Group test: what's the best mobile OS?

5. BlackBerry PlayBook 2.0

• Reviewed on: 7 June 12
• RRP: £169 inc. VAT
• Rating:

The BlackBerry PlayBook 2.0 is a lovely device to hold and use. It’s small and light enough to carry anywhere, and the display is impressive. If BlackBerry could entice more developers to transfer their apps to the platform then it would be truly excellent. At £169, it’s the definition of a bargain.

4. Google Android 2.3

• Reviewed on: 13 December 10
• RRP: FREE
• Rating:

Google Android 2.3 Gingerbread isn't as big an update as Froyo was, but you'll find some useful new features and nifty enhancements.

3. Microsoft Windows Phone 7 'Mango'

• Reviewed on: 22 June 11
• RRP: Free for all Windows Phone 7 customers
• Rating:

You've probably seen the Windows Phone 7 ads depicting people on their phones walking into trees or not paying attention to their partners because they're constantly staring at their phones. This idea that Windows Phone 7 makes finding information on your phone easier wasn't so apparent in the initial release. But now, with the ability to pin more information to your Start screen, search across applications, and further integration between your social networks and contacts, I'm starting to buy what Microsoft is claiming.

2. Google Android 3.0 'Honeycomb'

• Reviewed on: 9 March 11
• RRP: FREE
• Rating:

All in all, Google's Android Honeycomb OS is a powerful and promising platform for tablets. The software takes the Android experience to new heights, giving users robust opportunities for customization and creating a framework for devices that are far more than just supersized phones. That said, Honeycomb is still young, and it needs time to mature -- particularly when it comes to the availability and complete compatibility of third-party apps, which are a crucial part of the tablet experience. But if the history of the mobile market is any indication, the growth of Honeycomb's app ecosystem won't take long -- and the platform, aided by the oncoming army of Android tablets, will quickly earn its place as a commanding force in the mobile market.

1. Apple iOS 5

• Reviewed on: 13 October 11
• RRP: £0 inc. VAT
• Rating:

The new operating system for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, will be released on October 12, and will include a whole host of clever new features.