Buying a Cellphone

Are you planning to buy a cellphone? There are many types of cell phones ranging from basic phones to feature phones such as music phones, camera phones and smart phones. There must be so many questions arising in your mind such as, which color? Which brand? Which model? What features do I need? Where to purchase? And many more of similar kind. Let us help you make a perfect selection. This guide is meant to help you know everything you need to know about cell phones before making your purchase from various brands to models to features, etc.

Cellphones

Types of Cellphones

Choose one that fits your needs best. Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Motorola and LG make about 80% of all cell phones sold around the globe. The Research In Motion (RIM) BlackBerry series is popular for business callers with email needs; the Nokia N-Series offers excellent multimedia capabilities; Sony Ericsson offers the Walkman series for those who want to use their phone for music and the Cybershot series for those more focused on the camera function; and of course there’s Apple’s ultra-popular iPhone, which provides web access and a wide variety of other capabilities through hundreds of dowloadable applications.

Blackberrys

Cell Phone Models

Wide arrays of mobile phones are being launched with latest technology and added features in a variety of styles and models. The models with flip and sliding features are generally preferable. Many buyers will be particularly interested in the size and quality of the screen. Different models have different shape, size and weight, as well as keyboards, buttons and other cursor controls such as tiny trackballs.

iPhones

Cell Phone Features

Nowadays cell phones have capabilities beyond voice calls and even text messages. Choice of ringtones and wallpapers allows users to personalize their phones. But the most important features are internet browsing and email, as well as music-player and camera functions. Also available are voice recording, personal organizer functions such as calendar and contacts list, video and games. Many phones offer Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free conversation.

Flip Phones

Cell Phone Research

Before purchasing gather the latest information and read through several cell phone reviews. This will help you find a good, dependable model with the features that you need. When researching use key words – ‘Latest models of cell phones’, ‘Latest features’, ‘Cell phone reviews’ etc. Another important factor is battery life: If you’re always on the go, choose a cell phone with longer battery life to avoid the inconvenience of recharging.

Cell Phones with a SIM Card

Many cell phones require a small microchip which is known as SIM card. If you are fond of music and videos and need to store large data in your cell phone then select a headset which supports large storage capacity SIM cards. SIM Cards also make it easier to swap from cell phone to cell phone. You simply take the SIM Card out of your old phone and slip it into your new one. Most of the time, they store all of your phone numbers, etc. Most carriers offer phones with SIM Cards.

LG Cellphones

Cell phone dermatitis

Some cell phones cause dermatitis on the skin of the face, ears and hands. This allergic reaction is usually caused by nickel. If you are allergic to nickel then be extra careful while selecting a suitable model. Be sure to find a model with an outer covering of non-nickel material to avoid skin rashes and other allergic reactions on your skin. Search for phones made with non-nickel material before making a model selection.

Where to buy a cell phone

You can purchase a cell phone online or from a mobile store. Most people purchase cell phones at the same time as mobile service to get the best price. If you are buying a cell phone in a store you have two options, you can go to your service provider directly, such as Verizon Wireless, Nextel, or Sprint, or an authorized dealer. First, find what mobile service provider has the best reception in your area by researching online or visiting an authorized dealer which offers many different carriers. Next, choose the phone make and model that you are looking to purchase. Then, you can go back and research whether an authorized dealer or a direct store has better pricing. Always find a reliable source and an authorized dealer with good a reputation to avoid the chance of misrepresentation or a poor quality phone, such as used or defective one.

How much should I spend on a cell phone?

Cell phones prices range from $50 to $600 or more. The cost depends on the brand, model, features and additional accessories that you choose to have with your device. Be sure to select a cell phone in your budget with all desired features. You’ll need to balance that against price and length of contract if you are buying through a service provider. Today, even the lower end models have most of the commonly used features.

Cell Phone warranty and insurance

Almost all companies offer a one-year warranty on their cell phone. Before making a purchase, be sure to consider all the terms of the warranty agreement, what it covers and its duration. It is recommended that you purchase insurance on your cell phone, especially if you are buying one of the higher-end models. Insurance costs range from $5-$10 a month and are well worth it. They cover everything that the warranty will not cover such as, water damage, physical damage and even lost or stolen phones.