Cell Phones

Camera

Specifies, in megapixels, the maximum resolution of the rear-­facing camera.

Camera flash

Some phones have a built-in camera flash, which is helpful when taking pictures in dark environments.

Camera recording resolution

The maximum recording resolution of the phone's primary video camera: Ultra HD (4K), 1080p, 720p, or SD (Standard Definition).

Front-facing camera

Specifies, in megapixels, the maximum resolution of the front-facing camera. A camera with a 0.3 megapixel value is also referred to as VGA. Models with an NA don't have a front-facing camera.

FM radio

Phones with a built in FM radio require a special stereo headset be plugged into the phone to use the radio. The headset acts as both the audio output and the radio's antenna. This feature may not be available from all providers.

Headset

Indicates if a headset (earphones) is included. This feature may not be available from all providers.

Battery removable

Shows whether or not the model has a removable battery.

GPS navigation

Phones that support GPS Navigation services conveniently integrate GPS with maps and search engines to give you real-time, spoken, turn-by-turn directions to an entered address, or to help you find nearby businesses by name or category, such as Joe's Pizzeria or hospitals. We indicate which phones have GPS navigation capability. The service for nearly all models doesn’t cost extra, but on some models it can cost extra.

Other providers

Available for purchase on these other service providers. The performances or features of these related phones may differ from provider to provider.

Rugged

This is a rating. If the phone survived 50 or more drops and being submerged in 1 meter or more of water, then it is considered rugged.

Height

Height is measured to the nearest tenth of an inch (folding phones are measured closed). This value may vary slightly by provider.

Width

Width is measured to the nearest tenth of an inch (folding phones are measured closed). This value may vary slightly by provider.

Depth

Depth is measured to the nearest tenth of an inch (folding phones are measured closed). This value may vary slightly by provider.

Weight

Weight is measured to the nearest tenth of an ounce, with the battery installed. This value may vary slightly by provider.

Total storage provided

Total storage (gigabytes) provided, both internal and external, for the operating system, apps, content, and etc. Availability for models with multiple memory storage capacities are subject to change.

Available storage

Storage that is left available to the user once the operating system and applications that come with the phone are installed and set up.

RAM

Random Access Memory. RAM is where the phone keeps the pieces of the operating system and applications that are currently being used. It is much faster than storage and an SD card so if you have enough for all your needs the phone will respond much more quickly.

Memory card slot

Phones that have slots that accept memory cards, typically microSD, allow you to conveniently expand storage capacity by up to 256GB, and sometimes even more. The removable card may be hard to access.

LTE

Indicates the phone supports a 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) data network.

5G Low and Mid Bands

Indicates the phone supports a 5G Low and Mid Bands data network. These low and mid band frequencies allow for faster internet service than 4G (Long Term Evolution). The low and mid bands are better able to penetrate through surfaces and provide wider coverage.

5G Millimeter Wave

Indicates the phone supports a 5G Millimeter Wave data network. These high band frequencies allow for faster internet service than 4G (Long Term Evolution) and 5G Low and Mid Bands. The high bands are less able to penetrate through surfaces and provide limited coverage. Allowing for its use when the user/phone is in close proximity to the 5G Millimeter Wave source.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth support typically means the phone works with wireless Bluetooth headsets and most hands-free car systems, and it can wirelessly exchange pictures, contacts, and other information with other compatible Bluetooth devices, such as a computer, cell phone, speaker system, smartwatches, or printer. Not all Bluetooth phones support all these capabilities.

NFC

Indicates the phone supports NFC (Near field communication) data typically used for wireless payment such as Apple Pay and Android Pay.

Headphone jack (3.5mm audio jack)

Newer phones are starting to not include the standard 3.5mm headphone jack and instead are using the USB C port. This requires a different pair of headphones or an adapter if you want to continue using your favorite headphones.

Fingerprint reader

A biometric fingerprint reader for logging into your smartphone and certain apps.

WiFi 5

These phones have built-in WiFi 5 that gives them fast Internet and e-­mail access through home networks and WiFi hotspots. Phones can use the connection to share content, or make calls using Voice over Internet Protocol, though the latter may not be available from all providers.

WiFi 6

These phones have built-in WiFi 6 that gives them the fastest Internet and e-mail access through home networks and WiFi hotspots that are WiFi 6 capable. Phones can use the connection to share content, or make calls using Voice over Internet Protocol, though the latter may not be available from all providers.