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

Only about 20% of smartphone owners currently use an AI assistant.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Only about 20% of smartphone owners currently use an AI assistant.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

For Xiaomi, despite not yet selling EVs in Europe, it has achieved a high level of awareness, likely due to its strong position in the smartphone, Internet-of-Things and home-appliance markets, they say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

As Apple expands into the budget computer market, the company is also looking to seize share from its smartphone competitors during a period of memory crunch.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

You need to use have only if you’re talking about two different times in the past: Until last year, Whiskers was the only cat to have googled on his own smartphone.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner