Speakerphone, external display and camera phone ... all features that most manufacturers offer, but some are more useful than others (depending on your individual needs, of course). Before you buy your next phone, here are some basic features to consider:
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Size:
Ask yourself how much the size and weight of your phone matters. Some people like it small enough to fit in their pocket, while others prefer the benefit of bigger buttons and a larger screen.Style:
Below are examples of the five main phone styles, each with it's own unique benefits:1. candy bar
2. slider
3. swivel
4. flip
5. Smartphones (Video)
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Display Screen Size:
Large screens that display a lot of colors and are high in resolution are nice, but the phone may be bigger and you may sacrifice battery life to accommodate these features. In general, people who use the Internet, PDA functions, or camera/video capabilities on their phones prefer bigger and better screens. If you're just making calls on your phone, a larger screen may not be necessary.Second External Display:
Many flip phones come with a second outer display, which can be used to check the Caller ID of incoming calls. This feature enables you to screen calls without ever opening the phone.Camera/Video Phones:
Many cell phones today take pictures and record videos. Camera phones are not quite up-to-par with digital cameras, but they're getting better. If you are considering a phone with camera/phone functionality, first decide whether or not you will actually use this feature. If you are interested in this feature, find a phone that offers the quality of photos and videos that you need.Battery Life:
The battery life of cell phones differs greatly between models, but there are two main things you should consider:1. Talk time: Talk time is the amount of time you can talk on your phone continuously before the battery needs recharging.
2. Standby time: Standby time is the amount of time your phone can stay with the power on (without receiving calls) before the battery runs out.
Compare several phones to get a feeling of what kind of battery life you can expect from a cell phone.
See also: Cell Phones with Great Battery LifeSpeakerphone:
A speakerphone comes in handy when waiting on hold, working on a computer or for just general multi-tasking. For business users, a full-duplex speakerphone may be necessary. This feature allows both parties to speak clearly at the same time.Next Page: More Cell Phone Features >>
U.S. only. AOL Mobile services may require a wireless data plan and charges from your wireless carrier may apply. Not all AOL Mobile services are available on all wireless carriers or on all wireless devices. Check with your wireless carrier to confirm that product use is consistent with your carrier's Terms of Service.
