Selecting an Android phone is not like selecting an iPhone. Instead of one manufacture with a few models, there are many manufactures, each of which sell multiple models, with different features and prices. The phone description provided by a cellphone store is very short, and often does not tell you if it is an Android phone. Sales representatives rarely know anything about Android, or the features of different phones. Searching for Android phones on the Internet is a daunting task. To simplify that task, this article provides a list of all SUTEL certified Android phones. From this list, you can find the phone that has the features you want, and some idea as to the price for models that are commonly available.

The list of certified Android phones is small compared to the number of Android phones on the global market. The decision of what phones to market in Costa Rica lies with the manufacturers. The manufactur then submits the phone to SUTEL for certification, A SUTEL certified phone means that the phone:

• Meets the Costa Rica mobile frequency requirements, and that the phone is compatible with networks of the mobile operators in Costa Rica.
• Has manufacturer warranty support in Costa Rica.
• Is a new phone, and not a refurbished phone.
• Supports the Costa Rica 9-1-1 system, and that 9-1-1 calls can be made without a SIM chip.
• Is an unlocked GSM phone.

There is a table for every manufacturer that has submitted Android phones to SUTEL. Rather that attempt to describe every feature of a phone, only certain key features are shown, with a link to full specifications. Following are important key points to know, when reviewing the tables:

• The name column shows the generic name and model number certified by SUTEL. Each phone is linked to the complete description at GSM Arena. The full specifications at GSM Arena may not reference the particular model, but should provide an accurate description of the phone.
• The Android version represents the version installed on the phone. Manufactures may have an OTA (Over The Air) upgrade available. If you are used to the code names, the article "Android is Just Another Distribution of Linux" ties the version numbers to the code names.
• GSM voice frequencies are not listed as every certified phone supports the 1800 MHz band used in Costa Rica.

• Only the UMTS frequencies certified by SUTEL are listed, with a link to the certification page. The phone often supports other UMTS frequencies, but they are not certified. The phone specifications often do not list the 850 MHz band for the phone. In these cases, the model certified supports the 850 MHz band, instead of the 900 MHz band.
• The CPU frequency is a general guide to the responsiveness of the phone. Most phones use a single core processor. Phones that use a dual core, or quad core, processor are identified. While not a completely accurate statement, multiple cores is like having multiple processors.
• The Memory column shows the amount of available RAM for the phone. When using phones with less than 512MB of RAM, you need to be careful as to the number of running applications. If Android runs out of memory, you will get "Force Close" messages. By killing selected processes, the phone remains operational.
• The Storage column shows the amount of internal storage, and, if available, the maximum amount of external storage that can be added via an SD card. As indicated in the full specifications, some phones come with an SD card as part of the package.
• The Features column lists a few of the key features, such as the number of megapixels (MP) supported by the camera. The specifications provide a complete list of features. Android did not support a phone acting as a Wi-Fi Hotspot until version 2.2 (Froyo). All Android phones operated in Ad-Hoc Wi-Fi mode and not Infrastructure mode. Some devices can only connect to a Wi-Fi Hotspot that operates in Infrastructure mode.
• Prices are generally the spot price for the phone. Even though a phone is SUTEL certified, it may not be offered for sale by the mobile network operators. I have found that Casa Blanca sells almost every certified phone. The problem is that they do not give their prices on-line. You need to contact a store for a price, and ask for a discount.