The cell phone providers usually call them "mobile" phones which is more precise since "cell" refers to a kind of technology. In Chinese one of the common words for it is 手机, (shǒujī) which literally means "hand machine". 0 When writing a "legal" document in English which term is more appropriate (between Handphone, Smartphone, Cell Phone, Mobile Phone, Cellular phone, cell, etc) and can be safely (& correctly) used to address the mayority of today's "mobile phones" generation considering the legal aspects of things?

Understanding the Context

If you are talking about a specific telephone, I wouldn't use via; I think you have to say something like "I called her on my cell phone." Oddly enough, the term "mobile to mobile" is commonly used to refer to separate minute plans for calling other cell phones within the same network. But yeah, while most people would figure it out from context if you asked if they'd checked their mobile, but using it as a modifier, they've be thinking about something moving (or not really moving such as the common "mobile home"). The most contemporary expression might be just cell. If you have to go through the trouble of spelling it out, it should be cell phone.

Key Insights

But 9 times out of 10, you should not go through that trouble. Call my cell. Name: Age: Cell: Please refrain from using cell phones or cellular devices during the performance. word usage - Cellphone or cell phone? - English Language & Usage Stack ...

Final Thoughts

You have answered your own question. Yes, as you say, you often find people using "contacts" for "contact details" because it is easier to say, which is why you said "cell phone" instead of "cellular telephone". Anecdotally in California (San Francisco) I hear 'mobile phone' being used more than 'cell phone'. However this could be biased - as a British English speaker the Americans I speak with may be adjusting their language to me. american english - "Mobile" vs. "cellphone" in AE - English Language ...