UI Testing: The Best User Interfaces for Smartphones

In conversations with our team of authors of the showmetech, we try to define which is the best User Interface ou Ui(User Interface) of current smartphones. After all, many good smartphones, with quality hardware, can be misused if the manufacturer includes in them a poor interface of resources, full of bugs and defects.

On the other side, a UI well designed can improve even an older smartphone. See our impressions below:

Android Default: the standard Android system already has a well-evolved interface, with the traditional widgets, screens and the notification bar. With the new 2.3 update, the notification bar has gained a black color. It can be said that it is an interface very well adapted to touch screens. Typically, it is found on smartphones manufactured in partnership with Google, such as the Nexus One (HTC) and the Nexus S (Samsung).

Motorola: MotoBlur, Motorola's proprietary interface, is by far the worst UI designed for an Android device. It looks like it was made in half, lazily. Your widgets are ugly and poorly worked. This is an example of the company's “effort” that manages to worsen what was already good and done, which was Android Standard. No wonder, it should soon be reformulated by the company, after the criticism received.

Sony Ericsson: the newest models like the Xperia Arc have a very beautiful interface, with special functions, integration with content from Facebook, Twitter and the device's photo album. Some widgets are very well done, say, like the Music player. But over time, you end up getting tired and looking for something more practical. In other words, average quality.

Samsung: TouchWiz, Samsung's interface, is excellent. Of course, it's a copy of the iPhone, but it adds quality widgets and power controls in the notification bar, in addition to being very practical and functional. On the Galaxy S II it gets even better, gaining new and better widgets. We can say that it serves its purpose well.

LG: our team still hasn't gotten an LG Android smartphone to test it out. (#helpLG agent?!)

HTC: ahhhh, the Sense UI. Her users are right to fall in love with her. If, in version 2.0, it was already considered the best, in 3.0 it becomes a masterpiece. In our opinion, it is the only UI that “makes any difference” when buying the device. Fast and useful, it changes the face of your smartphone with functions you won't find in any app or interface. Already on the crash screen, you notice the difference: they are very well designed themes and animations. In this regard, HTC is a professional.

Apple/iPhone: we have to agree that the interface of iPhone It's simple, but it's practical, beautiful and very efficient, isn't it? It is perfect for the average user who wants an uncomplicated and functional system. Mother of all touch UIs, it will improve dramatically with the new iOS 5 and your new notification bar. We're excited to try it out!

Nokia (Symbian/MeeGo): not with the new update Anna or the system MeeGo, the interface of Nokia not much has changed. Considered by all to be outdated, it takes many clicks to access basic functions. In other words, the “touch” mentality, or adaptation to touch screens, has not yet been incorporated by the company into its devices.

Windows Phone: we tested the HTC HD7 with Windows Phone 7, and we were impressed with this UI. In terms of speed and fluidity, it leaves even the Galaxy S II (Android) in the dust, you know? But, it seems like the kind of UI that gets sick with time. It's definitely innovative, but it's not practical at all. Its large “tiles”, which replace widgets and icons, will work great on a tablet, but not on a smartphone, because of the small screen.

Blackberry/RIM: Walk at the same pace as Nokia. The interface is even more complicated and delayed. We would no longer recommend a Blackberry to employees of companies and corporations. By the way, make no mistake: RIM has long ceased to be synonymous with a good smartphone maker for work.

CyanogenMOD: a variation of the Standard Android that can be installed on several devices of the most diverse brands, CyanogenMOD is a ROM (Alternative Operating System) where the user interface has gained several interesting modifications, such as the possibility of working with themes, advanced controls of widgets, etc. In short, it has all kinds of modifications for those who love to customize their smartphone down to the smallest detail.

Launcher Apps: Android-powered smartphones have an extra edge when it comes to their interfaces. It is possible to change them completely by installing “Launcher Apps”. That is, if you are not satisfied with the UI of the smartphone you have just purchased, you can download applications such as LauncherPRO Plus, SPB Shell 3D (our favorite), ADW Launcher, Launcher 7, Go Launcher, among others. They add styles, layouts, features and widgets that completely change the look of your system. It's worth trying them out.

So, what is your preferred interface? Comment in the fields below: