Best touchscreen phones

Round-up by: Andrew Lim

Last updated: 15 Jul 2008

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 is 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. Some feature tiny on-screen icons and aren't really designed for using your fingers. If you don't like the idea of having to use a stylus, don't be afraid to try something else.

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.