Quick Smartphone Buying Guide: Key Tips and Recommendations
Do you want to buy a new smartphone and wonder which one to choose? The experts of our team have created a dedicated guide for you.
So, if you’re looking for a specific price range or brand, you can find the perfect smartphone with this guide. Without further due, here are the factors you should take into account when you buy a smartphone.
The size of the phone
Between a 6.3-inch and a 4.7-inch smartphone, there is a big difference. If you often watch videos, if you are a big fan of video games or if you use your smartphone for office work or generally in a professional setting, a large screen brings more comfort for both consultation and typing.
A smaller screen, on the other hand, will be easier to fit in a pocket and easier to hold. The current trend is towards large screens, which is bad for fans of small smartphones.
The operating system
This is a matter of taste. Without going into details, Android is very dominant today and offers great freedom to the user. As a direct consequence, it is also the least secure since it concentrates the vast majority of viruses and other malware on mobiles.
In contrast, Apple’s iOS is renowned for its security and ease of use, but remains a closed system, with the constraints that this implies.
Another aspect to take into account is the number of applications available on the different stores. iOS and Android are still leading the race with hundreds of thousands of free or paid applications.
The camera (photo function)
Many users pay special attention to their smartphone’s camera, and for good reason: what could be more practical than a phone to capture their favorite vacation moments? So, beware of the manufacturers’ glittering figures, millions of pixels are not everything.
Other important criteria must be taken into account, such as the zoom, the HDR function (process of optimization of the shooting), the Led Flash, the Panorama mode, the stabilization or the slow-motion mode. The editing and sharing options should not be neglected either. Apple and Sony are known for the quality of their smartphone sensors.
Today, manufacturers are multiplying the sensors and lenses to offer more creative ways to take pictures. The optical zoom will delight lovers of distant details, the ultra-wide-angle mode will be perfect for landscapes or group photos while the macro mode will be used to observe the small details of everyday life.
RAM and Processor
The RAM, as well as the processor are a central element in the power of smartphones and tablets. It is this duo that determines the overall performance of the device, its responsiveness, etc. Often indicated on the technical data sheet of the device, it is therefore an easily accessible information and a non-negligible criterion to integrate before choosing your phone.
The RAM of the new smartphones ranges from 4 to 18 GB. The higher the number, the better the multitasking experience.
Regarding processors, there are several manufacturers, however, it is the “Qualcomm Snapdragon” that equips a large part of Android phones. On the other hand, the Apple iPhone features Bionic chips that have been developed by the American firm.
Battery life
Here again, this is a very important factor. Many smartphones don’t last 2 days in intensive use, and that’s unfortunate. The problem is that the quality of the battery decreases very quickly over time. To put yourself in the green area, always take a look at the initial displayed autonomy and try to take the biggest one possible, but we think that you have to either follow the recommendations to charge your battery well.
To improve your smartphone battery
Sim card: Normal, Micro, Nano, and Dual SIM
Today, you can find 3 different sizes of SIM card: micro-sim, standard and nano-sim. The standard format is no longer very popular, only the micro and nano formats remain. But, the size of the sim card has no impact on the quality of reception/connection of calls or the internet. It is Apple who is at the origin of the nano format, and it was to save space in their design of the iPhone. It is also possible to buy dual-sim smartphones to have 2 SIM card slots.
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) value
The SAR value is also a crucial factor to consider when buying a smartphone. SAR measures the amount of radio frequency (RF) energy absorbed by the human body when using a mobile device. A lower SAR value indicates that a smartphone emits less RF radiation, potentially reducing the health risks associated with prolonged exposure.
Prioritizing a low SAR value is essential to avoid health effects, especially if you plan to use the devices extensively or are in close contact with them on a regular basis.
A universal charger
Today, USB-C charger has become the new standard. Most Android phones have opted for this practical and reversible port. Only Apple persists with its Lightning port still present on the iPhone. In the meantime, if you buy an Android phone, chances are it will be equipped with a USB-C port, which has become the most popular option.
