Since I’ve written the six construction phone apps for iPhones, Blackberries and Androids, I had to get one of each of the phones to test the programs. I already had a Blackberry Storm II, so I got an iPhone for TBW and Android for the boy. If you’re thinking about getting a smart phone and work in construction, you’ll probably appreciate my unbiased opinions.

Androids are amazing. Every aspect of the phone works well, especially the feature that lets you create a WiFi hotspot for your laptop (giving you internet access on your laptop anywhere you have a phone signal). Of course if you don’t use a laptop, this feature won’t seem so cool. The buttons on the Androids make the most sense and the system allows you to do several things at one time.

The iPhones are a marvel of simplicity. If you’re not particularly good with tech devices, it may be the best choice for you. I don’t particularly like the single button, which really limits what you can do with the phone. I tend to look at menus and consider options, which are lacking on the iPhone. So the iPhone works as a good, simple product, but doesn’t give the same flexibility as the Android. Also, the AT&T phone network offers spotty coverage and lackluster service. TBW has to stand in one spot in our house to have service.

Blackberries suck. They work OK most of the time, but simply haven’t kept up with the features and options available on the Android and iPhones. I know that most of us in construction have Blackberries, but the trend indicates that our next phone is likely to be an Android.

An article recently noted that Android is the #1 operating system sold in the last six months. That phenomenal growth comes from the great word-of-mouth that Android users are spreading about their phones.

The current market share has Blackberry with 31%, iPhone 28% and Android 19%, but the chart above shows that those market shares are likely to flipflop. If you use a smart phone, what has your experience been?