As over at Digital Experience in Caesar’s fortress, which stands as a opening preview event for the CES 2008 revels taking place this week, I had the chance to compare the lately released SMT5800 Smartphone from Verizon Wireless with the not-so-new HTC Vox.

More specially, I took a look at the Doped C500 next to the Verizon Wireless offering. By and large, the two phones are very alike because they are based on the same fundamental platform. The front face is engaged by a numeric keypad and a large (non-touch screen display). This entire top section can be slide over to the left to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard, excellent for text message and mobile email.

There are totally differences between the two units, and the main is probably the lack of WiFi in the Verizon SMT5800. The color schemes are also a little dissimilar, with the SMT5800 rocking more of a silver and blue theme, whereas the Dopod had a black and crimson theme (particularly for the QWERTY keyboard). I also see that the Dopod has keys lined up in a chrome ring around the numeric keypad, whereas the Verizon phone has much more boring dull silver. The Dopod comes with a rubberized back also, which the SMT5800 lacks. Oh, and it’s CDMA vs. GSM.