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

 [8] Music and Video:  Both the smartphones support multiple audio and video playback formats.

 Winner:  The HD2. Though the music players in both the smartphones are comparable yet the HD2 scores in video playback department as, thanks to its larger display, watching videos are more enjoyable than it is on the iPhone.

 [9] Keyboard:  Both the HD2 and the iPhone have onscreen virtual keyboard.

 Winner:  The HD2. Auto-correction and predictive entry feature in both the smartphones make typing a breeze. However, due to its larger touchscreen, the onscreen keys on the HD2 is slightly bigger and easier to type than on the iPhone. In fact, on a screen this big, the keyboard is huge, even in portrait orientation.

 [10] Storage and Memory:  The HD2 has 448MB onboard flash memory and microSD card slot (capable of holding up to 32GB). On the other hand, the iPhone comes with 256MB onboard flash memory and a choice of 16GB or 32GB internal storage.

 Winner:  The HD2. At a time when nearly all smartphones come with microSD card slot, the lack of one in the iPhone makes it so 'un-cool.'

 [11] Miscellaneous:  Both the phones boast of features like accelerometer, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, GPS and digital compass.

Both the phones are also loaded with GPS, Google Maps and support Geo-tagging.

And, both the phones come with services like phone tracking, remote data backup, remote data wipe and restore (the HD2 calls it MyPhone while iPhone calls it MobileMe).

But what differentiates the HD2 from the iPhone is its HTC Sense UI, which makes multitasking possible (unlike the iPhone).

HTC Sense UI, which is based on the principles: "Make it mine," "Stay Close" and "Discover the Unexpected," allows you to create his own environment, to conveniently communicate with contacts through multiple channels, while the innovative features make the difference between local phone and online disappear. HTC Sense slightly resembles the TouchFlo which we have seen on other models, but HTC Sense, which lets you create personal widgets and screens for your own personalization and is capable of multitasking, takes things just that little bit further.

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.