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Cell Phone Cost

How Much Does a Cell Phone Cost?

With Contract: Free-$100

High: Without Contract: $100-$450+

The cost of a cell phone can vary widely, depending on the type of phone and whether it is purchased with a one or two-year service plan or not.

Typical costs:

The cost of a basic cell phone or camera phone with a two-year contract usually ranges from $50 to $100 and, without a contract, from about $100 to $200.
The cost of a high-end cell phone, such as a RAZR or KRAZR, typically ranges from about $100 with a two-year contract to between $300 and $450 if you just want a replacement phone or an upgrade.
On the lower end of the spectrum, you get a more basic phone with features such as speakerphone and Bluetooth technology. Higher-end phones have more features, such as high-resolution digital cameras and media players.
Phones that have received good reviews include the Pantech C150, a basic AT&T phone with Bluetooth and a camera that costs $49 with a two-year

What should be included:

Basic cell phones are designed for those who just want to make calls, without many extra features. Higher-end cell phones usually have lightweight, sleek design and features that include Bluetooth, speakerphone, a high-resolution digital camera and, often, a media player. Just about all cell phones come with a charger.

Additional costs:

You will have to pay extra for a carrying case to protect your new phone and a car charger. The accessories can add up to $50 or more. If you want a hands-free headset -- which is a good idea if you ever talk while driving -- you will have to buy it separately.

Discounts:

Tip: If purchased with a calling plan and a manufacturer rebate, many cell phones end up being free or cost very little, and even the price of high-end phones can go as low as $75.
Some manufacturers offer discounts of $50 or more for shopping online.

Shopping for a cell phone:

Tip: Make sure to think about which wireless service provider you plan to use because most phones work only on one carrier's system. Also, consider the phone's size and weight, design, battery life, screen quality, voice communications and wireless data features, such as Internet connection, and how those work with your chosen service provider. PCWorld offers a comprehensive guide to choosing a cell phone.
If you do not want to be tied to one particular carrier, consider purchasing an unlocked phone. CNet.com has a guide to unlocked phones.
It is important to make sure the cell phone you are considering will give you three to four hours of talk time before requiring a battery recharge. Anything less than that will might cause you inconvenience.
If you travel much outside the United States, it is important to consider wireless standard; most countries operate on GSM -- global standard for communications -- and only some phones are GSM compatible; in the U.S., T-Mobile and AT&T both use GSM and another system, but the phones do not cross systems. To get a phone that functions well around the world, you need a quad-band phone, which works with four GSM frequencies, including those used in the United States, Asia and Europe.
Of course, you can purchase your cell phone through your wireless company. Other options include LetsTalk.com, which offers phones alone or with calling plans and has guides on choosing the right phone, or Amazon.com, which also has phones with plans and unlocked phones as well as pre-paid phones.