How to Buy a Cell Phone

With hundreds of handsets to choose from, it can be tough to find the right one. Our ultimate guide gives you all you need to know to dial up the perfect mobile phone. There's no sense in denying it: For most of us, mobile phones are at the center of our universe. The typical feature set of these things is astounding. It's your phone, your messaging device, your on-the-go Web browser, your camera, your music player, your GPS navigation unit, and more. If you thought choosing a cell phone was difficult before, it's even tougher today. That's a good thing, though, because it demonstrates how innovation in the wireless industry has skyrocketed. We're seeing rapid progress across all fronts, including displays, data networks, user interfaces, voice quality, third-party apps, and even mobile gaming. 4G LTE networks are typically 10 to 15 times faster than 3G. The latest crop of Android smartphones is more diverse and powerful than ever. Android is also far and away the sales leader in the U.S. when it comes to smartphones, a result few could have predicted just three years ago. Samsung's powerful Galaxy S5 is available on every major carrier, while Apple's iPhone 5s is available across the board as well. Pit against this backdrop, it's no wonder standard feature phones (handsets without app-based ecosystems) are fading in importance, and that sales are continuing to trend downward. Taken together, these massive changes make much of the old advice about choosing a phone obsolete. So let's throw it all away and start over. The topic has become so important, and involves so many decisions, that we scrapped our existing cell phone and smartphone buying guides in favor of a single comprehensive story—the one you're reading right now. So what should you be looking for when buying a cell phone? Here are some key points to consider: First, Choose a Carrier Despite all the recent hardware and mobile software innovation, your wireless service provider remains your most important decision. No matter which device you buy, it's a doorstop unless you have solid wireless coverage. Choose a carrier that offers fair prices, and provides the best coverage in your area. If your choosing a carrier consider the quality, device selection, and other factors. Also make sure you find out which smartphone carriers have the best data coverage. Here's a quick rundown of what each one offers: Some carriers boasts nationwide coverage and have a terrific selection of phones, particularly for texting.  Some offers media services, a solid high-speed network and also has the most open approach to third-party apps, letting its subscribers add a wide range of Java applications to its feature phones. Some Mobile network offers mostly cutting-edge phones at relatively low monthly rates and enjoys a reputation for good customer service. Another important consideration in choosing a carrier should be a strong commitment to customer service. Finally, you may also see unlocked phones on the market that work with GSM networks such as AT&T and T-Mobile, but that carriers don't sell directly. These handsets are often imports. Because they're generally more expensive than carrier-approved-and-subsidized phones.  

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