Buying a Mobile Phone: Questions to Ask

You or someone in your family needs or wants to buy a new mobile phone.  Regardless of whether it’s your first or your 15th, buying a phone today is a lot more complicated than it was just a few years ago. But you’ll have an easier time finding that handheld if you ask yourself these  questions before you shop.

1. Do I want a smartphone or “standard” cell phone?

This question is easier to answer now than it was a few years ago, when the so-called dumb phone still seemed practical for those who only used their phones to make and receive calls. But the various features available with smartphones — 4G connectivity, a better-resolution camera, texting, a bigger display and greater memory, among them — as well as shrinking variety of standard units, could make the basic cell phone all but obsolete in many consumers’ eyes. The price tag still carries weight, as smartphones can sell for up to five times the price of the basic versions. 

2. What’s the phone’s call quality like?

Individual phones can vary in reception, earpiece quality, transmission quality and even speakerphone volume. You’ll want to read user reviews for various models for a better idea of which ones work best. If you’re in a bricks-and-mortar store, ask to make a few test calls. Don’t be fooled by price: Some of the least-expensive phones have the best call quality, while some of the higher-priced models offer substandard sound.

3. Does the design work for me?

Consider whether the phone fits comfortably within a pocket or purse, and the availability (and style) of protective carrying cases. Also, make sure the phone is durable enough for your lifestyle. If you’re the outdoors type or you’re accident prone, you may want a phone that’s more impact- and water-resistant.
4.What operating system is the right one?

Consider the size of the display screen (at least 3 inches in diameter; 4 or more is better if you’re going to edit documents or spend a lot of time on the Web), its type (touchscreen or QWERTY slider), and its resolution. The higher the resolution, the better photos and videos will look. Also consider the ability to adjust screen contrast and backlight settings, as well as contrast and brightness. 

The two most widely adopted platforms are Google’s Android operating system and Apple’s iOS. But BlackBerry’s OS and Microsoft’s Windows Phone have their advantages as well. Take time to familiarize yourself with each before you settle on one.

5. How does it access the Internet?

In the United States, you basically have a choice between 3G (“third generation”) and 4G (“fourth”) wireless if you want a smartphone. 4G is generally faster, but still has fewer coverage areas. Also, exact speed comparisons between the two vary: Some 3G protocols can achieve 4G-like speeds. Keep in mind that 4G will definitely be faster than 3G only if they’re on the same carrier. Otherwise, you’ll need to gauge the way you plan to use the phone against service cost and availability.

6. How easy is it to use?

Touchscreens are all the rage, as they make it very easy to go from one app to another. But some people find such little nuances as texting a nuisance. That leaves you with models that use QWERTY keyboards and standard push-button scrolling, which are slower but less prone to “pushed the wrong place”-type errors.

7. What about apps?

If you’re buying a dumb cell phone or a feature phone, this question won’t mean much. If you’re shopping for a smartphone, you’ll want to think about the types of apps you might need, and from where to get them. For example, the Apple App store and Google Play each have more than 700,000 apps.

8. Does it have a good camera?

Today’s smartphones, and even basic phones, are almost on par with regular camera and video cameras when it comes to everyday photos. Bare minimum, you’ll want a phone with a 3-megapixel camera, although most are 5MP or greater now. If you want to post videos online, you’ll want a handset that captures at least 640-by-480 pixel videos at 30 frames per second or better.

9.How’s the battery life?

How long your phone can run between charges varies greatly: The more features you pack onto a phone, the shorter the battery life. Ideally, you’d want to be able to go 2-3 days between phone charges, but in some cases you’ll only reach that total through use of task killers and battery management apps (two things to check for when buying the phone). Also remember that a phone’s battery life will decrease over time simply through regular use.