An Explanation for Mobile Phone Jargon

This is the trim that acts as a frame for the outside edge of your smartphone that may house control buttons for volume, ringer and power. Bezels may vary in shape and size depending on the model.

A local wireless technology that provides a stable connection between two devices over a short distance (typically up to 10 metres/30 feet). Bluetooth is a popular connection type for a smartphone and an audio speaker, hands-free car features and even headphones.

Your mobile phone screen will change when receiving an incoming call. It will display the name if the number is saved as a contact, or just as a phone number if it's not recognised.

A modern method of storing data that might have maxed out on your smartphone. With cloud storage, you can safely save photos, videos, messages, passwords, music, files and more in a secure location online. The cloud also makes it easier to access and download your stored data onto other devices.

If your mobile phone shows that you have signal bars and/or mobile data then you will have what's known as 'coverage'. Coverage is the area in which your phone can connect to your network.

The ability of a mobile phone to switch between two frequencies while roaming. Essentially, it allows you to have a more seamless mobile data service while on the go and this is a feature of almost all modern smartphones.

A camera system with two different lenses that are used together for more detailed photos and typically with a great range of zoom.

Two different SIM slots in one smartphone allow you to use two different phone numbers and SIM plans. This is ideal for someone who needs to be contactable for two different purposes but wishes to just use one device.

A quicker rate of charging than the typical speed though this is only possible with a fast charger and a smartphone that has this feature enabled. Using a higher voltage charger on a device without fast charging may charge the device but damage the battery's health.

Using the front/selfie camera at the top of your display, your phone can scan your face as a form of identification to unlock your smartphone.

An added layer of protection to unlock your smartphone by storing a scan of your fingerprint to identify you.

This is your mobile phone's selfie camera that is typically located just above or integrated into your phone's display. This can be used for taking photos, videos, face ID (if enabled) and video chatting.

A car safety feature that allows you to talk and give commands without using your smartphone. Holding your smartphone while driving is illegal in the UK so this feature is ideal if you need to make a phone call. However, your phone will need to be paired to the car via Bluetooth.

An IP rating for a mobile phone indicates its level of protection for internal components from water and dust damage. IP stands for Ingress Protection and is a commonly used rating for electrical appliances and devices using two numbers. The higher the number, the higher the level of protection from water and dust. IP 67 and above are generally seen as being waterproof or can be submerged for up to 30 minutes at a depth of up to a few metres.

A key feature of any mobile phone is the service that allows you to send written messages via text or over data with Apple's iMessage.

A Liquid Crystal Display is a type of phone screen that provides a higher-quality user experience, even in direct sunlight. An LCD screen contains liquid crystals that once the phone is on, are backlit to show the display.

Megabytes per second is the speed of your internet connection. More specifically, the speed of transferring your data over an internet connection is typically two points that can be considered a start and end destination.

Megapixels refer to the camera's hardware and how much detail the camera is capable of capturing. In essence, the higher the megapixel count, the better your photos will likely be. However, other factors influence the quality of the camera too.

A modular phone can be opened up to see its inner workings and is made up of parts that can be easily replaced. Meaning, you can replace just a screen or battery or back case if the time comes. Fairphone is a modular phone made up of 10 parts that can be affordably replaced and with easy application.

An Organic Light light-emitting diode refers to display technology. Similar to AMOLED, OLED screens are sharper than LCD screens and are designed to be energy-efficient.

This is the software that the mobile phone uses to function, such as Android or iOS. The operating system defines the user experience on that phone so it's important you're comfortable with it before choosing your phone.

This camera intelligence technology captures video smoothly even if you're shaking while recording. It's a feature that allows you to have a higher-quality video without having the steadiest of hands.

Your phone use isn't contracted to certain minutes, texts and data. With Pay As You Go, you simply pay for your use in line with the charges set per text, minute and MB/GB with your provider.

A phone that has been used previously and is then checked to a high standard (often to that of the manufacturer) for functions and level of quality. This means the phone can then be used again without worries of it being faulty or subpar.

A mobile data and/or calls and minutes feature allows you to use your mobile phone while abroad in other countries outside, your domestic data plan. Your specific roaming agreement will determine which countries you can roam/call & text in and the amount of data, calls and texts you have available without incurring additional charges. Some mobile providers will charge you to use this feature on typically 3, 7, 14 and 28-day deals, but at Your Co-op Mobile, our EU Roaming to over 45 countries is free to use with all of our 5G SIM bundles.

This is the small chip card that is stored inside your phone that identifies your phone by a certain mobile number and allows you to access your mobile data network. A SIM card stands for Subscriber Identity Module and there are three types which are Standard SIMs, MicroSIMs and Nano SIMs. The difference between them is size, not function or quality.

A SIM-only plan provides just a SIM card along with a specified monthly usage allowance for data, calls and texts. Unlike traditional contracts, SIM-only plans do not have a phone included.

To be SIM-free, you are either out of contract with a SIM provider or you have no active service, so your phone will only be able to send messages, have calls and use the internet when connected to Wi-Fi. Alternatively, you can be SIM-free if you have bought a phone without a bundle and are yet to start a new SIM plan.

This is a traditional text messaging technology, that stands for Short Message Service.

WA Splash-resistant phones can withstand light splashes from rain or spray from a tap, though they are not water resistant. Therefore, a WA splash-resistant phone probably wouldn't survive being submerged in any depth of water.

This refers to the number of hours that a mobile phone battery will last without receiving or making any calls. If you have a phone call or send a message, the standby duration will be reduced.

Streaming is a method of downloading video or music data in real-time to watch or listen on the go. Your device won't necessarily use your storage to enable streaming itself unless you click download while watching or listening.

Tri-band or Triple band mobile devices function on three GSM frequencies, allowing them to use data in over 100 different countries.

USB cables are used to link smartphones with PCs and laptops, and they also facilitate phone charging either through a plug adapter connected to the mains or directly from a computer.

USB-C is a newer type of USB cable that enables users to transfer data faster and charge their smartphones more efficiently.

This is a way of using your mobile without needing your hands to type, as instead, you use your voice. Assuming your smartphone understands you, your command or question will be actioned following an initial prompt to activate the Ai in your smartphone. Voice commands are particularly useful when driving or having messy hands while cooking in the kitchen.

Voicemail is an audio-recorded message from callers when you are unable to answer the phone. You can access your voicemail messages by using the voicemail area of your calling app, or some providers have a short phone number for you to dial to enter your voicemail messages.

Wireless Application Protocol was an internet access technology for legacy phones.

Water-resistant phones can withstand a lot of water without becoming critically damaged. The exact resistance to water varies between brands and models, but most should survive being submerged in three feet of water for up to half an hour. However, this doesn't make them waterproof so don't regularly submerge your phone or take it in the sea or swimming.