"Communication is the key to understanding", one ex told us, and what comes to mind first when you hear the word communication these days, is your cell phone. Smartphones and gadgets are not geek-only anymore, to the extent that even your non-tech sweetheart is often spilling out words like “app”, “Android” or “tablet”, trying to nudge you in the right direction. If you are scratching your head what to give your guy for Valentine's Day, these days the latest smartphone is a no-brainer.
The funny part is that cell phones are becoming your most personal possession so fast, that girls wouldn't consider a smartphone unromantic anymore. On the contrary, one of these gadgets, or a desired accessory for it is on the top of the wishlist for Valentine's Day, so let's have a look at what the mobile world has to offer for your sweetheart this year.
AT&T
The best Android phones are still to come to AT&T (yes, we are looking at you, Motorola ATRIX 4G and Samsung Infuse 4G), so you might want to hold your horses for a little bit longer, until they go on preorder, but there are plenty of other choices on America's largest GSM network...
Apple iPhone 4 - again a no-brainer. With the launch of the Verizon iPhone 4, the AT&T version's sales should slow down to an extent, which might release the strain on its data network, so current and future users of Apple's iconic phone should actually be grateful - let the carrier think about the financial implications. On top of that, this phone keeps value like no other, not to mention that if you pick the iPhone 3GS, it will run you just $49 on a contract now.
Samsung Captivate - again, the AT&T version of the Galaxy S offers a gorgeous 4" Super AMOLED screen and a powerful chipset in a slim package, which make it the best Android phone currently offered by AT&T.
HTC Surround - if your sweetheart is a music aficionado, nothing beats that Windows Phone 7 handset with a minimalistic interface, and powerful external speaker.
Samsung Sunbirst - it is not all smartphones on AT&T. This one is a futuristic-looking candybar, with a cool design, 3" touchscreen, 2MP camera and GPS. The best part - it's available for free, if you get it with a two-year contract!
If you really want to impress your loved one, get her/him a Verizon LTE USB stick for access to the carrier's 4G network, and pay the 2-year contract's worth for mobile broadband anywhere. We kid, we kid, Verizon has many other enticing offers so you can pay a tribute to your relationship.
Verizon iPhone 4 - this one is a no-brainer. Now the wait is finally over for Verizon subscribers to get the most desired phone on the planet. Appealing to guys and gals alike, you can't go wrong with this present, even if there is not a single Swarovski crystal on it.
Samsung Fascinate - still one of the best Android phones out there, it has a large 4" screen to keep your sweetie entertained with movies or books on-the-go.
Motorola DROID Pro - if you are dating the business type (lucky you), this handset will be more than they ever wished for. With BlackBerry style keyboard, but harnessing the power of the Android operating system, it is an enticing handset for getting work done on-the-run.
Sprint has been one of the best last year at outing drool-worthy Android phones. We are still waiting for this year's surprise, but in the meantime the carrier's offerings are still some of the best:
HTC EVO 4G - the first 4G phone in the US still has a lot going for it - a large 4.3" screen for watching movies, and capable camera. What's more, it is now running Android 2.2 Froyo, unlike some others otherwise great phones in Sprint's stable (yes, you, Epic 4G).
HTC EVO Shift 4G - think of it as a smaller, faster EVO, with a physical keyboard and Android 2.2. It will certainly appeal to the business side of your sweetheart, if they had the chance to own it.
Sanyo Innuendo - attention-grabbing design and advanced messaging capabilities is all your loved one might need to stay in touch and keep the flame alive.
If your loved one happens to be a T-Mobile customer, or thinking to switch, they are in luck , as the carrier currently offers one of the best phone selection, maybe to compensate for its number four status amongst the large US carriers:
T-Mobile myTouch 4G - this phone is one of the best value-for-money Android handsets currently offered. A generous 3.8" screen is powered by a fast Snapdragon chipset. The handset comes in several colors, and has a capable camera with LED flash.
T-Mobile G2 - another strong Android 2.2 offering in T-Mo's portfolio, with solid industrial design. This one will cover the business person in your life, thanks to the slide-out keyboard with a cool Z-hinge mechanism.
LG Optimus T - a decent Android phone in a number of colors for which you don't have to break the bank, and still give your sweetheart the gift of Froyo.
LG dLite - let's face it, this affordable phone looks extremely cool, but don't give it to your boyfriend. Its candy colors and head-turning LED lighting on the outer shell will find a way to your girl's heart, and, who knows, you might sneak in there permanently as well.
The old continent is getting into smartphones as much as the US, but the offerings are slightly different, so let's round up what might score you Valentine's Day points:
Apple iPhone 4 - this one's exclusivity in Europe has long gone, and you can have it on almost any major carrier. In Europe carrier subsidies are even larger than in the US, so you can even give it as the gift of free to your loved one, if we don't count the contract duration, of course.
HTC Desire HD - large 4.3" screen, Android 2.2 Froyo, and a fast chipset powering the phone with a HTC Sense UI is nothing to sniff at, and it will be a great phone for the big display lover in your life.
Nokia N8 – Unlike in the US, Nokia has a strong presence in Europe, and its flagship phone comes in several colors for its anodized aluminum shell to suit both a guy and a girl. It has the most capable camera of any smartphone, and many people in Europe are familiar with the oldie-but-goodie Symbian platform.
Samsung Wave - affordable, yet capable smartphone with Samsung's own operating system bada. Thin metal shell meets Super AMOLED screen and powerful Hummingbird processor. This combo is sure to appeal to your sweetheart, but it also adds a great camera, capable of capturing some of the most fluid video clips we've seen on a smartphone
Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 mini pro - the cute munchkin is a real head-turner, which, besides a nice and easy to use camera and great loudspeaker, has a bunch of color options, which your sweetheart can change to suit her mood.
Daniel, a devoted tech writer at PhoneArena since 2010, has been engrossed in mobile technology since the Windows Mobile era. His expertise spans mobile hardware, software, and carrier networks, and he's keenly interested in the future of digital health, car connectivity, and 5G. Beyond his professional pursuits, Daniel finds balance in travel, reading, and exploring new tech innovations, while contemplating the ethical and privacy implications of our digital future.
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