How to Choose a Music / Multimedia Phone

Cell phones are now so much more than just phones. Many phones incorporate music players, cameras, even video capture that the phone features are almost secondary when it comes time to decide which cell phone to choose. This list will help you sort out which features are most important as you're deciding on a new music or multimedia cell phone.

Music and Music Format

Do you already own an MP3 player or iPod? Will you still carry that in addition to your phone or would you like your new music phone to act as your music player as well? Consider how many songs you'd like to be able to have with you and look for a cell phone that has the capacity you need.

Also, what format is your music in currently? Some cell phones (like the RAZR v3i) have iTunes integrated into the phone so you can easily use songs in that format. Other phones accept MP3 or AAC file format. MP3 players are the most common.

Other music features on new multimedia cell phones include the ability to stream Pandora music on your cell phone, an integrated FM radio, and an integrated FM transmitter so you can play music from your cell phone on any nearby FM radio.

Transferring Files

If you plan to transfer songs you already have, you'll want to know how to do that. Almost all multimedia phones are enabled with Bluetooth wireless technology and many come with USB cables that allow for easy data transfer to and from your computer. If your computer is not Bluetooth enabled (many newer computers are) then you may need to purchase a Bluetooth adapter (called a dongle).

Ring tones?

Half the fun of a cool new multimedia phone is personalizing it, so be sure to check out the ring tone formats. Almost all multimedia phones allow for customized ring tones and many allow you to select MP3s for ring tones. If customizing ring tones is important to you, be sure you check that out before deciding on a cell phone.

Camera

All multimedia phones come with cameras that allow for video capture as well as pictures. The most common are 1.3 and 2.0 megapixels. If video capture is important to you, take a look at how long the videos can be - they generally range in length from 15 seconds to as long as your memory holds out. As you get better with using your phone, you can take a series of short videos and stitch them together. Some cell phones like the T-Mobile Wing even come with photo editing tools like red-eye reduction built into the phone so you can fix the photos immediately and share them.

Video Viewing

If you want to be able to download and watch videos as well as take your own, then be sure to look at what software is used on the multimedia phone. Some cell phones such as the T-Mobile Dash use Windows Media Player to play music and video files while others use proprietary software.

Accessories

Most new multimedia phones will allow you to use wireless Bluetooth stereo headsets. Other common accessories for multimedia cell phones include expandable memory cards and car chargers to keep the music going.

Which is the phone for me?

There are so many great multimedia cell phones so it can seem overwhelming when you start looking but if you use this list to think about what's most important to you and what you want in a new cell phone, you can pick the multimedia cell phone that's best for you.

Shop our selection of music and multimedia phones

Read our reviews of music and multimedia phones.