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

Many big companies in the server, PC and smartphone businesses are paying premiums to buy up bigger volumes of memory and constrain supply for rivals, Hwang added.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

Meanwhile, overall smartphone shipments are expected to decline this year due to memory-chip shortages, a factor behind Bernstein analyst Stacy Rasgon’s recent downgrade of Qualcomm’s stock.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 29, 2026

Does the 4th Amendment’s ban on unreasonable searches extend to your smartphone and its tracking data?

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Quo said OpenAI was working with the chip maker to develop processors for a smartphone, with mass production slated for 2028.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

"Sure. I don't have anything going on. As you already know. You keep track of my calendar better than my smartphone."

From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins