Motorola Defy MB525

What’s the big deal?
Say hello to one of the more rugged smart phones on the market. Even though it looks much like any other smartphone, we say rugged because the Motorola Defy is dustproof, water and scratch resistant. The screen is made from the same stuff used for the iPhone4: Gorilla Glass... and that even sounds fierce.

Who’s the phone for?
Those who tend to tend to drop their phones in toilet bowls, and everywhere else and don't want to pay for repairs.

The important stuff…
This device includes:

• Up to 6 hours talk time
• CPU Speed 800MHz
• Operating System: Android 2.1
• Weight: 118grams
• 5mp camera
• 2GB storage, 512 MB RAM
• Accelerometer sensor, proximity sensor
• Twitter, MySpace and Facebook integration
• Voice memo, dial commands
• Screen display: 3.7 inches

Our 2 cents worth…
We love the fact that it will still stay in one piece and look good from the damage of keys, drops, scratches and water accidents. We don't like that it runs on the older version of Android and the video quality can improve greatly.

HTC Mozart

What’s the big deal?
What makes this phone stand out is it's clearer and more expansive audio qualities (hence Mozart). Put plainly, it gives a richer listening experience. Plus it has Window Phone 7!

Who’s the phone for?
For those who love to have their tunes on their phones. And it has the added benefit of other smart phone capabilities.

The important stuff…
This device includes:

• Up to 7 hours talk time
• Windows Phone OS 7 with 1GHz CPU processing speed
  
• 8 megapixel camera, 3264x2448 pixels, autofocus, Xenon flash,
• Internal storage 8 GB, 512 MB ROM, 576 MB RAM
• Internal music and video library - powered by Zune
  
• Play console-quality video games with XBox LIVE integration

Our 2 cents worth…
Though we like compact design, great video, audio and photo quality of the device, Windows Phone 7 has a lot of growing up to do compared to other operating systems like the Android and Apple's iOS.

Nokia E7

What’s the big deal?
A slimmer, sleeker upgrade to the N97, this device retains some of the better features of its predecessor, like the slide-out QWERTY keyboard, and implements some new technology, like HDMi and pinch-to-zoom functionality that makes for easier browsing.

Who’s the phone for?
Nokia lovers who are too impatient to wait for the Nokia Windows phone.

The important stuff…
This device includes:

• Up to 9 hours talk time
• Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel
• PDF
• Symbian operating System
• 8MP camera with fixed focus, digital zoom and dual LED flash
• GPS
• HDMi out
• 360 X 640 ClearBlack AMOLED touch screen
• Internal memory: 16 GB storage, 256 MB RAM, 1 GB ROM
• HD-ready video recording

Our 2 cents worth…
While this is a good-looking device with solid hardware, its operating system is soon to be outdone by Windows. Coupled with the inability to customise your home screen widgets as easily as in an Android, this makes the phone a bit of a dinosaur in the making.

Sony Ericsson Xperia X8

What’s the big deal?
Not as high-tech as the X10, the X8 is the middle child in the Xperia family of the X10 and Xperia mini.

Who’s the phone for?
Budget-conscious smartphone seekers.

The important stuff…

• This Android device includes:
• 320 X 480 pixel touch screen
• 3.2MP camera with digital zoom
• GPS
• Up to 4h45mins of talk time
• Android 2.1 operating system
• Extrenal memory: microSD, up to 16 GB, 2 GB included
• Internal memory of 128 MB storage, 168 MB RAM
• Video recording

Our 2 cents worth…
With a solid but outdated operating system and software, this phone will date fast. Unless your needs are very basic, you’ll quickly become frustrated with this lower-end device. Invest in something smarter.

Red Bull Mobile

What’s the big deal?
The Red Bull-branded Huawei smartphone from Cell C comes with a bucket-load of cool Red Bull-related stuff to download. Wallpapers, games apps, videos and news are all included, as well as access to Red Bull TV and radio where fans can watch and listen to pre-recorded sports content.

Who’s the phone for?
Motorsports junkies and label worshippers

The important stuff…
This Android Huawei U8800 IDEOS X5 includes:

• GPS
• 5mp camera with LED flash and digital zoom
• Up to 6 hours talk time
• 400 X 800 pixel touch screen
• Android 2.2 operating system
• External memory: MicroSD up to 32 GB supported
• Internal memory: 512 MB RAM, 8 GB memory
• Video recording
• Google Maps software

Our 2 cents worth…
With all the added extras, you’d be wise to take out the 500MB package. No doubt you’ll be devouring data at Sebastian Vettel speed.