Smartphones

A smartphone is a powerful mobile phone that is designed to run a variety of applications in addition to providing phone service. Smartphones are basically small tablet computers, and they can be used for web browsing, watching videos, reading e-books, and playing games.

Smartphones use touchscreens and operating systems similar to those used by tablet computers. Many of them use a virtual keyboard, but others have a physical keyboard, which allows the entire screen to be used for display purposes.
Internet access is an important feature of smartphones. Generally, you will need to purchase a 3G, 4G, or LTE data plan in addition to normal cell service. Smartphones can also connect to Wi-Fi when it is available; this allows you to use the Internet without using up your monthly data allotment.

3G, 4G, and LTE—sometimes called 4G LTE—are different types of networks for cell phones. 3G is the slowest of the three networks, but it is also the most widely used. 4G has the potential to be much faster than 3G, but most phones are not yet equipped to use it. 4G networks are also not available everywhere—you're more likely to be able to use one if you live in a big city. LTE is the most recent version of 4G. As more phones become 4G compatible, the number of people who use 4G and LTE networks will likely grow.