While picking your actual phone, see if the phones in your price range include features that you want.
Certain features are now standard on most phones, which generally incorporate a directory of stored contact information; a clock; a calculator; games; programmable ringtones; automatic redial; alternate operational modes (like "vibrate"); a speakerphone function; and a voice recorder.
As you go up the scale, phones can incorporate added extras like built-in cameras; text messaging; wireless Internet; an MP3 player; a GPS (global positioning system); and varying levels of Internet connectivity that allow you to check email, view websites and synchronize with a PC. The technology is constantly advancing, so what was an elite luxury last week may become a basic attribute next month.