Find an NEC Android Smartphone
Smartphones offer you the ability to send text messages to friends, video chat with family members, and play mobile games all from a device that fits in the palm of your hand. There are a variety NEC Android smartphones that are on the market today. If you're looking for an Android smartphone to use with your carrier, consider the following guidelines before making your selection.
What does it mean when a cell phone is unlocked?When cell phones are manufactured, most have software installed per the requirements of the carrier network they are designed to work with. Part of this carrier-specific software locks the phone so that it can't be used on a different carrier network. Because the lock is software-based, phones can be unlocked by installing a patch that removes carrier limitations. There are also phones that are sold unlocked so that you can take them to your carrier of choice, or for developers to use for testing purposes.
Which carriers can you use an unlocked phone with?This is the critical question when buying unlocked phones. It's possible to take unlocked cell phones to carriers that use GSM networks. In the U.S., AT&T and T-Mobile are the two carriers that are GSM networks, but many carriers outside of the US use GSM, too. GSM phones use SIM cards to provision them on a carrier's network, so using an unlocked phone with these carriers involves getting a SIM card from the carrier to use with your phone. CDMA networks no longer use SIM cards, so you would need to get an unlocked CDMA phone provisioned by the carrier you want to use it with. Many carriers refuse to do this, so check with your carrier before buying an unlocked CDMA phone.
What are some common features of Android smartphones to consider?Smartphones come with a range of features, some of which are essential to look for when shopping. Below are a few of the features to consider:
- Android version: Look for the version of the Android operating system that is installed on a phone before buying it. Ensure it will be compatible with the apps you want to use.
- Screen size: This metric determines the phone's size as well. A bigger screen will make using software easier but will also make the phone less portable.
- System memory: This is a critical feature for a smartphone because it determines how many apps and multimedia files you can store on it at one time.
- Processor: The speed of a smartphone's processor will have a significant impact on its overall performance.
Some of the smartphone models available for you to choose from include:
- Terrain for AT&T
- Docomo Medias
- Docomo Disney