HP's Palm phones feature full Qwerty keyboards, ideal for writing emails or working on documents. With a Windows operating system, Palm is a great alternative to Blackberry and will suit PC users perfectly. Palm phones also have plenty of great entertainment features and are designed to move seamlessly between work and play.

LG smartphones are designed with an emphasis on the visual experience, with large screens and fast processors for great video viewing.  LG has also developed a 3D smartphone, Optimus 3D, for a truly immersive experience without 3D glasses.

Apple kicked off the touchscreen smartphone craze in 2007 with the first generation iPhone. Now in its fifth generation with the iPhone 4S, Apple has plenty of competition but every new release has so far been resoundingly popular with the tech media and consumers alike. Apple's third model, the iPhone 3GS, is still selling well and is available for free on some contract plans.

Apple fans praise the focus on design, intuitive touchscreen features and user-friendly operating system installed on all iPhone models. Critics say Apple's operating system is not 'open' enough, limiting what type of software or apps consumers can install on the device. But fans and critics alike would have to agree that despite fierce competition, Apple still sets the trend in the smartphone market.

A relative newcomer to the smartphone market, HTC sees the potential in smartphones. Stylish, well-priced and full of multimedia functionality, HTC phones are designed for having fun with your smartphone. Like Samsung, HTC uses both the Windows and Android operating systems in its phones. The latest models include the Sensation, the Explorer and HTC Rhyme. All have unique features, such as the Beats headset included for the Sensation or the superb organisation abilities of the Explorer.

The Sony Ericsson partnership combined cutting edge mobile technology with an entertainment powerhouse. Sony Ericsson phones are built to give users the best gaming and movie viewing experiences, with fast processors, 3D capabilities on some models, and access to the Sony Entertainment Network. Cameras are also a strong feature on Sony Ericcson phones.

Powered by the Android operating system, The Xperia arc series is ideal for consumers who want an entertainment centre in their pocket.

Before smartphones ruled the world, no-one could beat Nokia for elegant, reliable handsets. Nokia still makes some of the best non-smartphone handsets, ideal for customers who just need a phone to make and receive calls, and these are often available for free on a contract. But the Finnish giant's smartphone operating system lost ground to Apple's iOS, Google's Android or Microsoft's Windows Mobile operating systems.

Nokia will use Microsoft's Windows operating system on future releases and the agreement may help it to regain much of its former popularity. Although the latest smartphone handset from Nokia, the N9, still uses Nokia's own operating system, the phone has been praised for its beautiful design and intuitive swipe navigation.

Like Samsung, Motorola has used the Android operating system to develop some very smart smartphones. Instead of just focusing on fancy technology, Motorola's phones are built for everyday life.

The Defy+ is water, dust and scorch resistant, enabling users to take it anywhere and do anything without worrying about damage. The newest model, an updated version of Motorola's classic Razr, is thin but surprisingly strong. Motorola used Gorilla Glass for the screen, which is tough enough to withstand the odd drop, and Kevlar fibre for the back.

Motorola's phones are perfect for tradies, outdoor enthusiasts or anyone who has ever experienced the pain of a cracked smartphone screen.

Originally aimed at the corporate world, the Blackberry has become synonymous with accessing email and business documents on the go. The Blackberry brand is popular with consumers too, with its easy-to-use Qwerty keyboard, stylish features and multi-tasking efficiency. Recent models like the Blackberry Bold employs both touchscreen and keyboard technology, combining the best of both worlds. Blackberry uses its own operating system and has its own app store.

Although other smartphone brands are now regularly used in the corporate world, the Blackberry is still regarded as one of the most secure and efficient smartphones around.