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Home > Consumer Information > Understanding Cell Phone Features
Cell Phone Features
The following is a list of features to look for before buying a cell phone:
Service Plan
The first thing to consider before buying a cell phone is what service plan would best fit your calling needs. Don't pick a certain brand until you decide what service plan will
work for you. Some cell phone models won't have the plan you want.
Mode
Are you looking for analog or digital? Do you prefer PCS or cellular? TDMA or CDMA? Be sure to read How Cell Phones
Work to understand these terms. Look for dual mode/dual band phones if you travel a lot.
Battery type
Cell phones use either NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) or Li-ion (lithium ion) batteries. NiMH is a high capacity battery for extra power. This will give you extended use.
Li-ion usually costs more because it comes in a lightweight package. Note how long the battery takes to recharge and whether a rapid charger is available.
Display
All cell phones have an LCD display. Other display features include:
- Size - The larger the display, the more you'll pay. But a large display is needed wireless Internet.
- Color vs. monochrome - Most cell phones have monochrome displays (16 grays), but color displays are increasingly popular. Keep in mind that they are more expensive and require more memory.
- Reflective or backlit - Most cell phones come with backlit screens and are good for low-light conditions.
Functions
The most expensive phones have all these features while the cheaper phones will only have a limited number of these features.
- Phone directory
- Calculator
- Clock
- Games
- Appointment reminder/calendar
- Personalized/custom sounds
- Incoming-number storage
- Automatic redial
- Mute/hold button
- Last-number recall
- One-touch dialing/speed dialing
- Voice-activated functions
- Vibrate mode
- Lock/alarm
- Multi-party calls
- Call forwarding
- External volume/ringer control
- Hands-free headset/speakerphone
- Rapid charger/built-in charger
- Car adapter
Special Features
Some special features that more expensive phones will have.
- Text messaging
- Wireless Internet
- Modem function
- PC synchronization
- PDA
- MP3 player
- GPS receiver
When looking at phones with a headset or speakerphone connection, see if the plug is necessary. If it is, then check the cost and availability
of the headset or speakerphone. Cell phones come with a charger, but not
all come with a rapid charger.
Size
If you plan on using your cell phone mostly in a car, you are better to save your money and buy the larger phone.
But paying for a phone that is lightweight is a better option if you have to carry it around all day. Lightweight phones will cost you more though.
Price
Shop around for the best cell phone options and the best price. Don't pay for features you don't need.
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