Best cell phones of 2008

Kent German, Senior Editor April 6, 2009

As 2008 draws to a close, we take this opportunity to look back at the cell phones that were born this year. As usual, we could barely keep up with all the new handsets, but that didn't stop a few handsets from standing out above the rest. Before we start, I admit I did steal a couple of models from Bonnie Cha's top smartphones of 2008 list. Also, because this forum limits me to just a few phones, I had to leave out other models that we liked. But of all the phones of 2008, here are the top picks of the year.

Of course, we'd be remiss if we didn't nominate the Apple iPhone 3G. Yes, it had its stumbles when it first went on sale, but Apple's device remains a potent force in the cell phone world. Even with its faults, it still set the standard for a music phone and a mobile Internet browser. Hot on its heels is the T-Mobile G1. Though we had issues with its design and lack of features, I still think the Google Android Platform represents an exciting change in the cell phone world. Speaking of touch screens, the LG Dare for Verizon Wireless is another winner of the year. It offers a great combination of features, design, and performance. LG and Verizon also get an honorable mention with the LG enV(2). AT&T's Sony Ericsson W760 is so good it won our Editors' Choice Award. Besides being a super world phone, it also offers an excellent player. A recent entry is the Motorola ZN5. Made for T-Mobile, it not only takes good photos but its integrated Wi-Fi makes it easy to get the photos off the phone. Finally, there's the Samsung Instinct for Sprint. I know some people will bemoan its presence on this list, but I still think it's pretty cool. And in case you just want a phone that makes calls, try the Samsung Knack or the Motorola i335.