Guidelines for selecting a smartphone: Discovering the perfect device to suit your needs
Here's a laid-back, easy-to-understand mobile phone buying guide for those who value straightforward advice.
Smartphones: The One Thing You Can't Live Without!
In this crazy world, smartphones have become essential survival tools. Use them to connect, pay bills, shop online, find directions, entertain yourself, and more! With so many brands, models, and price points available, it can be hard to know which one offers the best bang for your buck. This friendly guide is here to help you navigate the smartphone jungle.
Before taking the plunge, consider these questions:
To Buy or Not to Buy, That is the QuestionShould you buy a phone outright or through a plan? It depends on your financial situation. Paying upfront will save money in the long run, but if that's not feasible, you can opt for post-paid phone plans offered by various telecom companies. These allow you to make smaller monthly payments for the phone (in addition to call and data charges) over a specified period (usually 12, 24, or 36 months). Research and compare costs before making a decision.
The OS Wars: Apple iPhone (iOS) vs Google Android
The operating system (OS) is what makes your phone turn on and off. There are three options, but realistically, it's a battle between two:
- iOS, Apple's OS, is perfect if you already own or plan to buy other Apple devices, like an iPad, MacBook, or iMac. If you appreciate dependable sameness with no surprises and solid compatibility with a good range of devices, go for iOS. You do pay a premium price, but the operating system for Apple's laptop and desktop devices has evolved to have a similar look and feel to the iPhone, making transitions seamless. Plus, if you're considering buying the Apple Watch, you'll need an iPhone, as the Watch won't work with any other smartphone. Apple also provides ongoing OS updates and security support for several years.
- Google Android is an open platform, allowing any company to develop apps for smart devices that use the Android operating system. If you like to customize your mobile experience and want to work with the latest tech devices as soon as they come out, Android is the choice for you. The openness of Android's OS means there may not be the exact 'sameness' in the look and feel compared to Apple's closed iOS environment. The latest Android smartphones are made by companies that introduce their own look and feel elements. You may prefer Motorola phones over Samsung or Oppo phones, even though they all operate on the same Android OS.
Don't Fall Victim to Poor ReceptionYou'll be lucky to use your smartphone if it doesn't have proper reception. Stick with 4G and the latest 5G networks for the best mobile experience. Make sure your next phone supports these networks in your local area, particularly if you're using your smartphone as your home phone.
Battery Life: The Lifeblood of Your SmartphoneA phone completely drained after a day of use can be infuriating. Remember that battery life is affected by the increased functionality of a smartphone with a large screen. Higher capacity batteries generally deliver longer battery life. If you require constant smartphone use and can't find a charger, consider investing in a powerbank.
Snap Away with a Great CameraThe camera quality of your smartphone is determined by more than just its resolution. Good camera performance in different lighting situations is crucial. Look for a model with a dedicated camera button and an LED flash. Plus, most smartphones now have a front-facing camera, making selfies and video calls a breeze.
Extra Features to Look For
- Connection types: Make sure your smartphone uses the same connection (e.g., micro-USB, USB-C, or Apple's proprietary Lightning connection) as your other devices.
- Near Field Communication (NFC): Useful for cashless transactions and quick device pairing. Apple is the last major company yet to embrace NFC technology.
- Tethering or hotspot: Allows you to share your internet connection with other devices, like smartphones or laptop computers.
- Flight mode: Turn off all phone functions without turning off the device entirely using the airplane icon in the settings menu.
- GPS: Supports offline navigation applications. Note that the GPS score in CHOICE's tests is calculated using the included software only.
- Headphone connection type: Phones with a 2.5mm or 3.5mm jack allow you to use standard headphones. The latest iPhones and many Android smartphones remove this feature, so prepare to go wireless or use a dongle with prefered headphones.
- Memory card: Phones with memory card slots have the option of expanded memory for photos, videos, and music storage.
The Best Smartphone Brands in 2024With so many smartphone brands out there, finding the best can be a challenge. That's where CHOICE comes in. Based on its independent testing, surveys of its members, and test results, CHOICE has determined the best smartphone brands for 2024. Check out the standings to find the brand that fits your needs.
Get More Life Out of Your Old PhoneEven if your old smartphone is outdated, it doesn't have to die. Repurpose it as a universal remote for smart home devices, a music or video player during flights, or a baby monitor.
Recycle, Recycle, RecycleThinking of buying a new phone? Don't forget to recycle your old one. Smartphones contain valuable metals, and 99% can be reused when recycled correctly. Find the nearest Mobile Muster location to responsibly recycle your old smartphone, accessories, and batteries.
Remember: Knowledge is power, so do your homework before buying your next smartphone. Happy shopping, my friends!
When making your choice, consider whether buying a phone outright or through a plan fits your financial situation better. Also, consider the operating system (OS) you prefer – iOS for a seamless experience with other Apple devices, or Android for customization and the latest tech devices.
