Cell Phone Buying Guide
Likely the biggest revolution in technology in the last decade has been the emergence of the cell phone. Phones now come in all different shapes and sizes, so you can get a slim, pocketable device or a full-featured one. There are also Smartphones, which combine cell phone and PDA functionality, allowing you to access documents like Word or Excel files, go online, check email, and do a host of other things.
The main expense in choosing a cell phone is the service plan, which you'll probably purchase from one of the major carriers in the United States: AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, or T-Mobile. You'll want to learn about their different plans and costs before you set your heart on a specific phone.
If you don't want to commit to a multi-year contract, which you'll need to do with most carriers, you can opt for a prepaid phone, which comes with a certain number of prepaid minutes and no monthly fees or contractual obligations. Tracfones 
are one of the most popular options.
Phone Styles
Phones started out as simple models with a screen and a keypad, but there are now plenty of options out there. The traditional "candy bar" models are still made, although recently manufacturers have tended to reduce the number of buttons in favor of a large touchscreen, where the buttons appear on the display and change depending on the context. There are also flip phones, which open up to reveal a keypad, and slider phones, where an external screen will slide up. Many devices nowadays can flip or slide open two different ways, horizontally and vertically, to allow access to a full QWERTY keyboard, which is great for text messaging or sending emails.
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Flip Phones Flip phones are becoming less popular as smartphones rise in popularity. However, these are still great starters for someone who just does the basics! They are also easier to carry in your pocket since they take up so little space. |
Non-Flip Phones Non-flip phones that aren't touchscreen are hard to come by, but you still have the non-sliding, non-flipping BlackBerrys . These are usually sturdier but slightly more bulky. |
Slider Phones Slider phones can offer the simplistic front screen with a slide out QWERTY keyboard. These tend to offer the best of both worlds. If you don't own a smartphone, chances are you'll have a slider. |
Touchscreen Touchscreen phones are becoming immensely popular thanks to the iPhone. Some have virtual keyboards on screen while others will flip open or slide forward to a full QWERTY keyboard. |
Shopping Tips
Whichever style you choose, you'll want to keep some of these basic points in mind when shopping. Be sure, when you have the chance, to compare real phones side-by-side in store. There is a big difference between a floor model and a functioning model. Even better, at some locations you can make a local call to check the sound quality. Don't forget to purchase a few extras like a case/holder ,screen protector , and car charger. Add these accessories into your budget.
- Size, Weight, and Handling
- Big or small, the test of a perfect phone is how it fits in your hand and how it feels.
- Heavy or light? Bulky or so slim you think you'll break it?
- Can you open it and manipulate the keys with one hand?
- Does the phone feel like it's well constructed? Trendy, slim phones look hot, but if a phone isn't built to last, chances are it'll hit the trash can before this season's jeans go out of style. That's not a good thing when you've just signed a two-year contract.
- Check the screen size. Is it big and easy to read? Compare the screens of two models and check which has a clearer picture. You might be surprised at what you see. When in doubt, choose a backlit screen for better viewing in low-light situations.
- Battery
- How long does it take to charge?
- How much talk time do you get and how much is just standby time?
- Does the phone have an optional rapid battery charge ?
- Remember that a smartphone's battery will not last as long if you're running lots of apps, watching videos, or listening to music all day.
Cell Phone Features
Now that you've decided on a body type, it's time to start looking for features. Most phones come with a few of the basic features, like caller ID, call waiting, voice mail, clock, alarm, and a phone book. Here are a few other features that you'll want to consider, from the basic to the high-end. Whichever features speak to you, remember the bottom line: Only pay for those features that you have an immediate use for or that you expect you'll need in the near future.
Fun Stuff- Games: Fun, but not necessary. You will pay more to have them on your phone, regardless of if they come pre-installed or if you download them via the Internet. Downloading will cost you.
- Ring Tones: Can you download more if you aren't satisfied with your preprogrammed choices? Can you program your own? It might be a little superficial, but ring tones can give your device more personality and distinguish them from other phones.
- Multimedia Options: MP3 , FM radio, and photo/video capabilities are becoming widely available. Almost all phones have a photo and video feature and most have cameras comparable to stand-alone digital cameras. Remember, sending videos and photos may cost extra money so check with your provider. FM radio might be a selling point for some, but you may also want to check out Satellite Radio instead. Almost any phone you buy now will have MP3 capabilities; if it does not you may want to consider other options. Why carry around an iPod and a phone?
- Apps: One big feature of smartphones are apps, which can fall in both the fun and productive categories and range from games and subway maps to recipe finders and books. Although Apple has the largest corner on the market, Android phones still have close to 70,000 apps in the market.
Getting Productive - Voice Dial/Speed Dial: If you are constantly making calls or have a lot of people you frequently talk to, voice dial is a great time-saver.
- Text Messaging: Texting is a great way to communicate short messages without spending the time making a phone call.
- Speakerphone/Conferencing: Speakerphones act as a hands-free medium and are useful if you need to concentrate on driving or doing other things with your hands while talking on the phone.
- Email/Internet Access, aka, WAP or microbrowser: This doubles as a fun factor and a productivity factor. You can use the microbrowser for downloading games, ring tones, and even applications, or you can use it for checking the news, stocks, or email.
- Sound Recorder: Instead of carrying around an extra device for voice recording, have it integrated in your phone. It can be useful for making voice memos or to do lists. Keep in mind that the quality is usually pretty basic.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth and Infrared (IR port) are the two most important connectivity features on a phone besides a Web browser. Use the Bluetooth to create instant communication between peripherals and your phone, and link up your PDA via an IR port.
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Cell Phones for the Kids
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Firefly is a unique little device for youngsters, preferably preteens. It is a cell phone; however, its features are restricted. Text messaging is not included and the numbers that the phone is allowed to receive and call are limited to the ones entered in the address book (20 number limit). Plus, it only has five buttons, making it super simple to use.
The LG Migo is another children's phone, created for the Verizon network. It has text messaging and four programmable numbers, plus 911. One battery charge supplies about three hours of continuous talk time. Please also see this article by Consumer Affairs for more information; it has various links to other sites that discuss the use of cell phones by children and the possible negative effects. |
Top Picks for Basic Flip Phones
Below are the top-rated products from CNET.
| Basic Flip Phone Top Picks |
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LG Accolade - Camera: 1.3-megapixel
- Talk Time: 460 minutes
- Memory: 34 MB
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Nokia 6350 - Camera: 2.0-megapixel
- Talk Time: 240 Minutes
- Memory: 52 MB
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Samsung Knack - Camera: None
- Talk Time: 270 Minutes
- Memory: 32 MB
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LG Flare - Camera: None
- Talk Time: 210 minutes
- Memory: 8 MB
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Samsung Haven - Camera: None
- Talk Time: 300 minutes
- Memory: 25 MB
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Smartphones
Smartphones are the most popular option for most new phones. They offer a level of multi-tasking that was previously unattainable. Key features on any smartphone will include MP3 capabilities, emailing and internet browsing options, applications, full QWERTY keyboards, and cameras (most phones will also have a GPS system). Make sure you keep these pricey devices well protected with cases and covers . Don't forget to add in the cost of monthly data plans so that you can use the Internet.
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iPhone The iPhone is one of the most talked about smartphones in the world. When Apple released the iPhone in 2007, its touch screen keyboard and single button for turning the phone off and on were huge news. However, it was originally missing some key features, including GPS programs and a quality camera. Most of the kinks have been worked out now and the iPhone continues to be on the cutting edge of technology. Check out the iPhone 3GS and the new iPhone 4. |
BlackBerry BlackBerrys are known to have great battery life and are some of the oldest smartphones around. Previously known in the business world, BlackBerrys have now become a social device, with IM, Facebook, and Twitter capabilities. Just link up all your networking sites and have comments come straight to your phone! Want a touch screen instead of using the track ball? Check out the BlackBerry Storm and Torch . |
HTC Incredible This phone is actually quite incredible; it's the biggest contender against the iPhone. It runs on the Android operating system, which offers thousand of cool apps. It features an eight-megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. It's the fastest Android phone on the market and one of Verizon's best phones, period. If you're on Sprint, get the HTC Evo , which is extremely similar. |
Samsung Epic For those who want a touchscreen but can't deal with a virtual keyboard, the Epic slides to the side for a full QWERTY keyboard. It has a five-megapixel camera and a bright screen, and it serves as a Wi-Fi hotspot. Widgets will keep you up-to-date on all your social networks and the front-facing camera will allow you to strike a pose with ease. |
Related Products
Related Guides
International Resources
For this resource in your home country, please see:
NL: Mobiele Telefoons Shopgids
DE: Handy
