If you are a T-Mobile user, what cell phone should you get? Should you buy an unlocked GSM phone or use a T-Mobile branded phone?

Let's look at the pros and cons of both:

T-Mobile branded phones:  Pros- if you purchase a contract, you can get a phone for a great price. My recommendation is to go online to letstalk.com. You can buy a one year contract. They have wonderful support and service, and a great selection of phones. Cons: TMobile branded phones restrict or limit quite a few features/goodies or options on their cell phones. You cannot use Opera Mini, Google Maps or even use your own ringtones, games or wallpapers. Limited WAP access.

Unlocked phones: Pros- depending on the phone you buy, you can easily set up your SMS, web and email settings. You can use the $5.99 Tzones to surf the web, download your own games, themes and ringtones. Cons: unlocked phones cost more (but they are worth it because all the wonderful features of the cell phone are not disabled).

If you don't want a lot of features (such as email, web, games, themes, and ringtones) and are price conscious, buy a T-Mobile branded phone when you get your contract.  If you want to use all the features of your new phone, and can afford to spend $200 or more, definitely buy an unlocked GSM cell phone.

Important: T-Mobile uses the frequency 850 MHz in rural roaming areas.  If you will be using T-Mobile in roaming areas, you will need to buy a QUAD band GSM phone to get the best reception. (If you are in a city, you may not need to use the 850mhz, and therefore can chose a triband.)

What do you want your phone to do? Things to consider:

Great reception (after all, it is a phone first!), Camera (why carry both a cell phone and a camera?) MP3 player (again, why carry 2 devices??), Email and internet access using the $5.99 t-zones plan (why pay for the expensive tmobile internet? ); Text and Picture messaging; ...good Battery life... customizable phone so your phone will be different than anyone elses, a great full color screen....

Which phone to chose? It depends on your pocketbook and your personal likes. Do you like a candybar, slider or clamshell? The top 4 manufacturers are 1)NOKIA, 2)Sony-Ericsson, 3) Motorola, 4) Samsung. (I put them in order of my preference :)) 

Best reception phones (best to last for TMobile, tested in rural areas): 1) Nokia 2)Sony-Ericsson; 3) Motorola; 4) Samsung

Best camera phones; Best Full Color Screen phones;: 1) Nokia 2)Sony-Ericsson

Best MP3 phones: Sony Ericsson walkman series

Best customizable phones:   Motorola

I hope this guide has helped you get started choosing the right phone for you. If you need help choosing a brand based on its capabilities, please look at my reviews on mid to high priced cell phones. You can also email me if you have any questions!

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Good luck on finding your perfect phone- it's waiting for you now!