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Smartphones for world travelers (roundup)

Traveling overseas? Check out some of the latest smartphones that can keep you connected to home while you're away.

Bonnie Cha Former Editor
Bonnie Cha was a former chief correspondent for CNET Crave, covering every kind of tech toy imaginable (with a special obsession for robots and Star Wars-related stuff). When she's not scoping out stories, you can find her checking out live music or surfing in the chilly waters of Northern California.
Bonnie Cha
2 min read

T-Mobile MyTouch 4G Slide
The T-Mobile MyTouch 4G Slide is a world phone that has a great camera to boot, so you can capture photos of your travels. Josh Miller/CNET

If you're in the U.S. and frequently travel overseas for business or pleasure, a smartphone with world-roaming capabilities is a good thing to have in your travel kit. The smartphone part of the device gives you access to all the productivity tools you need to get work done on the road, and the world roaming lets you touch base with your colleagues, friends, and family back in the States.

Here are six of the latest world phones we've tested recently, but there are plenty more to choose from.

Just be sure to look for quad-band (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) support in GSM phones and dual-mode functionality in CDMA models for true world roaming. Check out our quick guide to world phones for more information.

Samsung Galaxy S II
The sleek and powerful Samsung Galaxy S II makes for a great travel companion. The gorgeous Super AMOLED Plus display is great for viewing maps, and the smartphone's dual-core processor and great battery life ensure that it will be able to keep up with you on the go.
Read the full review

 

Motorola XPRT (Sprint)
For globe-trotting professionals, the Motorola XPRT not only offers dual-mode world-roaming capabilities but also a full QWERTY keyboard for easy messaging, and enterprise-level security features to keep the bosses happy.
Read the full review

RIM BlackBerry Bold 9930 (Verizon Wireless)
The RIM BlackBerry Bold 9930 is a little pricey, but it's the best model yet for BlackBerry fanatics. The new touch screen complements the great QWERTY keyboard, and the OS improvements make this world phone even more capable.
Read the full review

T-Mobile MyTouch 4G Slide
The quad-band T-Mobile MyTouch 4G Slide can not only help you keep in touch with friends and family back home, but it also has an excellent camera that will help you capture memories of your trip.
Read the full review

Motorola Electrify (U.S. Cellular)
The Motorola Electrify is already U.S. Cellular's most powerful smartphone, but as a bonus, it comes with an unlocked SIM, so you have the freedom to purchase a prepaid SIM card once you get to your destination to make calls and receive data.
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Apple iPhone 4 (AT&T)
Smartphones are great for staying connected on the road, but they're also great for keeping you entertained during the long flights and downtime. The iPhone 4 is great for that, with access to tons of games, music, and video.
Read the full review