Many cell phones offer music players, but only a few handsets really do music well. Here are some of the brightest examples.
Nicole Lee
Nicole Lee is a senior associate editor for CNET, covering cell phones, Bluetooth headsets, and all things mobile. She's also a fan of comic books, video games, and of course, shiny gadgets.
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).
ExpertiseContent strategy, team leadership, audience engagement, iPhone, Samsung, Android, iOS, tips and FAQs.
The Samsung Suede doesn't just play music. It's what the phone is all about. This is the first device to pair with Cricket Wireless' Muve Music service, a $55 plan that gives you unlimited music downloads, ringtones, and ringback tones along with all the talk, text, and data.
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Apple iPhone 4
With each hardware and OS update, Apple's iPhone 4 (for Verizon and AT&T) reasserts its dominance as the definitive MP3 phone. The iPod functionality on the is seamlessly integrated into the phone's design, and the features are top-notch. Especially notable is the Genius Mix feature, which lets the phone devise a playlist that uses algorithms to match songs already in your music library.
The HTC Surround is a smartphone for audiophiles. This AT&T Windows Phone comes with slide-out Dolby Mobile speakers, a smartphone first that is sure to complement the Zune music library. There's also a built-in FM radio and a kickstand for propping up the phone while it pumps out tunes.
Like all phones in the Samsung Galaxy S series, the Android-driven Vibrant features a brilliant Super AMOLED screen. T-Mobile's Vibrant, however, also includes 5.1-channel surround sound and an attractive Cover Flow-like interface. The preloaded Amazon MP3 store serves as your music shop.
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Sony Ericsson Aino
Sony Ericsson makes some of the best music phones around. One of its more recent models is the Sony Ericsson Aino, which has a dedicated multimedia browser and a touch interface that is surprisingly easy and intuitive to use.
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LG Chocolate Touch VX8575
LG has a history of good music phones, too, especially with the LG Chocolate line of phones. The latest Chocolate phone is the LG Chocolate Touch, which has a number of cool music-related features like Dolby audio and a virtual drum kit built right into the phone.
