Palm debuted the Pre at the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show, as the first mobile phone to use the Texas Instruments OMAP 3430 processor, as well as its initial US exclusive carrier agreement with Sprint.  Prior to the device launch, it was known internally by the codename Castle.

The Pre's incorporation of features similar to Apple's iPhone, specifically elements of the user interface, has led to speculation of possible patent infringement litigation, with Apple COO Tim Cook stating that "we will not stand for people ripping off our IP" and Palm responding that they "have the tools necessary to defend ", hinting at Palm's large portfolio of patents

The Pre is available with high-speed connectivity on either EVDO Rev. A or UMTS HSDPA, depending on location. The Pre also includes 802.11b/g WiFi and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR with support for A2DP stereo headsets. A-GPS with support for turn-by-turn navigation is also included, though access to aGPS features remains locked for Verizon Wireless users. For charging and data-transfer, the Pre uses a microUSB connector with USB 2.0 support, and audio output is supported by a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack.  While the phone reports support for the Bluetooth DUN protocol, Sprint is not permitting use of the Pre in tethered or Phone as Modem , and has made no announcements that this mode will be offered in the future. Verizon does support tethering via their Mobile Hot Spot support

The Palm Pre's CPU is a 600 MHz Texas Instruments OMAP 3430 underclocked to 500 MHz. It use Marvell sd8686 chip as Wireless LAN SDIO Adapter for Wifi and STMicroelectronics VX6852 as 3.15 megapixel resolution sensor (2048 x 1536) for camera

The Pre features a 3.1-inch capacitive touchscreen over a 24-bit color 320×480 resolution HVGA liquid-crystal display. The touchscreen allows for manipulation of the UI with fingers instead of a stylus, commonly used with older Palm phones and PDAs. Below the display is the "Gesture Area", a touch-sensitive area with LED underlighting that permits additional touch commands.

Like other recent Palm phones, the Pre features a full QWERTY keyboard. On the Pre, the keyboard slides out and is curved for ergonomics. In addition to the keyboard, the device features a single button in the center of the Gesture Area , a volume rocker switch on the side, and a ringer switch on the top.

The Pre features three input sensors that allow it to respond to its surroundings. An accelerometer automatically changes the orientation of the display between landscape and portrait when the device is rotated in the user's hands. An ambient light sensor allows the Pre to automatically adjust the brightness of its display. A proximity sensor allows the Pre to disregard touch inputs when the phone is held close to a user's face during a call.

The  Pre is the first smartphone to feature wireless charging, using electromagnetic induction through an optional wireless charging dock  "Touchstone Charger" ,  also is sold separately. Users can still charge the phone using the supplied MicroUSB cable. The Pre Plus comes with the special back cover included.

The Pre has 8.0 GB of internal flash storage approx.7.4 GB of which is user accessible. The Pre does not have a flash memory card slot. The Pre Plus has 16 GB of internal flash storage

The Palm Pre has been known to suffer from some quality issues. The slider mechanism sometimes becomes sensitive, loose and wiggly, causing a problem that has become known as the "Oreo Twist" by users.  Palm aimed to address the issue with the Pre Plus, making the slider mechanism stronger. The screen has been known to be overly sensitive, sometimes cracking from being in a pocket, and the headphone jack sometimes ceases working. A problem seen with the introduction of the Palm Pre Plus is characters appearing twice when typing, although the user has only hit the key once. Many reviews have noted the poor build quality of the phones, deeming the build quality "only so-so."  In Engadget's second open letter to Palm, they cited "hardware issues which plagued the Pre, with no outward acknowledgment or rush to correct."[  They added, "We've seen countless reports, read too many blog posts to recall, and heard all sorts of horror stories about broken sliders, power buttons that stop functioning, the "Oreo cookie" effect, and more. Hell, even our first review unit broke!

The webOS interface is based on a system of "cards" used to manage multitasking. webOS also supports multi-touch  gestures, enabling most navigational input to be made using the touchscreen. The Pre does not include a virtual keyboard, only a portrait-oriented slide-out keyboard. An onscreen, virtual keyboard is embedded in the code and can be made available through a third party patch. There are hundreds of third party "patches" that allow users to customize the usability and interface of the Pre

The Pre is the first Palm device to use webOS, the Linux-based platform that replaces Palm's previous Palm OS. Developed from scratch for use in mobile phones—whereas Palm OS was originally designed for PDAs—webOS is capable of supporting built-in first party applications, as well as third party applications.

The Palm Pre received favourable reviews from most reviewers. Engadget praised the phone, calling it "an important step in the evolution of mobile computing." Gizmodo's review regarded webOS as excellent software but showed slight disappointment with the hardware. CNET reviewed the Palm Pre and rated it 3½ stars out of five, declaring that its "multitasking capabilities and notifications system are unparalleled." Their review also noted that the Palm Pre has a vibrant display and solid web browser but criticized its short battery life and cramped keyboard.

It also won Laptop Magazine's Smartphone March Madness in 2010, defeating  the iPhone 3GS, HTC HD2, and Motorola Droid

The device makes use of the cloud based services model, but uses no desktop sync client in the style of Palm's HotSync synchronization method.

Palm has referenced a number of solutions for users who need to sync with their desktop software like Palm Desktop, Microsoft Outlook, or IBM Lotus Notes. Additionally, Mark/Space, Inc. has announced Macintosh desktop sync software, and Chapura such software for Windows. Palm has offered an online guide to help customers