Picking the right cell phone has as much to do with personality as it does with needs. Handsets vary from the feature-rich and slickly styled to the strictly functional and unassuming and while there are many factors to consider, it all boils down to which handset will offer the best blend of design, features, and performance.
Style
Cell phones come in a variety of form factors. Flip phones and candy bar models are the most common, but slider phones are popular as well. Swivel phones are also available, but they are relatively few in number. Each form factor has its unique characteristics, so you'll want to think carefully about which is best for you. For example, flip phones are useful if you frequently store your mobile in a pocket when on the go since the shape prevents accidental dialing. On the other hand, candy bar-style phones can be sturdier.
When making your decision, be sure to hold the mobile in your hand and next to your ear to see how comfortable it is to hold in your hand.
Now it's time to think about more specific design concerns. When evaluating a new phone you should first examine the size and placement of the buttons and controls and the size of the text on the display. Make sure that the controls are big enough and that you can understand how to use them.
Finally, remember that you'll want to enjoy using your phone and carrying it around. So go for a menu interface that's attractive and easy to use, and pick a color and shape you won't mind holding in your hand. And since some handsets are more rugged than others, find something that fits your activity level.
Features
If you thought picking a design was hard, choosing your features isn't any easier. The list of possible mobile features is extensive, so carefully consider each point. As a general rule, you shouldn't buy anything more than you need, so don't let a carrier salesperson pressure you into buying an expensive handset. If you want a handset just to make calls, stick with something simple that doesn't offer a lot of extra features. Though basic phones are often overshadowed by high-end handsets in carrier stores, a variety of such models exist. But you may have to ask for them.
If you're going to use your mobile for e-mail or organizational tasks, go with a higher-range model or even a smart phone. Alternatively, if you'd like entertainment options on your handset, consider a camera phone or a device with a digital music player, 3G, streaming video and even live TV.
Performance
Though design and features are very important when buying a cell phone, performance is the most critical point to consider. Remember, a cell phone is only as good as the calls it makes, so even the most feature-rich and design-centric handset is worthless if it can't offer decent call quality. And while the strength of a carrier's network is critical to making good calls, the strength of the phone's antenna and receiver play a big part in performance as well.
When shopping in a carrier store, ask to make a test call with any handsets that perk your interest. If they don't have working display phones, ask a sales rep to use one. If you're looking for a good camera phone or multimedia handset, you should also consider how those features will perform. Every camera phone will vary in photo quality and some music phone will be better than others. Performance also will fluctuate among 3G phones that play streaming video. If possible, evaluate these features before buying.
Finally, ask about the phone's battery life. At the very least, you'll want a handset with more than three hours of continuous talk time and more than five days of standby time. Though every phone will have a rated battery life as set by the manufacturer, your real-world experience will vary, so you should check editorial reviews as well.
10 key cell phone features
- Organizer applications: Basic organizers offered by manufacturer is Calender, Alarm clock, and a calculator. Higher-end handsets will have many more options, while other models will offer offbeat applications such as a compass (one used in iPhone) or a thermometer.
- Calling features: Consider how many contacts you can store. Voice dialing lets you make calls without using the keypad, which is particularly handy when you're on a headset or if you're using the speakerphone. Speaker-independent voice dialing is best, since the phone will respond to your voice without any training. Also, get a unit with a full-duplex speakerphone, which allows both parties to speak at the same time.
- Web browser: This lets you surf the wireless Web and get information such as news and sports recaps, weather reports, and stock quotes. It also lets you download files including games and ring tones. Most higher-end phones have full HTML browsers, which offer a better browsing experience. You can use some Internet-ready phones as a modem for your PC, but this isn't a universal feature.
- Messaging and e-mail: A normal feature offered in ever mobile device SMS and MMS service, but in high end mobiles they offer you a separate e mail.
- Camera and video recorder: Most camera phones now have resolutions of a few megapixels or more, which offer much better photo quality. Now a days mobiles phones also offer you video capture and playback in HD (High-definition), and also a must but also check its battery life some of the phones consume most of the battery.
- Memory: For the best experience with a multimedia phone, make sure your phone has plenty of storage space (an external memory card slot is best).
- Push to talk: A walkie-talkie-like service that lets you immediately connect with individuals or call groups, which is especially useful for business users who need instant contact with their colleagues. Best of all, you don't need a cell signal to use them and you won't use standard calling minutes. Not all carriers offer this feature, however, and it's not available on all phones.
- Bluetooth: This feature lets you wirelessly connect via low-frequency radio waves with external devices, such as a headset for making calls. Many phones also allow you to use Bluetooth to exchange or sync data with other Bluetooth devices or to connect to stereo headphones to listen to music.
- Multimedia options: Some features to look for include a digital music player and an FM radio. Also, many phones now support streaming video through 3G wireless broadband networks, live TV, and wireless music downloads.
- Applications and games: Though every cell phone supports games not every model comes with integrated titles. In that case, you'll have to buy them for a few dollars a pop, and your selection will change by carrier. Extra applications are available depending on your phone model. The iPhone supports a wide-range of third-party applications through the iTunes Apps store.
Do you need a smart phone? Smart phones combine cell phone and PDA functions in one unit. They're most appropriate if you require access to your work e-mail and calendar when on the go. Also, some smart phones allow you to access and edit Word and Excel documents. Smart phones will also vary widely by design. While some models use a stylus and touch screen, others offer full QWERTY keyboards.
That all in this section hope you find yourself a best phone.
