Guide to Buying the Best Mobile Phone

Gone are the days when finding the best mobile or ‘cellular’ phone was a matter of size and price (and for some, the colour of the replaceable faceplate). Today’s mobile phones are fast becoming mobile devices better known as ‘Smartphones’ that have call and texting functions. With everything from HD video, GPS, touchscreen, office software and full internet functionalities, the mobile phone is the poster child for evolving technology.

But with so many products on the market all boasting and claming to have the ‘latest and greatest’ in mobile technology, choosing a mobile phone can be a daunting task. Coupled with many service providers providing devices with 12 to 24 month contracts, makes making the right choice all that more a priority. Here is a buyer’s guide that lists the essentials which will help you purchase the best mobile phone for you.

Size still counts… or does it?

With time, mobile phones have evolved from the proverbial ‘brick’ to those that could just about fit into your wallet. Today however, mobiles range from elegant yet small to the grand but bulky designs. Touchscreens have challenged the size of designs as ‘larger is better’ and for added durability, steel cased mobiles are now noticeably heavier than previous designs.

So, when considering your next mobile phone, take into consideration the size and weight as this many times will determine the available options. For example, lighter and smaller phones are less of a burden to carry around and won’t topple out of shirt pockets but have smaller keypads/touchscreens and displays that can be an issue for heavy texters.

Seeing is believing

Displays on mobile devices are ‘graded’ according to the size, type, resolution and colour output. Display types include low-end monochromatic TFT displays to high-end LED-backlit displays. Resolution refers to the quality of the image as determined by the pixel count with higher number representing better quality. Mobile displays range from monochromatic (one colour) to 16 million colours which give the best image quality.

The importance of the display of your mobile phone is determined by what you primarily intend using your mobile for. If you intend on browsing the Internet, streaming media, reading PDF manuals and texting a lot, then a larger display with a higher resolution is best.

Music and movies on the move

Mobile phones today have become fully integrated mobile multimedia devices that can play various music and video file formats as well as tune into radio stations and stream TV and online video. If you intend on using your mobile as a multimedia device, make sure it supports the files that you intend using and that it has intuitive file browsing and navigation. Larger displays with high resolutions are an obvious choice here.

Multimedia files (photos, music and video) require large amounts of memory to store the files. If you want to watch full length feature films and listen to complete album collections, make sure the mobile has adequate storage or can be take memory cards to extend the storage capacity.

Everywhere all the time

Connectivity is all the buzz! Never before have we been so connected and reliant on being connected to the Internet and other devices. If you need to be connected while on the move, be it for email, Twittering, Google maps or retrieving files from the office server, connectivity options on your mobile will be essential.

Typical connection options include GPRS, EDGE, 3G, WLAN, Bluetooth, Infrared and USB. When looking at mobile phone options, consider your needs as well as the services that your mobile operator provides. If you do a lot of international traveling it is also worth while considering which networks and connectivity services are available in other countries.

Pictures tell it in a 1000 words

On of the first ‘non-communicative’ features added to mobiles was the digital camera. Considered a gimmick at first mainly due to the poor image quality and high price tag, today’s mobiles have impressive camera capabilities that now include full HD video recording.

Many mobiles now have various camera options for models with extras like auto focus, dual cameras, higher MPs and HD video. Consider how often you will use these impressive extras as they generally come with an impressive price tag to match

More features than you can count

In addition to the standard features you would expect to find on a mobile phone, consider other features that you could take advantage off, these include:

Nerver say die

Last, but all too often overlooked, the battery in your mobile plays a major part in the overall mobile experience – after all, it is what makes it mobile. Stand-by time refers to the maximum time the mobile can be left on without being used before it will need to be charged. Talk time refers to the maximum amount of time the phone can be used and includes basic operations.

Finding a mobile phone with a battery life that will live up to your expectations is key. If you will be traveling a lot or expect to be outdoors for considerable amounts of time, it would be pointless to have a mobile that boasts endless features but no battery life to use them.

Taking all things into consideration, when shopping for a new mobile phone it is also a good idea to get user options and reviews. Try getting your hands on an active unit so that you can demo it is also advisable. Go online and read reviews and use online comparison services when you have narrowed down your options. Visit www.gsmarena.com for one of the best mobile review and comparison websites

By applying these guidelines you should find the perfect mobile phone suited just for you and you may even be well surprised.

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