Can Symbian Anna Match The Greatness Of The htc Sensations Os

By Author: Emma Rosher
Total Articles: 194
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One of the most important considerations to make when choosing a mobile phone is the operating system that the device runs on. The OS determines not only how the phone will function but also how it looks visually. Two of the most popular platforms are Symbian which is used by Nokia handsets and the renowned Google Android system which HTC are famous for using. Here we take a look at the brilliant Android 2.3 OS sported by the HTC Sensation and see how it compares against the latest Symbian Anna system that is being rolled out on new models including the Nokia E6.

For a long time now the problem with Symbian has been that is has been let down in the looks department with static and dated visuals. Looking at the revamp for the first time it is evident that this side of affairs has received a major overhaul. The interface now features scrolling in real time between home screens and icons which brings it much more in line with the likes of Android and the iOS system that is used by Apple. Icons now look smoother and more three dimensional than before but one cannot help but feel that text still looks like it has been ...
... lifted from a much older handset. In terms of eye candy the HTC Sensation and Android 2.3 are well ahead of the game. The interface is slick with multiple home screens offering extensive customisation options and animations which really do bring these displays to life. Symbian is certainly moving in the right direction in this department but evidently has a way to go before it can match what Android can offer.

Functionality is superb on both Symbian and Android 2.3 on the HTC Sensation. With regards to browsing the web Symbian offers some drastic changes over previous versions. The upgraded browser now offers full HTML 5 support, Flash Lite and multi touch to make navigating web pages a simple task. It is not only the internet users that will be happy with this update as other functions that are standard on the Nokia E6 have been suitably tweaked. The calendar, e mail and maps applications now work better than ever with fast responsiveness and improved looks. Functionality on Android 2.3 is superb just like its predecessor. A series of swipes will take you wherever you need to go within the platform and web browsing is a particular highlight. The browser includes full Flash support and even the most demanding sites such as BBC iPlayer work smoothly on the system. All other features are easy to use and e mails can be handled either by G Mail or the Microsoft Exchange platform. Just like on the Nokia the maps and calendar functions are both useful and easy to use.

Symbian continues to edge closer to what platforms such as Android can offer. The Google platform does remain ahead of the game though and makes handsets like the HTC Sensation both visually stunning as well as the most user friendly phones you are likely to encounter.

The HTC Sensation and the Nokia E6 are available now.