Cell Phone Cost

How Much Does a Cell Phone Cost?

Low: $20-$80

Medium: $50-$150

High: $200-$700+

The cost of a cell phone varies greatly depending on both the type of phone and the length of service plan commitment. Some cell phones can be purchased unlocked for use with different wireless service providers, while others are offered at substantial discount when locked into a one- or two-year service plan from one of the major carriers. See How Much Does a Cell Phone Plan Cost for a comparison of prices.

Typical costs:

Cell phones with basic features cost from about $20 to $80. Expect an easy-to-use dual band cell phone, which means it will work within North America only. The Kyocera Domino S1310, costs about $29 and is compatible with carrier MetroPCS, which does not require any service commitment.
Mid-range cell phones offer advanced features such as an integrated video and stills camera, and web browsing. Unlocked, expect to pay $50 to $150 for a midrange cell phone. The Nokia 2330 Classic includes a built-in FM receiver, bluetooth connectivity and e-mail and web browsing. Purchased unlocked it will cost about $120. However, it's included free with a two-year contract from AT&T or T-Mobile.
Tri- and quad-band cell phones are ideal for frequent travel overseas and cost from $50 for a basic cell phone to $700 or more for a smartphone. Expect a phone that operates on GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) frequencies. The Motorola RAZR V3 offers quad-band technology for use in more than 100 countries worldwide and costs about $80 unlocked. A higher-end quad-band phone such as the Nokia N900 smartphone costs about $480 and offers 3G connectivity, a 3.5-inch touchscreen, full QWERTY keyboard and access to an array of mobile applications.
Smartphones operate like handheld computers and cost from $100 to $700 or more. They offer 3G mobile broadband connectivity for fast web connection and optional applications ranging from games and maps to shopping and business tools. See How Much Does a Smartphone Cost for a detailed overview.
The most popular smartphone is Apple's iPhone costing $99 to $299 depending on storage capacity and is only available with a two-year AT&T cell phone plan plus activation fee. The Apple iPhone 3GS 32GB, for example, costs $199 with two-year commitment, plus activation fee or $149 for a refurbished model. For more details see How Much Does an iPhone Cost.
Blackberry smartphones offer seamless integration with corporate or personal e-mail, making them ideal as a business tool. Expect to pay $120 to $600 for a Blackberry without a contract. For more information see How Much Does a Blackberry Cost.

What should be included:

Most cell phones include a rechargeable battery, charger and user guide as well as embedded ring tones, vibrating alerts and basic tools such as a clock and alarm.
Smart phones include 3G connectivity, Internet capability and a connection to synchronize with a PC or Mac.

Additional costs:

Protective cell phone cases and covers cost $2 to $50. An in-car cell phone charger costs $2 to $80; a travel charger for use overseas costs about $15.
With more states mandating hands-free cell phone use while driving, a Bluetooth headset is a popular accessory. Expect to pay $10 to $300. See How Much Does a Bluetooth Headset Cost for more details.
Other hands-free options include in-vehicle kits that transmit cell phone calls via car speakers. These cost $10 to $50 or more.
Sites such as J&R.com offer a selection of cell phone accessories.
Additional ringtones for cell phones cost about $1 to $3 each, available from the service carrier or third-party providers such as Thumbplay.
Additional applications for smartphones are available from third-party providers such as Handango, including games, books and financial tools. Some are free; others cost from about $1 to $15 or more.

Discounts:

Best Buy offers a trade-in discount for some used cell phones.
Sales and specials are common at electronics discount stores. One-generation-old models may be sold at a substantial discount to the latest model cell phones.
Some wireless service providers offer refurbished cell phones at a discount.
Some manufacturers offer discounts for shopping online.

Shopping for a cell phone:

Users should consider which wireless service provider they intend to use with a cell phone. Not all cell phones will work with all service providers. Check Mobiledia for information on cell reception strength from different carriers for zip codes across the US.
Cnet offers a buyers guide to cell phones as well as a guide to Unlocked cell phones for those who don't wish to be tied to a particular carrier.
Consumer Reports offers a guide to using cell phones abroad.
Compare online prices from sites such as Amazon or JR.com with those from national retails chains such as Best Buy.