A smartphone is the generation of mobile device that follows feature phones, incorporating internet access and an operating system that can run apps.
They fulfil many functions of a desktop computer, incorporating high processing power and large amounts of storage space.
With the exception of BlackBerry devices, smartphones usually dispense with the keypads of earlier generations of mobile phones in favour of touch screens.
Smartphones can also include high-grade cameras and microphones. They also keep track of the owner’s location.
There are several major operating systems used in smartphones, with Android, iOS, BlackBerry and Windows Phone among the most prominent.
The previous generation of mobile phone, the feature phone usually includes internet access but has lower processing power and less advanced functionality than smartphones.
The number of smartphone subscriptions worldwide is over 2 billion in 2016, and is expected in various estimates to reach 6 billion in 2020.
