smartphone

American  

[smahrt-fohn] / ˈsmɑrtˌfoʊn /

Or smart phone

noun

1. a device that combines a cell phone with a handheld computer, typically offering internet access, data storage, email capability, etc.

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smartphone British  

/ ˈsmɑːtˌfəʊn /

noun

1. computing a mobile telephone with computer features that may enable it to interact with computerized systems, send e-mails, and access the web

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Etymology

Origin of smartphone

First recorded in 1995–2000

Compare meaning

How does smartphone compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• cell phone vs. smartphone

Example Sentences

And that lack of a smartphone, when taking part in the competition, meant a lot of confusion for friends back home in Maghera, County Londonderry who suddenly were receiving no replies to their texts.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

He said he was prompted to take action after a parent described feeling they had effectively "lost their child" to a smartphone.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Hollybush Primary School in Londonderry has introduced a smartphone charter where parents voluntarily enter into a written agreement not to buy their child a device until after they finish primary seven.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Needing to be unfurled twice, like a travel brochure, the smartphone packs a display measuring 10 inches diagonally when fully opened—almost as big as a standard tablet.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

The air grew warmer and more stale with every step until they were underground, standing next to Matthew, who panned the area with the video on his smartphone.

From "Book Scavenger" by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman