a much wider range of cheaper apps available since the monopoly will be broken.

The HTC Incredible S sports a 4 inch super clear LCD screen capable of producing vivid colours which can be clearly seen even from the side, which is helpful when sharing pictures with friends. This quality is doubly important since the Android graphics package allows HD videos and high quality sophisticated games to be played to the best advantage on this handset. Like some of the earlier HTC phones the S has the matte plastic “rubbery feel” back. This appears to be pretty scratch resistant so this mobile looks as if it will wear well. With all these features battery life is important and in one test reviewers managed to get the phone to continue past twelve hours even after watching a two hour film. If you want to take pictures or videos the quality is high even with night time filming, where the new grey scale filters come in their own.

To answer this leap in innovation, the Samsung Omnia 7 uses the new Windows Phone 7 operating system which makes it very easy to use on line. It can support Wi-Fi data connectivity and will load any web page quickly. Pinch to zoom is supported and again there is a huge 4 inch screen with a super sharp resolution. It achieves this by using the new AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode) technology, which provides a much clearer and brighter picture with much less sunlight reflection together with reduced power consumption so your battery will last longer. In practice with the new Samsung Omnia 7 there really is a hugely noticeable improvement in quality from the old LCD screens seen on most mobile phones. To compliment this advance there is a 5 MP camera with video recording capability and LED flash and the whole phone is pleasing to look at with a robust appearance.

Both these phone have many more interesting feature and benefits. So if you are looking for a new mobile this pair would certainly deserve a closer look.

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Image by Yutaka Tsutano via Flikr

The Apple iPhone 4 is the pinnacle of the current range of mobiles, offering you plenty of room to squeeze in a good chunk of your media files while still leaving you with enough space left to download and install apps and games as well as saving all of the pictures and videos you shoot with the five megapixel camera. The good thing about modern mobiles is that even if the hardware does not change, the software can be manipulated to enhance the functions of a device which is months or even years old. This is true of the Apple iPhone 4 32GB, which has recently been updated with the latest version of the iOS software platform. By upgrading to iOS 4.3 it is possible to make even better use of the storage space available on these mobiles and here we will examine why.

With the average digital music collection running in to the tens of gigabytes and the thousands of individual tracks, it is unreasonable to assume that you will be able to select all of your downloads and transfer every last one of them onto your Apple iPhone 4 32GB. This is something of a conundrum when you consider that the iPhone is arguably an able replacement for the iPod since it offers essentially identical playback capabilities and the added bonus of featuring the ability to make voice calls and send texts. To solve this issue, Apple has added Home Sharing to the latest version of iOS.

Home Sharing is a special system which allows you to stream your music and videos which are linked to your iTunes account directly to your smartphone. It operates over your home Wi-Fi network, or indeed any Wi-Fi connection, provided the PC or Mac upon which they are stored is switched on. This makes the iPhone 4 an even more versatile multimedia device. You can hook it up to your iPod speakers in your living room or bedroom and stream the content from your PC without having to painstaking load across each and every music track.

Another new feature that has been added to mobiles based on iOS with version 4.3 is an enhanced version of AirPlay. This is Apple’s cross-device service which lets you share and view videos and other types of media between them seamlessly. If you have an Apple TV set top box in your living room and an iPhone 4 in your hand you can put up videos you are viewing in the mobiles Safari browser on the big screen at the touch of a virtual button.