Slim phones are the blondes of the handset world - the thinner and better looking, the... well, better. Just as in the real world, though, looks aren't all that matter; here's how to avoid one call stands.
Remember the RAZR? That's right; Motorola's archetypal slim phone which managed to one-handedly spawn a barrage of imitators hoping to capitalize on the sudden interest in wafer-thin handsets. As with the RAZR at the time of its introduction, however, many entries are a little, shall we say, light-headed as a result of their millimeter-shaving shenanigans - making the mental excercise of keeping a few checkpoints in mind when going shopping a worthwhile one.
Slim yes, stupid no
Although the essence of a slim phone is to be just that, there is no reason to compromise on functionality and risk ending up with a handset that looks good but but fails to perform - much like a Ferrari chassis on a Wolksvagen frame, if you will. Start with considering what features you use the most in your current phone, then ensure your prospective handset performs at least equally well - or preferably better - at these tasks.
Next, avoid purchasing a phone which will be outdated in a matter of mere months. Manufacturers willingly trade off features to achieve slimmer form factors, resulting in handsets which may serve current needs but fail to deliver the goods down the road. Furthermore, although one might think a reduction in features is followed by a reduction in price, miniaturization also has its cost; balance is key, and the handsets that get it just right manage to maintain a reasonable price tag along with a decent feature set.
Design is naturally a crucial factor of a slim phone - in more ways than one. Thinner handsets mean thinner materials, which could impact durability; avoid poorly built handsets which creak and bend, and keep a particularly watchful eye on clamshells as such designs are more vulnerable than candybars and sliders. Clamshells do, however, have an advantage over other form factors inherent in their design, which is the protection of vital components such as the screen and keypad when closed - perfect for a phone designed to slip unnoticed into other purses and pockets with, oh, say, key rings.
Lastly, manufacturers who manage to strike a good balance between features and design unfortunately also seem to have a knack for reducing battery size. Given its status as one of the largest components in modern handsets, we certainly understand the temptation - but then again there's no reason to purchase a phone which gives out after an hour of talking. This is particularly important for power users whom draw on a greater number of the available features and more frequently so to boot.
So, where can I get one?
It may not be the most feature-laden handset on the block, but Samsung's SGH-T509 (available through T-Mobile) is deliciously thin while managing to pack an impressive display, EDGE and Bluetooth without killing battery life off in the process.
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