Smartphone

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A smartphone is a cellular telephone with an integrated computer and other features not originally associated with telephones, such as an operating system, Web browsing and the ability to run software applications. The first smartphone was IBM's Simon, which was presented as a concept device (rather than a consumer device) at the 1992 COMDEX computer industry trade show.

What's the difference between a smartphone and a cell phone?

When Simon debuted, the smartphone's features clearly differentiated it from other cell phones, which at that time were just telephones that didn't need a landline connection. There is no standard definition that clearly delineates a smartphone -- many devices marketed simply as cell phones offer similar features to those marketed as smartphones.

smartphone by Navya

The first smartphone was designed by IBM and sold by BellSouth (formerly part of the AT&T Corporation) in 1993. It included a touchscreen interface for accessing its calendar, address book, calculator, and other functions. As the market matured and solid-state computer memory and integrated circuits became less expensive over the following decade, smartphones became more computer-like, and more more-advanced services, such as Internet access, became possible. Advanced services became ubiquitous with the introduction of the so-called third-generation (3G) mobile phone networks in 2001. Before 3G, most mobile phones could send and receive data at a rate sufficient for telephone calls and text messages. Using 3G, communication takes place at bit-rates high enough for sending and receiving photographs, video clips, music files, e-mails, and more. Most smartphone manufacturers license an operating system, such as Microsoft Corporation’s Windows Mobile OS, Symbian OS, Google’s Android OS, or Palm OS. Research in Motion’s BlackBerry and Apple Inc.’s iPhone have their own proprietary systems.

Some vendor or analyst-suggested requirements for designation as a smartphone:

• A recognized mobile operating system, such as Nokia's Symbian, Google's Android, Apple's iOS or the BlackBerry OS
  
• Internet connectivity
  
• A mobile browser
  
• The ability to sync more than one email account to the device
  
• Embedded memory
  
• Hardware and/or software-based QWERTY keyboard
  
• Wireless synchronization with other devices, such as laptop or desktop computers
  
• The ability to download applications and run them independently
  
• Support for third-party applications
  
• The ability to run multiple applications simultaneously
  
• Touchscreen
  
• Wi-Fi
  

 camera

A phone's camera quality depends on a whole host of variables. More megapixels will always sound better on a fact sheet, but we know some good 13-megapixel cameras that take better photos than a bad 20-megapixel shooter. (Read on and see the bottom section for more details.)
Also important are the lens quality, which could aid the sensor by exposing it to more light. The sensor itself might also offer a lower pixel count, but be more sensitive to illumination, resulting in better performance in low-light conditions.
Many phones -- such as those from HTC and Microsoft (formerly Nokia) -- ship with fancy image processors that promise high image quality, plus the horsepower to drive the camera and autofocusing systems faster. The end result is nimble shot-to-shot times with minimal shutter lag.

Apple's iSight camera improves year after year, with optical image stabilization being introduced to the iPhone line with 2014's 6 Plus. And though its megapixel count remained at 8, Apple upped the ante to 12 with the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus. Sarah Tew/CNET 

 

 Motorola Moto X Force

The Motorola Moto X Force is truly the king of all smartphones. With its incredible shatterproof display, you never need to worry about breaking your phone's screen ever again. We've hit it with a baseball bat, chucked it on the floor (concrete or otherwise) and it's come out completely unscathed.

 Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge

It's eye-wateringly expensive, but the Galaxy S6 Edge really is one of the most desirable phones on the planet right now. Its curved edges look stunning, and it's got plenty of power behind it, too, thanks to Samsung's octa-core Exynos 7420 chip. Its 2,560x1,440 Super AMOLED display is equally stunning, producing rich, vibrant colours and ultra-deep blacks. Its 16-megapixel camera is also fantastic. If you want a smartphone that will truly wow your friends and family, the Galaxy S6 Edge is the phone to buy.

Apple iPhone 6

It took Apple a while, but it finally increased screen size with the iPhone 6 range. Now with a 4.7in display, a fast processor, improved battery life and iOS 8.1, the iPhone 6 is an improvement in every way on the iPhone 5S. We also think that it strikes the perfect balance between screen size and physical size, making it the best iPhone for most people.

OnePlus 2

When it first launched in 2015, you needed a special invite to get hold of OnePlus' excellent OnePlus 2, but now those restrictions have been lifted, allowing anyone to get one of the best flagship smartphones of 2015 for just under £300. With its top-end specs and great camera, the OnePlus 2 gives almost every other premium smartphone a real run for its money, providing an excellent alternative to both the Nexus 5X and Moto X Play. If you're after the best value smartphone money can buy, the OnePlus 2 is the phone for you.

 Sony Xperia Z5 Compact

If the Z5 is just a little bit too big for your pocket, the Z5 Compact is the phone for you. While its screen only has a 720p resolution rather than Full HD, the Z5 Compact is just as fast as its big brother and has exactly the same camera sensor, making it excellent value for a miniature flagship smartphone. It's also got a fantastic display and a beautiful design, borrowing the same frosted glass finish as the Z5.