Head-to-Head: HTC HD2 versus iPhone 3GS (2)

Thanks to HTC Sense, the smartphone can also synchronises contacts, posts, feeds, messages, e-mails, photos and more - from sources such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube - and automatically streams them all to the homescreen, allowing you to access data more easily.

On the other hand, the iPhone, thanks to the OS 3.0 software update, has many cool features including a landscape keyboard for all core apps; an innovative and useful implementation of cut, copy, and paste; push notifications, an improved call log that shows details like the time and length of a call; a spotlight search for searching apps, e-mail (subjects and to/from lines), music, and more; shake to shuffle; voice memos; Nike+ support and support for MMS and tethering.

The iPhone users also have access to the legendary iPhone App Store where over 90,000 apps are available for download for free or a small cost.

 Winner:  Tie. The HTC Sense UI and its multitasking capability makes the HD2 a compelling buy. The HD2 also has FM Radio unlike the iPhone and supports java games and applications which the iPhone can't. Yet, no app store compares to the iPhone App Store (not even the Windows Marketplace).

 [12] Power and Battery:  The HD2 is powered by an interchangeable 1230mAh Li-Ion battery that has enough juice to power the phone up to 380 minutes (talk time) and up to 490 hours (standby time). On the other hand, the iPhone has a built-in Li-Ion battery that promises up to 720 minutes (talk time) and up to 300 hours (standby time).

 Winner:  The HD2. Though the HD2 scores in terms of standby time, yet the iPhone scores in terms of talk time, at least on paper. However, one major letdown is the iPhone's built-in battery. Call me biased, but in this department, any smartphone that comes with interchangeable battery will score over the iPhone (I wouldn't like to get caught in a tight spot with my phone dying on me). And the HD2 is no exception despite the iPhone battery boasting of longer talk time. One wonders why Steve Jobs still hasn't introduced interchangeable batteries for the iPhone.

 [13] Pricing:  As the iPhone 3GS as well as the HD2 are yet to be released in India, the price of both the smartphones are still unknown.

 Winner:  A tie. Both the smartphones are expected to command a steep price, though possibly, the iPhone may cost a few grands more since it commands a brand premium.

 Final Verdict:  The HD2 wins the shootout 7-1. Finally, HTC is regaining its reputation as a leading mobile device manufacturer and giving users something to be excited about again.