Buyer's guide - Mobile phones

Basic packages

These days, all mobile phones come with a basic package that's common to all manufacturers. Most mobile phones are equipped with a voicemail service, a phone book, an alarm clock, a time display and several ringtones, not to mention a calculator, a choice of games and a text messaging feature. If you’re looking for a mobile phone simply to make and receive calls, you can take your pick from any of the phones on the market. You can narrow down your choice by determining how much you're willing to spend and what kind of design you're after. Entry-level mobile phones are among the most basic on the market, although some do include a low-definition camera feature.

Entertainment that fits into a mobile

Digital cameras and music players now come as standard on mobile phones. It’s not hard to find a mobile with a camera sensor, but they don't all provide the same quality of pictures. Some have low-definition sensors, known as VGA, while some have sensors going all the way up to 5 megapixels. The number of mobile phones that now also serve as MP3 players is growing. Some allow you to store and play just a few files, while others are like portable music systems, complete with one-function keys, equalisers and playlists.

Internet in your pocket

Until recently, the “mobile internet” concept was virtually unknown, but now it's really caught on. WAP, which was designed to suit the reduced shape and size of mobile phones, has been replaced by the internet, so surfing the web, checking your e-mails and downloading files on a mobile phone is possible. You can even stream live TV! In order to take advantage of these services, it’s important to select a mobile equipped with the right features. You'll need to check the phone has a built-in modem, and ensure it's compatible with high-speed networks hosted by Edge/3G/HSDPA(3G+) operators. A large screen would also be handy for maximum comfort in case of intensive use.

Protecting your mobile phone in style

Essential for protecting against knocks and splashes, a case is a must-have accessory for every mobile phone. There are models are available for all kinds of mobile phones. Cases are made of a wide variety of materials, including leather, fabric and even acrylic! Some give your mobile phone a quirky finish, while others are more traditional – there’s something for everyone! Sometimes it’s necessary to use an earpiece or a hands-free kit to comply with legislation: in some countries, it’s illegal to use a mobile phone while behind the wheel. Hands-free kits and Bluetooth earpieces are easy to use and practical, and prevent you from breaking the law.

Memory cards to give your mobile a boost

To extend your mobile phone’s storage capacity, you can get an additional memory card . The mobile phone you choose must therefore be equipped with a compatible memory card slot. Once you’ve found a memory card that goes with your mobile, just pop it into the designated space to get more than 2 GB of space. Memory cardsare a quick and easy way to transfer files, photos, videos and music to a computer. The most common formats are microSD and MemoryStick micro. To see what’s stored on a memory card, you'll need a memory card reader. See all memory cards

Print your photos

Can your mobile take photos? Why not print them?! If you want to print your photos, photo printersare ideal. Photo printers are compact, portable, and often compatible with Bluetooth. They’re nearly always equipped with a memory card reader, allowing you to print professional-quality photos from the comfort of your own home. Some mobile phones incorporate PictBridge technology, which means you’ll be able to print photos straight from your mobile by hooking it up to your printer using a cable.

Coverage with all networks

Mobile phone operators are continuously improving the quality of their networks, giving users the best possible comfort. GSM, GPRS, EDGE, 3G and HSDPA (3G+) are the networks used by mobile phones. An important parameter in every network is its data transfer rate. Transfer rates on GSM networks are enough to make and receive phone calls, but if you want to transfer data files to other mobile phones, you should select a high-speed mobile compatible with Edge, 3G and/or HSDPA.

Guaranteed network coverage, both home and away

Mobile phones are designed to go everywhere you do. Your mobile phone may work in your country of residence, but this doesn’t necessary mean that you’ll be able to use it abroad. Before travelling, it's a good idea to find out on which frequencies your mobile phone operates. In most of Europe, you can still use dual-band mobile phonesto make and receive calls. However, if you’re travelling further afield, you should choose a tri-band phone. If you intend to travel to North America, you will need a quad-band mobile. Another important factor in any mobile phone is battery life. The longer the battery time, the longer you’ll be able to use the phone. A minimum talk-time of 5 hours is recommended.

Staying connected with Bluetooth

Most mobile phones incorporate wireless Bluetooth technology, which uses waves to transfer data such as photos and ringtones. Wireless earpieces are based on this technology. Mobile phones with music players built in often have Bluetooth stereo (A2DP) technology, which allows you to connect a pair of headphones to your mobile without using a cable. USB connectivity is needed to hook your mobile phone up to your computer in order to synchronise information with your Outlook daily planner, transfer photos and music and more! Thanks to the modem integrated into some mobile phones, you’re able to send e-mails while you’re away from your desk. Other mobile phones have a lot more to offer than just a modem – these days, mobile phones can even have a WiFi chip!