It can be challenging sifting through all the different Telus Mobility cell phones. The Canadian wireless carrier has a wealth of options available to consumers, ranging from basic mobile phones to some of the most advanced smartphones on the market.
Shifting from CDMA to GSM
For years, Telus Mobility operated on what is known as a CDMA based cellular network. Standing for Code Division Multiple Access, this is the same technology being used in South Korea and Japan, as well as with some American carriers like Sprint and Verizon.
However, much of the rest of the world uses cellular networks that are based on GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) technology. As such, there are many more phones available using this standard. To better compete against Canadian GSM provider Rogers Wireless, Bell Mobility and Telus Mobility joined the GSM game in 2009.
Seeing how Telus reminds us that the "future is friendly," it made sense that the newly launched network used advanced 3G+ technology for faster wireless data speeds. This also opened up the window for more advanced handsets.
Popular Telus Mobility Cell Phones
In the past, Telus Mobility cell phones have included such popular devices as the Motorola RAZR and the LG Chocolate. These days, the phones being offered by Telus are much more similar to Rogers and AT&T. At the same time, Telus has many unique and exclusive mobile phones as well.
Here are a few of the current highlights. As always, check with your local retailer or the official Telus website for the most up-to-date information.
- Apple iPhone: One of the biggest reasons why Telus made the shift to GSM was so that it could offer this incredibly popular cell phone. Everyone knows and wants the iPhone. From its large capacitive touchscreen display to its thousands of different mobile apps, the iPhone has been a huge seller.
- Motorola Backflip: Google Android is becoming an increasingly prevalent smartphone operating system choice. The Backflip is powered by Android, but it has Motorola's unique MOTOBLUR user interface for added social networking capabilities and access. The Backflip also features a touchscreen, touchpad, and a full QWERTY keyboard.
- HTC Hero: Also powered by Google Android, the HTC Hero does not have a physical keyboard. Instead, much like the Apple iPhone, the Hero is mostly touchscreen-based. It has not been the most popular of the Telus Mobility cell phones, but it is still a very viable option for casual and business users alike.
- BlackBerry Bold 9700: The corporate world may have dominated the BlackBerry world for many years, but that has changed. Research in Motion, makers of the BlackBerry series of devices, has become more inclusive of non-business users as well. The Bold 9700 has that great keyboard, a new optical trackpad, and a smaller size than the Bold 9000 that preceded it.
- Samsung Advance: With a large touchscreen display, the Advance may look like a smartphone, but it's not. Instead, it's categorized as a "feature phone." The touchscreen gives you access to a customizable user interface, Internet destinations, media players, and more.
- LG Banter: What if you want the compact size of a regular candybar, but the convenience of a full keyboard? The LG Banter is the latest in a line of messaging phones that address this specific niche. Closed, it has a numeric keypad and a bar shape. Slide it open, however, and you'll find a full QWERTY keyboard for easy text messaging and email access.
Finding More Options for Telus
Since Telus now supports GSM-based technology, it is possible to find rare and overseas cell phones that are not available directly from Telus Mobility. You just have to ensure that the phone is unlocked and that it is compatible with the Telus network.One such phone is the Google Nexus One. This is one of the most powerful and advanced cell phones to use Google Android. The fast Snapdragon processor and five-megapixel camera are certainly appealing. You can buy it directly from Google, rather than from Telus.
