While Apple spends the most on the iPhone's memory and touchscreen, HTC, the maker of the new Google Android-based G1 phone, is following the path laid out by the BlackBerry Bold and spending big on its mobile connectivity hardware, instead.

A new study by iSuppli found that the hardware and components in the HTC G1 phone cost $143.89 -- about $30 less than the Apple iPhone 3G, which cost $173 to build, and $27 less than the Research in Motion (RIM) BlackBerry Bold that cost $170 for its internal components, according to iSuppli.

The devices' difference in price tags are far greater. AT&T, Apple's exclusive U.S. carrier, prices the basic iPhone 3G at $200 with the signing of a contract, while the Bold, sold by both Verizon Wireless and AT&T (NYSE: T), goes for $300. In comparison, G1 carrier T-Mobile is selling its device for $179 with a contract signing.

The findings are based on a study conducted by the research firm, known for detailed "teardown" analysis of product manufacturing costs, and released in its G1 Bill-of-Materials analysis on component and material expenses.

The report comes as smartphone players and carriers vie for more users and market share by dangling reduced plan rates, expanded mobile services and flashy new handset features like downloads and high-speed Internet access. And as the holiday season approaches, handset manufacturers and carriers are widely expected to ramp up the already white-hot competition.

See here for the rest of this article at InternetNews.com.