The Latest, Greatest Smart Phones

Despite the emergence of stronger competitors, Apple's iPhone 4 remains the gold standard. The new fourth model is a big change from the previous model, with a nice, higher resolution, a front camera for video conferencing, and an improved 5-megapixel rear camera with flash for still shots. The slimmer design features glass-resistant glass on the front and back and stainless steel on the sides. There are also over 200,000 apps for iPhone 4 in the online App Store. (Operator: AT&T. Price: $200 for 16GB of memory, $300 for 32GB of memory with a new two-year contract. )

But this phone is not perfect. Currently, FaceTime video chat only works with other iPhone 4 phones, and each device must be connected to a Wi-Fi (not 3G) network. This may change in the future if more competing devices become available via video chat apps.

Another change is coming: The special service agreement with AT&T will end. Reports say Verizon may become a service provider next year.

4G is a big user of electricity. The HTC EVO 4G ($200 at Sprint with a two-year contract and $100 mail-in rebate) is big, bold, and trendsetter. It's the first smartphone to run on Sprint's new 4G (fourth-generation) wireless network, promising data transfers ten times faster than the carrier's 3G system. The 4.3-inch screen is quite large compared to standard phones; making it great for streaming fans, texting enthusiasts, and photography enthusiasts who frequently use the front and back of the Evo. Unfortunately, battery life is the phone's Achilles heel. With regular use (a few calls such as surfing, internet radio and a video or two) the Evo will run out of charge before the end of the day. Still, its neat features make the Evo a great phone choice.

Smart kid. The MyTouch 3G Slide (T-Mobile, $180, two-year contract, $50 discount online) may not be as large or attractive as similar products, but it has a premium design, is complete and easy to use. The Genius button in the upper-right corner of the screen is particularly clever. Let's say you're driving in a foreign city and you need gas. Click the Genius button, say out loud "Find a gas station"; MyTouch will show nearby gas stations on the map in seconds. The phone also provides voice instructions. Competing devices also support audio, but the Genius button works best.

MyTouch's scrollable qwerty keyboard is very useful for those who do not have the patience to type on the screen. If you're used to tapping screens, the included Swype program can speed up text entry. Instead of clicking on a letter (c-a-t), you can drag your finger from c to t. Swype recognizes the word cat and enters it.

Moving monsters. Like the Evo 4G, the Motorola Droid X (Verizon Wireless, $200 with a two-year contract) is a big phone with a glossy 4.3-inch display. The Droid Swype included for easier messaging.

Like the Evo 4G and MyTouch 3G, the Droid X runs Google's Android software, which means the phone is highly customizable. This camera has more shooting options than the iPhone 4. The Droid X's storage is expandable up to 40GB (8GB on-device plus 32GB with memory card in expansion). The iPhone 4 comes with a decent 16GB or 32GB of storage but no expansion.