If you plan on purchasing a cell phone at a discounted price by signing a contract with a mobile phone carrier, it is important to first choose the carrier. Factors to take into account when choosing a carrier are coverage, price, texting/web/multimedia plans, customer service ratings.

• Once you've determined a carrier, or if you will be purchasing an unlocked phone at full retail price, use a phone finder such as the one on Phone Scoop's website (listed in External Links).
  
   
  
  


• If you are a non-technical user (you want to use the cell phone exclusively as a phone, not a handheld game console or pocket-pc), then features such as a camera, mp3 ring tones, video playback and messaging are not needed.
  
   
  
  


• If you are a mid-range user, look at phones that have features such as a camera or mp3 ring tone support. Mid-range users tend not to purchase phones with multimedia players as these tend to add a significant cost increase.
  
   
  
  


• If you are a high-end user, look into features such as mp3 playback, support for trans-flash expansion cards, a camera over 1 megapixel, video playback, or bluetooth.
  
   
  
  


• If you are a real hacker and want to learn a lot, think about the open, programmable device that runs Maemo, OpenMoko or something similar. Such phones, however, are really more for studying and may be less convenient in the daily use.
  
   
  
  


• Decide what you want, what you will use the phone for, and most importantly what kind of cell phone user you are.
  
   
  
  


• Consider the type of person you are. Ask yourself if you misplace things often or if you drop things often. Choose a cell phone that is covered by cell phone insurance. An additional fee is required per month but it will save you hundreds of dollars if your phone is lost, stolen or if there is any physical or liquid damage.
  
   
  
  


• Many phones have some frustrating "features" that are not immediately apparent. For example: only displaying the time when service is available, limits on text message storage, and shutdown sounds that can't be turned off (really embarrassing at the movies). Ask a sale person or a friend who owns the same model about specific features before you buy.