A David Creation

It’s like the classic debate over Chevys and Fords: which phone is the best? Almost every business owner I’ve had contact with in the last year now carries a smartphone everywhere, and everyone is watching the market and comparing phones. The three biggest competitors are the iPhone, the Android, and the Blackberry. I can’t review the new Windows Phone, since I haven’t yet had my hands on one, but I have spent time “behind the wheel” of each of the big three, and here is what I’ve found:

Blackberry

For many years Blackberry was the smartphone of choice for corporate America because of their easy integration with Microsoft Exchange and other custom servers. Although Palm and Microsoft have introduced solid non-corporate competitors to the market, Blackberry has continued to dominate. Blackberry has always been a great device for its ability to check and send email, consult and update calendars, and, of course, make and receive calls at any time from nearly any place. Blackberry received many negative reviews from users, however, for the poor internet browser and other awkward programs.

In an effort to keep ahead in the competition, Blackberry has tried out a series of new phones, including Verizon’s Storm 1 and 2, which were flops. The Blackberry Curve and Bold were more popular options because of the easy-to-use QWERTY keyboard and their well-known trackball. And now as AT&T may be losing its grip on the Apple iPhone, Blackberry has introduced a promising new horse to the race: the Blackberry Torch is their best touchscreen yet, and its internet browser is much improved. I would not be surprised to see the Torch racing neck-and-neck with its two closest rivals.

iPhone

Apple hit a grand slam three years ago when they first released the iPhone: reviewers were speechless and everyone was craning their necks (and fingers) to get a glimpse (or touch) of one. Ever since the iPhone’s arrival they have been rapidly taking over the market share, even in corporate offices. Now that many companies are changing over to cloud computing (storage and access of business files and programs online instead of on-site), the iPhone is the phone of choice. They have designed the phone so that connecting to an exchange server or Google Apps is as easy as (Apple) pie! What’s more, Apple was the maverick in creating the App Store: with more than 250,000 apps available for business and personal use, they are in a class of their own. In addition, the Apple iPhone is well organized and easily adapted for business purposes.

The iPhone’s touch screen can take a little getting used-to, but it can be mastered in a very short time, and it is a truly unique and pleasant experience. My parents, for example, who are die-hard Verizon users, love Apple products but won’t switch to AT&T. They decided to try their fingers on Apple’s iPod Touch to see if they could get used to the full touchscreen. Even my baby-boomer parents, after a couple short weeks, love their Touch and can’t wait for Verizon to get the iPhone.

Android

Google’s Android is the final smartphone that can be effectively used for business, and it is truly a remarkable device. Most Android phones provide an experience very similar to the iPhone, and Google has actually developed its own cult following of those who feel the Android is better than Apple’s champion. I would disagree—I think the iPhone is better—but for those who have never tried other smartphones, it is easy to understand why they would love the fun, smooth, easy-to-use Android. Google is also making quick progress in their own App creations, second only to Apple.

The Verdict:

For the small-business types who want the best phone to connect and organize their work and home life, I have to say that the iPhone takes first place for the ease of use and the number of quality apps, and the many programs that sync to it. In fact, the iPhone is even superior in its ability to use social media! For example, iPhone’s Facebook app allows a user to update a business page, while on the Android this isn’t currently possible. Also, as new programs are developed in the cloud-based CRM world, Apps are developed for Apple first, before Android and Blackberry. Finally, the iPhone is less busy with the new method of organizing apps.

Although I like the look and feel of the Android, I would still give Blackberry the number two spot. Its setup for email and calendar are simple and have very few bugs. In the end, however, all three are excellent phones, and many businesspeople will continue to make great use of the first phone they started out with. But if you are willing to try and learn something new, you might be surprised by how much more you like something else.