The latest versions of the perennially popular iPhone and BlackBerry smartphones are both technically efficient and easy on the eye. However, there are some differences between the two devices that consumers will want to be aware of before they choose between these two excellent products.

Comparing the basics
Both the latest iPhone and BlackBerry appear to be sleek and ultra-modern, and both have their immediate attractions. For example, some potential buyers will be drawn to the iPhone’s glossy surface and single, one-piece screen. On the other hand, the signature keyboard of the BlackBerry is one of its major selling points; this enhanced keyboard makes it easier to type texts and emails, and there is less chance of making typos. The iPhone features big icons and has a simple design and although this used to make it a clear winner, the introduction of the track-ball and touch-screen to the Bold range by BlackBerry has done much to close the gap in this respect. The sensitivity of the track-ball can also be personalised.

The iPhone screen has higher resolution than that of the BlackBerry and is also slightly larger, at 3.5 inches as opposed to the BlackBerry Bold’s 2.8 inches; this difference, however, really isn’t terribly noticeable and to the average buyer they both look great. The decision on which to choose becomes all the tougher when you consider that both the latest iPhone and the BlackBerry Bold are far ahead of their competition in the smartphone market, offering great battery life and excellent performance and functionality. However, one major difference that could become a deciding factor for some consumers may well be BlackBerry’s standby time of 12.8 days, compared with the iPhone’s 8.3 days. It will largely depend on personal preference and need.

Messenger Services
BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) is a popular instant messaging service which has proved a big hit with BlackBerry users; the service not only lets the user see when a message has been received or delivered, but also tells them when it has been read by the recipient. On the other hand, iPhones now have the iMessage facility, which works slightly differently but does essentially the same thing.

Cameras and Memory
Both phones have impressive cameras, although the iPhone’s 8-megapixel camera and 1080p HD video recorder are rather better than the BlackBerry’s 5-megapixel camera and 720p HD video recorder, although for most people the latter is more than sufficient for a mobile phone.
The iPhone also has a bigger memory, but this has to be weighed against the BlackBerry’s expandable memory, which simply involves sliding a memory card into the appropriate slot. BlackBerry’s 8GB internal memory will be more than enough for the average user, but others may prefer the iPhone’s 16, 32 and 66GB capabilities, depending on what they intend to use it for.

Pricing
In terms of pricing, BlackBerry has the advantage over the iPhone in that users get unlimited voice and data services for about 25 per cent less per month on average, and there is also the advantage of a pre-paid, ‘no contract’ arrangement, whereas the iPhone is available only with a two-year contract.

It can be difficult deciding on the best one to go for, but this is true when choosing any product, from a carpet washer to a new car. The combination of flexible contract and lower price, as well as the popular proprietary messaging service, often makes the crucial difference with younger smartphone users. On the other hand, the iPhone seems to be really taking off with young mums, who hand them to their toddlers to keep them busy, compare apps while at the hairdresser, and use them to look for new recipes, according to a recent study by Greystripe, a mobile ad network.

The above is a guest article written for Phones Review.