Smartphones have become integral elements of everyday life. We use them for almost anything – calls, texts, social media, videos, photos, accessing information, translation, education, gaming, setting work schedules, tracking, business, and so on.
In a struggle to dominate the smartphone industry, phone companies like Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Oppo, Google Pixel, and so many more have manufactured infinite smartphone models. This horde of smartphones in the market makes it quite challenging to select the best and many people end up making the wrong choice. But not you, because this buying guide will teach you everything you need to know to make the right smartphone choice.
What are the factors to consider before buying a smartphone?
There are many smartphone brands, the most popular of which are Apple, Tecno, Samsung, Huawei, Microsoft, Nokia, Oppo, and Google, and they have patented systems that make them unique. These brands, in turn, manufacture various models every year with different components and features too. These systems, features, and components are the factors you need to consider before making a smartphone buy, and we will be highlighting some of them below.
Operating system
Android and iOs (for iPhones) are the best mobile operating systems in the market. And choosing between either of them is purely based on preference. For example, Android smartphones will allow you to customize features such as font style, launchers, wallpapers, and whatnot. iOs phones don’t offer much in terms of customization; however, they provide high-level security courtesy of their closed platform and are generally better at multitasking. Some people find iOs devices easier to operate, while some disagree.
So, it really boils down to what you’re used to or comfortable with.
Storage
We store data, files, music, videos, images, backups, and so many more on our phones every day. So, it’s only wise to choose a phone with enough storage space to last you for a long time. If you won’t be saving too much stuff on your phone, then a phone with at least 32 GB storage space should do just fine. If the opposite is the case, consider selecting a smartphone with up to 64 GB of storage space or more.
Camera
If you love taking high-resolution pictures or videos of yourself, family, animals, or nature, camera quality should matter to you when making a smartphone choice. In case you didn’t know, high megapixels don’t necessarily translate to high picture quality in smartphones. If you’re the type that loves being creative with pictures and videos, then you should go for smartphone models with special camera functions like filters, optical stabilization, wide aperture, auto-detection flash, manual, portrait mode, HDR, hybrid autofocus, and other special effects.
When it comes to camera quality and creativity, the best phone brands you should look out for are Google Pixels, iPhones, Huawei, and Samsung.
RAM
RAM is what temporarily stores information from applications running in the background, and it determines the speed and fluidity of your phone’s operations. If you are only performing basic activities on your phone, then a RAM of 3-4 GB should do just fine. For high-end functions like online gaming, you should be looking at a phone with 6GB RAM. If money is not a problem, you can consider getting a 16GB RAM smartphone for the highest smartphone performance level.
Battery
Battery life is another essential factor to consider when buying a smartphone. To ensure that you don’t have to worry about constantly charging your phone, get a smartphone with a battery power of at least 4,000 mAh. Good battery life will save you a lot of charging hassle and keep your phone switched on for a long while if there’s no power.
Internet connection
Almost every smartphone allows internet access, but the speed depends on the cellular network tech that each phone supports. 3G, 4G, and 5G are the only network technologies you should consider when buying a smartphone. The best option is 4G because it is fast and available in almost every region. 5G smartphones will give you the fastest internet speed (about 100 times faster than 4G), but 5G is a relatively new broadband cellular network technology. Therefore, it is not available in every region. So, before opting for a 5G-enabled smartphone, check if the service is available in your area.
Size
Size is an ergonomic feature that you should look out for when buying a smartphone. Phones larger than 6-inches are generally uncomfortable to use with both hands and almost impossible to operate with one. But also understand that size determines how large your screen will be, so you can’t afford to choose something too small either. Generally, 5.7-inch phones are the best options, so make your pick around this value.
Screen
The resolution and display features of your smartphone will determine how great your visual experience will be. The best display designs for smartphones are IPC-LCD and AMOLED. You might want to lean towards AMOLED display phones because they are superior in color saturation and brightness.
You need to consider screen resolutions too. The best screen resolutions for smartphones are Full-HD, FullHD+, and QuadHD QHD, but they are not so different, giving you the liberty to choose anyone.
Processor
Android and iOs operating systems run on different processor types. The best processors for Android smartphones are Exynos and Qualcomm Snapdragon, and they also have grades you should definitely consider. Anything above the Snapdragon 700 series and Exynos 8895 is ideal for any smartphone. However, if you will be carrying out heavy activities on your phone, you’d have to select processors further up on the list.
The best processors for iPhones to look out for are Apple A10 Fusion and any of the Apple A11/A12/13 Bionics. The processor determines smartphone speed, so this feature will significantly influence your smartphone experience.
FAQs
What are the best smartphone brands in the world?
There is fierce competition in the smartphone industry, with smartphone companies making great strides in smartphone hardware and software. However, some stay ahead of the others in sales, camera quality, battery life, processor, RAM, and overall smartphone quality. Here is a list of the frontrunners of the smartphone industry (in no particular order):
- Apple Inc.
- Huawei
- Samsung
- Google Pixel
- Xiaomi
- Oppo
- Tecno
- Vivo
- Lenovo
- LG
Which smartphone has the best camera?
The iPhone 12 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra have been rated the best camera smartphones on different occasions, so it’s only fair to say they both have the best cameras in the smartphone realm.
Which smartphone processor is the fastest?
The undisputed best and fastest smartphone processor in the world of smartphones is Apple’s A14 Bionic processor. This elite processor features a unique 64-bit six-core ARMv8-compliant CPU system with four energy-efficient cores called Icestorm and two high-caliber cores known as Firestorm.
What is the price range of smartphones?
A general rule of thumb is that iPhones are the most expensive smartphones, but there are some high-priced Android devices too. Depending on the components, features, design, and overall quality, smartphones can cost anything between $80 and $1,500. There is a smartphone for every budget, but be aware that many low-priced phones offer the quality of a brick.