There’s an interesting article in The Wall Street Journal discussing the iPhone and its rivals — namely Nokia N95, Samsung UpStage, HTC Touch and LG Prada.
The article begins (and ends for that matter) with the Nokia N95 — the Finish handset maker’s flagship “multimedia computer”. Authors, Li Yuan and Amol Sharma, remind us that the N95 sports all the features of the iPhone, plus an integrated GPS and a 5 MP camera. However, the problem is that Nokia still haven’t signed a deal with any carrier to distribute its smartphone in the States.
Next, authors look at the LG Prada phone, stylish all-touchscreen device that even appeared before the iPhone. Apparently, Verizon will carry this device and will be offering it as direct competitor to Apple’s iPhone.
Recently announced HTC Touch is also the device to look for. As it was the case with the N95, almost all features of the iPhone come with this Windows Mobile based smartphone. Plus, HTC bundle an extra cool UI to the Touch, to make it even easier to use. Still, to date no U.S. carrier has signed a deal with HTC to offer this device. On the other hand, that could change quickly as T-Mobile is known to carry HTC devices in both Europe and in the States.
Finally, Samsung UpStage is also competing for the hearts and minds of the potential iPhone buyers. This slick device may not have all the whistles and bells, but for hundred bucks you can’t get much more. Sprint also made sure that the UpStage is fully compatible with its new mobile music store, giving users the convenient way to shop for music.
And the bottom line is? Consumers will be the one that benefit the most. If the iPhone sales go strong, we can safely bet that the other carriers will push new promotions, further subsidizing handsets to make them even more appealing and affordable. Can’t wait for the June 29. What do you think?