More > Featured Review

HTC HD2

More > Featured News

Opera Mobile 10 Gets Introduced; Video...

More > Featured Rumor

Symbian Death Nearing? Nokia to Jump...

More > Recent Tweak

Get Four of Five Rows of Icons in (not...

More > Marketplace Pick

Kick Some Asphalt 4

You are in a Review

Browse by Category:

A Plethora of Choices

Windows Mobile Devices on the Carriers: US Edition

By: Brandon Miniman | Date: 1-Dec-08 | Comments

This article is broken into four sections for the four carriers. For each device we give you an overview of the device's good and bad features, plus offer an overall opinion. If you want a more thorough look at a particular device, there are links to our reviews following the "For more info" section. Finally, at the end of each section, we have a comparison grid that offers a summary of the specifications of each device and pricing information with a two-year service agreement and after any carrier incentives and rebates.

Verizon Wireless

- Samsung Omnia -

The Good:

Sleek design, thin, lightweight, optical mouse, large touchscreen, 8GB internal memory, WiFi/aGPS/FM Radio, good performance, good battery life, widget interface, 5.0MP autofocus camera with flash, great browser, accelerometer

The Bad:

No built in stylus, screen resolution is low, no hardware keyboard.

Overall Take:

The Omnia on Verizon is a great device for those who want an iPhone-like form factor with the power of Windows Mobile. It does a great job with multimedia and has plenty of built-in storage, has a terrific camera, utilizes a widget-based interface, and does automatic screen rotation in any screen. The business user may not appreciate the lack of keyboard and inbuilt stylus. Right now it can be had for

$199.99

on a 2-year contract.

For more info:

Read the pocketnow.com review (GSM version). Visit PDAdb.net for detailed specs.

- Samsung Saga -

The Good:

Sleek design, thin, hardware keyboard, optical mouse, touchscreen, world-phone capable, good one-handed usability, WiFi/aGPS, great browser

The Bad:

Use of powder blue may deter some, smallish screen, camera only 2.0MP and doesn't have flash

Overall Take:

The Saga on Verizon, which is the CDMA version of the Samsung SGH-i780, is a good choice for those that prefer a candy-bar style QWERTY keyboard device that provides excellent one-handed usability. It has no user interface enhancement, so it may disappoint those looking for a unique visual experience. Right now it can be had for

$199.99

on a 2-year contract.

For more info:

Visit PDAdb.net for detailed specs.

- Motorola Q9c/m -

The Good:

Thin, fantastic keyboard, good one-handed usability, aGPS

The Bad:

No touchscreen, no WiFi, smallish screen, camera only 1.3MP with no flash, basic browser

Overall Take:

The Motorola Q9c on Verizon is an older device, so it doesn't bring anything unique or innovative to the table. That said, many consider the keyboard on the Q9c to be top-notch, and one-handed usability to be great. This is a good phone for messaging-centric users who don't need something flashy. Right now it can be had for

$149.99

on a 2-year contract.

For more info:

Read the pocketnow.com review (GSM version). Visit PDAdb.net for detailed specs.

- HTC Touch Pro-

The Good:

Full slide-out keyboard, high resolution VGA touchscreen, WiFi/FM Radio/aGPS, TouchFLO 3D interface, good 3.2MP autofocus camera, great browser, accelerometer

The Bad:

Bulky, pricey, less RAM than other HTC Touch Pro variants

Overall Take:

The HTC Touch Pro on Verizon, although not having as much RAM as Touch Pros on other carriers, is a device for the power-user who wants a great keyboard, a high resolution screen, excellent web browsing, and robust messaging. This is also a good phone for the multimedia user. Right now it can be had for

$349.99

on a 2-year contract.

For more info:

Read the pocketnow.com review (GSM version). Visit PDAdb.net for detailed specs.

	CPU	ROM	RAM	Screen	Resolution	WiFi?	Camera	Battery	Price
Omnia	624MHz	8GB	128MB	3.2"	400x240	Yes	5.0MP	1440mAh	$199
Saga	384MHz	256MB	128MB	2.6"	320x320	Yes	1.9MP	1300mAh	$199
Q9c	312MHz	128MB	64MB	2.5"	320x240	No	1.3MP	1170mAh	$149
Touch Pro	528MHz	512MB	160MB	2.8"	640x480	Yes	3.2MP	1340mAh	$349

T-Mobile

- T-Mobile Shadow-

The Good:

Sleek design, slide-down SureType keyboard, innovative "Neo" carousel interface, WiFi, great price

The Bad:

No touchscreen, lacks GPS, camera has no flash, basic browser, no 3G

Overall Take:

The T-Mobile Shadow is an older device but continues to be a favorite among Sidekick users that want to get into using Smartphones. The site AllShadow.com has become a resource for Shadow users that want to tweak and modify their device. The Shadow II is expected out sometime in early 2009. A Shadow can be had for just

$49.99

on a 2-year agreement

For more info:

Read the pocketnow.com review. Visit PDAdb.net for detailed specs.

- T-Mobile Dash -

The Good:

Sleek design, thin, great keyboard, good one-handed usability, durable, Wifi

The Bad:

No touchscreen, lacks GPS, camera has no flash, not enough program memory, basic browser, no 3G

Overall Take:

The T-Mobile Dash is an older device but continues to be a favorite among those looking for a good phone with messaging capabilities and a fantastic hardware keyboard, plus slick form factor. The Dash can be had for

$99.99

with a 2-year contract.

For more info:

Read the pocketnow.com review. Visit PDAdb.net for detailed specs.

- T-Mobile Wing-

The Good:

Feels good in hand with a rubbery coating, touchscreen, WiFi, nice-sized slide-out keyboard

The Bad:

Lacks GPS, overpriced, poor performance due to slow CPU and limited RAM, low resolution screen, camera has no flash, basic browser, no 3G

Overall Take:

The T-Mobile Wing is an older device that should probably be pulled from T-Mobile's product line. Its slow processor and lack of RAM makes the device feel slow and cumbersome to use, especially for power users. Even its great keyboard cannot make up for the hardware shortfalls. The Wing is priced high at

$299.99

with a 2-year agreement.

For more info:

Read the pocketnow.com review. Visit PDAdb.net for detailed specs.

	CPU	ROM	RAM	Screen	Resolution	WiFi?	Camera	Battery	Price
Shadow	201MHz	256MB	128MB	2.6"	320x240	Yes	1.9MP	920mAh	$49
Dash	201MHz	128MB	64MB	2.4"	320x240	Yes	1.3MP	960mAh	$99
Wing	201MHz	128MB	64MB	2.8"	320x240	Yes	1.9MP	1130mAh	$299

AT&T Wireless

- Samsung Epix -

The Good:

Sleek design, optical mouse, touchscreen, many programmable hardware keys, aGPS/WiFi, full keyboard, good one-handed usability, great battery life

The Bad:

Feels thick, keys on the keyboard are difficult to press, smallish screen, no flash on camera, basic browser

Overall Take:

The Samsung Epix is the US version of the Samsung SGH-i780. The Epix is perfect for those seeking the best in one-handed usability and programmable hardware key options. With the square-aspect screen, it's not the best multimedia phone. Right now it can be had for

$199.99

on a 2-year contract.

For more info:

Read the pocketnow.com review. Visit PDAdb.net for detailed specs.

- LG Incite -

The Good:

Sleek design, good-sized touchscreen, looks high-end, has a proximity sensor and accelerometer, WiFi/aGPS/FM Radio, great Today screen, Pandora radio (with subscription)

The Bad:

Feels thick, poor build quality, browser isn't good, laggy performance, screen is low resolution, lacks a D-Pad, poor camera with no flash

Overall Take:

The LG Incite is LG's first smartphone in the US. Although it includes many features of higher end smartphones like FM Radio and an accelerometer, issues with build quality and performance keep us from recommending it. Right now it can be had for

$199.99

on a 2-year contract.

For more info:

Read the pocketnow.com review. Visit PDAdb.net for detailed specs.

- Samsung BlackJack II -

The Good:

Sleek design, available in multiple colors, thin, aGPS, good one-handed usability, great battery life, rotary scroll wheel

The Bad:

Smallish screen, basic browsing, no touchscreen, low program memory, camera lacks a flash, no WiFi, basic browser

Overall Take:

The BlackJack II, an older device, is essentially an Epix but without a touchscreen and is a favorite among young people who want a good phone for text messaging and basic email. The BlackJack is a basic device with good one-handed usability, and the price is low. Right now it can be had for

$49.99

on a 2-year contract.

For more info:

Read the pocketnow.com review. Visit PDAdb.net for detailed specs.

- Moto Q Global-

The Good:

Thin, also comes in silver, fantastic keyboard, good one-handed usability, good battery life, aGPS

The Bad:

No touchscreen, no WiFi, smallish screen, camera has no flash, basic browser, basic browser

Overall Take:

The Motorola Q Global is an older device and is similar to the BlackJack in that it's a basic device, best suited towards text messaging and emailing. Some consider this device to have one of the best keyboards of all time. Right now it can be had for

$99.99

on a 2-year contract.

For more info:

Read the pocketnow.com review. Visit PDAdb.net for detailed specs.

- HTC Fuze -

The Good:

Full slide-out keyboard, high resolution VGA screen, WiFi/FM Radio/aGPS, TouchFLO 3D interface, good 3.2MP autofocus camera, great browser, accelerometer

The Bad:

Bulky, pricey

Overall Take:

The HTC Fuze on AT&T is a device for the power-user who wants a great keyboard and a fantastic user interface, plus robust messaging. This is also a good phone for the multimedia user. Right now it can be had for

$399.99

on a 2-year contract.

For more info:

Read the pocketnow.com review (GSM version). Visit PDAdb.net for detailed specs.

- Tilt -

The Good:

Great tilting screen, full slide-out QWERTY keyboard, good performance, aGPS, WiFi

The Bad:

Bulky, heavy, low resolution screen, basic browser

Overall Take:

Based off of the HTC TyTN II, the Tilt is an older device from AT&T, but has been a favorite among power users for quite some time with its great performance, robust feature set, and innovative tilting screen. The Fuze is replacing this device, though with a price that is half its successor, the Tilt still may be a good option for those looking for a capable and trusted smartphone on AT&T, and can be had for

$199.99

with a 2-year agreement.

For more info:

Read the pocketnow.com review. Visit PDAdb.net for detailed specs.

- Pantech Duo -

The Good:

Dual-sliding keyboards, snappy performance, color choices, good price

The Bad:

Bulky, no GPS or WiFi, poor build quality, no touchscreen, not enough RAM, QWERTY keyboard is not spring-assisted, basic browser

Overall Take:

The Pantech Duo is an older device, and rumor has it that it will soon be replaced by a new version. The Duo is a very entry-level Window Mobile device that may be good for young users who want a good text messaging phone. It can be had for

$79.99

with a 2-year agreement.

For more info:

Read the pocketnow.com review. Visit PDAdb.net for detailed specs.

	CPU	ROM	RAM	Screen	Resolution	WiFi?	Camera	Battery	Price
Epix	624MHz	256MB	128MB	2.5"	320x320	Yes	1.9MP	1800mAh	$199
Incite	528MHz	256MB	128MB	3.0"	400x240	Yes	3.1MP	1300mAh	$199
BJ II	360MHz	256MB	128MB	2.4"	320x240	No	1.9MP	1700mAh	$49
Q Global	325MHz	256MB	96MB	2.4"	320x240	No	3.2MP	1170mAh	$99
Fuze	528MHz	512MB	288MB	2.8"	640x480	Yes	3.2MP	1340mAh	$399
Tilt	400MHz	256MB	128MB	2.8"	320x240	Yes	3.0MP	1350mAh	$199
Ptech Duo	416MHz	128MB	64MB	2.2"	320x240	No	1.3MP	1320mAh	$79

Sprint

- Moto Q 9c -

The Good:

Thin, fantastic keyboard, good one-handed usability, aGPS

The Bad:

No touchscreen, no WiFi, smallish screen, camera has no flash, low program memory, basic browser, basic browser

Overall Take:

The Motorola Q 9c on Sprint is an older device that is virtually identical to the Verizon Q9c, save for a few visual cues, and it doesn't bring anything unique or innovative to the table. That said, many consider the keyboard on the Q9c to be top-notch, and one-handed usability to be great. This is a good phone for messaging-centric users who don't need something flashy. Right now it can be had for

$99.99

on a 2-year contract.

For more info:

Read the pocketnow.com review (GSM version). Visit PDAdb.net for detailed specs.

- Samsung Ace -

The Good:

Sleek design, available in multiple colors, thin, world phone capable, GPS, good one-handed usability, great battery life, rotary scroll wheel

The Bad:

Smallish screen, basic browsing, no touchscreen, low program memory, camera lacks a flash, no WiFi, low program memory, basic browser

Overall Take:

The Samsung Ace, another older device, is similar to the BlackJack II on AT&T. The Ace is a basic device with good one-handed usability. Right now it can be had for

$99.99

on a 2-year contract.

For more info:

Read the pocketnow.com review. Visit PDAdb.net for detailed specs.

- HTC Touch Diamond -

The Good:

Sleek design, thin, high resolution VGA screen, WiFi/FM Radio/aGPS, TouchFLO 3D interface, good 3.2MP autofocus camera, great browser, accelerometer

The Bad:

Pricey, lack of programmable hardware buttons

Overall Take:

The Sprint HTC Touch Diamond is slightly changed from the original Touch Diamond, which is now a benchmark Windows Mobile phone. In combines terrific styling and robust power, which should satisfy the most demanding power user. The lack of programmable hardware buttons and keyboard may makes it not the ideal business device. Right now it can be had for

$299.99

on a 2-year contract.

For more info:

Read the pocketnow.com review.

- HTC Touch Pro -

The Good:

Full slide-out keyboard, high resolution VGA screen, WiFi/FM Radio/aGPS, TouchFLO 3D interface, good 3.2MP autofocus camera, great browser, accelerometer

The Bad:

Bulky, pricey

Overall Take:

The Touch Pro on Sprint is a device for the power-user who wants a great keyboard and a fantastic user interface. This is also a good phone for the multimedia user. Right now it can be had for

$399.99

on a 2-year contract.

For more info:

Read the pocketnow.com review (GSM version). Visit PDAdb.net for detailed specs.

- Palm Treo 800w -

The Good:

Nice feel in-hand, solid performance, great one-handed usability, WiFi, aGPS

The Bad:

A bit thick, cheap stylus, basic browser, smallish screen, no flash on camera

Overall Take:

The Sprint Treo 800w is a solid device for those wanting top-notch one-handed usabliity, fantastic performance, and above-average ease of use. Right now it can be had for

$249.99

on a 2-year contract.

For more info:

Read the pocketnow.com review. Visit PDAdb.net for detailed specs.

	CPU	ROM	RAM	Screen	Resolution	WiFi?	Camera	Battery	Price
Q9c	312MHz	128MB	64MB	2.5"	320x240	No	1.3MP	1170mAh	$149
Ace	416MHz	128MB	64MB	2.3"	320x240	No	1.2MP	1300mAh	$99
Touch Diamond	528MHz	256MB	128MB	2.8"	640x480	Yes	3.2MP	1340mAh	$299
Touch Pro	528MHz	512MB	288MB	2.8"	640x480	Yes	3.2MP	1340mAh	$399
Treo 800w	333MHz	256MB	128MB	2.4"	320x320	Yes	1.9MP	1150mAh	$249

CONCLUSION
So there you have it. Hopefully this guide has made choosing a new phone among the sea of 20 or so choices a bit easier. If you still are having trouble deciding on new phone, be sure to drop by our Which Phone Should I Get? forum, where the pocketnow staff and community will help you decide.

What's new on Twitter

Our latest video coverage