Why Are They Called Smartphones? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Mobile Phones > Android 539 539 people found this article helpful

What Makes a Smartphone Smart?

Smartphones offer additional features beyond a typical cell phone

By Liane Cassavoy Liane Cassavoy Writer Boston University's College of Communications Liane Cassavoy is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire who has been reviewing and writing articles about smartphones since 1999. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on April 7, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Android Switching from iOS A smartphone adds features to a basic cell phone, such as email and web browsing. It connects to the internet and offers personalized services as a result. 1:54

Why Are They Called Smartphones?

Key Smartphone Features

In general, a smartphone runs an operating system that supports mobile and web applications. Apple's iPhone runs iOS, and other devices run Google's Android OS, HP's WebOS, and Microsoft's Windows Phone. By 2020, Android and iOS capture almost all the global market.

Apps

While almost all cell phones include some sort of software—even the most basic models these days include an address book or some sort of contact manager, for example—a smartphone creates and edits Microsoft Office documents, download apps such as personal and business finance managers, capture and edit photos, get driving directions via GPS, and create a playlist of digital tunes.

Internet Access

More smartphones can access the web at higher speeds. Thanks to the growth of data networks and the regular roll-out of higher standards, a mix of mobile data and Wi-Fi data makes these devices powerhouses at consuming media.

Messaging

All cell phones can send and receive text messages, but what sets a smartphone apart is its handling of email. A smartphone can sync with your personal and, most likely, your professional email account. Most smartphones support several email accounts. Others include access to popular instant messaging apps. Most phones today are smartphones although you can still find a few without some of these features if you look hard enough. Given today's connected world, however, it's a good idea to just buy a smartphone so you can stay in touch any way you want with the ones you love. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire The 5 Best Basic Cell Phones of 2022 How to Set up and Use iCloud on the iPad Beacon Technology: What It Is and How It Impacts You How to Download a Different Samsung TV Internet Browser Can I Call Alexa From My Phone? The Top 10 Internet Browsers for 2022 The 10 Best Parental Control Apps and Services of 2022 How to Use Skype How to Get Internet With a Bluetooth-Enabled Cell Phone Does a Mobile Hotspot Use Data? The 7 Best Mobile Search Engines How to Create a New Outlook.com Email Account How to Keep Your Phone and Laptop Cool What to Do When Your iPhone Email Is Not Working The 8 Best Places to Buy Phones in 2022 How to Set up GoDaddy Email on Your Desktop Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies