Is the iPhone killer in sight?

Flavour of the month: iPhone killer in sight?

Mobile handset vendors are doing the best they can to come up with a magic phone that can stack up against the iPhone

Priya Padmanabhan

Friday, August 08, 2008

BANGALORE, INDIA: Though it is still early days for any potential iPhone killer, there are some compelling phones loaded with touch screen and, not to mention, umpteen bells and whistles that are trying to take a stab at the iPhone market.

The ones that come close are those that can compare or exceed the iPhone’s performance, price and features such as touch and 3G capabilities.

Here's a look at some of the contenders:

HTC Touch Diamond

This sleek smart phone promises touch access to features such as the mobile web, photos and music. Launched this June in India, the phone is exclusively available with Bharti Airtel at present.

Some of the features of this smart Touch phone include a 3D user interface, a 2.8 inch display, a 3.2 megapixel camera and 4 GB of storage. HTC Touch Diamond comes with both GSM and 3G connectivity. HTC has already sold over a million pieces the world over since its launch.

Price: Around: Rs. 27,500 ($640)

Samsung Instinct

This black beauty sports a neat, easy-to-use interface, 3G data access, on-demand video, full-track music downloads, voice commands and size and weight that matches the iPhone.

The phone even moves a notch up above the iPhone on the Touchscreen front with the haptic feedback technology (small vibrations in response to touch).

The Instinct has an expandable 8GB flash memory, 2.0 megapixel camera with video recording, full e-mail and web browsing capabilities. The phone has been released in the US and Canada to rave reviews.

Price: Around Rs. 5500 ($130)

LG Voyager

This CDMA phone comes with large touchscreen, QWERTY keyboard, Mobile TV, 2.0 Megapixel camera, and GPS capabilities. It is co-marketed by Verizon Wireless in the US.

The Voyager's functions include portable media player, and Internet services including email and Internet surfing. It supports the EVDO data technology.

Price: Around Rs. 6500 ($150)

BlackBerry Thunder

Although this much touted phone is unreleased as yet, the initial buzz around the Thunder is exciting. The Thunder is BlackBerry’s first ever Touch Screen handset and details of its specs though a bit sketchy, sound promising.

Some of the details of the phone include Full Touch Screen; 4 Simple Keys: send, end, menu, and back; Hybrid device supporting many carrier technologies. Verizon Wireless in the US and Vodafone in Europe have already tied with Research in Motion (RIM).

The only bad news is that Blackberry Thunder is no where near market ready yet. But when its time does come, it would be interesting to watch if this RIM offering can steal the iPhone’s "Thunder."

Price: Not yet known.

©CyberMedia News

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CasualSoul said on 8/14/2008 5:04:40 AM:
Sony Ericssons Xperia 1 will be pricey, but will likely crush them all. Probably the only true iPhone3G killer and not just competitor. Its scheduled to be released in the next month or two. Its been a long time coming.

to CasualSoul

Harkant said on 8/11/2008 8:49:24 PM:
There have been many - the so called "iPod killers" - but iPod couldnt be surpassed. Sam is going to bethe scene with iPhone

to Harkant

Sridhar said on 8/8/2008 10:45:16 PM:
the prices given for the other phones (except htc touch diamond) are for the locked versions with a 2yr contract..

to Sridhar

Rao Machiraju said on 8/8/2008 8:41:24 PM:
The point with iPhone is the entire user experience. Not the quantitative measurements alone. The navigation, ease of use, applications, integration with itunes, the OS, App. store and such. So, you need to compare on all these attributes. The sum is greater than partsvery much applies here.

to Rao Machiraju

vipul said on 8/8/2008 8:22:08 PM:
but then also iPhone will be iPhone. according to me they are not competitors...

to vipul

scleb said on 8/8/2008 7:25:35 PM:
no comments, only play

to scleb

Sharad Jadham said on 8/8/2008 6:52:40 PM:
Still the leader Nokia doesnt have come with any of phone which can give iphone a run for its money, can we expect similar product from Nokia !!! hey Nokians are you listening ...

to Sharad Jadham