Different mobile phone brands represent different qualities which you may not be aware of when it comes to choosing a mobile phone. By getting to know what each brand represents you are in a better position to make a more accurate, informed decision about which handset is best for you (and it will also likely speed up the process considerably too).
Nokia - The "original" mobile phone maker, Nokia have been around for donkeys years. While they do produce some advanced handsets like the N95 that was so popular upon launch, the average Nokia is built around ease of use and reliability. I have dropped a Nokia into a puddle in the past where it was fully submerged, before pulling it out again. I dried it out at home and 24 hours later the phone was working again. For a first mobile phone or someone who doesn't like things too complicated, start here. Once you've used a Nokia, most people don't want to change they have such a good experience.
Sony Ericsson - Sony is one of the "cool" mobile phone brands that stands for reliability and technical innovation. Sony, understandably, are also very hot when it comes to music player functionality so if you'd like an mp3 player built into your phone this may be the brand for you. In terms of camera quality, Sony is still well ahead of the pack and seem so solidly made that they can be dropped and knocked and still come out the other side in one piece. They tend to be a winner when it comes to battery life too. The first time I used a Sony Ericsson I was not impressed with how ugly most of the models were, but having actually used the phones I quickly grew to love them.
Samsung - Samsung are possibly the most attractive handsets out there - suitable for people who put the appearance of their handset over other factors. Always bringing in new designs, these handsets are perfect for people who want the "wow factor" from a handset.
Motorola - Strangely popular in the States, Motorola in the UK is, in my experience, the most unreliable brand and for that reasons alone I would never own one. I have seen far too many with problems to be willing to take a risk. And while some of the newer models have a great battery life, many of the older models absolutely stink in terms of battery life so be aware. In my opinion, one to avoid.
Blackberry - Reliable business devices the Blackberries of course have a more "normal" layout of their keyboard allowing you to type emails etc. While the Blackberry software (and their rollerball) do take some getting used to, the Blackberry is a great device and one well worth considering if you are a busy person and feel all that extra functionality could make your life easier. Be aware that battery life doesn't tend to be great so if you are going to be using your handset quite a bit a car charger might be a worthwile addition.
You may have thought of shopping for a new mobile phone when you want to get rid of the old one. But you need to be sure of few things before and choosing your service provider should be the first. As your service provider utters the technology he uses, choosing your mobile phone is simply based on that. GSM is the technology most utilized by providers and is becoming more vogue in the UK. CDMA is a technology also adopted but by few providers and is common in the US.
The Mobile Phone Plans
So, once you have decided your provider, spent few minutes to estimate how frequent you use your mobile phone and obviously, where. Be clear to what extend of coverage limit you are signing for. The low-rate plans are usually meant for local calls and only cover your region of living, but are right one if you travel less. If you are one that spend a lot of time outside your region, take a regional or a nationwide plan, and make sure of the roaming charges.
To get the best value out of a plan, check whether your plan includes free long distance call option. Variation with the standard plans can possibly save your money. You can consider family and/or sharing plans if you want take in your family and friends. Opt for prepaid plans if you do not want to commit to a monthly plan. Finally, while calculating for your model monthly phone bill include extra fees that comprise cost of activation, taxes, number portability cost, extra charges for sending text messages, charges for multimedia and picture messaging etc with it.
Picking Your Mobile Phone
You can start your mobile phone search now. Here you need to decide the features you want in your mobile phone. How you pass your daily life and what all are important to you? Make sure, whether you are looking for sleek design. Would you want features like cameras, picture messaging, and text messaging keyboards in your mobile phone? All this highly depend on your lifestyle, whether you need it for your classy business, habitual of multimedia usage, or looking only for plain communication. Features that may attract you are a camera or videophone, picture-messaging phone, or possibly with Bluetooth technology to connect to your computer. Some users may like push-to-talk option for quick, one-touch communication.
Business users may favor smart phones, which club in cell phone and PDA features in one. These phones are comparably big in size and are high-priced than of standard cell phones but eliminate the need for two separate devices. Most users may not need comprehensive features and few others may need features like PDA with their mobile phones. So when you have decided buying a mobile phone, make undisputed about the features you want with it and a plan that exquisitely suit your phoning habit.
Both Richard Adams & James Dyson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.