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.

---

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

---

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

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

In particular, the supply crunch for memory chips has weakened the smartphone market, which could limit the company’s short-term growth, Morgan Stanley argued.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 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

“The brain-computer interface will become a technology like the smartphone, where the vast majority of people have one,” says He.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 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