CTIA Rings Up Killer Smartphones from HTC, Samsung, BlackBerry, Microsoft

by Nicholas Kolakowski

Microsoft has taken (some) of the wraps off its Windows Phone 7 Series devices, showing off the user interface and “hubs” that aggregate Web content and mobile applications.

The newly announced Samsung Galaxy S runs Android 2.1, is powered by a 1GHz processor and features Super AMOLED technology that theoretically makes its screen 20 percent brighter with 20 percent more battery life.

The Samsung Galaxy S features a 5-megapixel camera and a 4-inch screen.

The Samsung Sunburst (left) and Strive (right) will both run on AT&Ts network. The phones feature 2-megapixel cameras and an emphasis on text and video messaging. The Sunburst includes a touch screen, while the Strive has a sliding form factor.

Kyoceras Zio M6000 smartphone, which runs Android 1.6, includes a 3.5-inch screen and 3.2-megapixel camera. Other features include a built-in media player, digital compass and dedicated camera key.

BlackBerry had no new devices debuting at CTIA, but nonetheless the conference saw developments for the popular smartphone line: Skype mobile will be available by March 25 for nine Verizon Wireless 3G BlackBerry and Android smartphones.

The BlackBerry Wireless Headset HS-500.

The Palm Pixi Plus and Palm Pre Plus will arrive on AT&Ts network at an unannounced point in the near future.

The Nokia 5230 Nuron features a 3.2-inch touch screen, with built-in Ovi Maps and Ovi Store for downloading applications. This Nokia smartphone runs on the Symbian operating system.

The Nokia 5230 Nuron also includes a 2-megapixel camera, which allows video recording at up to 640 by 480 pixels.

The LG KM900 Arena features a proprietary LG operating system, a 5-megapixel camera and a full touch screen. Its available on AT&T.

The GzOne Brigade is a ruggedized phone with a full QWERTY keyboard and, for enterprise users who work in rough-and-tumble environments, a document viewer and streamlined access to corporate e-mail.

The GzOne Brigade includes a 3.2-megapixel camera. Protection comes courtesy of a silicon rubber shell beneath a plastic and polyurethane frame.

Googles Nexus One smartphone, built by HTC and running Android 2.1, powers its applications and features via a 1GHz Qualcomm processor.

The newly announced HTC Evo 4G boasts a 4.3-inch touch screen and Android 2.1, but its 4G network capability is whats drawing media attention. Sprint Nextel, Google and HTC have apparently been developing the handset since May 2008.

The HTC Droid Eris, released alongside the Motorola Droid in late 2009, runs Android 1.5.

The HTC HD2 runs Windows Mobile 6.5 and features robust social networking capabilities such as Facebook integration and the HTC Peep widget. It also includes a 5-megapixel camera and a 1GHz Snapdragon processor.