As each new generation of mobile technology is introduced the critical considerations when making a purchase changes a great deal. By the nature of the technology this change is rapid and perpetual. Each year one or more of the key points of consideration must be updated or replaced. Features that didn't exist just a few years ago are now commonplace.
We look at CDMA phones for North America and consider those available from three major providers: Sprint, US Cellular, and Verizon. The largest of the three is Verizon, with the most CDMA carrier coverage and widest selection of phones. CDMA is Mobile Phone Network Technology and is more common than GSM in North America (see: CDMA vs GSM.)
Currently this guide does not cover iPhone and Blackberry.
Generation 4 (G4) Android Phone Purchase Considerations
Here is a checklist of must-have-features and options.
- WiFi capable (wireless G and N)
- Mobile Hotspot
- G4 capable
- MicroSD card slot (expandable memory)
- MicroUSB data and charging connection
- 3.5GB or more internal memory
- Android Jellybean 4.1 or higher OS
- WVGA or better screen resolution (qHD is better)
- Root option available for this model (see: Why Root My Android)
- 2.5mm (TS) standard photo jack
- USB Mass Storage Mode (PC connection type)
- Doesn't automatically unlock on incoming call (no pocket answer)
- Nice loud ringer
- Minimal number of side buttons
The Major Carriers
Sprint (formerly SprintPCS)
They were the first with digital cellphone technology, but now they suck at it. See: Why Sprint Sucks.
There are some common problems with Sprint. See below:
Phone has signal yet caller is sent directly to voicemail. Phone does not indicate missed call. Call is routed via Sprint tower directly to voicemail even though your phone is on, has good signal, and the ringer volume is up. The call does not even reach your phone. This happens roughly one out of every nine calls. It is a glitch in the Sprint software, the programming used on the towers that routes calls to cell phones. Sprint does not acknowledge the issue and it does not seem to get addressed. It is a serious flaw in the Sprint technology. For this reason, Sprint cannot be recommended as a viable provider for business class use.
US Cellular (formerly CellOne)
This provider has the fewest cell towards, and some cell sites are not even on a tower. There are areas where they have cell antenna on city water towers, grain elevators, and even on buildings. Signal fade, drop zones, and constant toward to foreign network switching make their service unreliable. They simply DO NOT HAVE THE INFRASTRUCTURE to provide quality service. Also, their SMS service is notoriously broke. They tend to be the least expensive of the three. They tend to have the fewest phone options of the three.
Verizon
They have the most towers, widest selection of phones, and most extensive network of the three. They also tend to be the most expensive of the three. The expense can be offset if you quality for a discount through your employer.
Verizon's voicemail system is primitive. Customers can be forced to listen to old voice messages before a new message.
Generation 3 and older (legacy section)
section 1: necessary features
- No repeating low battery tone (annoying beeping that won't stop until phone is recharged)
- standard mini-USB connector for phone charger and/or data cable (no proprietary connectors)
- At least 4½ battery life for continuous call time and 7 hours stand-by
- Ability to backup contacts and upload photos to PC without additional monthly fees
- USB to PC cable data cable
- Software to connect phone to PC
- Phone appears as drive letter
- Micro-SD card slot
- standard 3/32″ (2.5 mm) mono (TS) phono jack for headphones / headset
- Slim ergonomic design (no fat phones)
- Network options a)provider only b)automatic c)roam only (force roaming)
- Block certain numbers. Block text.
section 2: optional enhanced features
- MP3 player
- Video player
- Internet browser can save pictures to phone memory
- Compatible with Google Maps & GMail
section 3: legacy features
- Analog roam / handles old analog networks
Key words: Sprint SprintPCS Cell Phone Nextel