Mobile devices are an integrated aspect of contemporary society in both business and social contexts. To facilitate the continued development of more effective and efficient user interface designs and devices, it is necessary to employ appropriate Usability Evaluation Methods. However, the changing nature of mobile device interactions has created new and increasing demands on users of these devices. The additional capabilities and features have required increased attention and more complex thought patterns from users to interact effectively and efficiently. For efficient and effective device operation, the ‘user experience’ needs to be considered at three layers: the hardware; the operating system and other installed applications. This paper presents a task-based review of user experiences while interacting with three different mobile devices, through the novel three layer method of breaking down the user experience, and outlines how this approach is applicable for future research.