Building a 3G network is like building a PC — just because you buy the fastest elements, it does not mean that you get the most efficient PC. It is important to integrate and optimise all the elements correctly in order to achieve the best performance. The 3G network is the same — each element of the solution is important. This paper focuses on one aspect of the complete 3G solution, i.e. the handsets/mobile devices that give the customer a gateway into the network services. Key elements of the mobile device that provide the best user experience are identified and briefly discussed and an insight is provided into the direction of the future technology.