Perfect Cell Phones for Teens
With so many cell phones to choose from, and new models being released every month, the challenge of determining which one is best for a teen can be intimidating. Knowing how teens use cell phones, and what features are available on today's phones, is important in making an informed decision.
Service Type
The first decision in choosing a cell phone for a teen is whether to opt for a standard phone plan through a cellular service provider or to purchase a prepaid phone. Standard phone plans are billed monthly and often require a contract term of one, two, or three years. In many cases these plans include rebates for a free or heavily discounted handset.
Prepaid phones, on the other hand, are usually much more simple phones, ideal for emergency or occasional use. These phones can be purchased at most major electronics retailers, department stores, and even drug stores. Rather than agreeing to a long-term contract, users of prepaid phones purchase minutes in advance. More service time can be purchased as needed, thus making it easier to limit the amount spent on the phone's use.
Family Plans
It may also be worth looking into a standard cell phone plan as part of a family plan package, in which multiple phones are issued with unique phone numbers but combined for billing purposes. Many service providers allow each member of a family plan to choose their own phone, so teens can choose a phone that suits their needs even if it is not the same as one or more phones used by parents or siblings. Contract terms are shared by all members of a family plan at a substantial savings compared to purchasing an individual service plan for two, three, or even four cell phones.
Since family plans are typically used by parents and children alike, the phone offerings may be specifically geared toward teens. These phones will likely feature the latest entertainment, communication, and accessory features.
Features
Other than prepaid cell phones, very few cell phones are used for making calls alone. This is especially true for teens, who may want one mobile device that can do many things. The "perfect" phone depends on the user, and features such as a digital camera, web browsing capability, an MP3 audio player, and in-phone games are all available on many models. For teen drivers, phones with Bluetooth capability are a must for safe, hands-free talking.
Other practical considerations are also important. Chief among these is a phone's durability, since backpacks, lockers, and cars are all treacherous environments where a phone can be scratched, dropped, or subjected to heat and cold. Thankfully, most cell phone makers offer at least one heavy-duty model, often incorporating a rubberized housing that is resistant to impact. Other features to consider include battery life, ease of use, and, of course, price.
Phones for Text Messaging
One area where adult cell phone users and teens differ is in their use of text messaging. Many teens text more often than they call, so choosing a phone with more advanced text messaging capabilities is essential for some heavy users. A text messaging plan may also be a good idea, in which a nominal fee is paid as part of the monthly bill to allow a certain number of (or even unlimited) texts rather than paying for each message individually.
Phones like the LG Rumor, Motorola Karma, and the Samsung Rant contain sliding keyboards that make texting fast and easy. Also, most touch screen phones, such as Apple's iPhone, have a full on-screen keyboard for easy texting or e-mailing.
Cell Phone Models for Teens
Besides the aforementioned keyboard-equipped phones, a number of cell phone models stand out as perfect options for most teens. The Samsung Solstice is a mid-priced touch screen phone with Bluetooth connectivity, a camera, and an audio player. The LG Glance is an even more affordable option with many of the same features. The Motorola Razr is described as a "multimedia" phone, but has more general use features and fewer professional applications than many phones in this category, making it ideal for teen users.
The Apple iPhone, while among the hottest tech gadgets on the market right now, is a higher priced, more feature-intensive phone. Its capabilities are in line with its price, but teens seeking a basic cell phone, even one that contains certain extra features, will likely find what they need elsewhere.
Tags: cell phone, family plan, Apple iPhone, audio player, cell phones, cell phones, Cell Phones Teens
