I know today is technically Apple's (Nasdaq: AAPL) day to shine in the smartphone space, but we can't just let HTC's Evo disappear from the headlines after its debut weekend.

Sprint Nextel's (NYSE: S) first 4G smartphone hit stores on Friday, and the buzz is healthy for the latest Android-powered wireless device. The high-resolution dual cameras, large screen, and mobile hotspot feature are winning raves.

Naturally, there can't be a winner without a loser, and in this particular case there may be plenty of losers. Let's take a look at a few of the companies that stand the most to lose from if Sprint's 4G Evo is a hit.

  • AT&T (NYSE: T)-The exclusive iPhone carrier stops marketing its unlimited data plan for new smartphone owners today. Even if most wireless customers won't go through 2 gigabytes of data a month, there is a marketing bonus to "unlimited" and the freedom from perpetually checking usage rates. Sprint is still marketing unmetered data, and now the Evo gives it a phone that is -- in some respects -- cooler than the iPhone.
  • Verizon (NYSE: VZ)-Despite the clever "there's a map for that" ads touting its broader domestic coverage, Verizon still doesn't carry the iPhone that consumers crave. Now it doesn't carry the Evo. Verizon is thankfully stocked with cool Android-flavored handsets, but if Sprint is able to convey the speed strengths of its still limited 4G network, it may once again leave Verizon on the outside looking in when it comes to the hot smartphone.
  • Sierra Wireless (Nasdaq: SWIR) and Novatel (Nasdaq: NVTL)-Sprint plans to charge just $30 a month for the mobile hotspot feature. This has to be a big blow to the two leading USB broadband card and mobile hotspot makers. Novatel's MiFi -- and Sierra's speedy Overdrive 4G -- just got served. It's not the fault of Sierra or Novatel that wireless carriers typically charge twice as much for monthly data plans on their gadgets. This will still sting them all the same.
  • Research In Motion (Nasdaq: RIMM)-The BlackBerry isn't dead. The corporate market is still helping Research In Motion grow its user base. However, with every annual iPhone update -- and the onslaught of Android devices that get cooler with every rollout -- the BlackBerry tree doesn't look as fruitful in the long run.

The Evo can't be underestimated. And now back to your regularly scheduled Apple-rific iPhone headlines.

If you had a clear choice between the new iPhone and the Evo, which one would you choose? Why? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.