Everybody has a mobile phone these days – but when you’re faced with such a huge choice of technologies and features, it can be hard to find the right one to suit your needs. This guide will help you sift through all the technical speak so you can find the perfect mobile for you!

First of all, you need to think about what you’re going to be using your mobile phone for: do you want something basic or would you like a phone with more features? You also need to consider things like connectivity, frequencies, networks and battery times, among others.  For example, if you travel a lot, you’ll need a tri-band or quad-band phone to make and receive calls when you’re abroad.

Back to basics

All mobile phones come with the same basic package, including a voicemail service, a contacts list, an alarm clock, time display and a range of ring tones. Some also have a calculator function, some games and a text messaging feature.

If you want a phone without all the bells and whistles and just want to make and receive calls, choose an entry-level mobile phone. Most manufacturers, including Motorola and Nokia, have a huge choice of phones to cover consumers’ needs, starting from the most basic.

Entertainment on the move

Most phones these days integrate a camera function, allowing you to take photos on the hoof. More and more phones also have a built-in MP3 player, and some even allow you to watch videos and stream live TV!

Some of the more advanced mobile phones also allow you to connect to the internet and send and receive e-mail, taking communication further than ever. Make sure the phone has a built-in modem, and check it’s compatible with high-speed networks hosted by Edge/3G/HSDPA operators. It’s also handy to have a large screen to reduce eye strain in case of intensive use.

A smarter way to communicate

Smartphones such as the Blackberry are becoming increasingly popular. These mobile phones boast advanced capabilities, and integrate a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). These types of phone are ideal for professionals who need to stay in touch and keep organized when they’re on the move.

It all comes down to aesthetics

Once you’ve decided what features you want in a mobile phone, you can start to look at the different designs available. Mobile phones typically come in three forms – clamshell, candy bar and slider – and are becoming increasingly slim and lightweight.

Whether you go for a Nokia or Motorola or opt for a Blackberry or an iPhone, your dream mobile phone is out there waiting for you!

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