Mobile phones: Features explained
The essentials
Frequency bands
Whether the phone is dual, tri or quad band, and hence which frequencies it works on. All phones sold in the UK will be at least dual-band and so can be used throughout Europe and many other countries (though you usually need to arrange this with your provider). A tri-band phone will work in most North and South America although some areas may need a quad-band device.
Memory
Memory cards allow you to store extra pictures and music
All mobile phones have a memory which allows you to save information. Basic models will usually only have a small internal memory, but this is usually sufficient for limited functions such as storing contact details and text messages.
However if you have a more advanced handset and plan to take lots of pictures or store music then you'll need a larger memory. Some internal memories now hold over 1GB of information (approximately 250 songs) but removal memory cards are a more common solution.
These also offer a convenient means for moving files quickly from your handset to a compatible PC and vice versa.
Keypad
Most phones have similar key layouts. However the buttons themselves can vary in size, with some ultra slim handsets having tiny keys. Ensure you choose a phone that you're comfortable using.
A new trend is the introduction of touchscreens, such as can be found on the iPhone. These replace the conventional keypad by allowing you to control the phone using a touch sensitive display. This enables the phone to have much larger screen, handy for viewing photos, but the controls can sometimes be imprecise.
Smartphones (see below) often have QWERTY keyboards. These are great if you regularly send long e-mails or enter large amounts of data but they do add to the handset's size.
Entertainment
Camera phones
The typical mobile phone camera resolution is now over 1Mp (megapixel). This is still short of the standard mid-range digital cameras, but resolutions are rising, and there are a fair few phones around with 2-3Mp cameras.
Some have even reached 5Mps. Developments in mobile phone photography have been staggering and phones boasting even higher resolutions are just around the corner.
Music players
Many advanced handsets include music players that allow you to play digitally stored music tracks (such as MP3s).
A cheaper alternative is a built-in FM radio. Newer handsets also sometime feature the Radio Data System (RDS) which allows them to display the name of the station you’re tuned into.
Headphones
Many music phones work only with their own supplied headphones. However these are usually inferior to good quality separate sets. If you want to use your own pair, look for models with a standard headphone adaptor plug. There are two standard sizes: 2.5mm and 3.5mm. The latter is the most common.
For help choosing a new set see our reviews of all the latest headphones.
Flight mode
This lets you play music when your phone is off – handy on aircraft, where phones cannot be left on.
Games
Play games on your mobile phone
Most phones come with a few games, ranging from basic 2D games like chess to 3D driving games such as 'V-Rally II'.
If you like gaming, choose a phone with Java, the software used to produce most games. You can then download more from your phone network (via GPRS or 3G) or from game suppliers' websites. They cost around £5 to download.
Connectivity
There are a variety of ways of transferring files, such as pictures or music tracks, between your phone and computer.
The most straightforward is via a memory card and a compatible memory card reader on your PC. Most phones also come supplied with a USB cable, although newer models may offer mini-USB cables or even micro-USB links.
Wireless connections
You might want your mobile phone to 'talk' to another mobile, your PDA (personal digital assistant) or to your computer – to swap messages, addresses or other information, for example. This can be done using a range of techniques:
Infrared: Your phone has to be 'infrared-enabled' and the second device must have an infrared capability too. The infra-red ports on mobile and your second device have to be in line of sight so that the signal can be read.
Bluetooth: This uses radio frequencies to transmit information, and it works if the compatible devices are within around 10 metres of each other, although they don’t have to be in line of sight. One popular use is linking a Bluetooth-enabled phone with a wireless headset. This lets you talk and listen on the move without having to hold the phone, or have headset wires dangling around your neck.
Stereo Bluetooth: The latest version of Bluetooth - also known as A2DP - can transfer stereo music files between two compatible devices.
WiFi: Compatible devices can connect wirelessly to the internet in WiFi hotspots. These are found at airports, coffee shops and many public buildings. The advantage being that can they provide Internet and phone access considerably cheaper than standard mobile phone tariffs.
The internet
Surf the net while you're on the go
WAP
Wireless Application Protocol was the first method for connecting your phone to the internet. However it could only read specially written web pages and was pretty slow.
GPRS
Introduced in 2001, General Packet Radio Service is now the lowest level of mobile internet connection. It allows you to send multimedia messages (MMS) and connect to regular web sites at the equivalent of dial-up internet access speeds.
Edge
Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution (EDGE) enables data connections three times faster than GPRS. EDGE opens up a lot of possibilities for connecting to data networks on your mobile phone, making it far less frustrating to stream video and download larger files.
3G
This is the next generation of mobile phone technology. It offers users a wide range of high speed mobile services, including video calling and messaging, e-mail, games, and news and information services.
However, 3G handsets are more expensive than regular 2G (alternatively called GSM) devices.
HSDPA
This stands for High-Speed Downlink Packet Access, although it’s probably easier to think of it as mobile broadband or 3.5G. In short, it’s an upgrade to the 3G networks that gives you more bandwidth, making it faster to get content, whether that’s streaming video and music, or downloading games, video or music.
New developments
Smartphones
These combine the functions of a mobile phone and a handheld computer, allowing you to send and receive emails and documents as well as make calls.
While originally just the preserve of businessmen, smartphones have moved into the mainstream to become a product that you can pick up on your local high street.
GPS
The latest trend, following on from cameras and music players, is to add a navigation system to handsets.
The software and receiver are usually supplied as part of the phone, and you then pay to download the maps you require.