Research your options and needs before buying a Cell (Mobile) Phone
Communications technology has come a long way from the early days of the phone system. Nowadays we can keep in touch with a cell (mobile) phone no matter where we are. We can even use our cell phones for a whole range of other things like surfing the Internet, playing games and listening to music.
However, when you are actually buying a cell phone the number of different options may be confusing and it can be difficult to decide which is your best buy. The
Buyz123 three step guide - Research, Evaluation, Purchase - is designed to assist you in this buying process.
The
Research step firstly involves investigating essential features of cell phones available on the market, and secondly identifying your actual needs in a cell phone.
In the
Evaluation step you focus on how well the different features of individual products meet your needs, and then how well the most suitable cell phones compare in detail, one to another.
Finally, in the
Purchase step, the issues considered are: what to look for when actually buying the phone, what questions to ask and what information you should seek on warranty, customer service, and after-sales support.
As you work though the
Buyz123 purchase strategy you will clarify your thoughts about your intended purchase, confidently compare products one to another, and then purchase a cell phone that really does meet your needs.
Step 1: Research
In order to end up with the cell phone best suited to your needs, you have to clearly understand what you are looking for and what options are available to you. This is done by researching in two areas.
Firstly, you research the market to find out what kinds of cell phones are available, familiarizing yourself with the different features, styles and price ranges etc. Secondly, you examine your own unique requirements in a cell phone.
Research the market: Cell phone essentials
The first part of the research step is to investigate just what's available in the cell phone market. The range of options can seem overwhelming, but you can make a good start by understanding the following major features:
Model: Do you have a specific cell phone in mind? You may well have seen a certain type of cell phone that looks good to you already. Think about design, size and weight. Phones come in all shapes and sizes and, if you will be carrying your cell phone with you all of the time, then you need to make sure that it will be comfortable for you. It's also important to think about things like the screen size and the way the phone works - for example, if it's a flip-top phone, or a standard key-pad design, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) type.
Features: What do you want to use your cell phone for? You may, for example, simply want to make and take calls and text messages. Basic models will certainly allow you to do that. More advanced models offer a whole range of other features such as Internet/email capabilities, cameras, games, ring-tones, videos, MP3 players and radios, GPS facilities, hands-free/Bluetooth functions and PDA features.
Service Provider: Do you already have a service provider for calls? You'll need to sign up with a service provider to actually make calls on your phone. You may already have a contract or may be looking for a new one. In basic terms you can take up pre-paid, pay as you go, and regular payment based contracts with the majority of service providers. In most cases these options will come with the cell phone that you choose. If you already have a phone number and sim card then you can look at buying an unlocked phone that will work with them and then set up a plan on that model separately. For more information about phone plans see the
Buyz123 buying guide - Buying a Cell Phone Plan.
Battery Life: How much will you use your phone? Battery life is an important issue with any cell phone as you'll usually be carrying it around and about with you. If you only use a cell phone every now and then, then this need not be so much of an issue. But, if you anticipate having your phone on for the majority of the time you need a longer lasting battery charge. Battery capabilities with cell phones work on both standby (i.e. when your phone is switched on but not being used) and talk time (i.e. when you are actually using the phone).
Accessories: What kind of accessories do you want with your cell phone? This depends - to a certain extent - on what you want to use the phone for. For example, if you want hands-free capabilities then you'll need headsets or ear-pieces such as Bluetooth. You'll certainly need a battery charger but you could also look at travel chargers if you travel a lot. You can also customize your phone with faceplates and other options if you like. And, if you use a PDA type of cell phone then you will need accessories that will let you connect to a computer. Other standard accessories include carry cases, belt clips, headphones and vehicle mounts.
Cost: How much can you spend on a cell phone? If you buy one as part of a service plan then you may well be given the phone 'free' or at a reduced cost. In general terms the most basic phones will be the cheapest to buy with prices rising as you get more features and benefits. The most expensive cell phones are usually the ones that offer PDA capabilities. And, of course, you also have to factor in the costs of your accessories and call plans as well.
Research your needs: Questions to ask yourself
Now it's time to determine what your requirements are in a cell phone. For example, will you use the cell phone only for making calls when you are out and about or do you need email access, and other advanced features?
You can start this process by considering the following questions - as well as any others you think of yourself - and recording your answers.
| Have I used a cell phone before? |
| | If you have used a cell phone, work out what you did or didn't like about the cell phone. You may be looking for one exactly like it, hoping to upgrade, or even trying to avoid any particular features that you found inconvenient. |
| What kind of cell phone do I like? |
| | Size and weight may be important to you here - you could have a standard phone or a state-of-the-art slimline model. |
| What will I use my cell phone for? |
| | You may just want a phone that can take and make calls and text messages or you might prefer advanced functions such as Internet access or an MP3 player, for example. |
| Do I need a cell phone that will work with my current calls service provider? |
| | You might have a current agreement with a service provider or you may want to set a new one up. |
| How important is battery life on my new cell phone? |
| | Think about how long you want the battery to last on average for each cell phone charge, and how often you will use the phone. |
| Do I want any extra accessories for my cell phone? |
| | You could purchase extra accessories such as head-sets or a car charger. |
| What's my budget for a cell phone? |
| | For some of us this is the most important question of them all! |
Understanding your needs is the key to a successful purchase and you can revisit your list of needs at any time during the buying process.
Once you complete this Research step, having informed yourself about the essentials of cell phones and identified your needs, you are ready to move on to the next step: Evaluation.
Video Links
Buyz123.com Research Links:Finding the right cell phone for youHow to buy a cell phoneGuide to cell phone and wireless service plansWhat to do before buying a cell phoneGeneral information about cell phonesAbout Cell Phones