As a lover of all things tech and a china cell phone junkie, I get asked this question all the time. Which phone should I buy? Friends, family and sometimes complete strangers seem to think us geeks have the magic answer, the end all, be all phone for each and every individual! Truth is, there isn't one. Today, I'll attempt to guide you in the right direction based on my experiences with cell phones.
Assess your needs
This is the first and most important thing you need to do. Don't get more phone than you need and/or want. If you won't be surfing the Web, posting to facebook or downloading enough apps to cover 10 pages on the screen then an iPhone is a waste of money. In fact, it'll most likely frustrate you more than anything. Simple tasks aren't always simple on advanced smartphones. You get more functionality but along with that comes a few extra levels of complexity. If you just plan on sending text messages and making phone calls, stick with a "dumbphone." Don't be insulted by that, it is what it is. There are plenty of these simple/dumb phones that also offer full qwerty keyboards and a few advanced features without getting too confusing. Sometimes the old adage, "keep it simple stupid" is the best route.
To QWERTY or not to QWERTY
If you're an avid texter, a full keyboard (aka QWERTY keyboard) is the way to go. Once you figure out if a keyboard would be helpful you have to decide if you want a touchscreen keyboard (iPhone, Google Nexus One, HTC Hero, etc) or a hardware keyboard (Moto Droid, Palm Pre/Pixi, Blackberry, etc). This decision will easily slice almost 50 percent of the smartphones off your list. Spend some time with these china phones before you make this decision. Some people love the touchscreen keyboards and others can't handle them. Also remember, typing in the controlled confines of a cell phone store is one thing, typing while sitting in the back seat of a car is entirely different. Borrow a friend's phone and try it in a real-life scenario.
What functions are important to you?
Blackberries are by far the most popular smartphone on the market. iPhones get all the hype, and DO sell really well, but RIM has the largest market share. They are great with e-mail, text messaging, keeping a calendar and other basic tasks. They're not so great when it comes to surfing the Web. The Blackberry Web browser is very weak compared to other smartphones (although that should soon change with an expected update). More apps are coming out for the Blackberry every day but they're not as fun and easy to use as the apps for other smartphones. If the Web, fun apps and games are your thing I would steer clear of the Blackberry and opt for an iPhone, Palm Pre/Pixi or an Android phone. If you're more worried about hammering out e-mails and keeping tabs on your work calender but don't expect to be surfing the Web too much, a Blackberry may be a better option.
Bottom line, kick the tires!
I can't say this enough, spend some time with it! You really won't know if a phone is right for you until you spend a good amount of time navigating the OS and trying out the functions you are interested in. Find a friend, borrow their phone for a few hours and go to town. You'll also be able to explore coverage issues. Sometimes the carrier you think is best for you has 1 bar in your living room! I can tell you from experience, you don't want that! Also, just because a china phone looks cool in the store, has a flashy commercial or is perfect for your friend doesn't mean it's the right phone for you. Take your time! You may be stuck with this decision for the next 2 years.
I hope that helps! Mobile phones have become such a huge part of our lives that selecting one is a personal decision. Remember, it's one of the few things you will use multiple times a day, almost every day.
P.S. I've been using a china cell phone since June and am really happy with it. For me, it's a perfect mix of messaging functions, a great Internet browser and fun apps/games. As LeVar Burton would say, "you don't have to take my word for it."
