Looking for a new phone is like holiday shopping.

Messy, briskly, with the checklist in your hand and money on your mind!

There is so much talk about smartphones, what’s new, what’s better, what’s next and what to choose. Let’s face it, everybody is trying to sell them, preferably as part of a relatively expensive two-year contract (not the case with Tello, but I’m sure most will relate).

Are you in need of a new phone and don’t know which one to get? No worries, we are here to help you find the perfect solution for your needs and start the conversation about the much-needed Phoneducation.

Step 1 State your needs

This rule applies to any object or service you want to purchase, ever! You should make sure your future phone has the answer to all your needs.

First of all, think about if you want a smartphone or not, there are plenty of options for both categories. It’s true that you don’t see too many basic cell phones out there, with most people opting for smartphones over the phones of the good ol’ days.

But there are still some people that, for a variety of reasons, want to own a basic cell phone. Number one might be the extended battery life, a software that covers some basics, or a more than decent camera, an affordable price. Then, the deduction process should kick in: if you only need a text & talk plan, why spend extra for the latest smartphone that you’ll never actually use to its full potential? Add this to the new trend of “smartphone detox” and you have all the reasons to choose simplicity & endurance instead of a fancy hole in your budget.

Second, think about the design you wish it to have: screen, keyboard, color, dimensions etc.

Third, take into consideration the extras you want: maybe a better camera, some specific applications, battery lifetime, etc. Add the personal factor as well: are you into new shiny things just to follow the trend or do you actually need all those extra features? Are you coordinately challenged? If you regularly drop your belongings, a dumb phone might be the perfect fit for you.

Step 2 Choose the Operating System

Now that you know what your future phone should look like, it’s time to decide over the OS.

If this isn’t your first phone you are probably familiar with the OS options on the market: Android, iOS, BlackBerry & Windows. Check them out and see which one suits you best, get familiar with them and choose the perfect one for you.

Although Android is the most widely spread mobile operating system, Android offers more for those that like to dabble with their smartphone than iOS does. The iPhone, on the other hand, is generally adopted by those who want a device that “just works” or for its die hard fans, that will not commit to anything else. BlackBerry is a valuable option for those who are just looking for a secure way to exchange email while on the go, while Windows Phone should sound good to those who already are fans of Microsoft.

Step 3 Opt for the best price

Yes, price is one of the most important factors when talking about a phone purchase but it should not frighten you. So what if you find the perfect phone and it is too expensive? Have you heard about refurbished phones? A great solution in this case, same brand, same usability but a lot less expensive.

We are not talking about used phones but about phones that were returned in the following days after purchase and were completely reconditioned. A refurbished phone is a tested and perfectly functional device that looks & feels brand new.

Now that you know what to look for make sure to check Tello’s phone page – wink, wink. An interesting variety awaits you there, attractive deals & choices for every budget and preference.