Samsung Galaxy S II
The Samsung Galaxy S II is this season’s most popular alternative to the iPhone. The Android smartphone features a striking 4.3 inch Super AMOLED plus touchscreen backed by a sleek, and surprisingly durable plastic case. It includes an impressive 8-megapixel camera plus front facing camera for video chats. It runs with the newer Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS. While the brilliant screen requires a bit of battery life to run, the iPhone is no different, making it an appropriate alternative. The phone includes all the newest features such as an accelerometer, gyroscope and compass, plus an FM radio.
HTC Incredible S
Adding another Android-run smartphone to the list, the HTC Incredible S runs the Android 2.2 (Froyo) OS. While there is a low 1.1GB of storage (the iPhone 4 features 16GB or 32GB), this amount can be expanded with a MicroSD card. While the screen resolution isn’t as striking as the iPhone 4’s retina display, it is speedy, responsive and without much lag. HTC Incredible S includes extra features like FM radio and Adobe Flash support, and includes a longer standby time for its battery life (370 hours compared to the iPhone 4’s 300 hours).
Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc
Following on with the Android theme, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc also features the Gingerbread 2.3 OS, and an exciting 8.1-megapixel camera. The super slim (8.7mm) and relatively light (117g) phone includes the smartphone essentials in a stylish handset which is wrapped up in a stainless steel ribbon. Users can expect a longer standby time with the Xperia Arc (400 hours vs. the iPhone’s 300 hours), a bigger 4.2 inch screen and a bonus FM radio.
Motorola Defy
While the Motorola Defy is rarely measured up to the iPhone, it is a great alternative if you’re looking for a smartphone with more standby time, lighter, and perhaps more durable. However, the Motorola Defy may not be a suitable alternative if you’re looking for a smartphone with a higher resolution screen, a faster processor and a wider selection of Apps. If the iPhone 4’s Gorilla Glass tempts you, you’ll be pleased to know Motorola has used the same material for the Defy’s screen.
Nokia X6
The Nokia X6 is Nokia’s big stab at the Apple iPhone market. Apple is renowned for their user-friendly and intuitive phones, and Nokia is no different. Each phone features a 5-megapixel camera which is similar in picture quality. The biggest difference between the two devices is price: the iPhone 4 is almost two and a half times the price of the Nokia X6. The Nokia X6 has a smaller screen but it’s still vibrant yet sometimes difficult to see in direct sunlight. Users who feel comfortable with the iPhone’s virtual keyboard may be disappointed by the Nokia X6’s sometimes clunky onscreen QWERTY keyboard.