Mobile phone reviews: Features explained
Mobile phone 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 8GB of information (approximately 2000 songs) but removable 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.
Memory cards are often supplied with the phone but you can also buy separate ones easily enough - most phones accept microSD cards. The usual maximum memory size is 32GB but it’s worth checking your phone’s compatibility before buying.
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.
Touchscreens, such as can be found on the iPhone, have become very popular in the last couple of years. 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.
Some phones have full QWERTY keyboards. Many users prefer these for writing long e-mails or enter large amounts of data but they do add to the handset's size and the keys can be very compact.
Display
As people have begun to watch videos and surf the Net on their smartphones, manufacturers have responded by producing phones with bigger and bigger screens. In fact the line between tablets and phones has blurred with the launch of models such as the Samsung Galaxy Note with its 5.3-inch display.
However these large displays come at a cost – models tend to be more expensive and can be hard to fit into your pocket. Illuminating such large areas is very power hungry so battery life can be short.
And size isn’t everything. Screen resolution is also important and will determine how sharp images look.
Entertainment
Camera phones
The typical mobile phone camera resolution is now over 3Mp (megapixel). This is still short of the standard mid-range digital cameras (see the Which? digital camera reviews for Best Buys), but resolutions are rising.
Some have even reached 8Mps. Developments in mobile phone photography have been staggering and phones boasting even higher resolutions are just around the corner.
Most mobiles can also record video though the quality varies dramatically. Premium models, such as the iPhone 4S, can even record in 1080p Full HD.
Music players
The majority of 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 3.5mm socket.
For help choosing a new set read our latest headphone reviews.
Flight mode
This lets you play music when your phone is off – handy on aircraft, where phones cannot be left on.
The internet
Most mobile phones can now access the internet
3G
If you plan to surf the Net on your mobile phone then you’ll want a device that offers 3G connectivity. Older or cheaper phones can go online via 2G (alternatively called GSM) but this can be painfully slow.
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.
HSDPA offers speeds up to 14.4Mb/s - though networks tend to offer 3.6Mbps, which can download a song in 8.3 seconds
4G
Some mobile operators are already talking about 4G connection speeds, a term which often includes WiMax and LTE networks. LTE networks are currently being tested across the UK, with speeds reportedly reaching 150mb/s, but none are commercially accessible yet.
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.
For more on how to access the internet when you're out and about, see our reviews of mobile broadband and our guide to Wi-Fi hotspots.