It’s time for some straight talk – smartphones are a hot item today. You’ve heard about them – your friends have and use them – and you are thinking about buying one.
But how do you decide what one to get? It really boils down to two things: selection of a carrier, and how you plan to use the phone.
First, however, let’s review what a smartphone is and what it can do. After all, it’s not just for making calls!
A basic feature of a smartphone is that it can access the Internet, and also send and receive text messages. Another basic feature is its ability to access digital media. This means that users can enjoy all of their music, video, and picture media while on the go. Almost every smartphone on the market can do this.
Nearly every smartphone has some type of camera built in, and some have voice recording functions as well. Most smartphones, even those at the lower end of the quality spectrum, incorporate some sort of audio-video recording technology, allowing them to function as camcorders.
An outstanding feature of smartphones is their ability to run small computer programs called apps. These let the device perform a wide variety of functions for the user. Thousands of apps are available, making the functionality of smartphones almost limitless.
Now, back to our first consideration: What about the telephone service carrier?
Service providers in the United States operate over two different networks. Sprint, Verizon, and smaller carriers use Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). AT&T and T-Mobile use Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM). Both technologies transmit voice and data, but they do so in different ways, making them incompatible. In other words, you can’t use a GSM device on a CDMA network, and vice-versa.
CDMA coverage is very strong in the United States, particularly in rural areas, and is a good option if you’ll be making calls mostly in the United States. GSM service is widely used outside the United States and might be a better choice If you travel internationally.
There can be significant differences in local coverage, and it’s best to select the carrier that offers the best performance in your area – both voice and digital. You can try before you commit – carriers have a grace period during which you can test the service and return the phone if you’re not satisfied. It’s also a good idea to ask your friends and family which carrier they use and how they like their service.
And second, how would you plan to use your new smartphone?
The importance of placing calls on smartphones has seemingly declined as users are now using their phones more for other activities. According to a recent survey, the most important smartphone features were web browsing, camera and e-mail.
€ Web browsing lets you read restaurant reviews and menus before you dine, check out what movies are playing, get cooking ideas/recipes, listen to music and play games and get directions.
€ A camera can be used for taking photos and video recordings, and you can use supplemental apps to create panoramas and edit your pictures on the go.
€ With e-mail, you can keep in touch at work or with friends and even share your photos as soon as you have taken them.
There are many other uses as well. Just to name a few:
€ You’ll be able to fit most or all of your music into your handset and listen to it on the go
€ There are hundreds of games to choose from, and many of the games are online enabled, allowing users to play with people from all over the world
€ Most smartphones today have GPS capabilities built in, so you can access your GPS related app and easily find your way – which can be very handy or even life-saving.
Finding the right cell phone for your needs can be a tough endeavor. What phone is right for you? The answer depends on what you want your phone to do. It’s easy to get lost among all the claims by manufacturers and carriers alike regarding who has the best phone. However, knowing which carrier has the best coverage in your area, and deciding exactly what you need your phone to do, will go a long way to help you find the device you need.