Consumer Reports recently tested smartphones. Two use the updated Windows operating system, and all are the first phones marketed as 4G. Here are the details, with prices based on two-year contracts:
SAMSUNG FOCUS (AT&T, $200)
Highs. This windows model is among the thinnest in Consumer Reports’ smartphone ratings, at just 0.4 inch. It has a large and brilliant 4-inch, high-resolution, touchscreen display. The Windows interface displays Live Tiles, which show real-time updates such as news, appointments, and feeds from the Web and social networks. It also comes loaded with Xbox LIVE.
The phone has very good voice quality when talking. The 4.9-megapixel camera produced 8x10 prints of very good quality at ISO settings up to 800. It has a flash and autofocus and can record HD video.
Lows. The Focus has only fair voice quality for listening. It lacks a text copy-and-paste feature, as well as video-messaging capability.
Bottom line. The Focus is a svelte phone with a brilliant display and an interesting operating system.
MYTOUCH 4G (T-MOBILE, $200)
Highs. This latest entry to the myTouch line of Android phones is among the first to run on T-Mobile’s faster network, touted as 4G. Its myModes feature lets you set up a separate home and work screen that can automatically switch by time of day or distance from the office, for example. Its Faves Gallery conveniently combines a contact’s number, texts, and social-network activity in one easily manageable place. The 5.1-megapixel camera produced 8x10 prints of very good quality at ISO settings up to 800. The camera has a flash and autofocus and can record HD video. The phone also has a front-facing VGA camera for self portraits and video chats via the preinstalled Qik video-sharing app. The myTouch can act as a mobile hot spot for up to four Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
Lows. It has fair voice quality for listening and is heavier than most smartphones.
Bottom line. The 4G is easily the best myTouch to date, with intriguing features and capabilities.
HTC HD7 (T-MOBILE, $200)
Highs. This wide-screen phone has a convenient kickstand to prop it up when you’re watching videos or slide shows. The HD7’s 4.3-inch display has a high-resolution touchscreen. It also comes loaded with Xbox LIVE. The HD7 has very good voice quality when talking. The 5-megapixel camera produced 8x10 prints of good quality when photos were taken under well-lit conditions. The camera has a flash and autofocus and can record HD video.
Lows. It has fair voice quality when listening, and like the other Windows phone, it lacks a text copy-and-paste feature and video-messaging capability. It weighs 5.6 ounces, which is heavier than most smartphones in the ratings. The quality of video recorded at 720p is significantly worse compared with the better HD pocket camcorders.
Bottom line. The HD7 is a big-screen beauty but is slightly hindered by a lackluster video camera.
Consumer R eports writes columns, reviews, and ratings on cars, appliances, electronics, and other consumer goods. Previous stories can be found at consumerreports.org. 
