If at the beginning cell phones were just an interesting alternative to fixed telephony, today they are capable of much more. More modest models send and receive messages, generate photos and even access the internet. But to take advantage of these and many other features, more and more people are switching from their simpler handsets to cell phones. But then many wonder: what is the best cell phone for me? How to choose a model that suits my needs? What cell phone do I buy?
The following tips would sure help to provide answers to these questions.
What is a cell phone?
Before we start with the tips, it's interesting to know what a cell phone is. This is a name used to indicate mobile devices with more sophisticated features, both in software and hardware. It means that they are able to offer features previously found on other devices, such as digital cameras or PCs.
On a cell phone, the hardware is usually more "generous" and complete, in order to allow the user to perform a myriad of tasks. In them, it is possible, for example, to edit texts, watch videos, take photos, access e-mails and web pages, use and synchronize schedules, listen to music, play games, install programs and of course receive and make phone calls.
To allow these and other tasks to run in a minimally satisfactory manner, cell phones can offer larger screens, more advanced graphics chips , more RAM , memory card slot, GPS, FM radio receiver, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi ), more advanced cameras, well-known operating systems, among others.
Now that you already know what a cell phone is, let's get tips on choosing one.
1. Keyboard or touch screen?
We can say that there are two categories of cell phones: those that only have a wide screen and touch; And devices that have a smaller screen, but offer a keyboard with buttons for letters, symbols and numbers. Everything, in fact, is a matter of taste. However, if you intend to use the device primarily to enter texts, such as answering e-mails, creating prompts and taking notes, cell phones with keyboards are often more appropriate. As for email, Research In Motion (RIM) BlackBerry devices, or models such as Nokia's E6, are well-known because they also offer applications that allow you to easily respond and receive email, Being useful for those who have many commitments.
If, however, you do not have that much need to type on your cell phone, touch screen devices may be more suited to your needs. Devices of this type allow quick access to the features offered with simple touches on the display, and in more sophisticated models such as Apple 's iPhone line, it is possible, for example, to apply zoom effects to images and move from one song to another with a Simple dragging of fingers on screen. Not to mention that virtually all cell phones of the type offer a virtual keyboard for when typing of texts is necessary.
2 . Operating system
As important as the device itself is its operating system. It is recommended to use known platforms, as these have better support and also with a wider range of applications. The best known and recommended systems are (in random order): iOS (iPhone), BlackBerry, Symbian, Android and Windows Phone. The first two are exclusive to its developers, ie iOS is only used on Apple devices, and
BlackBerry only on RIM devices. Symbian, currently, is used exclusively by Nokia.
In turn, both Android and Windows Phone can be implemented on devices from various manufacturers, provided certain requirements are met. Both are also suitable for devices with a touch screen, but the similarities end there: Android is an open project, therefore, subject to change. This means that the implementation of this system may vary from device to device. In the case of Windows Mobile / Phone, there is a more demanding standardization, making the system functionalities remain almost the same even on different cell phones.
All of these systems (and others not mentioned) have their qualities, but it is important to test the existing options or look for information about them with other users or the manufacturer's website, for example, to see if the characteristics of the platforms evaluated please. In most cases, the newer the operating system version, the better the user experience.
3. Battery life
It's no use having a feature-rich cell phone if you need to recharge the device battery very often. The manufacturer often reports that the device's battery lasts for several hours, but it does not make it clear that this happens only in situations where little of the device is required. Therefore, it is important to search the internet or friends who have the cell phone in question when the battery lasts when 3G networks or Bluetooth connections are used, for example, because activities like these usually result in increased energy expenditure.
As you cannot expect "miracles" in this regard since the industry has not yet been able to create "super powerful" batteries, make sure your cell phone allows you to easily change that item. So, if you are a user that depends on the cell phone, you can buy an extra battery so that you do not run the risk of getting the device unusable for lack of power.
4. Connectivity Features
You will no longer enjoy much of the features of your cell phone if you cannot connect it to the internet, so it is essential to check the connectivity features of a device before purchasing it. It is important that the device offers at least compatibility with three types of technology: 3G networks, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth . The first, of course, allows you to use some of your cell phone operator's internet access plan, while the second allows you to use the wireless network in your home or some public place, especially since free Wi-Fi networks are Increasingly common in places like restaurants, airports, bus stations and malls. Bluetooth is important so that you can share files with others or even use compatible devices with your phone, such as headphones.
5. Accessories
It is important to take note of the accessories that come with your cell phone and which ones are offered separately. Nowadays, it is expected that the device will offer at least the following items: power charger, memory card and headset.
If your device does not ship with a memory card, or if you plan to purchase a larger card, you need to check if there is any type of limitation on your cell phone. Some models only support cards that have up to a certain amount of gigabytes.
For headphones, make sure your cell phone uses input for P2 connectors, which is the most common type. If the model makes use of a connector type that is unique or little known in the market, you will be limited to the headphone options of the manufacturer of the cell phone, which usually charges more for the item and does not always provide the desired quality.
In addition, before purchasing the device, make sure the manufacturer offers optional accessories that may interest you, such as protective covers, Bluetooth headsets, extra batteries, external keyboard, and more.
6 . Camera
Most cell phones today offer cameras for photos, but it's important to make sure that the model you're interested in is able to generate images with the least amount of quality. For this, it is recommended to have a device with at least 2 megapixels to have photos with reasonable resolution. Also check if the unit is capable of recording videos. These features may not be interesting at first, but they may be useful for recording important or unusual situations where there is no digital camera nearby.
Regarding the flash, most models only offer illumination through LEDs, especially thinner cell phones. This type does not always provide very satisfactory results, but if we take into account that many appliances do not have any type of lighting, it is an option to consider.
Based on these guidelines, it is easier to choose a cell phone suited to your needs. But the crucial - and perhaps most obvious - tip is: research hard on a trustworthy platform such as
anewcellphone.com before acquiring, as they offer you a great load of options and reviews when faced with the question of
what cell phone is the best for you.