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Top 3G cell phones

If you're picking up a cell phone as a holiday gift for a loved one, for a friend, or for your own fabulous self, you've got a heck of a lot of choices ahead of you. Here are some of our favorite 3G smartphones that cover a range of capabilities and prices, including some real high-end beauts.

Jessica Dolcourt
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Jessica Dolcourt
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1 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

iPhone 4S (Sprint, Verizon, AT&T)

Take the iconic iPhone 4, add a zippy dual-core processor, a kickin' 8-megapixel camera, and a voice actions app with a witty personality--just for a start. Then add your choice of a 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB storage capacity, your choice of three carriers, and a dual-SIM for traveling abroad if you happen to get it for Verizon or Sprint. Yep, that's the iPhone 4S.
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2 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

RIM BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930 (T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless)

If you're a BlackBerry fanatic, you'll love the latest RIM BlackBerry Bold. The Bold 9900 is for T-Mobile, while the Bold 9930 is for Verizon Wireless. It ships with the latest BlackBerry OS 7, and it is the first Bold to have a touch-screen display. The new Bold is the thinnest Bold yet, and boasts great graphics, a 1.2GHz processor, and an absolutely amazing QWERTY keyboard.
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3 of 8 Sarah Tew/CNET

HTC Rhyme (Verizon)

Creepy commercials aside, the HTC Rhyme is in actuality a beautifully designed phone with an appealing take on Android 2.3 Gingerbread. You just have to like purple. We do, as it happens, and we also like the charging dock that comes with it. We can't say the same for the built-in charm, but rest assured that the accessories are the least of what is essentially a very smart and likable smartphone.
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4 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

LG Marquee (Sprint)

A stunning example of LG's ultrabright Nova display, the LG Marquee sure is bright and light. It also enjoys Android 2.3 Gingerbread, smokin' call quality, and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera.
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5 of 8 Josh Miller

Motorola Triumph (Virgin Mobile)

The Motorola Triumph is perhaps the best prepaid Android phone we've reviewed this year. Available from Virgin Mobile, the Triumph has a generous 4.1-inch WVGA display, a slim design, a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, a 5-megapixel camera with HD video capture, a front-facing camera, HDMI out, and more. Android fans will also love its no-frills interface. It does cost $299.99, but that's without a contract, and Virgin Mobile has one of the lowest data plans in the country.
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6 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

Samsung Convoy 2 (Verizon)

Even if you never use its push-to-talk features to communicate with family and friends, Verizon's Samsung Convoy 2 is a durable flip phone that will appeal to handy types who value utility above all else. Up to military specifications, it can withstand the elements and a few butterfinger fumbles. Large dial-pad keys and music controls on its external face are bonus points for this straightforward cell phone. Bonus points go to the bright integrated flashlight.
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7 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

Samsung Character (U.S. Cellular)

Not everyone needs or wants a smartphone, and these days, the number of quality feature phones is much thinner than in years past. The Samsung Character for U.S. Cellular is one of the most youth-friendly of the bunch. Its fun, icon-based interface and comfortable keyboard will appeal to text-happy teens. The two colors--bright blue and a more sober gray--broaden the appeal. And for $40, it won't break the bank.
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8 of 8 Josh Miller

Pantech Breeze III (AT&T)

The Breeze III is perfect for those who want a no-frills phone. There's no HD video capture or 4G speeds here in this basic clamshell. It even has a Basic mode for senior citizens or cell phone newbies who don't need complicated menus. It has large keys and a bright legible screen for those who have poor eyesight. You do get a few niceties like a 1.3-megapixel camera, 3G, a music player, Bluetooth, and GPS, but this phone is meant for making calls and little else. Seeing as it's less than $40, we have no problem with that.

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