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

The power required to process and reiterate the artwork for a single visitor’s stay is roughly equivalent to one smartphone charge.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

Apps themselves might be abstracted away as smartphone agents call online services directly on behalf of their users.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

For bringing AI into the home, Microsoft unveiled its hardware bet: an ecosystem of Android-based devices designed to interact by voice with AI agents, without opening applications as on a computer or smartphone.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

Experts say the findings are also an opportunity to challenge how smartphone design affects our habits.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

Matthew held out his smartphone, taking a video as they walked.

From "Book Scavenger" by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman