(Nov 05, 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 3GS
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.
Price:$299.00 - $299.00 (check prices)
Filed in: Best smartphones, Best MP3 phones, Best video phones , Best AT&T phones
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HTC Hero
Sprint was one of the first carriers to join the Open Handset Alliance when it was founded in November 2007 to promote Google Android. However, unlike T-Mobile, which released the T-Mobile G1 and the T-Mobile MyTouch 3G, the carrier wasn't so quick to offer an Android handset to its customers because it simply didn't think the operating system was "good enough"; that is, until now.
Price:$179.99 - $599.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best Sprint phones
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Motorola Droid
The Droid's display is gorgeous, the Android 2.0 updates are excellent, and the handset is lightning fast, particularly for an Android phone. We'll refrain from using the dreaded "iPhone killer" expression, but comparisons between the two devices are obvious, and we see the Droid as a real competitor to Apple's device. Sure, we had some complaints, but for Verizon's first pass at Android, the Droid more than delivers.
Price:$199.99 - $199.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best smartphones, Best MP3 phones, Best video phones , Best Verizon Wireless phones
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RIM BlackBerry Bold 9700
While the Web browser needs work, we would absolutely recommend the RIM BlackBerry Bold 9700. It features a sleeker design and more power than its predecessor, making it a powerful messaging smartphone that will appeal to consumers and mobile professionals alike.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Filed in: Best smartphones, Best T-Mobile phones
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Samsung Instinct HD
The Instinct HD, aka the SPH-M850, is an upgrade and an improvement to the original Instinct. It offers a sleeker design, a brighter display, and more features. We're a bit ambivalent about the much-hyped "high-definition" support, but it remains a compelling multimedia phone that does a lot of things well. However, its price is a tad galling. At $249 with a two-year Sprint Everything plan and a $100 mail-in rebate, the Instinct HD will cost you more than many smartphones. Sure, the HD camera is nice, but we'd rather pay for real productivity than flashy multimedia.
Price:$249.99 - $649.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best video phones , Best Sprint phones
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