Features to Consider
When you're shopping for a phone, you can do some simple hands-on tests in the store to make sure that the handset has everything you need.
Call quality: What good is a phone if it can't make calls? Some of the most simple, bare-bones "feature" phones offer the best call quality--and on the flip side, some fancy smartphones offer dismal calling. When evaluating phones, be sure to make a few test calls. In PCWorld's hands-on tests, we generally make some calls in a quiet room and several calls in a noisy environment. You might not be able to replicate such tests indoors, but try your best. Take note of static, tinny voices, or any interference. Ask the person on the other end of the line if they can hear a disruptive amount of background noise.
Design: Your choices range from phones with large touchscreens to slider-style handsets with full-QWERTY keyboards. Whichever type of phone you select, check its ergonomics. Is it comfortable to hold against your ear, and can you hear callers without constant adjustment? Can you use the phone with one hand? Consider hands-free use: Can you comfortably hold the phone to your ear by scrunching your neck and shoulder? Can it fit comfortably in your pocket or bag? You also want to make sure the phone is durable enough to handle some roughing up. A solidly built phone should be able to withstand getting banged around in a handbag or pocket, as well as a bit of moisture and a short-range drop. You should think about investing in a case or display protector, as well--especially if you’re accident-prone.
Operating system: If you're looking to do more than make calls and send text messages with your phone, consider the platform on which it runs. The mobile operating system you choose will greatly affect the capabilities of your phone. The most popular platforms are Google's Android (found on multiple devices), iOS (found only on iPhone models), BlackBerry OS (found on BlackBerrys of various designs), and Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7. Each has its advantages and disadvantages; you should definitely familiarize yourself with all of the platforms before settling on one.
Display: If you intend do a lot of Web browsing or movie streaming, make sure that the screen is up to snuff. Is it big enough for you to take full advantage of the phone's features? If you're going to surf the Web or edit office documents on your phone, a screen that measures less than 3 inches diagonally will feel cramped.
Consider the screen's resolution: The higher the resolution, the better the screen will look--an important factor if you plan to use your phone to watch videos or view photos.
AMOLED displays perform well in sunlight, but many people think they make colors look oversaturated. qHD displays (whose resolution is one-quarter of a full-HD 1080p frame and three-quarters of a 720p frame) generally look the best in video playback and games.
When you're shopping for a phone, you can do some simple hands-on tests in the store to make sure that the handset has everything you need.
Call quality: What good is a phone if it can't make calls? Some of the most simple, bare-bones "feature" phones offer the best call quality--and on the flip side, some fancy smartphones offer dismal calling. When evaluating phones, be sure to make a few test calls. In PCWorld's hands-on tests, we generally make some calls in a quiet room and several calls in a noisy environment. You might not be able to replicate such tests indoors, but try your best. Take note of static, tinny voices, or any interference. Ask the person on the other end of the line if they can hear a disruptive amount of background noise.
Design: Your choices range from phones with large touchscreens to slider-style handsets with full-QWERTY keyboards. Whichever type of phone you select, check its ergonomics. Is it comfortable to hold against your ear, and can you hear callers without constant adjustment? Can you use the phone with one hand? Consider hands-free use: Can you comfortably hold the phone to your ear by scrunching your neck and shoulder? Can it fit comfortably in your pocket or bag? You also want to make sure the phone is durable enough to handle some roughing up. A solidly built phone should be able to withstand getting banged around in a handbag or pocket, as well as a bit of moisture and a short-range drop. You should think about investing in a case or display protector, as well--especially if you’re accident-prone.
Display: If you intend do a lot of Web browsing or movie streaming, make sure that the screen is up to snuff. Is it big enough for you to take full advantage of the phone's features? If you're going to surf the Web or edit office documents on your phone, a screen that measures less than 3 inches diagonally will feel cramped.
Consider the screen's resolution: The higher the resolution, the better the screen will look--an important factor if you plan to use your phone to watch videos or view photos.
AMOLED displays perform well in sunlight, but many people think they make colors look oversaturated. qHD displays (whose resolution is one-quarter of a full-HD 1080p frame and three-quarters of a 720p frame) generally look the best in video playback and games.
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