In Focus

Virtual duel: How smart is your phone?

The BlackBerry and iPhone cross swords

  • By Primrose Skelton. Gulf News Report
  • Published: 00:00 June 15, 2010
  • In Focus

The BlackBerry can be seen in every office, mall and restaurant, glued to the ear — or palm — of businessmen and women across the UAE. These devices are apparently so addictive that they have been nicknamed the ‘crackberry.'

Even actress Jennifer Aniston was reported to have ended her relationship with John Mayer over his incessant use of it. It has only been around since 2002 but the BlackBerry — beloved of businessmen and salesman — has fast become the accessory of choice for all.

Until the launch of the Apple iPhone in 2007, there wasn't a rival to this sleek and stylish black phone. But this new addition to the market was a critical and commercial success, giving Research In Motion (RIM) — the Canadian company behind the BlackBerry — a run for its money and raising the bar in terms of public expectations.

Both devices offer similar features when it comes to the basics, such as e-mail access and internet connection, but with music and apps and other more selective features — including the way they look — it seems lovers of the two phones are divided. And so begins the endless argument between the BlackBerry and the iPhone.

Two Dubai businessmen explain why they chose their smartphone and reveal what they love, and hate, about it. Let the battle commence.

Christopher Green is a Sales Team Leader for Avnet Middle East. He is a fan of the BlackBerry and recently upgraded his device to the 8520 Curve. The 29-year-old British businessman lives and works in Dubai.

 

Why do you love your BlackBerry?

It's more of a love and hate relationship. It is great to be able to access your e-mail and stay in touch with your business needs 24 hours a day, but when you first get one you can become addicted to checking your e-mail every five minutes, which often results in war with the other half.

 

Why did you choose it over another smartphone?

I used to have a HTC TyTN, which was a lot bulkier and heavier than my BlackBerry Curve, plus the web browser on the BlackBerry is faster and easier to use.

 

Do you have any regrets buying a BlackBerry?

Not so far. I am lucky in that my company pays the bill, but I would continue with it even if that stopped.

 

What is its best feature?

I really love the BlackBerry messenger, which is a feature that allows all BlackBerry users to send messages, files and even pictures, for free, all over the world.

It's an option that I know many users like and it ensures that as a Dubai expat I can keep in touch with my family (the more technically advanced ones) and friends without spending a dirham.

 

And its worst feature?

It is a simple fault but one that can be quite annoying. Basically, when you import contact numbers from Outlook or from a SIM card, if you have punched in 00971 instead of +971, the phone doesn't recognise the caller, which can be a pain when you are trying to avoid calls from credit card companies or your financial advisor.

 

What is your favourite app?

I know it's a cliché but I absolutely love Facebook. It means I can keep in touch with all that is happening on the site and know exactly when friends have brushed their teeth in the morning, or what they had to eat at 10pm the night before. It seems trivial but honestly, status updates bring a smile to my face on a daily basis.

 

Is it value for money?

My BlackBerry Curve was around Dh1,100, which compared to the far more expensive iPhone, is much better value.

 

Why do you love it?

I get to stay in touch with work when I am out of the office as I can access my e-mail, which means no nasty surprises when I come in the next day. I also find it's great for my social life as I often use BM and Facebook to remain in contact with friends on a night out. However, in terms of making calls, it is no different to any other basic mobile phone.

 

Verdict: The BlackBerry is a great business phone, but lacks fun apps.

 

Matthew Grant is the Deputy Production Manager at a Dubai-based publishing company. The young Briton is now on his third smartphone and loves his recently acquired iPhone.

 

Why do you love your iPhone?

I love the iPhone for many reasons, but how it looks definitely played a part in my purchase. Call me shallow but the lovely curved corners, black back and silver casing are real standouts. It is also slim, light and smart, which makes it easy to carry around and it looks good both in the office and when out socialising. I always had an iPod and loved it, so this seemed like the next natural step.

 

Why did you choose it over another smartphone?

I chose the iPhone because there are many features it has that other phones do not, and the large multi-touch screen was a big draw. Again, I think it holds more kudos than other phones because of Apple's reputation. I am pretty sure that many people buy Apple on looks alone, because of the products' stylish and chic appearance.

 

Do you have any regrets buying the iPhone?

I only have regrets that I got the iPhone on a particular UAE server as the 3G service is poor and that I can't access the internet outside a wireless network. When I do use Wi-Fi, I end up getting charged for it.

However, one of the benefits of having the iPhone is that I can use it anywhere abroad and when I go back to the UK, it is really useful to keep contact with work and friends here and at home. I also don't have to worry about changing SIM cards.

 

What is its best feature?

I love that it has everything in one device. The iPhone is constantly updating and expanding, though for me it is the basic features that set the iPhone apart, simple things such as photos, You Tube, weather forecasts and maps. Plus, the phone and e-mail are great.

The maps app is pretty cool as it's clearer than most phones and you have the street view as well as the satellite. The fun options, such as a distance calculator when walking, driving or on the train, are also great for use, when on holiday. It's a pretty impressive piece of kit.

 

And the worst feature?

It is a small thing but it's very annoying that you can't multi-task. Therefore, only one program can be in use at any one time.

 

What is your favourite app?

Skype is great, and legal, as I downloaded it from the etisalat apps store recently. I also love the messenger app, which, like the BlackBerry, allows users to message each other around the world for free.

 

Is it value for money?

Absolutely. The average iPhone is Dh2,500 and for that you not only get a phone but a mini PC.

 

Why do you love it?

It is good for both work and socialising as I can check e-mails and attachments on the large screen and network through Facebook, Twitter and iPhone messenger. At its heart, the iPhone is an iPod and for music and video playback it is pretty much the best.

It is also very cool. This is my first iPhone, but my third smartphone. If I am honest, the BlackBerry is just as good for work purposes. But as an all-rounder, the iPhone fits my needs better and still has way more street cred than the BlackBerry.

 

Verdict: The iPhone is a great looking phone with a good number of apps, but lack of 3G and multi-task programs are hindrances.

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