Cell phone buying guide

10 key cell phone features

Organizer applications: Even the most basic handsets offer organizer applications. Typically, you'll find a calendar, an alarm clock, a stopwatch, and a calculator. Higher-end handsets will have many more options, while other models will offer offbeat applications such as a compass or a thermometer.

The Nokia N95 has almost every feature you could want in a cell phone.
Calling features: Consider how many contacts you can store. Voice dialing lets you make calls without using the keypad, which is particularly handy when you're on a headset or if you're using the speakerphone. Speaker-independent voice dialing is best, since the phone will respond to your voice without any training. Also, consider getting a unit with a full-duplex speakerphone, which allows both parties to speak at the same time.
Web browser: This lets you surf the wireless Web and get information such as news and sports recaps, weather reports, and stock quotes. It also lets you download files including games and ring tones. WAP (Wireless Access Protocol) browsers are optimized to view sites configured to display on small, mobile devices but keep in mind that not all sites are made for WAP browsing. On the other hand, some higher-end phones are including full HTML browsers so find out which you'd prefer. You can use some Internet-ready phones as a modem for your PC, but this isn't a universal feature.

The iPhone 3G has a touch screen and a full Web browser.
Messaging and e-mail: Text messages send text only, and multimedia messages send pictures and videos as well as text. Some handsets support instant messaging from services such as AOL and Yahoo. If you'd like to receive personal or work e-mail on your handset, make sure it supports this feature. Most handsets that support e-mail use a Web interface for accessing your inbox, which can be clunky, but smartphones and high-end models can sync e-mail automatically with your server. Messaging and e-mail cost extra, however, so consider purchasing a data plan if you'll be using the features frequently. You might also consider a phone with a full alphabetic keyboard for faster typing.
Camera and video recorder: Use them for taking pictures and shooting brief video clips. A few models still have a low-grade VGA resolution, but most camera phones now have resolutions of a few megapixels or more, which offer much better photo quality. Similarly, while some camera phones offer just a few extra features, other models offer a flash and editing options that resemble those on a regular camera.
Memory: For the best experience with a multimedia phone, make sure your phone has plenty of storage space (an external memory card slot is best.
Push to talk: A walkie-talkie-like service that lets you immediately connect with individuals or call groups, which is especially useful for business users who need instant contact with their colleagues. Best of all, you don't need a cell signal to use them and you won't use standard calling minutes. Not all carriers offer this feature, however, and it's not available on all phones.
Bluetooth: This feature lets you wirelessly connect via low-frequency radio waves with external devices, such as a headset for making calls. Many phones also allow you to use Bluetooth to exchange or sync data with other Bluetooth devices or to connect to stereo headphones to listen to music. For more information see CNET's Bluetooth Buying Guide.
Multimedia options: Some features to look for include a digital music player and an FM radio. Also, many phones now support streaming video through 3G wireless broadband networks, live TV, and wireless music downloads. For a complete list of carrier-operated services, check out our carrier reviews for AT&T, Sprint Nextel, and Verizon Wireless. There will be an extra fee, of course, and you'll need 3G service in your area.
Applications and games: Though every cell phone supports games not every model comes with integrated titles. In that case, you'll have to buy them for a few dollars a pop, and your selection will change by carrier. Extra applications are available depending on your phone model and your carrier. The iPhone supports a wide-range of third-party applications through the iTunes Apps store. For example, Sprint offers a wireless backup service to save your contacts, while Verizon Wireless has a GPS application called VZ Navigator.

GPS with directional services is an increasingly popular feature. Verizon Wireless, Sprint, and AT&T offer their own GPS services while other handsets, like the iPhone, use Google Maps.