Evaluate Mobile Phone Features

On eBay Australia, the vast selection of new and used mobile phones means that you should be able to find a phone in any shape, size and price category. If your mobile phone  needs are quite basic, you can dispense with the all the bells and whistles associated with some of the higher cost models. If cost is not an issue, you will find a one-stop-shop for all the latest and greatest in mobile phone technology from around the world.

The options to consider when shopping for a mobile phone are often confusing, and new features for mobile phones grow day by day. To narrow your search, think about the following key questions:

Do you plan to use your mobile phone outside of your local area?

If you plan on using your phone outside of Australia, you may want to choose a Tri Band  GSM phone that is able to operate across three GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) frequencies. GSM is the standard network type utilised around the world. If you are not planning using your phone internationally, then a standard GSM phone is generally sufficient within a metropolitan area.


 

 Alternatively, a CDMA  network may suit your needs. CDMA in particular is ideal for users in rural and regional areas due to its coverage over longer distances. This network is also used in North America.

Would you like access to the internet or email from your mobile phone?

Many mobile phones and service providers now offer email and internet access. If you require this functionality, ensure that the model you are interested in is email and/or web-enabled.

Additional Features

The latest model of phones now come with a host of additional features that can further simplify (or perhaps even complicate!) your search. Some features now available include:  built-in camera , rc_done="true">colour screen , PDA , Email/Web ,unlocked , MP3 players , speaker-phone, walkie-talkie, voice-activated calling  and games.

How important is your phone's size and weight?

Functionality and fashion seem to go hand in hand and we now have a vast selection of shapes, sizes and weights to choose from. The main varieties and their comparative advantages include: 

•           Candybar (Standard)  : Simplicity and durability.
• Slide : Soft slide mechanism that smoothly reveals and hides keypad of phone.
• Clamshell (flip-phone) : Portability, increased screensize, keys protected against accidental dialling.
• PDA : Larger silhouette, increased screensize and functionality.

  Select a Mobile Phone Service Provider

  Service providers work with specific mobile phone  manufacturers to produce phones that are compatible with their networks and feature offerings. On eBay Australia, you will find phones for every major service provider. There are also phones ready to be connected with a new service plan, prepaid phones  or prepaid starter kits for those who want no plan at all.
  

  Australian Service Providers

  If you already have a service contract with a carrier and are not looking to change from your service provider, then a new mobile phone that is unlocked  (ie. will work for any service provider) may be what you need.
  The major service providers within Australia that offer mobile phone plans and prepaid sim cards are:
  

  • Telstra
  • Orange
  • Optus
  • Virgin Mobile
  • Vodafone
  • 3  

  Pre-Paid Services

  If you want the convenience of a prepaid service , there are specific phone models which are available for use with prepaid phone cards. Search through the prepaid  section and find the right choice for you. You may also want to find out more about prepaid phones with SIM cards , prepaid recharge cards  or prepaid SIM starter kits .
  

  Coverage

  Once you have narrowed the search of the mobile phones that you are interested in down to just a few, you may want to confirm with your desired service provider that they can provde the coverage you require in your specific geographic area.
  
  

  Buy with Confidence

  Before making your purchase, make sure you know exactly what you're buying, research your seller, and understand how eBay Australia and PayPal protect you.
  
  Carefully read the details in item listings.
  

  • Figure delivery costs into your final price. If you spend a lot of money, make sure the seller will insure the item when it ships.
  • If you want more information, ask by clicking the "Ask seller a question" link under the seller's profile.
  • Always make sure to complete your transaction on eBay Australia (with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best Offer). Transactions conducted outside of eBay Australia are not covered by eBay Australia protection programs.
  • Never pay for your eBay Australia item using instant cash wire transfer services through Western Union or MoneyGram. These payment methods are unsafe when paying someone you do not know.

  Know your seller

  Research your seller so you feel positive and secure about every transaction.
  

  • What is the seller's Feedback rating? How many transactions have they completed? What percentage of positive responses do they have?
  • What do buyers say in their Feedback? Did the seller receive praise?
  • Most top eBay Australia sellers operate like retail stores and have return policies. Do they offer a money-back guarantee? What are the terms and conditions

    
    

    Legal Disclaimer

    Buying Guides are intended merely as a guide or review for members when considering what products or services they may be interested in bidding on or purchasing. eBay Australia does not make, and nothing in these Buying Guides is intended to constitute, any warranties, guarantees, representations or assurances about the accuracy of the information or content contained in these Buying Guides. Furthermore, eBay Australia does not make, and nothing in these Buying Guides is intended to constitute, any warranties, guarantees, representations or assurances about the nature or performance of the products or services appearing in the Buying Guides. eBay Australia is not affiliated with nor does it endorse the use of any particular product or service.