Best bets in cell phones.(up front)(Buyers guide)

In the clamor over Apple's iPhone, the $500 iPod phone expected in June, it's easy to overlook simpler but still innovative phones costing far less. Here are some trends evident in the Select Ratings, which list the best choices among dozens of conventional cell phones we tested:

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More functions and connections. The Samsung Sync, $50 from Cingular (all prices are with 2-year contract including rebates), deftly combines a relatively large, easy-to-read display with a 1.9-megapixel camera and a top-notch music player. It's also one of the growing number of phones that work with wireless Bluetooth stereo headsets. A quad-band phone, it should work at home and abroad.

More navigation. Phone makers are providing a low-cost alternative to pricey GPS navigation devices. For example, the Samsung SCH-a930, $50 from Verizon, supports Verizon's VZ Navigator service for $10 a month or $3 a day.

Toughness. The Verizon Wireless G'zOne Type-V, $100, is an SUV-like phone with a heavy-duty, water-resistant case. It works with VZ Navigator. The successor S version, which adds Bluetooth support, was recently introduced.

Thinner phones, lower prices. We're seeing more petite phones with price tags to match, such as Samsung's t509 from T-Mobile. It's 0.4 inches thick, has Bluetooth, can work abroad, and costs just $20.

 
Select Ratings 
 
Best choices from our tests of 38 cell phones 
 
Within types, in performance order. 
 
                                         Performance           Talk 
                                Overall  Voice      Ease       time 
Brand & model            Price  score    quality    of use     (hr.) 
 
VERIZON 
Samsung SCH-a930         $50    63       Very good  Very good  4 
LG VX8300                 50    61       Good       Very good  4.5 
Motorola W315             ...