In today's fast-paced world, having a handheld computer at your fingertips is essential for staying connected, organized, and productive. As technology advances, the options for portable devices continue to expand, making it difficult to choose the perfect device for your needs. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best handheld computers of 2018, highlighting their features, capabilities, and the reasons why they stood out among the rest.

The Smartphone Revolution: iPhone X and Samsung Galaxy S9

When it comes to handheld computers, smartphones have become the go-to devices for many people. In 2018, two smartphones, in particular, stood out as the best in their class: the iPhone X and the Samsung Galaxy S9.

iPhone X

The iPhone X was a game-changer for Apple, as it introduced a new design and advanced features that set it apart from previous models. With its edge-to-edge OLED display, powerful A11 Bionic chip, and revolutionary Face ID technology, the iPhone X was a top choice for users who wanted a sleek, high-performance handheld computer.

Key Features:

5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display

A11 Bionic chip with Neural Engine

Face ID for secure authentication

Dual 12MP rear cameras with Portrait mode and 4K video recording

Wireless charging capabilities

Samsung Galaxy S9

The Samsung Galaxy S9 was another standout smartphone in 2018, offering a powerful combination of performance, design, and features. With its stunning Infinity Display, advanced camera capabilities, and the ability to expand storage with a microSD card, the Galaxy S9 was a top choice for Android users.

Key Features:

5.8-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED Infinity Display

Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor

12MP rear camera with Dual Aperture and Super Slow-mo video recording

8MP front camera with AR Emoji and wide-angle lens

Expandable storage up to 400GB with a microSD card

The Compact Powerhouses: iPad Mini 4 and Microsoft Surface Go

For those who prefer a larger screen and additional functionality, tablets offer a great alternative to smartphones. In 2018, two compact tablets stood out as the best handheld computers in their category: the iPad Mini 4 and the Microsoft Surface Go.

iPad Mini 4

The iPad Mini 4 was the perfect combination of power and portability in 2018, offering a stunning 7.9-inch Retina display, powerful A8 chip, and all-day battery life. With access to a vast library of apps, the iPad Mini 4 was a top choice for users who wanted a versatile handheld computer that could handle both work and play.

Key Features:

7.9-inch Retina display with 2048 x 1536 resolution

A8 chip with 64-bit architecture

8MP rear camera with 1080p HD video recording

Up to 128GB of storage

10-hour battery life

Microsoft Surface Go

The Microsoft Surface Go was a game-changer in the world of compact tablets, offering a full Windows 10 experience in a sleek, lightweight design. With its 10-inch PixelSense display, versatile kickstand, and optional Type Cover, the Surface Go was a top choice for users who wanted a powerful, portable handheld computer that could handle productivity tasks with ease.

Key Features:

10-inch PixelSense display with 1800 x 1200 resolution

Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y processor

Up to 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD storage

Optional Surface Pen and Type Cover for enhanced productivity

Up to 9 hours of battery life

The Rugged Contenders: Panasonic Toughbook FZ-T1 and Getac MX50

For those who require a more rugged handheld computer, the Panasonic Toughbook FZ-T1 and the Getac MX50 were the top choices in 2018.

Panasonic Toughbook FZ-T1

The Panasonic Toughbook FZ-T1 was designed for users who needed a durable, reliable handheld computer for use in challenging environments. With its rugged design, powerful performance, and versatile data capture capabilities, the FZ-T1 was a top choice for field workers and first responders.

Key Features:

5-inch HD display with glove and rain touch capabilities

Qualcomm Snapdragon quad-core processor

MIL-STD-810G and IP68 certified for durability and water resistance

Integrated 1D/2D barcode reader

User-replaceable battery with up to 12 hours of life

Getac MX50

The Getac MX50 was another rugged handheld computer that stood out in 2018, offering a compact design, powerful performance, and a wide range of connectivity options for use in military and industrial settings.

Key Features:

5.7-inch sunlight-readable display with LumiBond technology

Intel Atom x5-Z8350 processor

MIL-STD-810G and IP67 certified for durability and water resistance

Optional 1D/2D barcode reader and RFID reader

Up to 8 hours of battery life

In 2018, these handheld computers offered users a wide range of features and capabilities, catering to various needs and preferences. From sleek smartphones and compact tablets to rugged devices designed for challenging environments, the best handheld computers of 2018 provided powerful performance, versatile functionality, and reliability in a portable form factor.