Smartphone Essentials has announced its fourth annual awards, sponsored once again by leading UK retailer eXpansys.

It’s the third successive year the company has teamed up with the UK’s leading smartphone magazine for the celebration of the year’s biggest achievements in the mobile industry. The event is the only one of its kind in the UK dedicated to smartphones and GPS products.

A panel consisting of leading journalists and industry experts will judge the event, which includes the prestigious handheld of the year award.

Smartphone Essentials editor Andy Betts said, “The Awards are always one of the highlights of our calendar and this year will certainly be no different. 2009 has been an amazing year for new smartphones, and all of the awards categories will be the most hotly contested ever. We’re delighted that eXpansys is once again supporting the event, which is a benchmark for the industry.”

Roger Butterworth, CEO of eXpansys added: “Smartphone Essentials is the most complete, accurate and informative publication covering smartphones and GPS devices in the UK. Winning a Smartphone Essentials award is held in high regard throughout the industry. I’m delighted that eXpansys has the opportunity to be associated with the Awards again this year.”

Smartphone Essentials, launched back in 2001 as PDA Essentials, remains the only magazine in the UK focused on high-end smartphones. Each issue also features a free mini-mag dedicated to satnav systems.

The full list of nominations will be unveiled in October, with the winners revealed in a special issue of the magazine on sale in November.

Readers will also be able to vote for their favourite products of the year. Check back to this page soon for details.

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