January 2012 SmartPhone Articles
Listed below are all of our news and reviews articles for January 2012. If you are looking for an article on a particular day or on a particular topic, you can use the menu on the right to narrow your search
SmartPhone Articles for January of 2012
Below are the 93 SmartPhone articles for January of 2012Most Popular Smartphones for December 2011
Each month, Brighthand publishes a list of the smartphones that readers have shown the most interest in during the preceding four weeks. Samsung and Apple dominate the December list, just[...]
CES 2012 Likely to Bring New Android Devices and Windows Phones
The Consumer Electronics Show starts next week in Las Vegas, and there will be quite a bit of smartphone-related news coming out of this giant tradeshow. Expect announcements related to[...]
Nokia Lumia 900 with AT&T 4G Could Debut at CES
There's growing evidence that AT&T will introduce at CES next week Nokia's first Windows Phone with support for 4G LTE. This model, the Lumia 900, is expected to have a[...]
Samsung Galaxy Note Tabletphone Could Be on the Way to Sprint
Sprint customers who like their smartphones vente size should be interested to hear that this carrier may be picking up the Samsung Galaxy Note, a device that skirts the line[...]
Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket Review: 4G LTE for AT&T
The Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket is one of the few smartphones available that can connect to AT&T's 4G LTE service. If that wasn't enough, it also packs a plethora[...]
Nokia Lumia 710 Pre-orders Start Now at a Special Low Price
Those who are eager to get their hands on the first Windows Phone from Nokia can already put in an order. T-Mobile will launch the Lumia 710 next week, but[...]
RIM Could Be Prepping a Single BlackBerry 10 Smartphone
If a new report is correct, Research In Motion is putting all its eggs in one basket: it is supposedly working on just one model to run the upcoming BlackBerry[...]
Samsung Galaxy Nexus Review: The Most Advanced Android Smartphone Available
Featuring a 720p screen and Android OS 4.0, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus sets a new high point for Android phones, as well as generating a lot of excitement! We take[...]
BLOG: A BlackBerry Without a Keyboard Is Like a Fish Without Gills
The most recent blog post from Brighthand's site editor covers today's unconfirmed report that there is only going to be a single BlackBerry smartphone released this year, and it will[...]
iPhone 5 Could Have a Quad-Core Processor
Buried deep in the latest beta of iOS 5.1 is code that strongly suggests Apple is getting ready to release smartphones and tablets with quad-core processors. This would significantly increase[...]
T-Mobile Rings in 2012 with the ”New Year, New Phone Sale” Starting Today
For those looking to kick-off the new year with a new phone, T-Mobile is throwing a one-weekend sale. Many devices will be available at a discount, including the HTC Amaze[...]
SoundHound for Android OS Review: ‘Name That Tune,’ But At What Price?
SoundHound is touted as letting you "name that tune," whether from a CD, the radio, or your own hummed rendition. Yet sponsored links (and potential privacy concerns) lurk within. Is[...]
AT&T Almost Certainly Going to Offer Samsung Galaxy Note
Although AT&T has not officially announced that it's going to offer the Samsung Galaxy Note, evidence that this announcement is imminent has grown to the point where it's almost a[...]
Samsung Epic 4G Touch in White Released by Sprint
The Epic 4G Touch was released by Sprint in the fall in a black casing. Now, that cutting-edge Android device is available in white.
Motorola Droid RAZR vs. Motorola Droid X2: Battle of the Droids
Verizon's Motorola Droid RAZR and Motorola Droid X2 were both designed to appeal to a very similar market: those looking for a fast, sleek-looking Android phone. So is the RAZR[...]
Nearly Official: Nokia to Introduce Lumia 900 at CES Tomorrow
With CES kicking off on Monday, a new report all but confirms that Nokia will introduce the Windows Phone-based Lumia 900 at the Las Vegas event tomorrow, as well as[...]
CES 2012: Huawei Ascend P1 and P1S Hands-On: Slicing Through the Competition
Huawei announced its Ascend P1 and P1S Android smartphones today at CES 2012, the latter being the "world's slimmest." We got our hands on some demo units, and here's what[...]
CES 2012: LG Reveals the Spectrum, a Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Handset
LG introduced its previously-rumored Verizon 4G LTE handset, the Spectrum, today at CES, and announced that it will be released in less than two weeks on January 19.
The Wraps Come Off 4G LTE-Enabled HTC Titan II at CES
HTC introduced an LTE-equipped sibling to its Titan smartphone at CES today, giving it the clever moniker of the Titan II. This upcoming Windows Phone will have a very large[...]
CES 2012: AT&T Commits to Samsung Galaxy Note Tabletphone
The rumors are true; the Samsung Galaxy Note super-size Android smartphone will be coming exclusively to AT&T.
CES 2012: Nokia Lumia 900 4G Windows Phone Headed for AT&T
As had been widely expected, AT&T has just announced plans to offer the Nokia Lumia 900, which will be the first Windows Phone with support for 4G LTE. This is[...]
CES 2012: Nokia Lumia 900 Hands-On Preview
Among the biggest news coming out of CES was the unveiling of the Nokia Lumia 900, an upcoming Windows Phone that will support AT&T's 4G LTE network. This device[...]
CES 2012: Verizon Wireless and Motorola Unveil the Droid 4
At CES 2012, Verizon Wireless and Motorola are showing off what they claim will be the thinnest and most powerful 4G LTE QWERTY smartphone: The Droid 4. Like its predecessors,[...]
CES 2012: HTC Titan II Hands-On Preview: A Smartphone of Epic Proportions, Literally
Windows Phone 7 is moving on up to AT&T's LTE network with the HTC Titan II, the first WP7 4G device. We got to spend some time with the massive[...]
CES 2012: Day One Notes from the Tradeshow Floor
The annual Consumer Electronics Show is in full swing in Las Vegas. The first day bright a range of smartphone announcements, as well as a number of events where companies[...]
CES2012: Verizon Introduces the Droid RAZR MAXX, Boosting Battery Life in Smartphones
While Verizon and Motorola introduced the fourth-generation Droid handset at CES earlier, the partners added another device to the Droid family: the RAZR MAXX, a smartphone nicknamed "the overachiever" thanks[...]
Nokia Lumia 710
This was the first of Nokia’s new models running Microsoft’s Windows Phone operating system to launch in the U.S. It’s an entry-level device intended to get this company a toehold[...]
Sprint Uses CES to Unveil First 4G LTE Phones: Samsung Galaxy Nexus
Sprint has just pre-announced plans to offer the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, which will be its first smartphone with 4G LTE. It also committed to the LG Vivid, which will also[...]
T-Mobile Releases Lumia 710, First Nokia Windows Phone for the U.S.
Following through on a promise made last month, T-Mobile began selling the Lumia 710 this morning, the first of Nokia's Windows Phones to debut in the U.S. Nokia's entry into[...]
CES 2012: Motorola Droid 4 Hands-On Preview
The original Motorola Droid helped make Android the success it is today. Verizon is now prepping the fourth model in this series, raising the question, can this latest version live[...]
CES 2012: Day Two Notes from the Tradeshow Floor
Yesterday was the second day of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The Brighthand editors and staff spent the day looking at new smartphones and accessories as fast as[...]
Apple iPhone 5 to Support T-Mobile’s AWS Spectrum
With Verizon, AT&T and Sprint all selling the Apple iPhone, T-Mobile is the last of the four largest carriers in the U.S. to not run the handest on its network.[...]
Verizon Commits to 4G LTE on Virtually All Future Smartphones
A Verizon Wireless executive, speaking at the CES tradeshow, has revealed that just about all of his company's smartphones released in the future will be able to run on the[...]
Price for Verizon’s Motorola Droid 4 May Have Leaked Out
Motorola's most recently-announced high-end Android smartphone for Verizon Wireless, the Droid 4, may have just had its price leaked out.
4G LTE Smartphones Dominated CES 2012
The annual Consumer Electronics Show is wrapping up in Las Vegas. The Brighthand staff has been in the thick of things, and can't help but crown 4G LTE as the[...]
Nokia Reveals Release Date of the Lumia 900
At the Nokia press conference at CES earlier this week, the company kept quiet about the release date of the Lumia 900. Now, however, Nokia has announced in its developer[...]
Intel’s Smartphone Designers Step Up, Finally Score a Hit
Several times in the past, Intel has shown off a prototype smartphone running an Atom processor and said the company was in discussions with handset makers, and then nothing ever[...]
T-Mobile Says Next iPhone Might Support its 3G/4G Service… Maybe
Earlier this week, a T-Mobile executive made a statement that implied that the next-generation iPhone is going to support the AWS frequency bands that his company uses provide 3G and[...]
Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX Might Launch Next Week
Motorola has accidentally revealed the launch date for the Droid RAZR MAXX -- so named because of its super-high-capacity battery. The wait for this high-end Android device apparently isn't going[...]
What’s Wrong with CES? Plenty
The Consumer Electronics Show is a week-long annual celebration of technology in all its forms. It's a venue where over a hundred thousand digerati show up to see the latest[...]
Sprint Will Introduce No More WiMAX Smartphones
Sprint is in the process of switching from providing 4G service with WiMAX to the rival standarrd LTE. The company has passed an important milestone: it will release no more[...]
Different Carriers Could Ship the Nokia Lumia 900 by Mid-2012
Just days after Nokia unveiled the Lumia 900 at CES 2012, reports are speculating that the smartphone is only exclusive to AT&T temporarily. Other carriers might pick this Windows Phone[...]
Samsung Galaxy Nexus vs. Motorola Droid RAZR: Battle of the Flagship Smartphones
The Motorola Droid RAZR had just become Verizon's flagship smartphone when the Samsung Galaxy Nexus was released. Now, Verizon hosts two cutting-edge Android phones. See how they stack up head-to-head!
Skype for Windows Phone Still ”Coming Soon”
Ever since Microsoft bought Skype last spring, people have been wondering when a client for this VoIP service will be released for Windows Phone. According to a Skype exec, the[...]
It’s Make or Break Time for the BlackBerry
If there was a tech company that wanted to put 2011 behind it, Research in Motion would have to be up there. Lost market share, lost stock value, increasingly loud[...]
Sprint to Start Removing Carrier IQ This Month
According to HTC, Sprint will be disabling the application Carrier IQ from its devices starting this month. Some have accused this controversial app of being spyware.
Samsung Not Interested in Buying RIM
A rumor reported earlier this morning that RIM was hoping to be purchased by Samsung. However, a spokesman for the company said that they are not interested in buying the[...]
LG Spectrum
This is a 4G LTE-enabled smartphone from Verizon. It has a large LCD display, 1.5 GHz dual-core processor, and other high-end features. Review: LG Spectrum Review: Cutting-Edge Features for a[...]
BlackBerry Curve 9370
The BlackBerry Curve 9370 is an entry-level smartphone that’s available from Verizon. It uses the traditional RIM design: a bar shape with a thumb-size keyboard fixed below a small display.[...]
AT&T Increases Capacity and Price of Its Data Plans
AT&T is re-configuring its data plans for smartphone users. Next week, new customers will have to pay more for data service, but they'll also get more capacity.
LG Spectrum with Verizon 4G LTE Released
Verizon launched its latest 4G-enabled smartphone this morning, the LG Spectrum. This Android has a range of other high-end features, like a 4.5-inch True HD Screen, 1.5 GHz dual-core processor,[...]
BlackBerry Curve 9370 Now Available from Verizon
The BlackBerry Curve 9370, which was announced earlier this month at CES 2012, is now available for Verizon Wireless customers.
HTC ThunderBolt 4G Smartphone Available Free with Contract
Verizon Wireless is hosting a sale on the HTC ThunderBolt for a short time. Once this carrier's flagship 4G model, it has a range of high-end features, including a generously-sized[...]
Three Sprint Smartphones Get System Software Updates
Sprint announced the release of new system software for some of its Android models: the Samsung Epic 4G, HTC EVO Design 4G, and the HTC EVO 4G.
Verizon Prepping Less Expensive Version of the Motorola Droid RAZR
The super-slim Motorola Droid RAZR debuted in November at $300 with a two-year contract. A new version of this Android smartphone with less storage capacity will soon be available at[...]
BLOG: Removable Memory Cards Are Remarkably Cheap
The most recent blog post from Brighthand's site editor discusses how inexpensive it is to upgrade the microSD card that is in many smartphones, and why it's worth doing.
Apple iPhone 4S vs. Samsung Galaxy S II: Which Is the Greatest?
If you're new to the smartphone world, you may not know which way to go. Do you want an iPhone, which seems to be the "it" device that everyone wants,[...]
U.S. Cellular Having a Smartphone Sale
The regional wireless phone company U.S. Cellular is having a sale -- for a short time, all of its smartphones will be $100 off their regular cost, bringing the price[...]
Time Warner Cable Customers Can Use their iPhone to Control their TV
Time Warner Cable has introduced TWC TV for iPhone, a free app for its customers that allows them to watch live TV from within their home, change channels, and manage[...]
The Co-CEOs of Troubled BlackBerry Maker RIM Have Resigned
The two men who founded and led Research in Motion are no longer its co-CEOs -- Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie have been replaced by Thorsten Heins. This move comes[...]
AT&T’s New Data Plans Good for Heavier Users, Hard on Light Ones
AT&T has reconfigured its data plans so that they cost more, but also offer more capacity. This makes them a better deal for those who use a lot of wireless[...]
BlackBerry 10 Smartphones to Run Android Apps
In a conference call this morning, the new CEO of RIM, Thorsten Heins, announced that BlackBerry 10 smartphones will have an Android player, allowing them to run third-party software created[...]
Pantech Burst
This inexpensive Android phone boasts some advanced features, most notably 4G LTE. It also has a fairly large display and a dual-core processor. Review
Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX To Launch on Thursday
Verizon has just made it official: the Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX is going to hit store shelves this week. As its name suggests, this is going to be an alternate[...]
AT&T Sony Xperia Ion LTE Pre-order Price Revealed
At CES 2012, Sony unveiled the Xperia Ion LTE, the first Sony phone to run on 4G LTE networks. While Sony and AT&T have yet to officially release the price[...]
Pantech Burst: An Inexpensive 4G Android Smartphone Available from AT&T
The newest AT&T 4G LTE smartphone, the Pantech Burst, is now available. It has an entry-level price, but boasts some advanced features - in addition to 4G, it has a[...]
Apple Sold a Record 37 Million iPhones Last Quarter
During the last three months of 2011, Apple sold just over 37 million iPhones, a record number and more than double the number sold in the same quarter a year[...]
There Could be Two BlackBerry 10 Smartphones on RIM’s Drawingboard
Research in Motion may be planning to introduce two phones running its upcoming BlackBerry 10 operating system by the end of this year. This is double the number mentioned in[...]
Plantronics Marque M155 Bluetooth Headset Review: Designed for Smartphones
The Plantronics Marque M155 is marketed as a Bluetooth headset for smartphones with a number of extra features for iPhone and Android users. But does it live up to expectations?[...]
Rumor: Nokia Lumia 910 To Land In UK In May
The Nokia Lumia 900 Windows Phone is still months away from its release, but a rumor has already popped up regarding the impending UK release of the Nokia Lumia 910.
Apple iPhone Outsold Android Last Quarter in the U.S.
Apple enjoyed stellar sales in the last quarter of 2011. Not only were more iPhone units sold than in any previous three month period, a market research firm says this[...]
Samsung Galaxy Note LTE Super-Size Smartphone Could Be Coming to AT&T Next Month
The Samsung Galaxy Note's unusually large display has drawn attention from those who want a cross-over smartphone/tablet. A few weeks ago, AT&T promised to offer this device - but it[...]
Nokia Lumia 900’s Release Date and Price Leaked
If the rumors hold true, then AT&T is looking to make a big splash in the smartphone markets during Q1 with the release of the Nokia Lumia 900.
Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX
This model has the same specs as the original Droid RAZR, but has nearly twice the battery life at the price of being just slightly thicker. It’s still quite slim,[...]
Samsung Epic 4G Touch System Software Update Removes Carrier IQ
Sprint has begun sending out an update for the system software running on the Samsung Epic 4G Touch. Among some minor changes, this removes the Carrier IQ app that some[...]
Verizon Releases the Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX Setting New High Standard for Battery Life
Those who waited for the release of the Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX can finally own this Verizon 4G LTE smartphone with a very big battery but a very slim design.
Nokia Has Sold Over 1 Million Lumia Windows Phones
Nokia has revealed the results of its most recent financial quarter. Although there was plenty of bad news -- the company had another ?quarterly loss -- it was able to[...]
BLOG: The iPhone 5 Should Be Released This Summer, Not Next Fall
The most recent blog post from Brighthand's site editor gives his thoughts on when Apple should release its next-generation smartphone, and why it should be this summer.
Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX’s Price Reduced
The Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX, which was released yesterday, is being sold by Verizon for $300 with contract. Those who are looking for a cheaper price need look no further[...]
HTC Will Release Fewer Smartphone Models this Year
Although it didn't do too badly, HTC did not have a stellar 2011. A company executive says the plan for 2012 is to concentrate its efforts on developing a smaller[...]
CES or IFA: Which Giant Consumer Electronics Tradeshow is Better?
Each year, there are two massive electronics shows: CES in Las Vegas and IFA in Berlin. This raises the question, which of these two is better? Brighthand's European coorespondent compares[...]
AT&T’s HTC Titan II Release Date Revealed?
AT&T is apparently looking to make a big splash this year by releasing a number of cutting-edge smartphones. On the list is the HTC Titan II, an upcoming Windows Phone[...]
Square Credit Card Reader Review: Remarkably Easy
For iPhone and Android owners, Square Inc. offers a quick, simple, affordable way to take credit card payments. It's a handy solution if you're running a small business, or even[...]
Samsung Galaxy Nexus Available at Well Below Its Regular Price
Verizon is asking $300 with contract for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, but Amazon.com is selling Google's new flagship smartphone at one third of its usual price. This deal isn't available[...]
Samsung Galaxy Nexus vs. Motorola Droid Bionic: Which Is Verizon’s Top Dog?
Many Verizon subscribers may be deciding between the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and the Motorola Droid Bionic. To make this process easier, we compare them head to head, to see the[...]
BLOG: Smartphone Makers Should Reduce the Number of Models They Offer
The most recent blog post from Brighthand's site editor gives his thoughts on the over-abundance of smartphone models from device makers like HTC, Motorola, and Samsung.
Samsung Galaxy Note Coming to AT&T in in Mid-February: It’s Official
AT&T has just announced the release date and price for the Samsung Galaxy Note, a device that has drawn the attention of those who want a cross-over smartphone/tablet. It's going[...]
Samsung Galaxy S Advance to Debut Soon… Outside North America
Today, Samsung announced the launch of the Galaxy S Advance that will be available for customers around the world starting in February. The list of countries getting this Android smartphone[...]
Verizon’s Shared Data Plans Could Be Drawing Close
According to information leaking out of Verizon, this carrier has started training its employees on how to handle shared data plans. This is a much-requested option that would allow subscribers[...]
MacWorld/iWorld Brings More iPhone Apps, More Cases, More Gadgets
MacWorld/iWorld just wrapped up in San Francisco, and Brighthand's reporter on the spot brings us his thoughts on the most interesting software and accessories that were on display at this[...]
MacWorld 2012: Top Tips and Tricks for Apple’s Siri
What are some top tricks and tips for getting the most from Siri, the natural language search engine on Apple's iPhone 4S? In a session at MacWorld 2012, a Siri[...]
Samsung Galaxy S II, Galaxy Note Getting Android OS 4.0 Upgrade Soon
Samsung officially announced today that the Galaxy S II and the Galaxy Note will be upgraded to Android OS 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) by the end of the first quarter.[...]
HTC Ville Smartphone with Android OS 4.0 Shown in Leaked Video
An upcoming Android OS 4.0 smartphone, codenamed the HTC Ville, was featured in a leaked video earlier today. It is expected to be officially announced at the Mobile World Congress[...]