The BlackBerry Torch 9800 has been touted by Research In Motion as the “Best BlackBerry ever.” While many loyal BlackBerry fans hailed the Torch as an improvement over previous models, such as the BlackBerry Storm2 and the Blackberry Bold, the iPhone 4, which was released around the same time as the BlackBerry Torch, remains a formidable challenger to the smartphone throne. Here’s how the two leading smartphones compare:

Price

Both the iPhone 4 and the BlackBerry Torch 9800 are exclusive to AT&T, putting them on a fairly level playing field in terms of voice and data contracts. Both feature the tiered data plans which include 200 MB for $15 a month or $25 for 2 GB month. The 16 GB iPhone 4 and the BlackBerry Torch both cost $199 with a two-year contract, but the 32 GB version of the iPhone 4 costs $299, making it slightly more expensive.

Winner: Tie

Camera

In terms of megapixels, the iPhone 4 and BlackBerry Torch are evenly matched at 5-megapixels. However, the iPhone shoots 720p HD video, whereas the Torch’s video lags at 640x480.

Winner: iPhone 4

Screen

Both phones have touchscreens, though the iPhone’s is slightly larger at 3.5 inches compared to the Torch’s 3.2 inches. The iPhone 4 also has a higher resolution at 960 x 640 whereas the BlackBerry Torch has 360x480.

Winner: iPhone 4

Memory

As mentioned above, the iPhone 4 comes with 16 GB of built-in memory. The BlackBerry Torch comes with 4 GB of internal memory plus a 4 GB SD card. However, the BlackBerry Torch’s memory can be expanded with a 32 GB removable SD card, bringing its grand total to 36 GB. The iPhone also comes in a 32 GB model, but its memory is not removable or expandable after market.

Winner: Tie. Out of the box, the BlackBerry Torch has less memory. But with 32 GB cards costing around $50, you can easily get more memory for your money with the Torch than you can with iPhone.

Operating System and Apps

In terms of apps and mobile operating systems, Apple’s App Store is a bit further along than BlackBerry’s App World. Apple recently released iOS 4 to the iPhone 4, which combines many of the best features for iPad, iPod Touch and the iPhone into a unified operating system. Research in Motion is investing heavily in its App World, however, and may catch up.

Winner: iPhone 4

Keyboard

BlackBerry Torch features both a virtual QWERTY touchscreen keyboard as well as a slide out physical QWERTY. The iPhone 4, meanwhile, features only a touchscreen keyboard.

Winner: BlackBerry Torch

Verdict: The iPhone 4 Wins

In terms of hardware specs and app support, the iPhone 4 appears to be the better phone, particularly in light of the comparable prices. However, both phones have excellent features and depending on your tastes, you may prefer the BlackBerry Torch. Longtime users of BlackBerry phones who prefer a physical keyboard and the BlackBerry OS will likely be more happy with the Torch than an iPhone 4. But on paper, the iPhone wins out in almost every department.