Smartphone Buying Guide: 11 Things to Consider Before Buying a Smartphone

When it comes to buying a smartphone, there are a lot of things to consider. Here, we will share the smartphone buying guide, and the 11 things to consider when buying a smartphone

Do you want an iPhone or an Android? What about the size of the screen? And what kind of specs does your phone need to run the latest apps and games? In this guide, we will explain all of the important specs and terms that you need to know before making your purchase. We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the right smartphone for your needs. So whether you’re a tech-savvy individual or you’re just starting in the world of smartphones, this guide is for you!

First, let’s start with the basics. A smartphone is a handheld device that combines the functions of a cellphone and a personal digital assistant (PDA). They typically run on one of two operating systems: iOS (iPhone) or Android (Google). Smartphones come in all shapes and sizes, but they usually have large touchscreens and allow users to install various apps and perform many different tasks.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk about specs. When it comes to smartphones, there are a couple of things to consider before buying a smartphone.

1.) Processor

The processor is the heart of your smartphone. It’s responsible for running all of the apps and games on your phone. 

Types of Processor used in Smartphones

– Mediatek: 

Mediatek is a Taiwanese multinational semiconductor company that offers a wide range of smartphone processors. The company has a wide range of products, from entry-level to high-end. Mediatek also has a good record in terms of energy efficiency.

– Qualcomm Snapdragon: 

Qualcomm Snapdragon is a line of mobile systems on chips (SoCs) designed and marketed by Qualcomm Technologies Inc. Snapdragon SoCs are embedded in devices of various systems, including Android, Windows Phone, and netbooks. They include many proprietary technologies related to wireless communications and multimedia processing. 

– Apple Smartphone Processor: 

Apple designs the A-series chips that power its iPhones and iPads, as well as the S1 and S2 chips that are used in the Apple Watch. The A-series chips are faster and more powerful with each new generation, and the same can be said of the S-series chips. Apple’s processor advantage has helped it maintain its position as the leading smartphone maker. 

– Exynos: 

Exynos is a series of SoCs developed by Samsung Electronics. The Exynos brand covers a wide range of products including systems on chips (SoCs) for smartphones, tablets, digital signage, and in-vehicle infotainment systems. Exynos SoCs are used in Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones and tablets, as well as in other devices such as Chromebooks.

– Kirin: 

Kirin is a brand of smartphone processors developed by Huawei. The company offers a wide range of products, from entry-level to high-end. Kirin also has a good record in terms of energy efficiency.

So, the Processor is one of the things to consider when buying a smartphone. 

2.) GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)

Smartphone GPUs are used to process and render graphics on a smartphone. They are used to improve the quality of the smartphone display, as well as the performance of apps and games that require graphics processing. Smartphone GPUs are typically used in conjunction with a central processing unit (CPU), and they may also be used in conjunction with a dedicated graphics processing unit (GPU). 

Smartphone GPUs are designed to be power efficient so that they do not drain the battery too quickly. They are also designed to be small so that they do not take up too much space on a smartphone.

3.) Display & Resolution

The display is the next important specs to consider. smartphone displays come in all shapes and sizes, but they usually fall into one of three categories: LCD, OLED, or AMOLED. LCDs are the most common type of display, and they’re typically found on lower-end smartphones. OLED and AMOLED displays are more expensive, but they offer better image quality and higher contrast ratios.

  • LCD (liquid crystal display) is a type of flat panel display used in LCD TVs, laptops, and smartphones. LCDs use a small amount of electricity to produce light. 
  • AMOLED (active-matrix organic LED) is a newer type of LCD that uses an organic film to produce light. 
  • Super AMOLED is an even newer type of AMOLED that uses a thinner film. 
  • OLED (organic LED) is similar to LCD but uses an organic compound that glows when electricity is applied. 

Resolution is the number of pixels in an LCD or OLED display. A pixel is a tiny dot of light that makes up the picture on your screen. The more pixels there are, the more detailed the picture can be.  

LCD, OLED, and Super AMOLED

When buying a smartphone, it’s important to consider the type of display and the resolution. LCD and OLED displays both have their pros and cons. LCDs are usually less expensive, but they use more power and can’t get as bright as OLEDs. OLEDs are more expensive, but they’re more energy efficient and can get much brighter than LCDs. 

Super AMOLEDs offer the best of both worlds, with bright, energy-efficient displays that don’t cost too much. When it comes to resolution, more is generally better. A higher resolution means a sharper, more detailed picture. However, you’ll also need more storage space for high-resolution photos and videos. So if you’re looking for the best possible display quality, look for a phone with a high-resolution OLED or Super AMOLED display.

4.) Camera

Smartphone cameras have come a long way in recent years, and they’re now capable of taking some amazing photos and videos. Most phones have at least two cameras: a rear-facing camera for taking photos and a front-facing camera for video calls and selfies. 

So, those are the three main specs to keep in mind when shopping for a smartphone. But there are also a few other things to consider, such as storage capacity, battery life, and connectivity.

5.) Storage Capacity

Smartphones have come a long way in terms of memory and storage capacity. Today’s high-end smartphones can have up to 8GB of RAM, and some even offer up to 256GB of internal storage. But what do these numbers mean? 

RAM, or random access memory, is the type of memory used by the processor to store data that can be accessed quickly. This is the memory that is used when the phone is turned on and running apps. The more RAM a phone has, the faster it will be able to run programs and switch between tasks.

ROM, or read-only memory, is used to store the operating system and other essential files. This type of memory is not accessible by the user and cannot be modified. ROM is generally much smaller in size than RAM, but it is still important for the proper functioning of the phone.

So, when you’re looking at smartphone specs, pay attention to the amount of RAM and ROM – they’ll give you an indication of how fast and responsive the phone will be, as well as how much storage space you’ll have for your apps and data.

6.) Battery Life

Battery life is another important consideration, especially if you’re planning on using your phone for gaming or other resource-intensive tasks. Most phones will last for at least a full day of moderate use, but some models can last for two days or more.

Image of a black android without back cover showing mobile battery on top of the table

7.) Connectivity 

Seventh, we have connectivity. Most smartphones come with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built-in, but some also offer support for NFC (near-field communication) and 5G. NFC is used for mobile payments and other short-range wireless interactions, while 5G is the next generation of mobile data technology.

8.) Build Quality

When you buy a smartphone, you want it to last. That’s why build quality is an important consideration. A phone with a well-built casing and solid internals are more likely to withstand the rigors of daily use than one that feels flimsy and cheaply made. While build quality doesn’t necessarily correlate with price, it’s usually a good idea to steer clear of the cheapest models on the market. They’re likely to be made from lower-quality materials and may not stand up to wear and tear as well as a more expensive phone. 

So when you’re shopping for a new smartphone, be sure to pay attention to the build quality. It could make all the difference in how long your new phone lasts.

9.) Security Features 

In today’s world, our smartphones are increasingly becoming our most prized possession. They contain a wealth of personal information, from our photos and videos to our financial information and private conversations. With so much at stake, it’s important to choose a smartphone that has robust security features to protect your data. Look for a phone that offers features like biometric authentication, data encryption, and a secure boot process. These will go a long way in protecting your data from hackers and thieves.

Moreover, be sure to choose a smartphone from a reputable brand that has a strong track record when it comes to security. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your smartphone is safe and secure.

 

10.) Audio/Speakers

When choosing a smartphone, audio and speakers should be one of the key considerations. The quality of the audio and speakers will determine how clear and loud the sound is, and whether or not you’ll be able to enjoy music, movies, and games on your phone.  

Many smartphones now come with high-quality audio and speakers, so it’s worth checking out the specs before you make your purchase. You’ll also want to think about how you’ll be using your smartphone. If you’re looking for a phone that you can use for entertainment purposes, then audio and speaker quality will be more important to you than if you’re just using your phone for basic calls and text messages. 

With so many great options on the market, there’s no excuse to settle for a phone with poor audio and speaker quality. So take the time to do your research and find the perfect smartphone for you.

11.) Price

Lastly, when considering which smartphone to buy, price is an important factor to take into account. In general, more expensive smartphones will offer better performance, more features, and higher build quality than their cheaper counterparts. 

However, it’s important to remember that not everyone needs the latest and greatest smartphone on the market. For many people, a budget smartphone will be perfectly adequate for their needs. So, when deciding on a smartphone, it’s important to consider what you need and wants from the device, rather than just opting for the most expensive model available. By doing this, you’re more likely to end up with a smartphone that meets your needs and doesn’t break the bank.

So, those are the main things to keep in mind when shopping for a smartphone. Processor, display type and resolution, camera, storage capacity, battery life, connectivity, audio or speaker, price, and build quality, are all important factors to consider. Take your time to compare different models and find the perfect phone for your needs.

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