A combination cellphone and handheld computer that created the greatest tech revolution since the Internet. The two smartphone platforms are iPhone and Android. See
how to select a mobile device.
A smartphone does everything a personal computer can do, and because of its mobility, much more. Although screen size is a limitation compared to a desktop monitor, the increasingly higher resolutions and pixel density make text very readable and similar to newspaper columns, which have always been narrow. Although typing is more cumbersome than a desktop keyboard, voice recognition eliminates much of the tedium. See
phablet.
A smartphone combines a cellphone with email and Web, music and movie player, camera, camcorder, GPS navigation, alarm clock, flashlight, photo album, address book and more. It is also a personal assistant that answers questions (see
virtual assistant). Because a smartphone is generally within reach 24/7, it is a lot more personal than a personal computer.
Apps, Apps and More Apps
Like any computer, what gives life to the hardware is the software, and there are hundreds of thousands of mobile applications, both free and paid (see
online app store). Most apps are created for both iPhones (iOS) and Androids. However, there are far too many in the same category, most of which offer very similar functions. For example, in 2020, there were more than 200 voice recorder apps in the iOS and Android app stores. See
how to select a mobile device,
smartphone features,
smartphone operating system and
cellphones vs. smartphones.
A Dumb Phone and Smart Everything Else
Ironically, the least spectacular thing about a smartphone is the phone. A smartphone can cut out and drop calls like any cellphone, and the more users within a cell tower's reach at a given moment, the more likely the interruptions.
History
In 1994, IBM and BellSouth introduced the heavy and pricey Simon Personal Communicator, a phone/PDA touted as the first smartphone (see
personal communicator). In the 2000s, BlackBerry was the corporate smartphone; however, in 2007, the iPhone changed the industry forever. See
iPhone,
Android,
BlackBerry,
Windows Phone,
Symbian,
feature phone and
smartphone keyboard. See also
smart TV.
The First Smartphone Platforms
These models were the first smartphone platforms on the market. Windows phones were discontinued, and BlackBerry phones ran Android until 2022. In its heyday, the BlackBerry's physical keyboard was its trademark.
Smartphones Grew Up
When contrasted with smartphones today, it may be hard to remember how incredibly impressive the iPhone was when it debuted in 2007. See
iPhone and
Galaxy S.
A Double Touchscreen
In 2012, the Russian YotaPhone had an LCD screen in front and an E Ink screen in back. YotaPhones were the only smartphones visible in bright sunlight. See
E Ink.
Moto Z Modular Smartphones
In 2016, Motorola introduced its Moto Z phones with snap-ons that add functions such as hi-fi speakers, a projector and, as in this example, a professional Hasselblad camera. See
Moto Z.
(Image courtesy of Motorola Mobility LLC, www.motorola.com)
Ahead of Its Time
In 2002, this Palm Treo ran the popular Palm PDA application along with email and Web browsing. See
Palm.
(Image courtesy of Palm, Inc.)
What's Inside
Split open a smartphone and you find the battery takes up most of the room. The system-on-chip (SoC) is the brains of the device, and it uses very little space. See
SoC.