If you’ve seen the HTC Tattoo up close in all its glory, you’ll know why we’re buzzing about the Google Android-fuelled phone more than a bee in Jeremy Clarkson’s bonnet. But the HTC Tattoo isn’t the first Android phone on the scene. Why should you pick it over, say, the HTC Magic? Why indeed. We threw the pair into the ring and pitched them in to a fight to death to see, so read on to find out which emerged victorious.

Screen
The Tattoo suffers an early knock down in the first round. At 2.8 inches, it’s smaller than the proddable panel on the HTC Magic, but also less sharp, so pictures and videos don’t look as great, it’s more difficult to type, and you can’t see as much of a web page at one time.
Winner: HTC Magic

Software
You’d think this one was destined for a slug match stalemate, since both the HTC Tattoo and HTC Magic pack Google’s Android operating system. But no, the lower specced HTC Tattoo wins here since it’s layered with HTC’s new Sense skin, which makes Android even more powerful by letting you run multiple home screens with interactive widgets.
Winner: HTC Tattoo

Camera
HTC’s stuck the same 3.2 megapixel camera in both the HTC Magic and the HTC Tattoo mobile phones, so this one is a dead heat. That’s not to say you don’t win either way: those high-res snaps are more than good enough to bung on the net over 3G, or even print off to cut out and keep.
Winner: Draw

Build
We’re loving how little space the HTC Tattoo takes up in your palm thanks to its small screen and titchy proportions. But what’s with that track wheel? It looks like a ping pong ball stuck in wet concrete. If fashion’s you’re calling, we say plump for the HTC Magic, with its curved shell and inconspicuous control ball.
Winner: HTC Magic

Music
Both the HTC Tattoo and the Magic pack microSD slots, so you can store thousands of your own songs on board, but the HTC Tattoo wins this round cleanly thanks to a 3.5mm audio slot. You can use your own headphones, whether they’re £5,000 Sennheisers or buds you found on a Ryan Air flight. With the HTC Magic, you’ll always need to remember to bring a pesky adapter though.
Winner: HTC Tattoo

Overall
Too close to call. If it’s multiple home screens and HTC’s Sense experience you’re gagging for, go with the HTC Tattoo. But for power emailers and those who like to graze on video on the move, the HTC Magic’s superior screen should win out.
Winner: Draw

What do you think about the HTC Tattoo? We want to know. Let us know in the comments section below…