My Dream Frankenstein Smartphone

I love all smartphones.

Money and time aside, I’d collect smartphones for a living if I could. I just love seeing how these pocket computer do what they do, and how they compare to each other.

While I tend to dabble in Android the most, I am truly intrigued by every mobile platform out there. I enjoy seeing what’s out there, what may or may not be on the horizon, and all in between. I’m the guy that cheers on Tizen and still whines about the demise of WebOS. The more the merrier, and competition tends to breed excellence. Consumers win.

I think every platform brings something to the table. Looking at the top 4 mobile OS’ out there (Android, BB10, iOS and Windows Phone), there are features that each has that is compelling. That got me to thinking:

If I could take a feature or concept from each to create the perfect device, which pieces would I take?

Here goes:

Android: Customization

When it boils down to it, this is why I use Android as a daily driver. Sure, Google Apps are a huge draw, and device variety is unparalleled, but I would hate to give up the almost unlimited ability to make the advice act the way I want it to. In many ways, it is the epitome of the discussion at hand. To be fair, rooting is a huge part of the equation, but Android allows for this (mostly).

BB10: Hub

My first real mobile email device was a BlackBerry, and even today, I still measure email management with BlackBerry litmus paper. The BB10 hub takes email management, adds in a bunch of other aggregated information (like social network accounts) and created the ultimate inbox. It’s a one touch shop for information and action that is a pleasure to use, and hard to replicate as effectively elsewhere.

iOS: Ecosystem

Frankly, this one was easy. When it comes to a homogeneous experience, iOS is tough to beat, and the latest build improves it. I’m talking hardware and software. Take connected gadgets and health tools for example. If you’re looking to add a mobile component, one is almost guaranteed to find it on iOS only/first. For me, that adds unlimited value to a device. And Apple’s own in-house compatibility is exemplary.

Windows Phone: Out-of-the-box Design

WP8 has a bunch of things I love. Cortana is maturing. The keyboard is fantastic. But the one thing I love? The design aesthetic. Live tiles get me every. Single. Time.

I know, I know… how can an Android guy high off widgets be so mesmerized by Tiles? Well, it’s the whole package. Windows Phone design feels serious and playful at the same time, and its intuitive nature really makes it something I’d love to export, as-is, to my imaginary superphone. It’s hard to ignore WP8 overlooked (in my opinion) ecosystem, but give me the looks.

So there you have it: my favorite features from the top four mobile platforms.

Which would you pick?

Tre Lawrence

Tre Lawrence is a servant, husband, father, writer and a life-long learner. He is a contributor to ChurchM.ag and 148apps.com, editor at Androidrundown.com and trelawrence.com... and a "retired" churchworker to boot. When he's not writing for these, you'll probably find him on the soccer pitch or volunteering for YouVersion.