Whether it‘s your first-time shopping for a new smartphone or upgrading from an existing one, you will need to know a few things before you make your purchase. There are just so many options to choose from and it can get a little intimidating, so keeping in mind some important detail will save you from being stuck with a smartphone that doesn‘t suit your needs.
It doesn‘t matter if you are reading from the UK, Malaysia, or the Philippines, this article will help you to make the right decision when getting a new phone. We will cover the more important aspects that you should consider in a smartphone like the processor, operating system, and the camera. Use our advice when shopping for a new phone and hopefully, you will end up with the one that best suits your needs.
iOS or Android
The first thing that always come into mind when planning on buying a new phone is whether to get an iOS device or an Android. Both are great options and will do the job well, so it really comes down to your preference. Some might prefer iOS because it is easy, and the software updates are timely. The Android operating system is also simple to use but you might need to explore first before you can find a layout that suits you.
Another thing you might want to consider is how you use your phone because if you want something fuss-free and simple to use, then opt for an iPhone with an iOS operating system. However, Android phones like Samsung phones allow for more hardware choices and there are also more affordable options.
Processor
Another thing that might be confusing when you are looking for a phone is the processor unit. To make it simpler for you, just think of your phone as a computer. Obviously, a faster processor means faster speed and smoother workflow, so it is recommended to get a phone with a decent processor, even if it is not the latest or the fastest. Plus, even midrange phones are now offering good performance, so you do not have to worry about getting a phone that is too slow.
When looking at the processor, it is best that you focus on the overall performance, rather than the cores or the clock speed. This way, you will get a better view of whether the phone will run as advertised. Apple’s latest processor is the A14 Bionic chip, and it is claimed to be their fastest and after a test run, it does live up to those claims. There are also a few efficient processors for Android phones, so we recommend that you read up on some reviews before making a purchase.
Screen size
Many brands are coming out with phones with bigger screens and slimmer bezels but does bigger mean better? Maybe it does, but that is up to you to decide. If you think that you will use the phone more with one hand or if you just have smaller hands, then a screen size of around 5.5-inches is already good. However, if you are planning on using your phones for entertainment purposes like videos and games, then go for the big screens.
You might also want to consider looking at the screen-to-body ratio of the phones because not all large phones come with an equally large screen size and that all has to do with the bezels. Most brands these days do offer slim bezels like Xiaomi phones, which allows for a more proportional screen size. Generally, all mobile phone brands will have both options of a small screen and a large screen so you would not have to explore a separate brand just to find a different size.
Display – Resolution, colour quality, and brightness
Brands will always advertise a high-resolution screen with their new releases but while it is nice to have a 4K screen on a phone, it can also be overkill. Plus, the screen is still too small for you to really appreciate crazy high screen resolution. Instead, it is better to pay attention to the other details like the brightness and the colours of the panel because those will actually be important when you use your phone.
A bright display will make it easier for you to see your phone when you are outside and a display with a higher range of colour depth will allow for more dynamic and vivid visuals. There are also some models on the market that come with ambient light sensors that will adjust the display according to your surroundings.
Camera
There is another aspect on the phone that brands will constantly try to innovate and outdo one another and that is the camera. Many of us do think that the camera is the most important feature when it comes to a smartphone which is why we tend to want the best quality cameras with the highest megapixels.
However, there are other things that you should consider when it comes to smartphone cameras and that includes the aperture, the type of lenses, as well as features like optical image stabilisation. The megapixels can still be important, but the other features are what makes smartphone cameras more functional and flexible.
Battery life
The battery is easily an important aspect to smartphone users and that is why most brands are upgrading their battery capacity as well as the charging capabilities. A tip when choosing a phone is not to settle for one that will last you 10 hours or less. When you use your smartphone, you are using more than just to call or message someone. Chances are, you are using the phone is surf the web, play some games, and even connect to people via social media so your phone will need to keep up with all that you do in a day.
There is no reason why you should settle for a shorter battery capacity just to save some extra cash because even budget phones are now offering long-lasting batteries. Another thing to look for is fast charging capabilities. We are constantly on the go and in a rush so that means we cannot afford to sit and wait for our phones while they are charging. Having a phone with fast charging capabilities is a plus and will definitely come in handy when you are pressed for time.
Ample storage
Another thing you should not settle for when it comes to phones is a storage space that is less than 32GB. If you have previously used a phone with 16GB worth of internal storage, you may have realised that half of the space has been used up by pre-installed apps and software updates. That is why it is better to opt for a storage space of 32GB and above so you can store more games, photos, and videos.
The new standard of storage for most flagship phones is around 64GB and only budget phones come with 16GB. However, most of those budget phones are Androids so at least you can still have the option of expanding the storage with a microSD card. Overall, it is not worth getting a phone with a small storage space, even if it is to save some money.
Business phone number
If you will be using your phone for business, then a business phone number is incredibly useful. These can lend credibility to a business and help drive sales and new customers to a business. A vanity phone number can help a business market their number with greater ease and help customers to remember the business number when the time comes to make a call. For more information, consider using this vanity phone number generator.
Summary
Searching for the right smartphone can be a long and tedious process but not everyone can just change their phone when a new one launches so it pays to choose the one that works the best for you. Also, phones are more than just a simple device. It is our companion, our work, our life, and our entertainment, so investing the time and effort to get the right one will benefit us in the long run.
Featured image: Adomas Aleno/Unsplash
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