It seems like everyone today has a cell phone. Chances are, even your grandma has one. They are quite convenient and allow you to do so much more than make calls. Not only can a cell phone keep you connected to the world, but you can play games, surf the web, and much more.

When shopping for a cell phone, consider the features that you really need. Phones offer a lot of features in today’s market, including Internet access, cameras and the ability to perform various apps. While all of these features are nice, it might not be worth paying for the most expensive phone if you won’t use them. Think carefully before making your final selection.

Sometimes signing a longer term contract is worth it to get the phone you want. Some providers will offer the best prices if you are willing to sign on for their service for a year or two. Just make sure you’re willing to commit to the contract, because ending the term early can cost a lot in penalties.

Look at all the stores in your area when you want to get a brand new cell phone. Take your time doing this to get the feel of various types of cell phones. When you do this you’ll probably end up with a phone that you enjoy using.

Consider cell phone plans that give you a decent amount of data per month. These days, cell phone users use data more than talk minutes. In fact a lot of carriers give away a ton of talk minutes, but charge you a premium on the data you use. Look for the best bang for the buck when it comes to data.

If you are buying a touch screen phone, make sure to play around with the touch screen in the store before making your purchase. Some screens are very intuitive, and others are more difficult to use. You want to make sure that your phone will function easily when you’re on the go, and that won’t be the case if your screen isn’t touch sensitive enough.

If you have a newer model phone, you probably do not need to waste your money on a fancy case for it. Today’s cell phones are made from durable materials that can handle being bumped and dropped. You really only need the case for an attractive appearance, not to keep your phone safe.

Do not stream movies or music on your phone. It eats up your data allowance. If you have to, connect to a WiFi location rather than using your data connection. This will still allow you to look or listen to the things that you want, but you will be able to do so for free instead of possibly incurring a large expense.

Don’t invest in the most expensive cell phone available on the market. There are plenty of great phones for half the price of a more expensive one. When you purchase overpriced phones, you are generally paying for the level of popularity they have and the brand name. More affordable phones can be just as great, but perhaps not as popular as an iPhone.

To make your cell phone’s charge last longer, don’t leave your phone on vibrate. There are certain places where you just don’t want your phone going off. If you’re going to be somewhere where you don’t want your phone heard, consider turning the ring volume on low. Leaving the phone on vibrate uses up a significant amount of battery power.

As you can see, cell phones are great little devices. You can call your mom or dad, text your best friend, play a fun game, surf the Internet, and so much more. Use the tips shared in this article to make the most of your experience with your cell phone.

aab