Feature-laden models improve their photo, video & music options.

Cell phones of all stripes now offer some of the attributes of Apple's iPhone, which dazzled consumers when it arrived in mid-2007. Some new feature-rich smart phones might not match the iPhone for multimedia prowess, but all have fairly large, easily readable touch screens and simplified menus. Other smart phones are shrinking in both size and price. But not everyone needs a phone with sophisticated capabilities driven by a computer like operating system. Our tests for this report are still dominated by regular phones you typically get for $100 or less with a two-year service commitment. Here's the news in phones of all types:

More keyboards. With text messaging the most common cell-phone activity after voice calls, more conventional phones now sport the familiar QWERTY feature on almost all smart phones.

Dual-connection phones. Some smart phones can operate on either a phone network or a Wi-Fi connection, which provides faster Internet browsing and downloading. Some models are the first regular cell phones with Wi-Fi access. Some CDMA smart phones can also connect to GSM networks in foreign countries.

More music features. Even most basic cell phones now have an MP3 player with improved capabilities, though the music itself is still typically loaded from your computer via cable. Many even support stereo Bluetooth headsets for music enjoyment with fewer wires.

Better cameras. Most new phones have cameras with resolutions of 1 to 2 mega-pixels that are capable of producing respectable snapshots. Some models with 3 mega-pixels and up take photography more seriously by pairing sharper image sensors with high-grade lenses, autofocus, zoom, and brightness controls for greater photo control.

In the end, we use our phones to make calls, and as our latest tests reveal, voice quality still lags behind cordless and corded phones on traditional landlines. Even talk time, though acceptable, hasn't improved much in recent years.

HOW TO CHOOSE

You can find cell phones in many outlets, including carrier stores, independent wireless retailers, electronics stores, and Web sites. But the cell phone itself is only part of what you need. You also have to sign up for service with a wireless provider and choose a calling plan.

Decide how you'll use the phone. Putting aside smart phones, we classify phones as either basic or advanced. Choose a basic model if you need only voice and text messages, or want to limit cost and size (most models are compact and are priced between $20 and $150 or come free with a two-year contract). The keypad and overall operation is generally fairly simple. All allow you to store frequently used numbers and send and receive text messages, and many have basic cameras and Bluetooth support for wireless hands-free communication.

To access high-speed networks (such as the EVDO networks from Verizon, Alltel, and Sprint) and enjoy capabilities such as music and video-based services, you'll need to step up to an advanced phone. Other capabilities may include a multi-megapixel camera, memory-card storage for music and pictures, and more options for custom ring tones, games, and other services. But such phones can cost upward of $150, even with a two-year contract, and some are more difficult to use for calls and text messages than basic models.

Consider the carrier. Most phones work only with a specific carrier, so you must decide whether to stay with your provider or select a new one when shopping for a phone. Major carriers use one of two digital networks: CDMA (Alltel, Sprint, and Verizon) or GSM (AT&T and T-Mobile).

The network plays a big part in the capabilities your phone will have and to a large extent its performance and reliability, too.

Most GSM phones, for example, provide more talk time on a battery charge, typically five hours and up, compared with three or four hours for a CDMA phone. Another GSM plus: Their phones have a SIM card that stores your account information and, if you choose, your phone book. When you switch to a new phone, you can simply remove the card from inside the old phone and insert it into the new one. However, you can't use a T-Mobile SIM card in an AT&T phone, or vice versa.

Also, GSM phones work more widely around the world than do CDMA models.

In our tests, CDMA phones had modestly better voice quality than GSM models, and a few simpler models still offer analog backup, but the FCC no longer requires phone carriers to support analog service. (GSM phones don't have analog backup.) CDMA data networks are also generally faster than GSM. That enables them to deliver a wider variety of services and entertainment. There is a trade-off, though: CDMA phones that support those sophisticated services lack analog backup. Some CDMA carriers such as Verizon offer phones that can switch to GSM when used outside the United States.

You'll often find phones described as quad- or tri-band, tri-mode, dual-band, or multi-network. Those terms describe the ways a phone can connect to one or more wireless networks, which affects the coverage your phone provides.

• Tri-band, quad-band, or "world phones" operate on GSM networks in both the U.S. and abroad. Tri-band phones with 850/1800/1900 MHz capability can operate on two bands domestically and one internationally. Tri-band phones with 900/1800/1900 MHz capability operate on one band in the U.S. (1900 MHz) and two bands internationally. Quad-band phones can operate on all four bands for maximum

• potential coverage.

• Tri-mode phones can access a digital network in two frequency bands and older analog wireless networks, giving you the best potential coverage in most areas of the U.S.

• Dual-band phones can connect to a digital network in two different frequency bands. GSM (global system for mobile) providers often use the term 850/1900 MHz instead of dual-band. Dual-band phones work as well as tri-mode as long as you are in range of your home network.

• multi-network phones are compatible with more than one digital network, often in two frequency bands. Some can also access analog networks. These are best for people who travel frequently overseas and who are customers of Sprint Nextel or Verizon. Both companies offer multi-network phones that operate on GSM networks internationally, and domestically on their CDMA (code division multiple access) networks (for the Sprint Nextel and Verizon phones) or iDEN (integrated digital enhanced network) networks for the Nextel phones that have walkie-talkie capability.

Look for sensible features. Cameras and music players are fun, but other features such as a programmable jog dial, a speaker phone, and voice command might be more critical for easier use.

Consider shape and size. Phones that fold, slide, or swivel are typically more compact when closed; phones shaped like candy bars can be used without first being opened. The best choice depends largely on personal preference, so visit a store and hold the phone if possible.

Make sure you can comfortably use most keys with one hand. Make a test call and access menu items. We've found that flat keypads and touch-sensitive keys make dialing more difficult.

Other call clunkers include keys that are small, oddly shaped, or arranged in unusual patterns, especially if you're trying to dial a number in dim light.

Check the display. Most color screens are fine in dim and normal light, but some are harder to see in daylight or under bright light. Try the phone outside or under bright light.

In our tests, phones that displayed incoming and outgoing numbers in large black type against a white background were the easiest to read under most conditions. Also make sure indicators such as battery life and signal strength are clearly visible.

Check for special prices and promotions. Rebates and special offers can be substantial, but they change frequently. To get the best deal, check the carrier's offerings both online and in its retail stores, and then see what independent dealers offer at their Web sites and in their outlets.

If at all possible, buy a new phone when you're switching carriers or signing a new service commitment with your existing carrier. You almost always get a better dealâ€"either a deeply discounted price or even a free phoneâ€"when you're signing a contract.

Consider buying online. In our last cell-phone buying survey, online retailers satisfied customers more than walk-in stores. Buyer satisfaction was higher among those who bought from service- provider or independent Web sites. While they might be conveniently located, major chains such as Best Buy, service-provider retail stores, and mom-and-pop wireless stores were a less-satisfactory option for our respondents.

Check the return policy. Make sure you can return the phone if you're not happy with it. Some stores attach stiff service-cancellation fees on top of what a carrier might charge.

Don't buy phone insurance. All major cell carriers offer insurance policies that cover lost, stolen, or damaged phones. These policies typically cost about $4 to $5 a month and carry a $35 to $100 deductible. We don't think insurance is worthwhile for most consumers. The cost of the premium over a year, for example, would be $50. Tack on the deductible, and you've paid as much as for a new phone. Some insurance plans require you to fill out a police report, and damaged phones are often replaced with a refurbished phone that may not even be the same model.

IMPORTANT FEATURES

In addition to the useful phone and multimedia features of today's cell-phone models, consider whether you need the following:

Speaker phone. A built-in speaker phone allows hands-free use in a car or elsewhere. (But avoid using any phone, even hands-free, while driving.)

Programmable jog dial. Lets you program all the pressure points on a circular jog as shortcuts to the most-used features and functions, such as text messaging.

Standard headset connector. This is also known as a 2.5-mm or sometimes a 3.5-mm connector and is compatible with most aftermarket wired head-sets and speaker phones. Some phones with a proprietary connector may include an adapter to a standard connector.

Voice command. This feature allows you to dial numbers from your phone book by speaking the name, without the usual training. You can also dial numbers by pronouncing the digits.

Preset and custom text messages. Besides providing a quiet means of communication, text messages have been known to get through even when networks are overloaded. Most phones come with preset messages, such as "call home." And most allow you to program customized messages.

Bluetooth. "Voice" indicates the phone works with wireless Bluetooth headsets and most hands-free car systems; "stereo" means it supports stereo Bluetooth headsets for music and other multimedia; and "data" indicates the phone can wirelessly exchange pictures, contacts, and other files with other compatible Bluetooth devices, such as a computer, cell phone, or PDA.

Memory card. Many phones have slots that accept memory cards to expand storage capacity by as much as 4 gigabytes. The removable cards can also serve as an easy way to shuttle files between your phone and other devices provided the phone's maker didn't bury the card slot behind the battery cover. Card formats include Secure Digital Card SD, miniSD, and MicroSD.

Hearing-aid compatibility. Some phones interfere with hearing aids. Even those with hearing-aid compatible designations are not guaranteed to work with all hearing aids. Your doctor can help you choose a phone compatible with the aid you use. Or go to www.accesswireless.org.

Other useful capabilities you might want to consider are a music player, megapixel camera, wireless-broadband-data capability, GPS navigation, and child-location and call-management services.

Copyright © 2003-2008 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

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