A Mobile Phone is a wireless handheld device that allows users to make and receive calls and send text messages, among other features, over a wide distance or geographic area. The early generation of mobile phones could only make and receive calls. However, today’s mobile phones are packed with many additional features, such as web browsers, games, cameras, video players, even navigational systems. The early generation of mobile phones could only make and receive calls. However, today’s mobile phones are packed with many additional features, such as web browsers, games, cameras, video players, navigational systems, email and Internet access, photography, money transfer, banking, etc. Mobile Phones may also be known as cellular phones or simply cell phones.
Classification of Mobile Phones Based on Type
Basically, there are three types:
i.Basic Phones,
ii. Feature Phones,
iii. Smartphones.
- Basic Phones
Basic phones are also known as traditional phones which are mainly used for making calls and texting. These are basic devices that are robust, durable and give a much better battery life.
Features of Basic Phones
Basic phones support the following features:
1. CSTN/Monochrome Screen
2. 1G Network
3. Physical Keyboard
4. Single SIM Card
5. Sand Disk/MM2 Memory Card
6. Infrared
Function/Feature of Basic Phones
- It is used for making and receiving calls.
- It is used for sending text messages.
Advantages of Basic Phones
- They have a long life
2. They are very robust and durable
3. Their battery lasts longer than feature phones
4. They are easy to operate and handle as compared to feature phones
5. They are easy to maintain/require less maintenance
6. Supports only Java-based language operating system.
Disadvantages of Basic Phones
- They have limited or less features
2. They have less memory capacity
3. They do not support file sharing or some support file
4. They are less expensive.
2. Feature Phones
Feature phone is a term commonly used as a prenomen to describe a class of mobile phones. Feature phones have a certain set of functions beyond voice calling and text messaging but these are not as extensive as those of a smartphone. These include functions such as texting, multimedia, a full web browser, and GPS. Feature phones use proprietary, custom-designed software and user interfaces, and they lack the capabilities of smartphones.
Features of Feature Phones
Feature phones support the following features:
1. Backlight LCD screen
2. Network compatibility: 2G
3. SD card slot
4. Infrared/Bluetooth
5. Camera
6. Torch light
7. Audio port
8. Micro USB charging port
9. Physical keyboard
10. Multiple SIM cards
11. Micro SD card
12. Wireless connection: Infrared and Bluetooth
Functions of Feature Phones
- They are used to make and receive calls.
2. They are used to send and receive messages (SMS and MMS).
3. Feature phones are also used to record and play audio and music.
4. They are used to browse the internet
5. They are used to display time and date, alarm clock, stopwatch and timer, etc.
6. Access utilities, such as flashlight, calendar, calculator, etc.
7. Security features such as phone lock code/PIN,
Advantages of Feature Phones
- They have a long life.
2. Their battery does not last as long as basic phones
3. They are easy to operate and handle as compared to smartphone phones
4. They require less maintenance.
5. Support web-based internet services.
6. They are cheaper to buy.
Disadvantages of Smartphone Phones
- They have limited or no functions.
2. They have less memory
3. They do not support file sharing
4. They are less expensive to buy - Smartphones
Smartphones are a class of various types of mobile phones and multi-purpose mobile computing devices. They are distinguished from feature phones by their robust hardware capabilities and comprehensive mobile operating systems, which provide core phone features as well as extensive software, Internet (including web browsing over mobile broadband), and multimedia functionality (including music, video, camera, and gaming), as well as functions such as voice calls and text messaging. Smartphones typically include various sensors that can be leveraged by their software, such as magnetometers, proximity sensors, barometers, gyroscopes, and accelerometers, and support wireless communication protocols such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and satellite navigation. Most smartphones today have a thin and flat design with large touchscreens. They use multi-touch gestures instead of physical keyboards. Users can download or purchase apps from a central store, save and sync data using cloud storage, and seek help from virtual assistants. Smartphones also support mobile payment services, allowing payments to be made directly from the device.
3. Smartphone Features
Smartphones are packed with features and capabilities that make them much more than just a phone. Below is a list of the most popular and various types of features of a smartphone.
1.Make and receive phone calls text messages.
2.Take, display and store pictures and videos.
3.Browse the Internet, as well as send and receive e-mails.
4.GPS capability for location and navigation.
5.Record and play audio and music.
6.Display the time and date and other functions such as alarm clock, stopwatch and timer.
7.Display weather and temperature information.
8.Voice dictation and take notes.
9. A virtual assistant such as Siri, Google Assistant, or Cortana works with your voice. It answers questions, sets reminders, sends messages, and controls smart devices.
10.Access utilities such as flashlight, e-book reader and calculator.
11.Security features such as finger print/thumbprint, facial recognition, pattern lock, PIN lock, FRP lock etc.
Advantages of Smartphone Phones
- They have high security features
2. They have high memory capacity
3. They support 3G and above networks.
4. They support only standard/micro SIM cards.
5. Most batteries are inbuilt/non removable.
6. Support applications internet services.
Disadvantages of Basic Phones
- They consume a lot of internet data.
- They are difficult to operate.
- They are fragile.
- They are easily prone to virus attacks.
- Battery consumption is high as compared to basic and feature phones.
- Maintenance cost is high
- They do not support file sharing
- They are very expensive
- Difficult to assemble and disassemble.
Similarities between Feature Phones and Smartphones
- Both are portable
- Both are used for making calls
- Both cater to third-party application development.
- Both are used for sending SMS and MMS
- Both have security features.
- Both support more than one SIM.
- Both are used for browsing the Internet.
- Both are used for recording and playing audio and music.
- Both have Bluetooth wireless connection.
Advantages of using mobile phones
The advantages of mobile phones are given below
- Mobile phone as a source of communication
- Save money with mobile phones
- Mobile phone used for entertainment
- Mobile phone saves life in emergency
- Mobile phone GPS is used in location determination of places
- Internet access through mobile phones
- Mobile phones are small and portable
- Mobile phones are also used as digital personal assistants.
- Learning and research using mobile phones
- Online banking and finance
Disadvantages of using mobile phones
The various types of disadvantages and bad effects of using mobile phones on youth are given below.
- Mobile phones cause isolation
- Mobile phones waste time
- Distraction from mobile phones:
- Waste of money on mobile phones
- Mobile phone addiction
- It causes cyberbullying
- Mobile phone safety issues.
- Loss in studies due to excessive use of mobile phones
- Mobile phones cause distance from relatives
- Mobile phones cause health problems Mobile phones also cause mental disorders
- Anxiety
- Anger
- Depression
- Stress, etc.
11. Sleep problems
12. Mobile phones cause accidents
13. Frauds on mobile phones:
14. There are issues of sexual abuse, exploitation and child pornography from mobile phones.
Read Also:
- What are Mobiles Phones
- 20 Mobile Phone Uses and Features
- 60 Good and Bad Effects Of Smartphones On Our Social Lives
- Radio Frequency Radiation and Cell Phones
- Concept and History of Mobile Phones