97% of Americans own a cellphone of some kind and 85% of those cellphone owners have a smartphone. If you still don’t have a smartphone or want to purchase a new one, this is the guide for you.
Smartphones make daily life much easier thanks to continuous upgrades in technology. Choosing the best smartphone for your needs is not easy because of the various options available.
Keep reading to learn the factors to look for that will help you make a decision.
Select The Best Smartphone for My Communication Needs
Pick an Operating System
To choose the best smartphone for your needs, you should familiarize yourself with the basic differences between operating systems.
iPhones run through iOS and Androids are associated with their integration with Google services.
iOS is known for security, ease of use, and smooth integration with other products from Apple. Android smartphones are typically more affordable and can be customized.
If you are searching for the different types of smartphones in store, you can demo the devices. This provides you with a quick sense of the interface and how you feel about each operating system.
Determine Your Budget
As stated above, Androids are generally cheaper than iPhones. Apple and Samsung are the most expensive models with their prices reaching up to $1,000.
Some of the lower-cost options are:
- Motorola
- LG
- HTC
Phones come with a carrier contract so when you find a deal that offers a “free” phone upon signing, you aren’t getting a completely free deal.
Although the phone itself might be free, signing commits you to a billing plan for about two years. Carrier services can include penalties if you cancel your plan early.
There are also carriers that charge a monthly device fee to make up for the “free” smartphone cost.
When deciding on the best smartphone for your needs, you also need to consider a carrier. Create a budget to outline how much you can afford monthly before purchasing a new phone.
Consider the Devices You Have
Smartphone accessories connect best with devices with the same operating system. For example, if you own a computer or tablet, you’ll experience better integration by getting a phone with matching developer support.
Apple computers, iPads, Apple Watches, and AirPods are all cross-compatible. If you have any of these devices, it might make more sense to purchase an iPhone.
Heavy Google or Microsoft Office users will experience better integration and support with an Android phone.
However, any smartphone can connect to and function with most computer operating systems. Compatibility just makes things easier.
Compare Features
Smartphone performance and features are important considerations to make. Each operating system will have basic features and proprietary features. These are the features you can find on all systems:
- Web browsing
- Maps
iOS offers exclusive features like FaceTime, iCloud support, Siri, and fingerprint scanning. Android allows third-party app installation, Google Now, and customizable home screen widgets.
Recently, iPhones have become more customizable with widget options to compete with Android. Most Android phones these days also integrate fingerprint sensors and cloud storage.
Choose a Screen Size
Screen size is a matter of preference and there are a lot of options in the telecommunications industry. Screen size is measured diagonally from corner to corner.
The smaller the screen, the cheaper the smartphone will be. Smaller phones also fit better in pockets. If you watch a lot of videos on your smartphone or plan to, large displays are the better choice.
iPhone has an “SE” series for those who prefer compact phones. The “Plus” series includes extra large screens.
Android phones also come in a wide range of sizes. The smaller screen and budget models include Galaxy S Mini or Moto G. They also offer higher-end models like the HTC One series or the Galaxy S.
It doesn’t stop there. If you want something extra large, you’ll enjoy oversized devices like the Nexus 6P or Galaxy Note.
Check Storage Space
When buying a shiny new device, don’t get distracted by the pretty colors and large screens. Make sure you are checking the storage space to see if it is compatible with your needs.
Phone storage is measured in gigabytes (GB) and refers to how many files the device can store at once. Storage space is another factor affecting the price of a smartphone.
There are some Android phones that support storage expansion if you purchase a microSD card. iPhones don’t support storage expansion but you can increase your cloud storage after the purchase with an additional monthly fee.
Take Note of Camera Quality
These days, smartphones take pictures just as well as professional cameras. If you expect to use your smartphone for pictures, consider camera quality when deciding what to purchase.
All smartphones are known for high-quality photos because of the increase in technology. Yet, actual picture quality varies between the different models and brands.
Search for sample pictures online or demo the camera in-store yourself. Consider these camera features as well:
- ISO
- Low-light performance
- Brightness
- Noise reduction
To protect your phone and camera in the long run, it’s important to buy a phone case. Check out a Google Pixel 3a XL case now.
Ask About Battery Life
If you have a salesperson helping you decide on a new smartphone, ask about battery life. Battery technology is steadily improving so the newest phones are likely to have the best battery life.
Usage habits, however, dictate how long a smartphone battery can last. Gaming, talking on the phone, and using your device without WiFi will all drain a battery faster.
On average, smartphone batteries can last anywhere from 8-18 hours. Neither Androids nor iPhones support replaceable batteries on any of their models.
If you plan to use your smartphone for long periods of time away from a charging station, consider a newer device with longer battery life.
What Is the Best Smartphone for Your Needs?
In most cases, choosing the best smartphone for your communication needs comes down to preference. But, there are factors like budget, storage space, and battery life that will affect your decision.
Choosing an operating system is the first step so that you can easily compare iPhone and Android models against one another.
Use this guide to help you make a decision and don’t forget to come back to this website for more blogs like this.
