Touchscreen technology is fast becoming the must-have feature on mobile phones. Ever since Apple wowed us with its nifty iPhone -- letting you pinch its screen and brush your way through the menu -- everyone's gagging for a screen they can touch.
With so many touchscreen phones flooding the market, how do you know which one is the right one for you? Just because a phone has a touchscreen, it doesn't mean it's going to provide exactly the same experience as a similar gadget. It can be alarmingly different, so always try before you buy.
One of the main things to watch out for when buying a touchscreen phone is how responsive it is to your gentle prodding. When you tap the screen, you want it to react accordingly and if it doesn't, move on to a different phone.
A touchscreen phone's interface is also very important. Make sure you can use the phone in a shop before you buy it so that you can be sure it's simple to operate.
A large screen means it'll be prone to fingerprint marks and potential cracks if you sit on it or drop it. Keeping your kit in good shape is important -- look into what kind of accessories you can buy, such as cases or protective screens.
Last but definitely not least, watch out for battery life. Having a large screen is a real battery drainer, so find out how long the battery lasts. If the option is available, one way of saving energy is to turn down a screen's brightness.
Have a look below for the best touchscreen mobiles we've reviewed recently.
Editors:
4.5 stars out of 5
Users:
4.45 stars out of 5
The Samsung Galaxy S2 crams a gorgeous display, lightning-fast processor and powerful camera into one of the slimmest, lightest smart phones we've ever had the pleasure to hold. The Android operating system could be more user-friendly, but it's never felt faster. Read more
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Reviewed on 31 January 2011
Editors:
4.5 stars out of 5
Users:
0 out of 5Not yet rated
It lacks the impact of the iPhone 4, and if you already own its predecessor there's little reason to upgrade, but a brilliant camera, speedy processor and an operating system that's fun to use and stuffed with apps mean the iPhone 4S is still a cracking gadget in its own right. Read more
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Reviewed on 30 August 2011
Editors:
4.0 stars out of 5
Users:
0 out of 5Not yet rated
The HTC Desire S isn't the most powerful Android smart phone on the block, but it offers a terrific design and intuitive software. Overall, it's a seriously appealing device. Read more
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Reviewed on 28 March 2011
Editors:
4.0 stars out of 5
Users:
0 out of 5Not yet rated
While the Xperia Arc S doesn't qualify as a massive improvement over its direct predecessor, the Arc, it is nonetheless a solid choice. Its eye-catching design is backed up by a great screen and a surprisingly powerful 8.1-megapixel digital camera. Read more
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Reviewed on 12 October 2011
Editors:
4.5 stars out of 5
Users:
3.65 stars out of 5
If you want bells and whistles, the Google Nexus S smart phone has plenty to offer. It's not cheap, and it's complicated in places, but it's on the cutting edge of Android and it's likely to stay there for a while. Read more
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Reviewed on 6 December 2010
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Comments 33
Add your comment
Anonymous 16 August, 2010 20:03
why isn't there any reviews on the HTC wildfire?
Anonymous 17 August, 2010 13:10
hey, I think you've never been used Google Nexus One. =D
Anonymous 20 August, 2010 22:55
where is the nexus one the best android phone around for now.
Anonymous 21 August, 2010 15:29
I can't chose between HTC Desire, HTC Wildfire or a Google Nexus One....
Helpppppp!!!!!!!
Anonymous 16 November, 2010 18:02
stupid chinese put high scores in HTC.
HTC sucks.
Anonymous 13 December, 2010 18:27
hey, im from america and i think the iphone 4 rocks.
PaulWilks 24 December, 2010 12:22
I think the best is the Desire HD. iPhone has lots of functionality, but beside having a great screen it masters none of them. I find it weird they advertise functions that 5 year old phones could do; like video-calling. I think it's telling that 4/5 are Androids. Unless Steve Jobs relaxes and stops trying to control what users do with THEIR phones his future products will be no more than pretty toys.
Anonymous 2 January, 2011 23:05
Well said PaulWilks. :-D
I am wondeing about waiting to see if HTC do an Android 2.3 phone though.
I am currently looking at HTC Desire HD, Desire Z and the Nexus S.
I can't decide. :-(
I have seen cheap Android phones on Android 2.1 for less than £100 to buy the handset so I may get one of those for now.
Anonymous 8 January, 2011 07:01
I have an HTC Legend which I rated as amazing the first 6 months of use. Now, 8 months later, I have had nothing but 2 months of agony. The screen freezes, hangs, flickers and flips into widgets and all sorts of other menus when I press "phone" to make a call. Yesterday the screen went black but for a few flickering streaks. The unit is now completely useless and everything I had on the phone will be a pain to retrieve. I now rate it the worst possible phone and HTC should be ashamed to release such garbage. All my previous phones (all non-touch screens) all lasted years. I still have my fully functioning Nokia from 1997! Is there any one out there that is really able to rate a good screen when they see one (?)....one that lasts. Being responsive must surely be a given by now!
Anonymous 9 January, 2011 05:37
Try updating the software or upgrading firmware.
I don't know which one applies to your phone...
Davester 10 January, 2011 17:29
Yeah good phones but I'm a teenager who doesn't have hundreds of pounds
Anonymous 15 January, 2011 13:03
Why isn't the N8 listed up here? The best yet Smart Phone!
Anonymous 15 January, 2011 21:43
I know people think the Dell Streak is too big for a phone, but I love it: clear large screen, touch is sensitive, just brilliant for web browsing and as an e-book reader. Wouldn't be without it, especially as I now have OS Android 2.2. with loads of free apps.
billfred 23 January, 2011 17:09
N8? Behave.
As for the legend, two of ky friend have similarly bad experiences. But they sent it back and a week later it was fixed. So stop bitching and get it fixed like everyone else.
Anonymous 23 February, 2011 00:17
HI :-)
Anonymous 25 February, 2011 06:43
can any one tell about motorola touch screen sensitivity?
Anonymous 23 March, 2011 09:38
i love all these phones by josh slater
Anonymous 29 March, 2011 17:14
just remember that this website hasnt been updated for a while and wont have all the latest phones
anonymous 16 April, 2011 17:21
HTC Desire HD should be no 1!! Im currently running Android 2.3.3 and its fabulous! Who needs a less able, less featured iPhone?
Anonymous 22 April, 2011 12:42
always remember this website hasnt been updated to all the latest phones.
did you know all that the 1ST most latest phone is xperia x1.
Anonymous 9 May, 2011 20:04
Im on a contract that doesnt have internet included and I dont really want the internet, any good touch screen phones that arent smart phones? thanks x
Anonymous 13 May, 2011 23:09
What about the Dell Streak, I have had one for about 10 months and find it to be a really great piece of equipment.
Anonymous 29 May, 2011 14:34
if about options? all are good accept Iphone
Anonymous 7 July, 2011 06:08
which one is absoluty the best
Anonymous 9 August, 2011 09:34
very bad phones i use this all and now i can search a diffrent mobile
anonymous 30 August, 2011 11:42
all are best in their own way can't compare but thanks for providing useful information on touch screen technology
anonymous 3 November, 2011 05:25
mobile TK5000
anonymous 4 November, 2011 15:43
Try windows phone 7.5 mango- Nokia lumia 800 or HTC titan set. It is the best although new os (released at 2010 Dec). Its far better than iPhones or android sets. Must try before speaking !!
anonymous 17 November, 2011 17:34
I've tried most phones on the market and there is one thing you CANNOT get away from- THE IPHONE IS THE BEST BY A LONG WAY. That maybe pisses you off (as it does me as I dislike apple) but its true and there's no sign of anyone catching up any time soon. The gap is just too big!
anonymous 21 December, 2011 21:49
Galaxy s 2 is the best out now.iphone cant compete with android so is tryin to sue to make up for lost earnings,the iphone 4s is much newer than the s2 and is still rated lower.come on apple,catch up!
anonymous 14 January, 2012 15:30
HTC, incredible S is OK i think
anonymous 18 January, 2012 19:23
Mine's an HTC Trophy running Windows Phone 7. Had it over a year now, it's so useful and intuitive to use for biz and pleasure. Only good things to say.
anonymous 22 January, 2012 15:46
Where is the HTC Wildfire S? It's a great phone, costs about £200 or less sim-free, and does all the basics! And comes with 2.3.3, updatable to 2.3.5, and HTC Sense 2.1, which, compared to some other phones in it's price range is rather impressive! And has a clear, easy-read screen!