So you're in the market for a smart phone and you'd like the Cargill Seal Of Approval, then you've come to the right place. I'll make this as simple as possible. There are so few phones that actually earn my approval that this will go relatively quickly. Let's start with my recommendations and the carriers they support.
iPhone 4S / iPhone 5 (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, unofficially T-Mobile)
The current iPhone 5 release has generated a tremendous amount of buzz (both positive and negative).
First the positives
-iOS 6 is a stable, polished operating system. -Possibly the best camera of any current smart phone (4S/5). -The fact that Apple allows the carrier practically no say in its software and its update rollout. -iMessage saves you money and you could potentially eliminate your texting plan (if you and enough of your friends have iDevices). -Verizon iPhone 5 ships unlocked!!! -Best stocked app store of any operating system.
Now the negatives
-Apple replaced its Google Maps application with a horrifically bad homegrown app because they want to retaliate against Google. -Siri is dumb as a box of rocks (and deaf) -Non removable battery -No MicroSD slot -Sprint only has 3g data but it is unlimited! -Small, narrow screen. Other phone makers have decided that big is better and if you have large hands like mine, you may want to look elsewhere. -Fragile. You need a case, no exceptions. -New operating system features are rarely handed to older model phones. -New connector is solely for Apple to make money, else they would've used the similarly-sized MicroUSB connector like most phone makers have pledged to support.
Galaxy Nexus (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint)
The Galaxy Nexus is a Google phone made by Samsung, not the other way around, I'll discuss the politics of Android toward the end of this post. Also, a rumored new Nexus handset will likely be announced by Google in November with slightly beefed-up specs that may be enough to convince you to wait.
First the positives
-Galaxy Nexus is updated to the latest version of Android before other phones (with the exception of Verizon which takes longer). -The GSM version, which works for AT&T & T-Mobile in the US can be bought for $350, no contract. -Nexus phones offer an unmolested, pure Android experience which, at 4.1.1, compares very favorably to iOS and in some ways better. -Removable battery -Relatively inexpensive compared to other newer Android phones. -Large screen (4.65") -Verizon version offers 4G LTE
Now the negatives
-Lousy 5mp camera -Hardware is a little less sophisticated than other Android handsets on the market. -Google stupidly allowed Verizon control over update rollouts, which delay updates by several months. -Google Play store is not as well-stocked as the Apple Store with useful apps. -No MicroSD slot for expanding memory. -Few choices in phone cases.
Nokia Lumia 920
The Lumia 920 hasn't been released yet and will not garner the Cargill Seal Of Approval until it can be properly evaluated by society. The 920, however, has tremendous potential.
First the positives
-Windows Phone 8 has the potential to right the wrongs of Windows Phones of the past with a stable, elegant, and different (in a good way) operating system. -Microsoft has been extremely careful to place itself out of harms way with regard to lawsuits by dotting its T's and crossing its I's. -The 920 features PureView camera technology with optical image stabilization. (They faked the demo video, which usually isn't a good sign but nonetheless it could be stellar). -Wireless charging. -Microsoft Office integration. -Same interface as Windows 8 on the PC.
Now the negatives
-Least stocked app store so far from Windows Phone 7 and up. -Nokia has been dishonest and full of hubris on the phone in the recent past, so we should take the performance boasts with a huge grain of salt. -Windows Phone 7/8 have had a rocky start with some stability issues but it looks promising. -It is unknown how much say the carriers will have with operating system updates, word is so far that Microsoft has relented and allowed some carriers to dictate update rollouts, which is a terrible sign.
The politics of smart phones
Android-Notice how no other Android phones were given my seal of approval? Well, Android phones have two fatal flaws in the form of two middlemen, the carrier and the brand. For instance, when you buy a Samsung Galaxy S III, which is a lovely handset, you are given a version of Android molested by Samsung in the form of TouchWiz. The short version of the story is that even though makers have gotten better at skins, they're always a terrible idea and you are at the mercy of the maker whether or not they want to update or squash the bugs on your phone. The second middleman is the carrier. Verizon, for instance, insists on its archaic and very long testing phase before updates are rolled out. If your update finally does roll out, a newer, major OS update has already been released by Google. You're better off buying an iPhone than a non-Nexus Android phone, yeah I said it.
To summarize, Android is mostly open-source (but not for you). The purest Android phone on the market is the GSM Galaxy Nexus, followed by the Verizon Galaxy Nexus. You may have a perfectly good experience with any other Android handset but I can guarantee you that you will have problems that you would otherwise not have and that may not be fixed.
Apple-In my opinion, Apple is behaving a lot like Microsoft did in the Windows 95 days, as mentioned in this article posted recently. Apple demands control, which has its benefits and disadvantages for the consumer. The advantage is an unmolested operating system that rolls out beautifully. The negatives are many. For you, the smart phone buyer, expect to pay more for accessories and unnecessary parts like the new connector. I won't go into any more negatives in this post because they could fill a book and are much more oriented to the future of mobile tech than your purchases today. Just know that in my opinion, Apple's behavior is no better than Bain Capital's or Microsoft in the 90s, and that will likely lead to an inferior product once their monopoly is fully established, stay tuned.
Microsoft-It's been awhile since Microsoft has been in the smart phone game and it has not been missed in the least. Prior to Windows Phone 7, Microsoft's operating system was an antiquated disaster. There is no hope on the horizon that Microsoft may once again dominate the mobile arena but they have some seriously stiff competition from Apple and Android, which is good for the consumer. Time will tell if Microsoft has what it takes to keep up but they're off to a good start. Politically speaking they have been very careful to license certain technologies from the likes of Apple so-as not to get sued. On the flip-side they also license technologies to Android so that they make money off of every Android handset sold. Suffice it to say they're in a good position legally to navigate the often dangerous waters of mobile tech.
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