Smart Phone Wars: Is the iPhone Really the Best in Its Class?

The iPhone is a nifty little device from Apple, creators of the Macintosh computer brand and the iPod. It has caused mass hysteria between the technology gurus and the amateurs alike. With its sleek look and design, it is the phone to get even with its hefty initial $600 price tag. From web surfing to music playing, this little phone packs a bunch of features to keep all fans happy. With other copycats emerging on the market in the recent and upcoming months, can the "Jesus Phone" really be the best out there?

With many people calling the iPhone the most anticipated piece of technology coming out this year (other than Halo 3), many other companies have been planning their own attempts at this new innovation. Some other companies have taken a look at the iPhone and felt that they can do better. Samsung and LG have taken a crack at the iPhone with many upgrades and improvements of their own. These other devices are really bringing into question the future of the iPhone. Will these other products improve over some of the cons of the iPhone and win over the hearts of the general public? Lets take a look at three.

LG Prada KE850

LG has linked up with the Italian designer of the brand Prada to create an sleek copycat of the iPhone. Within its 3 inch screen, almost the whole device is controlled by the touch screen, including all of the menus. It has a flash based interface that sports a black and white contrast with the icons fading in and out as they are being used. The massive screen is also nice because it provides crisp and clear resolution. It features a Kodak manufactured lens which means clearer pictures and videos. It also has an impressive video feature that the iPhone certainly lacks. Also, with the ability to save up to 1000 contacts, you'll never need to write down someone's information again (this is of course, unless you know 1,001 people).

On the con side, it is up to the consumer to debate on whether the basic calling buttons on the KE850 are better than the single home button on the iPhone. The call quality is better than the iPhone, however, the 3 hours talk time may seem a little short for some. It lacks Wi-Fi networking so that means no fast connections between individuals. Its cons go on with a lack of internal memory. This means you'll shell out more dollars just for a memory card. If that wasn't bad up enough, its flash interface is cool but lacks the true features of a true operating system.

Overall, I believe that this is a great phone for someone who wants to be noticed for having a Prada product. The features don't really stand up to the iPhone (except for the nifty picture and video capabilities). To dish out the price of this range ($600 to $900), this phone better fulfill my sexual needs as well as do my laundry. In comparison to the iPhone, it just doesn't cut it as an iPhone comparision.

Samsung P520

Samsung's attempt to combat the iPhone, the P520, is a very sleek diversion of Apple's revenue. Sporting Samsung's latest 3 megapixel sensor camera, it will capture clean video and pictures. A very small phone, supposedly the size of a credit card or a small calculator, it will even have a Giorgio Armani version. If you want a smaller smart phone with a touch screen interface, this is a nice alternative to the iPhone. Now let's discuss the disappointments.

With its reported poor battery life, this phone will most definitely have to be charged frequently. I don't know if that's too much of a big issue for you guys but I know it would annoy the hell out of me. It only has an internal storage of 50MB which again means you'll be paying more than just the hefty price tag for a memory card. Another problem with it is that it only logs 20 calls. That's 20 missed, received and dialed. Big bummer there. It will only be available to Europe in the near future and might possibly extend to Asia. The price will be around $850 dollars so if you want it you'd better start saving your pennies now.

In my opinion, it is a better investment than the lacking Prada phone, but is no where as good as the iPhone. It has a nice look to it but again for that price, it should ATLEAST have some James Bondish features like cloaking and a grappling hook. Too expensive for an iPhone copycat that isn't even as good as the iPhone. Nice phone but the small disappointments will keep me from borrowing from my retirement account for it.

Verizon Voyager VX10000

LG has missed its target with the Prada phone but it attempts again with the Verizon Voyager, an impressive piece of machinery. It will feature all of the common Verizon features such as the VCast TV and music elements. It also will feature GPS and a significantly faster internet browsing system than the iPhone. While some called the iPhone at bit disappointing in its web surfacing aspect, the Voyager will definitely be a big improvement on that behalf. Probably the coolest feature of this phone will be its touch screen and QWERTY keyboard that slides from underneath (Neat!).

There hasn't been much negative press surrounding this phone except for the fact that I have to wait till next month for its release.

Overall, this will probably be the iPhone's biggest rival. Verizon itself called the Voyager VX10000 "he iPhone killer". I believe that LG will hit its mark with this device. Although may not completely send iPhone users in its direction, it will be a sure thing that this holiday season will boast a smart phone rivalry between the two. The faster internet system and hidden QWERTY keyboard might just allow the Voyager to achieve victory in popularity.

It is no doubt the iPhone is an innovative product that is one of the first in its class. The numerous attempts to outperform it, however, have the Apple preparing for war. They've even lowered the price (to $400) to prepare for a lot of the new smart phone releases this holiday season. The Voyager being the most impressive competition out of them all, it will be interesting to see what Apple does next.