Buying a cell phone and choosing a carrier go hand in hand. You might have the best cell phone, but if your carrier doesn’t have good coverage in your area that slick phone is no longer slick but slow, or a “no go.” If you’re considering a new phone since your divorce, or you need one for your child, shop around to find what’s best for your needs and your budget.
3 Quick Steps to choose the Best Cell Phone:
# 1 SELECT A CARRIER: If you travel a lot for work, it’s advised you stick with a major carrier.
# 2 REALLY THINK ABOUT THE PHONE (or phones) YOU’LL USE: There are 3 basic cell phone use categories: Smartphones – priciest and do just about anything except wash your car. This is a great choice if you have the $$$ and you need to multitask via having the web at your fingertips. (Apple iPhone, HTC Amaze, Droid, etc.)
Mid range phones: These usually have some kind of keyboard for easy texting, camera, calculator, music, etc. Many of these mid range phones have an option for the media (web) plan. This is a good way to go, if you can’t afford a data plan right away, but you’d like the option to have it later. So, you can get a good number or “bells and whistles” without having to purchase the media/data plan immediately.
Basic phones: are just that. Basic! It’s the most affordable and easiest phone to use. (Often it’s free!)
# 3 FIGURE OUT WHICH PLAN IS BEST WITH YOUR CARRIER (based on phone type, and estimated usage.)
With all cell phone carriers and plans it is important to read the fine print re: roaming charges, over usage charges for text, minutes or data especially if you are on a plan with set limits. If you cannot find the “fine print” make a call to the cell phone company’s “sales” department.
Our staff found these 2 sites below to be the most helpful to check coverage in your potential area:
Go to ROOT METRICS To find the major carrier with the best signal and upload/download speeds (for media plans) in your area. Simply, type in your zip code and Root Metrics does the work for you! If you travel, put in some of those zip codes as well.
Go to CNET for the most up to date information on cell phones with product tests and video demonstrations.