The 25 Hottest Cell Phones to Give as a Gift

Well, the holiday season is upon us once again, and that means it’s time to get back into the consumer spirit. We must prepare for the holidays and finish all of our gift shopping so that we can celebrate the only way we know how: by spending too much cash.

In the past few years, the cell phone has become the most widely used personal item, ever. Young and old alike, consumers are crazy for the latest and greatest phones on the market. Below is a listing of the top 25 currently available cell phones that would make the best gifts.

The first five are, without a doubt, some of the highest rated phones on the market.

1. Apple iPhone 3G
   
   The iPhone has been a best selling device ever since it debuted on the market in June of 2007. It’s got a 2 megapixel camera and a 3.5″ multi touch display. There is an 8GB model available for $199, while the 16GB model is available for $299.
2. Samsung Instinct
   
   The Instinct is a touch screen smart phone from Sprint, and is actually one of the finer products in their line up. It has GPS and a combined digital camera/digital player/FM radio. Price ranges from $129.99 to $599.99.
3. T-Mobile G1
   
   The infamous Google phone, the T-Mobile G1 features the Android platform and is fully integrated with most Google services. Also has a full QWERTY keyboard, 3G support, Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth. Suggested retail is $399.99.
4. Samsung Behold
   
   The Behold is another touch screen 3G smart phone, comparable to some of the other popular touch screens. It has 180MB RAM, Bluetooth, camera, digital player, and more. Price ranges from $99.99 to $419.99.
5. LG Dare
   
   Verizon’s answer to the iPhone, the Dare takes advantage of the touch screen craze yet manages to set itself apart and remain unique. It has an advanced 3.2-megapixel camera and a full HTML browser. Ranges from $129.99 to $599.99.
6. Blackberry Bold
   
   The Bold is one of the latest releases from the extremely popular Blackberry line of smart phones. While it is one of the bulkier and more expensive Blackberries, in terms of performance it certainly will not disappoint. Has HSDPA support, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, and a full QWERTY keyboard. You can pick it up for around $299.99 - $659.99.
7. Blackberry Storm
   
   The Storm is the latest touch screen smart phone exclusive to Verizon. This one innovates the market with a unique push-to-click touch screen, which is handy. Also offers EV-DO Rev. A and UMTS/HSDPA support, as well as GPS and a 3.2-megapixel camera. Retails for $199.99.
8. Blackberry Curve
   
   Predecessor of both the Bold and the Storm, the Curve is another successful product in the Blackberry collection. This iteration includes GPS, a 2-megapixel camera, Bluetooth, and good call quality. Standard list price is $399.99.
9. LG Voyager
   
   One of the earliest iPhone clones, the Voyager took advantage of the touch screen market when it was still fresh. It’s excellent design and performance have made it a mainstay in the multimedia market. Features include EV-DO support, V Cast Mobile TV, Bluetooth, a Web browser, and an integrated GPS. Grab it for $549.99.
10. T-Mobile Sidekick
    
    The Sidekick has been around for a long time, and was there when the full QWERTY keyboard craze was in full swing. The longevity of this device should be seen as a testament that T-Mobile is doing something right. Includes a built-in VGA camera with flash, convenient e-mail and IM functionality, speedy Web browsing, and 32MB RAM. Runs for $299.99.
11. Nokia N96
    
    As successor of the Nokia N95 8GB, the Nokia N96 has a long list of features that separates it from its predecessor. Includes 5 megapixel camera, builit in DVB-H TV tuner, 3G support, WiFi, GPS, dedicated gaming/audio keys, stereo FM radio, and Bluetooth. $639.99 - $799.99.
12. Samsung Eternity
    
    The Eternity is a touch screen candy bar smart phone from Samsung. This device has an intuitive touch screen interface, good call quality, impressive battery life, and an assortment of multimedia features including GPS, 200MB RAM, MMS and Bluetooth. Retails for $399.99.
13. Samsung Rugby
    

    Samsung’s “tough phone,” the Rugby has a durable, easy to use design and is loaded with features. A major plus is the photo quality. Also includes 3G support, push-to-talk, and GPS. Retails for $129.99 from AT&T.

14. LG Vu
    
    One of the more sought after phones this year, the Vu is another touch screen smart phone. The sleek design and excellent performance make it a good buy. Includes AT&T Mobile TV, HSDPA speeds, a 2.0-megapixel camera, a full HTML browser, and quad-band support. Priced at $299.99.
15. AT&T Quickfire
    
    The Quickfire features both a slide out QWERTY keyboard AND a touch screen interface. It has some impressive features and is one of the better messaging phones on the market. Features include HSDPA speed, stereo Bluetooth, A-GPS, and a full HTML browser. Available for as low as $99.99.
16. LG enV2
    
    A slimmed down followup to the original enV, the enV2 possesses a good set of features and is regarded as an excellent messaging phone. A roomy, full QWERTY keypad, bright dual displays, and 2 megapixel camera. Retails for $79.99 - $369.99.
17. Motorola Razr2 V9x
    
    The latest in the long-running line of RAZRs, the V9x improves upon the original by including features like AGPS, Bluetooth, 2 megapixel camera, as well as H.263 video and AMR audio. Retails for $299.99.
18. Motorola Krave ZN4
    
    The Krave ZN4 is a unique alternative to other phones in its range, and possesses several high-end features and is overall a good quality phone. Includes 2 megapixel camera, MMS, and XHTML web browser. It is available for $179.99.
19. Samsung Highnote
    
    A unique and easy to use phone from Sprint, the Highnote is one of the better music phones on the market. It has an array of features and has good performance. Includes slide out stereo speakers, bluetooth, and Sprint TV connectivity. Price ranges from $99.99 to $429.99.
20. LG Shine
    
    The “mirror” phone, the Shine features a reflective display that acts as a mirror when unlit. Overall, the phone has impressive style and multimedia features. With 3G support, bluetooth, and AT&T Mobile Music. Ranges from $49.99 to $359.99.
21. Motorola ROKR E8
    
    This one is for all the kiddies out there. Includes music player, bluetooth, 2 megapixel camera, and full HTML web browser. If you are a parent looking for a cell phone for your tech savvy music-loving adolescent, this one retails for around $200.
22. Nokia 5800 XpressMusic
    
    Another handy music phone, the 5800 XpressMusic features a touch screen display and some high-powered multimedia functions. Includes GPS, WiFi, and 3.2 megapixel camera. This one is available for around $399-$549.
23. Sony Ericsson Cyber-shot C905
    
    The C905 is trailblazer for the mobile industry in that it has an 8.1 mexapixel built in camera, the highest yet seen in a mobile phone. Includes 3G support, WiFi, and Bluetooth. Retails for at least $490.00.
24. LG Decoy
    
    The Decoy is an easy to use, good quality phone with great multimedia features. The inclusion of a built-in stereo Bluetooth headset makes it even greater. Other features include a 2-megapixel camera, EV-DO, a music player, and V Cast support. Retails for $149.99 - $499.99.
25. HTC Fuze
    
    The Fuze is an AT&T exclusive smart phone. Features Windows Mobile 6.1, 3.2 megapixel camera, full QWERTY keyboard, VGA touch screen, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and HSDPA support. On sale now for $299.99.

Do you have experience with any of these phones? If so, tell us what you think in the comments below.

• Published in Apple, General, Mobile on 12/15/08
• By Nicholas