TOP MOBILE PHONES FOR 2009

Hundreds of cellphone models are launched each year. However, there are an elite few that defines that year's crop of handsets. These handsets are at the center of attention of the whole mobile phone community. The arrival of these flagship phones are preceded by rumors and new websites are established in their honor. These top phones are expected to make waves when they enter the market.

Let's take a look at the top phones for 2009:

Palm Pre: This webOS device has been the focus of attention since it was introduced in January. Some people consider the Palm Pre and its webOS platform as the real challengers to the Apple iPhone's innovative approach to mobile UI and data management. This Smartphone features a 3.1-inch touch screen and a slide out QWERTY keyboard. This top phone also offers a 3.0-megapixel camera with LED flash. Wi-Fi, GPS and EV-DO Rev. A data.

iPhone 3G S : The iPhone 3G S is all about speed. It doesn't look any different from the iPhone 3G but it's more powerful, faster and offers more features. Apple's newest touchscreen marvel sports a 3.2-megapixel camera with video-recording. The iPhone 3G S also provides the ability to send a picture & video via MMS, 7.2Mbps HSDPA support, 16 GB or 32 GB of built-in memory, GPS, Wi-Fi, a built-in digital compass and more battery life.

Nokia N97: This mobile computer is Nokia's flagship phone. The powerful Nokia N97 features a 3.5-inch resistive touch screen, 5.0-megapixel camera and slide-out QWERTY keyboard. Other features include TV Out, A-GPS, Bluetooth 2.0 +EDR, Wi-Fi, HTML Browser, OMA E-mail Notification and 32GB of mass storage. The Nokia N97 will begin shipping in June.

Sony Ericsson Saito:This phone was called the Idou when it was presented at MWC 2009. However, it was reintroduced as the Sony Ericsson Satio. This top phone for 2009 features a 12.1 megapixel camera and a 3.5-inch touchscreen. Other features include Symbian S60 OS, A-GPS with turn-by-turn navigation, Wi-Fi, microSD expansion, and on-screen QWERTY keyboard. The Sony Ericsson Satio will be available in Q4 2009.

Samsung Pixon12: This powerful camera phone is a rival of the SE Satio. The Samsung Pixon12 features an equally impressive 12 megapixel camera with touch-based auto focus, fast shutter speeds, Xenon flash and 28mm wide angle lens. This high-end mobile phone sports a responsive 3.1-inch AMOLED touchscreen. Other features include SDPA/HSUPA, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth and microSD card slot. The Samsung Pixon12 will hit stores in late June.

BlackBerry Tour : CDMA carrier subscribers have been waiting for this high-end Smartphone. The BlackBery Tour is a 3G-enabled world phone that features a 2.44-inch display and a 35-key QWERTY keyboard. Other features include a 3.2 megapixel camera with video recording, A-GPS, and support for personal and corporate e-mail. The BlackBery Tour is expected to be available later this summer