Mobile Phone Features & Terminologies

3G - it stands for third generation and is faster than GPRS. It is the phone’s ability to do video calling, download file formats from the internet but available only in areas where there are 3G signals and with 3G handsets.

Bluetooth - this is a form of wireless connection between mobile and other devices like laptop or another handset.

Call Divert – users can send their incoming calls directly to another number they preferred or to their voicemail but usually they are the ones who shoulder the charges.

Call Hold – this service allows customers to hold one call and make or take a second call; switch between held calls; or end one of the calls to continue with the other, etc.

Call Waiting - a discreet beep lets the user know they have another incoming call, user can terminate the current call and answer the other one.

Caller Display - the service on network that allows the number of the incoming caller visible on the phone display but the number will not appear if the caller’s number preferred to withhold his number or keep it private for security reason.

Camera - some of the phones today still use the old technology called VGA (video graphics adapter) but does not produce good quality pictures as compare to the modern day MP (mega pixel) camera. Modern phone today is measured by MP, the higher the mega pixels, the better quality of picture.

Connectivity - this is the connection of one device to another like mobile, computers, PDA or personal data assistants and other phone gadgets and devices. The Bluetooth and Infra Red without Cable are examples of connectivity.

Dual Band - phone comes in different bands to enable them to be used in different areas. Dual band allows you to use your phone in Europe and other areas excluding countries such as Japan and USA since they have better technologies there (Dual Band 900/1800).

Expandable Memory - this gives the option to increase the phone memory through a small card called “memory card,” typically called SD or M2.

GPRS - short for General Packet Radio Services that allows mobile to make calls, text and send picture messages. Others regard this or call this 2G.

GPS - short for Global Positioning System, some phones are equipped with this feature that traces someone’s location.

Group Call - depending on the model of the phone, this feature allows user to make “conference call” either between three or more than 10 callers, all can speak with each other at the same time.

Group Text or Group Messages - rather than sending 11 texts messaging to one group, they can save time and send one message to all the recipients. It is easier and save time.

Handset - the mobile phone itself. In Asia especially in the Philippines it is popularly known as “cellphone,” short for cellular phone.

International Roaming - the ability to make calls from a country other than the county where your agreement with your provider is.

Mobile - the handset itself.

Mobile E-mail – a service that enables the user to access their electronic mail or email through their mobile, this depends on the model of the phone and the service provider.

Music - some of the phones today have FM (frequency modulation) radio, another valuable source of music and entertainment but manufacturers have not come up yet with AM band or amplitude modulation. Some modern phones today also have music players and MP3. The better model of the phone, the more formats of song recordings it has especially those with what they called “expandable memory.”

PDA - the Personal Data Assistant, the functionality of the phone to serve as your personal diary, personal log book, address book and to record your own schedules or itinerary.

Picture Messaging - this feature allows user to send and receive pictures to and from another friend’s mobile and email if the phone has that function as well.

Quad band - allows you to use your phone in Europe, American countries and other areas, plus all the Americas (Quad Band 850/900/1800/1900).

Ringtones (yes it is written in one word) – this allow customers to play electronic type of sound by polyphonic ring tones. Some better handsets offers option to use Mp3 to produce sound and music track as ring tone.

Tri-band – allows you to use your mobile in all Europe and other areas plus American countries (Tri Band 900/1800/1900).

Video Calling - this is an evolution of voice calling and is normal in Japan. It enables the user to actually see the person they are calling.

Voicemail - work like a personal answering machine service built into the network. If the customer does not answer a phone call, if their mobile is switched off or if the user is out of the coverage area, depending on the phone model and features, there is an option to route the call to the voicemail.

WAP - this allows phone to access the web via mobile just like the way laptop do. It stands for Wireless Application Protocol.