There are many answer modes to this question, which I would divide into three broad categories (and I would mention no brands) -
1. Basic Phone - Gone are the days when a simple phone capable of making/receiving calls or sending/receiving text messages were termed 'basic'. Nowadays, a basic phone does have a radio, even throwing in an occasional music player or video player. So, segregating phones based on the availability or non-availability of features would not help in a great deal. What you need to focus on is if the features you require function to their very best in the price range you want. More features in a tight wallet doesn't mean you have a better phone, it just means that your phone is a jack-of-all-trades, not making you capable of utilizing any function to the hilt. Check for attenuation of signal strength in all possible handling modes, check for the battery standby time and talktime (after a single full recharge once out of the box), choose a relatively cushioned surface that prevents bouncing and throw the phone with a little force, have the speakers started sounding weird (don't worry, phones are built at least with that much ruggedness). Check the pitch of the voice transmitted, is it sharp or husky. Speakers can be troublesome and can cause nausea if they are not transmitting the proper decibels. Finally, if your handling is that of a player in a rugby match, please try to select earthy colors and matte skin for the exterior and try to minimize the number of accessories like camera, GPS, WiFi down to a minimum.
2. Intermediate - Phones that look good, perform admirably well and somewhat screw your next couple of dinner dates come in this category. They come with the widest array of extras, extra bling, extra megapixels, extra connectivity, extra battery life (supposedly, I don't know how much 'extra' battery life can they squeeze into the 'extra' thin battery of an 'extra' slim phone with a lot of 'extra' extras). These phones can be your companion for well over 1-2 years without the need to change them or trying to do a makeover. Since you have gone for a phone of this range, I am sure you are obsessed with aesthetics, look n feel and like to click whenever you get the chance. So, first off, check your camera's images, it maybe a 3.0 or 5.0 MP, but the image clarity and quality may vary vastly, make sure u see the images on a computer screen at least 17" widescreen or better if you could see them on your HDTV. Next, load up some songs and try out the earphones, check the bass and treble, then sans the earphones, on the phones speakers itself. Moving on, squeeze yourself into some tight corners to see actually how effective the GPS is. If the hit ratio is close to 60% accurate, you need not worry. Check the internal modem if you got WiFi, by seeing how is the signal reception, get a 3G enabled card to check for 3G GPRS connectivity. Finally, get a mist sprayer and carefully spray a thin layer of water on the screen and wipe it off after 5-10 seconds, see if a fog has formed inside, if yes, wait for an hour or so and return the phone for another piece.
3. Do-you-REALLY-need-this? - Now coming to the phones that easily take off the burden of your monthly salary off your shoulders, so you don't have to plan your budget. These phones have state-of-the-art technology, HD output, Camera clarity which would give digi-cams a run for their money, occasionally gold/silver plated. Buyers enthusiastic about these generally go in for one or two specific features to boast of, or for the extreme exotic nature. So my advice to them, just pay attention to what you NEED, not to everything else. If you are being more than generous with your money, you better have something to gloat about. Most PDAs, and jewelery phones come under this category.
So, if you are intent on buying a phone, check out the specs on its website, Google for it on forums before going to the shop itself, it will make you more of a master on its aspects, and you can ignore Mr. "May I help you Sir" until you have decided to pay for it........
Congratulations on your next purchase....
1. Basic Phone - Gone are the days when a simple phone capable of making/receiving calls or sending/receiving text messages were termed 'basic'. Nowadays, a basic phone does have a radio, even throwing in an occasional music player or video player. So, segregating phones based on the availability or non-availability of features would not help in a great deal. What you need to focus on is if the features you require function to their very best in the price range you want. More features in a tight wallet doesn't mean you have a better phone, it just means that your phone is a jack-of-all-trades, not making you capable of utilizing any function to the hilt. Check for attenuation of signal strength in all possible handling modes, check for the battery standby time and talktime (after a single full recharge once out of the box), choose a relatively cushioned surface that prevents bouncing and throw the phone with a little force, have the speakers started sounding weird (don't worry, phones are built at least with that much ruggedness). Check the pitch of the voice transmitted, is it sharp or husky. Speakers can be troublesome and can cause nausea if they are not transmitting the proper decibels. Finally, if your handling is that of a player in a rugby match, please try to select earthy colors and matte skin for the exterior and try to minimize the number of accessories like camera, GPS, WiFi down to a minimum.
2. Intermediate - Phones that look good, perform admirably well and somewhat screw your next couple of dinner dates come in this category. They come with the widest array of extras, extra bling, extra megapixels, extra connectivity, extra battery life (supposedly, I don't know how much 'extra' battery life can they squeeze into the 'extra' thin battery of an 'extra' slim phone with a lot of 'extra' extras). These phones can be your companion for well over 1-2 years without the need to change them or trying to do a makeover. Since you have gone for a phone of this range, I am sure you are obsessed with aesthetics, look n feel and like to click whenever you get the chance. So, first off, check your camera's images, it maybe a 3.0 or 5.0 MP, but the image clarity and quality may vary vastly, make sure u see the images on a computer screen at least 17" widescreen or better if you could see them on your HDTV. Next, load up some songs and try out the earphones, check the bass and treble, then sans the earphones, on the phones speakers itself. Moving on, squeeze yourself into some tight corners to see actually how effective the GPS is. If the hit ratio is close to 60% accurate, you need not worry. Check the internal modem if you got WiFi, by seeing how is the signal reception, get a 3G enabled card to check for 3G GPRS connectivity. Finally, get a mist sprayer and carefully spray a thin layer of water on the screen and wipe it off after 5-10 seconds, see if a fog has formed inside, if yes, wait for an hour or so and return the phone for another piece.
3. Do-you-REALLY-need-this? - Now coming to the phones that easily take off the burden of your monthly salary off your shoulders, so you don't have to plan your budget. These phones have state-of-the-art technology, HD output, Camera clarity which would give digi-cams a run for their money, occasionally gold/silver plated. Buyers enthusiastic about these generally go in for one or two specific features to boast of, or for the extreme exotic nature. So my advice to them, just pay attention to what you NEED, not to everything else. If you are being more than generous with your money, you better have something to gloat about. Most PDAs, and jewelery phones come under this category.
So, if you are intent on buying a phone, check out the specs on its website, Google for it on forums before going to the shop itself, it will make you more of a master on its aspects, and you can ignore Mr. "May I help you Sir" until you have decided to pay for it........
Congratulations on your next purchase....
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