Touchscreen technology is now the dominant method for us to control our mobile phones. Ever since Apple wowed us with its nifty iPhone, everyone's been gagging for a screen they can poke. With so many touchscreen phones flooding the market though, 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 another touchscreen phone. 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 immediately. More powerful phones tend to provide a more responsive interface, but even an entry-level smart phone should let you skip through its menus like a spring lamb. If it doesn't, move on to a different phone.
A touchscreen phone's software is 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. Android is generally viewed as more in depth than the simple grids of icons of iOS on the iPhone, while Windows Phone 8 sits somewhere between the two. Whether you need simplicity of operation or endless customisation is a matter of choice.
A large screen means more room to display all your photos, videos and Web pages. It'll be prone to fingerprints and potential cracks if you sit on it or drop it though. Keeping your kit in good shape is important -- look into what kind of accessories you can buy, such as cases or screen protectors.
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. One way of saving energy is to turn down a screen's brightness and, if the phone has one, using a battery-saving function.
Have a look below for the best touchscreen mobiles we've reviewed recently and check out our full mobile reviews section to see what else is around.
Editors:
4.5 stars out of 5
Users:
0 out of 5Not yet rated
The Samsung Galaxy S3 has a gorgeous 4.8-inch 720p resolution display, a deliciously slim and light casing and a super-powered quad-core engine. It's the Ferrari of the Android circuit so it's very expensive, and Samsung's TouchWiz software isn't always as slick as it could be. But if you're a power-loving Android fan hankering to trouser a monster, look no further. Read more
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Reviewed on 3 May 2012
Editors:
4.0 stars out of 5
Users:
0 out of 5Not yet rated
The iPhone 5 offers a thoroughly pleasant redesign with a taller display and a thinner, lighter frame. Fast and packing a great camera, the hardware is hard to fault, while iOS feels slick and offers loads of apps, even if Apple's new Maps software feels like a step backwards. Despite some failings, this is still one of the best smart phones money can buy. Read more
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Reviewed on 15 June 2011
Editors:
4.0 stars out of 5
Users:
0 out of 5Not yet rated
If you want to move into the world of Windows Phone 8, the Nokia Lumia 920 is the phone to get. With a stunning screen, smart design and some great included apps, it's the best way to experience the new operating system. Windows Phone isn't for you if you like apps though, and the 920's battery life is less than impressive. Read more
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Reviewed on 5 September 2012
Editors:
4.0 stars out of 5
Users:
0 out of 5Not yet rated
HTC's latest flagship smart phone brings new software, neat camera tricks and a Full HD display. The super-charged processor and metal construction are more reasons to be excited, but the lack of any standout feature means we'd hold off buying it until we've reviewed the rest of the year's high-end Android phones. Read more
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Reviewed on 15 February 2013
Editors:
4.5 stars out of 5
Users:
0 out of 5Not yet rated
With an even bigger screen than the gigantic Galaxy Note and a superbly powerful quad-core processor, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is the ideal smart phone for anyone who values a spacious screen above all else. Read more
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Reviewed on 28 August 2012
Editors:
4.5 stars out of 5
Users:
0 out of 5Not yet rated
The Sony Xperia Z combines looks, power and connectivity to supply one of the most impressive Android experiences we've seen in quite some time. The lack of Android 4.2 at launch is unfortunate and that 5-inch screen isn't going to suit everyone, but there's little room for complaint elsewhere. This is easily Sony's best phone yet, and one of the best Android phones ever released. Read more
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Reviewed on 9 January 2013
Editors:
4.5 stars out of 5
Users:
0 out of 5Not yet rated
With a great high-definition screen, power only rivalled by the Galaxy Note 2, a wealth of great software features and a ridiculously low price, the Google Nexus 4 is almost certainly the best Android device around, never mind the best value. Read more
£239
Reviewed on 29 October 2012
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Comments 44
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!
katelin143 16 February, 2012 16:33
I would not reccomend a HTC they have to be the worst phones ever! got the htc wildfire on contract last summer and has allready frozen so many times, it takes ages to load and i still have it for another year and a half before i can get a new one! WORST PHONES OUT!
anonymous 21 February, 2012 01:43
katelin sell ur htc ive got a htc on contract and ive sold it , your network provider will never know. im going to gt an iphone or samsung i need a phone with good battery life , camera and good signal.
anonymous 4 July, 2012 11:43
you all need to get a nokia
anonymous 4 July, 2012 11:44
nah mate a jcb indestructible one :)
anonymous 4 July, 2012 11:49
what bout a fone that works
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anonymous 6 July, 2012 08:25
"While it lacks the refined aesthetics of the iPhone 4S, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus impresses..."
I'm sorry but the Nexus looks much nicer than the 4S...
anonymous 21 September, 2012 11:17
Why not have an area for serious reviews that present just the facts without all the hype?
anonymous 25 February, 2013 11:47
God dang you American Noobs. Why the hell you wannin' a fancy phone when you could get yourself some shotguns. I hope ya'll know that shooting cops is real fun ya'll know.
Dan Collier
anonymous 25 February, 2013 11:51
What the hell Dan. What are you on? is it drugs?.
If so please tell me where i can get me some as i am on a withdrawl
from cocaine.
Jimmy Saville
anonymous 25 February, 2013 11:57
My mum's a midget
anonymous 28 March, 2013 18:33
It's clear that CNET UK are Android fans.