Multimedia Cell Phone Buying Guide

Multimedia cell phones are all-in-one packages of functionality and frivolity. The best of both worlds, multimedia phones boast features from internet and email to music and video players. Some even include productivity options like PC syncing and document viewing. So whether you’re looking for a day planner or an MP3 player, multimedia phones handle it all.

But know not all multimedia phones are identical. Your service provider should carry a wide selection of multimedia phones, each swanking different features. But read ahead to find out which features are worth talking about and which ones are just mentionable.

Features to Talk About

Brain Space: Memory

Multimedia phones come with internal and external memory. Internal memory is usually limited—no more than 128 MB. If you store music, pictures and video on your phone, make sure it has a slot for a mini SD memory card. It’s pointless to buy a multimedia phone if you can’t store media.

Picture This: Screen Size

It’s nice to have a large screen to look at, but don’t buy a multimedia phone just because, “The screen’s so big!” However, don’t go ultra small either. You’ll be watching videos or viewing photos, so make sure you can see your media without getting a headache.

Worth 1,000 Words: Digital Camera

Most multimedia phones come standard with a digital camera, but resolution varies drastically. For you shutterbugs, most cameras have between one and two megapixels, but a few have as high as five. Keep an eye out for extra features, too, like zoom and video capabilities.

Long Live the Phone: Battery Life

Multimedia phone battery life is measured in two ways: standby time (when your cell phone is idle) and talk time (when you’re using your phone). Focus on talk time. Making and receiving calls, taking pictures and listening to music all drain power. Pick a multimedia phone with at least a four-hour talk time. This should last you most days.

Crowded Calling: Talking Functions

Without fail, you’ll be interrupted when talking on your cell phone. It’s inevitable. So pick a multimedia phone with features to help you take those interruptions with a grain of salt.

• Call holding puts the person you’re speaking with on hold without disconnecting the line.
• Call waiting lets you take a secondary call while staying connected to the first.
• Conference calling connects multiple people simultaneously, letting you talk with all your friends at once.

Keep in Touch: Phonebook

If you use your multimedia phone for business and pleasure, remember that contacts add up quickly. Pick a multimedia phone with a large phonebook capacity—300 contacts at least. If needed, make sure your cell phone also stores addresses, email addresses, and other information.

In Mode: Cell Phone Style

For most people, cell phone choice comes down to aesthetics—color, size and style. Multimedia phones come in three styles (flip, candy-bar and slider) with endless variations on each. Pick a phone you like the look of and feel comfortable using.

Memories in Motion: Video Camera

Most multimedia phones come with a digital camera, but not all come with digital video. If capturing memories in motion is important, make sure your multimedia phone has this feature. Also, look for video editing options and formats (like MPEG or AVI) that will let you post your videos directly on YouTube.

Features to Mention

The Sound of Music: Digital Player

Digital music players let you download MP3s and listen to them on the go without toting around a separate MP3 player. This comes standard on most multimedia phones. Pay more attention to memory space and how many songs you can store.

Sweet Tooth for Bluetooth

Bluetooth technology transmits cell phone signals to an ear piece, car stereo or other cell phone, letting you talk and work at the same time. Most multimedia phones come with this feature. Some states, like California, have passed laws that require hands-free devices if you talk on your cell phone while driving. Check local legislation for details and regulations.

Build and Bulk: Cell Phone Dimensions

Going back to aesthetics—style, color and size—don’t pick a multimedia phone for its size. Because of keyboards, touch screens and other features, multimedia phones are inherently bulkier than standard cell phones. So pick function over form.

Operation Operating Systems

Cell phone operating systems (OS) vary from Windows to manufacturer-specific systems. Don’t buy a multimedia phone because of the OS. Buy according to its features and functions.

Talking Loud: Speakerphone

Pre-Bluetooth, speakerphone lets you talk and work without pinning your cell phone between your ear and shoulder. Most multimedia phones come standard with speaker phone.

In Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for functionality or frivolity, multimedia phones offer the best of both worlds. Many come with standard features like digital cameras and Bluetooth, but not all will carry the features you need. Look at our multimedia phone comparison chart to see which phones have the features you want. Whether you’re keeping your business on task or listening to your favorite pop song, multimedia phones can help you do it all.