13 Important Things to Consider When Buying New Phones
There are so many smartphones available out there today! These devices are no longer just for making calls or receiving SMS messages; you can run almost every aspect of your day-to-day life through your smartphone. Due to this, it can be very difficult to know which smartphone is the one for you. Here are 13 important things to consider when buying new phones.
13 things to consider when you’re in the market for a new smartphone
1. How much do you want to spend?
This is the most obvious but one of the greatest and most important considerations of them all. There is no point in fantasizing about a smartphone that can satisfy all your needs if you don’t have the money for it. The best thing to do is see how much you can spend on a smartphone, then base all other considerations around that. This is one of the 13 important things to consider when buying new phones.
The more bells and whistles a smartphone has, the costlier it will be. It is a popular smartphone with high-quality hardware and fancy features. Because of that, paying cash outright for some of today’s high-end smartphones can cost an arm and a leg.
2. What type of phone will be the best for you?
Usually, most smartphones look the same at face value. However, they’re all different. Some are made of glass, while others are made of metal or plastic. If the build material of a smartphone really matters to you, then it’s worth considering.
For some people, a smartphone is more than just a communication-cum-entertainment tool. It’s an accessory or statement tool. For someone like that, a plastic phone cannot cut it. A glass smartphone is more up their ally as to how glamorous and premium it looks.
There are many people who care more about comfort and practicality. Glass is fragile, and that puts some people off because of how easily it can break and the fact that glass-back smartphones don’t usually have removable batteries.
Also, remember this, if you want a phone that can charge wirelessly, chances are it will be made of glass and the battery won’t be removable. Metal does not work well with wireless charging.
3. How are you going to use the phone primarily?
The days when phones were used primarily for making and receiving calls are long gone. These days, many people use their smartphones more than just calling. If you’re looking to buy a new phone, you need to know what you’re going to use it for most, so that you can satisfy those needs.
For example, if you love playing mobile games on a smartphone, better to buy a gaming smartphone, which is specifically made and marketed for that purpose.
Another example is if you have a personal number and business number but don’t want to use two phones. Getting a phone that allows you to use two SIM cards at the same time can be great.
If you’re interested in photography or creating video content with your phone more than anything, then it’s best you focus your attention on the camera in your search for a new phone.
In case you buy a smartphone just because it is popular without considering what you actually want to use it for, you might end up being disappointed by its performance or paying too much for features you don’t really need. If you want a general smartphone that can do a bit of everything, then look for an all-rounder with some pretty decent specs.
4. Mobile carriers and affordable plans
You should search for the best cell phone plans offered by the various mobile providers. Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile each have something amazing to offer customers, and will often provide complete packages including data, calls and SMS. Who knows, maybe it’s the right time for you to consider changing your current provider. Moreover, you can even keep your current phone number.
5. Operating system
You can select the right operating system as per your choice. Most people go for android ones as it is affordable but you may also opt for iOS which is a bit expensive. Whatever you plan to buy, you should brush up on the history of the OS. And as per your budget and need, you should opt for the right OS device.
6. Design and functionality
When selecting a new smartphone, personal taste is a major decision point, both in terms of software and outward appearance. Some people may prefer more rounded lines and a sinuous design, whereas others like a sturdier look, characterized by straight lines and sharp metal edges. It is a truth that with each passing month and the succession of launch events we see within the industry, smartphones are increasingly starting to resemble one another and the choice available is strongly influenced by marketing campaigns and trends.
But, design signifies functionality. A metal unibody is stylish and trendy, but in some cases prevents you from using some features such as a microSD card or a headphone jack. Before buying, check the quality of the device to ensure you’ll be able to use it in the way which is most comfortable and convenient for you if these elements are important to you.
7. Size and type of display
If you like to receive news updates or simply get lost in the HD graphics of the latest Android games, you should really consider a smartphone that is equipped with a display of at least 5.7 inches. For those that use the smartphone mainly for WhatsApp or to read Facebook posts, a smaller screen will be more than sufficient.
As for the display technology, there are two main types in Android: LCD and AMOLED. The main difference between the two lies in the projection of light. In theory, LCD screens tend to be brighter and display content better when in direct sunlight, while the AMOLED display offers sharper contrast and more saturated colours.
In practice, however, with the passage of time and the arrival of new technologies, the difference between the two is becoming less noticeable. That said, Full-HD, FullHD+, or QHD resolution for images are almost always impeccable.
8. Internal storage
When you’re planning your next smartphone, check the RAM and internal storage, but not just what it says on the sticker. Take a look at how much space the preinstalled apps take up. You can use a MicroSD card to expand your smartphone’s storage capacity. Do not forget that a larger internal memory is recommended over using an external card.
At the same time, before you opt for a model with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, think about how much you’ll actually use. If you are using your smartphone as an external hard drive for your computer by saving movies, music, files and heavy apps, you’re probably OK with 64GB.
Not to mention that you can take advantage of cloud services to save some space and still always have your files at hand, provided you have an internet connection. As a rule, considering smartphones on the market, it is advisable to opt for at least 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal memory.
9. Battery life
It is one of the most important features to consider when choosing a new smartphone. Do not be fooled. A higher number of mAh does not amount to more and more battery life, or to a longer battery life cycle. The factors that come into play are different and it’s worth knowing them.
For example, you should consider that screens with a higher resolution consume more energy, while the latest processors optimize battery life. Then there are display refresh rates and quick charging technology to think about. Rather than just looking at tech specs, it’s best to check out reviews and benchmark results to know how all these factors perform when combined in a single device. Opt for the standard mAh.
10. Camera quality and creativity
Smartphone manufacturers are starting to pay more attention to camera quality and features lately, and that’s a great thing for users. The number of megapixels, hybrid autofocus, optical stabilization, manual modes, special effects, and special selfie features: smartphones are becoming more and more like a digital cameras.
Once again, do not forget not to dwell too much on the numbers shown on the technical sheet. The MP does not tell the whole story and it is important to get an idea of the type of integrated sensor, lens quality, and pixel size. But once you’re in the store it will cost you nothing to start the camera app and check the brightness of the shots and software features for yourself.
11. Software and integrated functions
Are you looking for a phone that can do absolutely everything? Are you one of those people who needs a built-in fingerprint sensor, heart rate monitor, UV sensor, Swiss Army knife, and a batmobile? You have a wide range of choices here, from the latest top of the line to a mid-range smartphone you will find all the latest hardware innovations.
But don’t restrict yourself to choosing a smartphone based on the hardware features. Activate the display and explore the software in-depth to find out what hidden features are there and if it provides options that work for you. Often share the device with your children?
Ensure you have a guest mode or parental control. Do you like reading ebooks directly on your smartphone? Select an interface that allows you to adjust the hue of the display and that implements some anti-strain eye protection. In short, do not stop at appearances and thoroughly investigate the system.
12. Look for sound, if it matters to you
Although there are not many people actually caring enough about the sound that comes from the loudspeaker of a phone to make a purchase decision based on it. That being said, there actually are some differences in the quality of sound that comes from individual smartphones that some people might appreciate.
For example, some smartphones boast stereo sound instead of the popular mono sound. Some smartphones have a higher bit rate and sampling rate than others. Good sound quality does matter for a mobile gamer, mobile filmmaker, or an audiophile.
13. Price compared to the performance
Last on this list, but probably the first factor to consider if you are working on a shoestring budget is definitely the price. What do you want to spend on your next smartphone? Is it worth it to use all your salary or is it perhaps appropriate to limit yourself and choose something cheaper but equally powerful and in step with the times? The choice is yours, but be aware that for any price range there are some devices better than others.
Synopsis
So, what are you looking for in a smartphone? Are there any features that can be a big deal or breaker when it comes to selecting the right smartphone? I already have all the factors listed in this blog for your reference and use. Above are the 13 important things to consider when buying new phones.
