Let me first say that I think that the iphone is beautiful and worth every penny of its high sticker. On top of that, the touchscreen interface is incredible and definitely the future of computing as a whole (although don’t make the mistake of thinking that this was all Apple’s innovative idea; here is the first working version I saw of that kind of interface). Nevertheless, it is worth looking at the phone market to see what kind of competition is out there. I mean, people like to compare the iPhone to all kinds of Blackberrys and Razrs. But is there at least a little competition from a lesser known front?

iPhone vs Helio

Now I know what you are thinking. “Don’t call it a phone! Or else a whale will eat you!” But the phone that goes by the name Ocean under the Helio line is actually an impressive device. Sure, it is not as sexy looking, nor does it have the touch screen interface, but feature for feature, it stacks up pretty well with the iPhone. Take a look for yourself:

I find these figures to be rather interesting. Considering that their base plan is only $65 and includes 500 minutes plus unlimited everything else (yes, unlimited everything; data, email, messaging, etc.) that is quite the deal. I mean, I am sure that this will not convert anyone to Helio, but it is still worth knowing.

This also supports my point that the mobile phone world moves fast. All of the major companies release a new phone model just about every month, so Apple seems to be taking quite a gamble. Sure, the iPhone is great now, but without variety and constantly updated features (I know software can be upgraded, but GPS, crummy slow networks? A software update won’t help so much…) I am not sure how long it can stay king. They can get away with a better looking, modestly inferior product in the mp3 player market thanks to the iTunes lock in, but the cell phone market is well established, with tons of alternatives that you can switch between relatively easy. Just food for thought…