Cell-phone face-off

Apple's iPhone 3G S ($200, two-year contract, AT&T) is a slight update on its previous version and now sits atop our smart-phone Ratings. The new Palm Pre ($200, two-year contract, Sprint) ranked close, turning in a fine performance. Here are the details:

Display

The iPhone offers superb multimedia functionality via a 3.5-inch touch screen. That provides access to most controls and allows you to move or enlarge photos and Web pages with your fingertips. The Pre lets you shuffle multiple applications on its 3.1-inch touch screen like a deck of cards without losing your place. Flick the application off the page to close it.

Camera

The Pre's 3.1-megapixel camera has a flash and produces decent 8x10 prints. The iPhone's 3.1-megapixel camera, which also made fine 8x10 prints, has autofocus and can shoot videos.

Search

Type a name or word on the Pre's slide-out keyboard and it will check your contacts and applications for that term, listing them for quick access. It also offers a useful Web search option. On the iPhone, typing a name or word on its virtual keyboard will provide an extensive internal search of your contacts, e-mail messages, applications, and music.

Voice

The phones have very good voice quality when talking, fair when listening.

Bottom line

The iPhone 3G S has a slight edge overall and is the best for multimedia. The Pre is better if you do a lot of messaging and prefer a real keyboard.