TECH REPORT | John Brandon

Four New iPhone Rivals

Jumping out ahead of the much-anticipated iPhone 4G, Apple's competitors are rolling out their own next-generation offerings. Here are four models we like.

From left to right: HTC EVO 4G; NOKIA N8; HTC DROID INCREDIBLE; KIN TWO

Courtesy Companies

From left to right: HTC EVO 4G; NOKIA N8; HTC DROID INCREDIBLE; KIN TWO

 

Jumping out ahead of the much-anticipated iPhone 4G, Apple's competitors are rolling out their own next-generation offerings. Here are four models we like.

Best for 4G Networks: HTC EVO 4G

This phone uses Sprint's 4G network, currently available in 32 cities, so you can hold video chats, download a movie in minutes, and share your connection with up to eight laptops. It runs on the Android OS and has a 4.3-inch screen. Its 8-megapixel camera shoots photos and video.
COST: $199 with a two-year contract

Best for Taking Photos: NOKIA N8

Set to make its U.S. debut this fall, this phone has a 12-megapixel camera that records photos and video and has features such as red-eye reduction. The phone, which has a 3.5-inch touchscreen, will probably have a limited app selection.
COST: U.S. pricing was unavailable at presstime; in Europe, it is equivalent to $460.

Best for Aesthetics: HTC DROID INCREDIBLE

This Android phone is similar to the Evo, with a fast 1GHz processor, an 8-megapixel camera, and a touchscreen that vibrates when you press buttons. But it has a sleeker design more akin to an iPhone's. It runs on Verizon Wireless's 3G network.
COST: $199 after a $100 rebate, with a two-year contract

Best for Staying Connected: KIN TWO

Targeted at social networkers, this phone lets you share photos with other Kin users by dropping them in a "spot" on its 3.4-inch touchscreen. It has an 8-megapixel camera that shoots video and photos, which it automatically stores on the Kin site.
COST: $100 with a two-year contract and a $29.99-a-month data plan

John Brandon is a contributing editor at Inc. magazine and writes the Tech Trends column in every issue. He also writes the Tech Report column for Inc.com. @jmbrandonbb