The 5 Most Popular UK Mobile Phones

While the USA that dominates technology coverage, it's the UK that's home to more mobile phone deals than consumers can imagine. From unlocked tech wonders to low-cost contract handsets, the amount of innovative new mobile phones on offer in the UK would send any US-based technology geek mad. Mention the amount of region-free deals on offer and they might just pack up and move.

We've looked at the UK's five most popular mobile phones, comparing them below on more than just their on-paper technology specs. If you're in the market for a UK mobile phone that offers an experience beyond sheer technological prowess, these are the five models to look at. Each is made for a different audience – some business, some play, and some the perfect combination of the two.

1. Apple iPhone 4

Apple's done it again. The Cupertino-based technology company took a swing at rival developers this year with their iPhone 4, pushing the bar upwards once again and signalling a new revolution for the smartphone world.

The iPhone 4 is packed with features, including a HD video camera, high-resolution touchscreen, and built-in video and audio editing applications. While the phone only made its full release in the UK recently, sales have been incredibly strong across the nation.

2. HTC Desire

HTC's ultra-power handset made its debut in the United Kingdom earlier this year, moving units at a remarkable pace since its release. While critics have claimed that the phone's usability is limited, it continues to sell strongly in high-tech demographics and developer communities.

The Desire uses Google's Android operating system, making it the primary competitor to Apple's ubiquitous iPhone series. While sales haven't quite matched those of the iPhone, the Desire is far from a slouch – HTC plans to release a revamped, revised, and revolutionary model later this year.

3. Nokia N8

Nokia's N8 was only released recently, but sales and pre-orders have been strong throughout the UK. A full-featured smartphone and media centre, the N8 uses Nokia's own operating system. It hasn't quite attracted the same level of critical praise as the HTC or iPhone, although orders have been strong since its release in the UK just over two weeks ago.

4. Apple iPhone 3GS

While the iPhone 4 is now Apple's top-of-the-line model, sales of its predecessor continue to be strong throughout the UK. Priced competitively and built for the casual user, the iPhone 3GS is Apple's previous market leader smartphone.

While it's since been superseded, the 3GS offers a number of features that its competitors haven't yet managed to touch on. From high quality video recording to its ultra-simple operating system, there's no mobile phone quite like the 3GS. Recommended for casual UK mobile phone users.

5. Blackberry Torch

Research In Motion's new Blackberry Torch has made a splash in the UK, although not quite to the same extent as that of previous models. Priced in line with other high-end phones and built for both the business and casual user, it's a strange mix of touchscreen fun and tactile keyboard usability.

While few users have remarked on the Blackberry's operating system or gaming record, it remains a worthwhile choice for business users and technology fans. RIM's secure instant messenger is a huge reason for the phone's success in the UK, as it allows users to avoid costly text messaging charges.