If you want to kick off 2023 with a new smartphone, there are plenty of options to choose from. However, this wide variety, while beneficial, can also make the process of buying a smartphone challenging. How do you know which one is best for you?
One of the keys to choosing a phone is to ask yourself what you want to do with it. When you know this, it will be easier to start the search. In any case, there are certain factors to consider before choosing a model. Here’s what you need to pay attention to.
Operating System: Android vs. iOS
The first thing you have to evaluate before buying a cell phone is the operating system you want to use. The two most popular are Android and iOS, and depending on this decision you can choose one or the other.
The choice is usually more a matter of personal preference, but also of budget, as iOS devices are usually more expensive than most Android devices.
Each has its advantages. Apple’s software, for example, stands out for its ease of use, while Google’s stands out for its greater customization and variety in its purchasing options. And iOS is only available on iPhones while Android is the operating system of all other brands, including Samsung, OnePlus and Xiaomi.
Size
What size do you want your cell phone to be? This is an important point, because nowadays there are different sizes. The smallest models are easy to handle with one hand and fit perfectly in your pocket. However, they are not very comfortable for watching series or movies, nor for playing games.
If your goal is to watch multimedia content and download games, it is best to choose models with a slightly larger screen. However, you should consider that they are difficult to use with one hand and that you will not be able to carry them easily in your pocket.
Performance
It is determined by its processor, RAM memory and internal storage, although the performance of these elements as a whole depends on the operating system of the device. iPhones, for example, have less RAM than Android devices; this is due to how well integrated iOS is with Apple’s own chip.
If you are a multitasking user, the ideal is to buy a cell phone with more RAM capacity. This applies to Android devices, as they generally work better with more memory of this type. It is best to opt for models with at least 8GB of RAM. For advanced users, 12GB is more suitable.
The SoC (system on chip) is what will determine how well the phone will perform. Mid-range processors, such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, for example, are excellent for delivering a smooth experience and keeping costs down.
In contrast, a newer chipset like the Snapdragon 8 Gen offers much more advanced performance. It allows, among other things, recording 8K video, watching HDR content, handling advanced computational photography, and using demanding Android games. You have to evaluate then your usage needs to decide what type of processor your device should have.
Regarding storage capacity, most mobiles have 64 or 128 GB as a base, as the 32 GB has fallen short. If you are someone who takes a lot of photos and saves videos, the memory should be at least 128 GB.
Camera
Nowadays, the camera is one of the most relevant elements of a smartphone. Most devices offer a decent system, but it’s important to make sure it’s just what you expect or need.
Don’t be fooled by specifications that don’t necessarily influence the quality of photos and videos, such as sensors with many megapixels. That is, in practice, a camera with 50 MP does not necessarily have to be better than a 12 MP camera. The quality depends on other factors such as the software for image processing.
Generally, more expensive phones beat more affordable ones in this area. But some devices like Google’s mid-range Pixel 6a offer great low-light performance, for example.
Battery
If you don’t want your cell phone to spend half the day glued to a plug, you have to make sure it has a good autonomy. To do this, you have to check the battery capacity, although you can’t forget that its duration depends a lot on the use you make of it.
In any case, a smartphone that offers good autonomy is one whose battery lasts about a full day of use. It is also important that the device can be charged reliably and quickly thanks to the optimization systems it incorporates and fast charging technology.
Prices
In addition to the features of the cell phone, you should pay attention to the prices, especially if you have a limited budget. Smartphones have different price ranges that differentiate the quality of design, performance and novelty of the equipment.
If your budget is low, you can find phones between 100 and 300 dollars. In the mid-range, you could buy phones between 300 and 600 dollars. If you are looking for an entry-level flagship cell phone, you will have to pay between $650 and $850. And if you want a so-called flagship like the latest iPhone or a Samsung S line, the price is between $850 and $1000 or even more.
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