Things to consider when buying a new smartphone

by Shopify API March 11, 2021

The thought of buying the latest smartphone is exciting. There are a whole plethora of features left to explore and you get a completely new handset for carrying out different functions and activities. But a new phone is a one-time investment that will last you longer and will cost you quite a bit. The most expensive phone doesn't need to be the best for you- you might not even use all the features and capabilities. Let's delve deeper and understand how you can make the right choice for yourself-

1. Operating System

The first thing that you should consider is the OS or the Operating System. You have two choices- Google's Android or Apple's iOS. It is important to choose the right software, as that is what powers your smartphone. Android is generally the go-to choice as the platform is widely compatible and more customizable. You would see more number of Android devices as compared to iOS devices in the market.

If you are a hardcore Google Apps user and use Gmail, Maps and the likes, then you should go for an Android. Also, Android devices are undoubtedly more affordable.

On the other hand, iOS or iPhones have an easy-to-use interface. iPhones score when it comes to security and there is strict quality control on apps that you can download from the app store. iPhones are great for avid Apple users and these users can easily interconnect their smartphone. with other Apple devices. iPhones cost a lot more and offer premium services like iTunes, FaceTime and iCloud- not available on Android platforms.

2. Design

This is one very important parameter that should be considered. There are generally two types of builds- metal and plastic. Many models nowadays have a "guerilla" glass that provides extreme sturdiness. Some may prefer rounded edges and some may want a sharper-looking smartphone. Flip phones are making a comeback too. A metal body may be all black and may look great but may have limited jacks or prevent the usage of microSD cards.

3. Size and type of display

The screen size is important for many. If you are an avid gamer, you may want to go for a larger screen size for a good gaming experience. Those who have a problem with font size or want to watch hours of Netflix on their phones should opt for the same. A screen of at least 5.7 inches should be opted for. For the ones who just want to check their social media notifications or just want to text, a smaller screen size should work.

Android also has two types of display tech- LCD and AMOLED. LCD tends to display brighter colours in sunlight while the AMOLED displays better contrast. However, the differences are now becoming minute. Users can also choose between Full HD, 4K resolution, etc.

4. Processor

The processor drives the performance of your handset. Processor speed is important, especially when it comes to software updates. It also determines how fast you can carry out all the activities on your phone. Someone who streams videos a lot or plays a lot of games and doesn't want lags, opting for a higher processing speed becomes important. For a gamer, we suggest an Android with a Snapdragon 835 processor. The processors in the latest iPhones are the fastest till date. However, over time, due to innovations, the processor matters less as now even midrange phones offer good performance.

5. RAM

Nowadays, a 1 GB system memory is not enough. 2GB is standard for models today. 4GB and 6GB are available on premium phones. 8 GB phones work great for gaming.

6. Internal Storage

Internal storage is very important today, especially with the advent of more apps and more people inclined to take photos and videos. The minimum is 32 GB. 64 GB is great if you want heavy-duty apps on your phones for opening your office documents, etc. You might need 128 GB if you want premium resolution videos or games. Many Android phones’ capacity can be increased with the help of a microSD card. Apple’s iPhones offer cloud storage. It is free up to a limit but costs money if you want more storage. The iCloud is a good solution for those who have a lot of information saved on their phones.

7. Battery Life

Any phone that lasts more than 10 hours is deemed one with a great battery. Look for a phone that has at least 3,000 mAh if you want long battery life. Some phones offer super-fast charging. A lot of Oneplus phones come with turbochargers. Also, if you are one of those who want to be able to charge your handsets when you are hurrying for a meeting, wireless charging is the new in-thing. A Qualcomm Quick Charge 4.0 is a good standard to look at. Removable batteries are not commonplace these days because they aren't water-resistant. The benefit of this design is that the battery is easily replaceable and you wouldn't have to pay for repair service. iPhones have started supporting wireless charging through compatible charging mats.

8. Fingerprint Security

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. The placement of the sensor matters too. It can be located in the middle or can be located next to the camera. The iPhone’s Touch ID is used to make purchases in the Apple store, whereas the touch feature in Samsung phones can be used with Android Pay. The newest addition is the Face ID in iPhones that identifies the user's face. However, it tends to be a bit slower than fingerprint sensors.

9. Camera

The camera has become an important element for mobile photography enthusiasts. Generally, people look at the megapixels and think that the more the megapixels, the better the mobile. But this is a wrong assumption. There are a lot of other factors that need to be considered like Sensors, Lens and Apertures. Larger sensors capture more light. Pixel count determines the details and the resolution of images. The lens can be used for their aperture and zoom features. Aperture determines how much light can travel through. Zoom is required for closing in on objects.

iPhones are now a class apart. With the latest iPhone 11 models having 3 cameras, namely the telephoto, wide and ultra-wide cameras, they let you do a lot more with the pictures you take.

10. OS Updates

A lot of us don't give this parameter due importance. If you buy an iPhone, be rest assured that you will get the latest software update. However, this is not the case with Android barring a few like Google Pixel. Even today, phones with Android 8.1 Oreo are being launched. It's important to check which brands let you update your software regularly. This improves the overall functioning of your mobile system and fixes bugs and issues.

11. Check the recent launches

March and November are two months where most mobile phones are launched. This is also when slightly older models’ prices are slashed. Be smart and opt for a slightly older model for almost the same features as the newer models.

12. Used or new- what to choose?

Used smartphones are a viable option, but they might be stolen or worn out. Try to buy a second-hand phone from a known dealer. A used one might save you money but may entail repair costs. It’s better to use it as a secondary device, especially if you aren’t going to use it frequently. Remember, the device’s condition should be good and it shouldn’t be too old.

We hope that now you have enough idea about what to look for when you head out to buy a new phone. Merely looking at the features isn't enough- you need to consider the cost, brand reputation and the after-sales services available too. To buy the best smartphone for your needs and to get great advice, visit our premium retail outlets near you or call us at 8001279999 for assistance.