HTC Magic review

The Webkit browser is one of our favourite mobile browsers. You can see the entire web page and drag a magnifying window around to zoom in. There’s also a Calendar application that synchronises with Google Calendar. As well as Gmail, there’s a POP3 and IMAP email client and support for Exchange servers.

The Google Maps application uses the phone’s built-in GPS, and with Google Latitude you can let your friends see where you are. A built-in compass synchronises the Magic with Google’s Street View. Hold up the phone in an area with Street View coverage and the onscreen image matches your surroundings. As you turn round, the onscreen view follows your movements – handy when you’re looking for your next turning.

Battery life is a problem – especially with WiFi, GPS and background updates for Gmail and other Google applications turned on. You’ll probably find yourself recharging the Magic every night, although the same applies to many touchscreen smartphones, including the iPhone.

Most touchscreen phones wither in the face of the iPhone, with poor interfaces and few available applications. The Magic, however, is a genuine competitor. It costs roughly the same to own one, admittedly, but we narrowly prefer it thanks to its smaller size and restriction-free operating system. It wins our Ultimate award.