Highlights of 2011 Smartphones

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ALAN TAM
SHANNON LI
News Editors
Broadly defined as cellphones with high computing capacity and interactivity, smartphones are quickly becoming the new “must-have” electronic. With the staggering variety available on the market, as well as statistics estimating that they make up 31 percent of the cell phone market, the next generation of cellular devices is poised to make more traditional models obsolete. However, this overabundance of options does not mean all phones are equal.
Apple’s iPhone series remains the most popular line of smartphones in the United States. The latest incarnation, iPhone 4, boasts two cameras for video calls as well as a 16 gigabyte hard drive for storage. With a wide range of applications available, there is little trouble in finding a program suitable for any need.
The Evo 4G is an older entry into the smartphone market by Taiwanese company HTC. The device features a large 4.3-inch display as well as extensive connectivity with Sprint’s 4G network. Capable of reaching speeds of 1 gigabyte per second (gbps), the network extends the usability of the Evo and gives Sprint users additional resources to complete assignments.
Google’s Nexus S is a smartphone based on the successful design of the original Nexus. Containing the new Gingerbread Android OS, this phone is the fastest version of Android released yet.
Nokia’s N-8 smartphone comes with the Symbian OS. Installed with a 12 megapixel camera in addition to its long battery life, this device is ahead of the pack in terms of features but the lack application variety and search features are a drawback.