Version: 2008
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Best multimedia smartphones

Bonnie Cha Bonnie Cha, Senior Associate Editor August 25, 2009

It's no secret that smartphones are great tools for getting your job done on the go, but all work and no play can make for a grumpy individual. Fortunately, today's mobiles can easily pass as portable entertainment devices, as manufacturers have begun incorporating more multimedia features into their products. Though these phones won't replace your standalone MP3 player or digital camera just yet, they're certainly capable substitutes when you're in a pinch. Here are six smartphones that we've handpicked for their excellent multimedia features. Whether you need a high-end camera phone or a music-centric device, these smartphones are sure to entertain.

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Product name
Price $149.99 to $749.99 $299.00 $199.99 $299.95 to $549.99 Check Prices $269.99
CNET editors' rating
Average user rating
Review date June 03, 2009 June 17, 2009 October 30, 2008 January 22, 2009 August 18, 2009 April 24, 2009
The Bottom Line Despite some missing features and performance issues that make it less than ideal for on-the-go professionals, the Palm Pre offers gadget lovers and consumers well-integrated features and unparalleled multitasking capabilities. The hardware could be better, but more importantly, Palm has developed a solid OS that not only rivals the competition but also sets a new standard in the way smartphones handle tasks and manage information. The iPhone 3GS doesn't make the same grand leap that the iPhone 3G made from the first-generation model, but the latest Apple handset is still a compelling upgrade for some users. The iPhone 3GS is faster and we appreciate the new features and extended battery life, but call quality and 3G reception still need improvement. For those who waited, the RIM BlackBerry Bold won't disappoint. The Bold impresses with its brilliant display, enhanced productivity tools, and excellent multimedia performance to deliver a more powerful and well-rounded smartphone to mobile professionals. The Nokia N79 might not be the star of the N series devices, but it still shines as a great multimedia smartphone with plenty of features and fast performance. While the lack of 3G and expensive price tag will keep it out of the hands of the masses, the Samsung i890 Omnia HD is a powerful multimedia smartphone that rivals the other high-end touch-screen devices. The Nokia 5800 XpressMusic offers an attractive design and feature set, but the touch-screen phone has some shortcomings compared with the competition.
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Features
Cellular technologyCDMA2000 1X
WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM
WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM
WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM
Info unavailableWCDMA (UMTS) / GSM
Weight4.8 oz
4.8 oz
4.8 oz
3.4 oz
Info unavailable3.8 oz
Wireless InterfaceIEEE 802.11b
IEEE 802.11g
Bluetooth 2.1 EDR
IEEE 802.11b
IEEE 802.11g
Bluetooth 2.1 EDR
IEEE 802.11a
IEEE 802.11b
IEEE 802.11g
Bluetooth 2.0
IEEE 802.11b
IEEE 802.11g
Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
Info unavailableIEEE 802.11b
IEEE 802.11g
Service ProviderSprint Nextel
AT&T
AT&T
Unlocked
Info unavailableUnlocked
Band / modeCDMA 800/1900
WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM 850/900/1800/1900
WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM 850/900/1800/1900
WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Info unavailableWCDMA (UMTS) / GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications
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