The idea of buying the latest smartphone is exciting. There are a whole bunch of features to explore and you get a brand new phone to do different things. But a new phone is a one-time investment that will last you a long time and cost you a bit. The most expensive phone isn’t necessarily the best one for you, as you may not even use all the features and capabilities. Let’s dive in and understand how you can make the right choice for yourself.
1. Operating System
The first thing you should consider about your phone is its operating system. You have two options: Google’s Android or Apple’s iOS. It’s important to choose the right software, because it’s what powers your smartphone. Android is the better choice because the platform is more widely compatible and customizable. You’ll see more Android devices than iOS devices on the market.
If you are a die-hard Google app user and use Gmail, Maps, etc., then you should go with an Android device. Also, Android devices are definitely more affordable.
On the other hand, iOS or iPhone has a user-friendly interface. iPhones win in terms of security and there is strict quality control over the apps you can download from the App Store. iPhones are great for Apple users and these users can easily connect their smartphones to other Apple devices. iPhones cost a lot more and offer premium services like iTunes, FaceTime, and iCloud, which are not available on Android platforms.
2. Design
This is a very important feature to consider. There are usually two types of designs: metal and plastic. Many models these days have Gorilla Glass which provides superior durability. Some may prefer rounded edges and others may need a more visible smartphone. Flip phones are making a comeback. The all-metal body may be black and look great but may have limited ports or not allow microSD cards.
3. Screen size and type
Screen size matters to many. If you are an avid gamer, you may want to go for a larger screen size for a better gaming experience. Those who have a problem with font size or want to watch hours of Netflix on their phone should go that way. A screen size of at least 5.7 inches should be chosen. For those who only use their phone for social media notifications or texting, a smaller screen is better.
Android also has two types of displays, LCD and AMOLED. LCD tends to display brighter colors in sunlight while AMOLED offers better contrast. However, the differences are now minimal. Users can also choose between HD, 4K, and more.
4. Processor
The processor boosts your phone’s performance. Processor speed is important, especially when it comes to software updates. It also determines how quickly all the activities on your phone can be performed. If you watch a lot of videos or play multiple games and don’t want to experience slow performance, then choosing a higher processor speed is important. For gamers, we suggest Android with a Snapdragon 835 processor. The processors in the latest iPhones are the fastest yet. However, over time, due to many innovations, the processor has become less important, as mid-range phones also offer good performance.
5. RAM
These days, 1GB of RAM is no longer enough. 2GB is the norm. 4GB and 6GB are available in high-end entry-level phones, and 8GB phones are perfect for gaming.
6. Internal storage
Internal storage is very important these days, especially with more apps and more people taking photos and videos. The minimum is 32GB. 64GB is great if you want heavy-duty apps on your phone to open your office documents, etc. You may need 128GB if you want high-resolution videos or games.
Many Android phones can be expanded with the help of microSD memory. Apple’s iPhones offer cloud storage. This space is free up to a certain limit but may cost you if you want more storage. iCloud is a good solution for those who have a lot of information saved on their phones.
Any phone that lasts more than 10 hours is a great battery phone. Look for a phone with at least 3000mAh if you want long battery life.
Some phones offer very fast charging. Many Oneplus phones come with a turbocharger. Also, if you want to be able to quickly charge your device before a meeting, wireless charging is the newer technology. Qualcomm Quick Charge 4.0 is an option worth considering.
Removable batteries aren’t common these days because they’re not waterproof. The benefit of this design is that the battery is easily replaceable and you won’t have to pay for a repair. iPhones are starting to support wireless charging with compatible charging pads.
7. Security fingerprint
Nowadays, almost all models have a fingerprint sensor. However, the sensor should be free of dust and oil. Sweat and crumbs on your fingers can make it difficult to use this function. Sensors are very important, and can be located in the middle of the phone or next to the camera. The iPhone’s Touch ID is used to make purchases in the Apple Store, while Samsung’s Touch ID can be used with Android Pay. The latest addition is Face ID on iPhones, which identifies the user’s face. However, it tends to be a bit slower than fingerprint sensors.
8. Camera
The camera has become a key factor for mobile photography enthusiasts. Generally, people look at megapixels and think that the more megapixels, the better the mobile phone. But this is a wrong assumption. There are many other factors to consider such as sensors, lenses, and apertures. Sensors capture more light, while the number of pixels determines the detail and sharpness of the images.
The lens can be used for aperture and zoom features. The aperture determines the amount of light that can pass through, while the zoom helps to get closer to objects. The iPhone, however, is a different category altogether. With the latest iPhone 11 models featuring three cameras, namely the telephoto, wide, and ultra-wide cameras, it gives you a lot of options with the photos you take.
9. Operating System Updates
Many of us don’t give this feature the importance it deserves. If you buy an iPhone, make sure you have the latest software update. However, this is not the case with Android except for a few like Google Pixel. Even today, phones are being launched running Android 8.1 Oreo. It is important to check which brands allow you to update your software regularly. This improves the overall performance of your phone and fixes bugs and issues.
10. Check out the latest launches.
March and November are the months when most mobile phones are released. This is also when the prices of the older models are reduced slightly. Be smart and choose a slightly older model for almost the same features as the newer models.
11. Used or new – what do you choose?
Used smartphones are a good option, but they can get stolen or be very worn out. Try to buy a used phone from a reputable dealer. You may save money by buying a used phone, but it can cost you money in terms of repairs. It is best to use it as a secondary device, especially if you will not use it often. Remember that the device should be in good condition and should not be too old.
We hope that we have given you enough of an idea of what to look for when buying a new phone. It is not enough to just look at the features, you also need to consider the cost, the reputation of the brand and the after-sales services available.