(Jul 02, 2009)
Kent German
Senior Editor
You carry your phone almost everywhere, so it's important that you find the model that's right for you and one that works with your carrier. Fortunately, CNET is here to help. We've chosen five handsets that we think are the top cell phones right now in any category. If you'd like to drill deeper, follow the links at the left for our favorite cell phones in several categories. These lists change frequently, so check back often.
Apple iPhone 3G S
The iPhone 3G S 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 3G S is faster and we appreciate the new features and extended battery life, but call quality and 3G reception still need improvement.
This product is available directly from AT&T, courtesy of CNET. Available June 19th.
Filed in: Best smartphones, Best MP3 phones, Best video phones , Best AT&T phones
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LG enV Touch
The LG enV Touch is no ordinary messaging phone from Verizon Wireless. It has a brilliant touch-screen display on the outside, a similarly stunning display on the inside, and a spacious QWERTY keyboard that's easy to use. Its features aren't too shabby either, with a great 3.2-megapixel camera, a full HTML Web browser, lots of messaging features including corporate email, and it has the speed of EV-DO Rev. A. Despite a few minor gripes, it's still one of the top Verizon Wireless phones we've seen so far.
Price:$99.99 - $599.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best video phones , Best Verizon Wireless phones
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Palm Pre (Sprint)
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 unparalled 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.
Price:$199.99 - $199.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best smartphones, Best Sprint phones
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RIM BlackBerry Curve 8900
Despite the lack of 3G, we would absolutely recommend the RIM BlackBerry Curve 8900. It's a solid device that will appeal to both consumers and mobile professionals, offering a nice balance between work and play and all wrapped up in a sweet little package.
Price:$149.99 - $649.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best smartphones, Best T-Mobile phones
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Samsung Memoir
The Samsung Memoir is the highest-performing camera phone with a U.S. carrier. It definitely delivers in the photo quality department, with great photos and camera features that rival even those on a standalone shooter, and it offers direct uploads to online photo-sharing sites. Of course, the Memoir wouldn't be much of a phone if it didn't have other features, too. It comes with Samsung's proprietary TouchWiz interface, a full HTML browser, support for T-Mobile's 3G network, GPS, a music player, and more.
Price:$579.99 - $579.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best camera phones, Best T-Mobile phones
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