Cell phones today are a fashion statement. The profusion of various models, each getting more sophisticated and sleeker than the other the buyer is a little confused with the wide range available.
It is not easy to make a ‘value-for money’ analysis before buying your first mobile or even to go for a better model than your previous one.
Often the range of fashionable models, a host of relevant and not-so-relevant features, new technical jargon, hand-sets linked with cellular plans, gray market deals bewilder the prospective buyer.
Some of the ‘hype sell’ offers may be tempting but may prove expensive in the long run.
Here are a few tips that may help you make the right choice.
Choose a Service Plan: Normally cell phone and service plan can go hand in hand. It may prove to be economical if you buy your phone and plan together. Though it is wise to select a service plan before deciding on the phone, in practice it is always the other way round. In case you have already decided on a certain model, make sure you do not commit yourself for a certain airtime to get the phone. There is always some fine print in such deals All service providers offer many options for service agreements.
Be clear on how much time a month you will use and how much you want to spend? A service plan with low monthly base rate but higher per minute charges is ideal for those who make less calls. Remember your phone is only as good as its service provider. Each service provider has stronger signals in certain areas, so the choice depends on where you travel .For example , I travel extensively in India , I use Tata’s with ‘roaming’. My experience with this service has been excellent.( Any one can try my number (98480-33013) from anywhere .During office hours it goes to my PS as I give call divert.)My friends who use Airtel have experienced “holes” (Loss of signals) even in city limits.
You also need to be clear whether you want to go for Digital or analogue mobile phone.
Services lie voice mail, call waiting , caller line identification and SMS (short messaging services) are all digital. So, if you want these services, go for digital phone. Digital phones also provide better sound quality, less noise and interference.
Choose the features:
You should insist on these features on the phone you choose:-
Caller identification, one-touch redialing, keypad locking, phone book, intuitive navigation keys, last number recall, easy volume control, alphanumeric paging, and battery and signal strength indicators.
All other things being equal, prefer the cell phone with a large screen size and multiple lines of text.
Choose also vibrating call alert, EFR and programmable profile settings as features you might value over a period of time.
Choose a suitable battery:
The last thing you want in a mobile is the battery running out at the most crucial times. It is always wise to buy a phone with a talk time and standby time that fits your needs.
There are three types of batteries used for powering mobile phones. * Nickel-Cadmium *(Ni-Cd) is low-priced with heat-protection ability. But it is the heaviest, adding to the weight of a mobile phone. It offers the lowest talk and stand-by times compared to other batteries.
Nickel-Metalo Hydride *(Ni-Mh) is the most widely used mobile phone battery, capable of holding charge for 30 percent longer time than Ni-Cd batteries. It is lighter, weighing under 140 grams in some cases.
Lithium-ion *(Li-ion), with many advantages and fewer disadvantages, weighs only 56 grams. These batteries offer long-lasting talk and standby times, free from (tendency of battery to adhere to usage environment) effect.
Charger :How big is the battery charger is vital. Go for travel chargers as they are lighter , sleeker.
Looks: In general cell phones are becoming smaller , lighter and sleeker with awesome looks .Most of the recent models can simply slide into your pocket. The size should be such that the phone fits the distance between your ear and mouth perfectly.
Most important in choosing a mobile phone is why exactly are you thinking of buying one ?Well it may not effect your selection of handset , but it does effect your monthly bill .
Ultimately it is your lifestyle in general and job in particular that determine your decision .