We often get confused when choosing which phone to buy or change our phone.
Do not get lost if you have decided to buy a smartphone; all you need to do is look on the bright side.
Smartphone companies produce thousands of phones every day. Each brand is unique because there are many phone brands around the world.
This post will help you make the right decision about your next mobile phone purchase.
Table of Contents
Which type of smartphone do I need?
You should first research your options before you buy a smartphone. A smartphone is basically a small computer that you can carry around with you and allows you to do various tasks.
Your phone can be used to stay connected to the internet to communicate with others on social media networks and play games offline or online.
How do you use your smartphone every single day? Play games or connect with the world?
Let’s move on to next…
Get your information right before you choose a smartphone.
You don’t need to spend more than USD$200 or N70,000 to be able to buy a smartphone that sends WhatsApp messages and post a few social media posts.
If you are a gamer that isn’t willing to sacrifice a smooth and fluid gaming experience, you should consider looking for smartphones that cost around USD$400.
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Those who are looking for the best design and high performance in gaming will have to spend at least USD$500 on a smartphone that works.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 things to think about before you buy a smartphone
1. Operating system
You’ve probably already decided to buy a smartphone (Android-based). However, there are many versions of the Google software.
You should review your Android history before you buy a new smartphone.
Or at least, compare the differences between the latest Android 10 and Android 11.
These are great features that will satisfy your want, to begin with, Android phones already.
They also refer to different versions of the Android operating system, each offering unique features and functions.
Android 11 is the most recent Android version, but not all Android devices have been upgraded to that level yet.
You should avoid buying a smartphone that has Marshmellow or Nougat versions.
Instead, look for an Android Pie smartphone if you can get an upgrade to the latest version of Android, even better.
2. Design and functionality
Personal taste also plays a significant role in the selection of a smartphone. This includes software as well as physical appearance (design).
Some prefer rounded lines and more sinuous designs, while others prefer straight lines and metal edges.
With each passing month and the succession events within the industry, we see, smartphones are becoming more similar.
Marketing campaigns and trends influence the choices available.
Design is about functionality. Although a metal unibody looks trendy and fashionable, it may prevent you from using certain features like a microSD card reader or a headset jack.
You should inspect the quality of the device before you buy it. This will ensure that you can use it in the most comfortable way possible.
3. Type and size of the display
A smartphone with at least a 6-inch display is recommended for those who enjoy receiving news updates and/or simply want to get lost in the HD graphics offered by the latest Android games.
A smaller screen is better for those who use the phone primarily to access Facebook or WhatsApp.
There are two types of display technology in Android, AMOLED, and LCD. The projection of light is the main difference between them.
The theory is that LCD screens are brighter and better at displaying content in direct sunlight. AMOLED displays, however, offer sharper contrast and more vivid colors.
You may enjoy watching movies or playing games on your smartphone. It is best to choose full-HD or QHD resolutions like LED. They will give you a rich media experience and a bright screen light that allows you to see clearly.
4. Processor and RAM
The processor is the engine of a device, and it determines the overall performance.
Software updates can be limited by processor capabilities. MediaTek and Qualcomm are safe options.
Noting that any processor must be at its best, RAM is essential. While the processor is essential, we must also consider the entire smartphone, including its technical specifications.
RAM is an important factor to look at before you buy a smartphone.
5. Internal storage size
While you are looking for your next Android phone, make sure to check the RAM and internal storage.
Don’t decide yet based on the information you see on the sticker. Check out how much space preinstalled applications take up.
You can expand the storage space of your smartphone with a MicroSD card, but it is better to have more internal memory than an external card.
However, you should also consider how much storage you will actually use before you decide on a model with 128GB, 256GB, or 256GB internal storage.
Cloud services can be used to save space and keep your files close at hand. All you need is an internet connection.
It is recommended that smartphones with at least 4GB RAM and 64GB internal memory are purchased.
This is the basic when you plan to buy a smartphone that you want to use to get enjoyable experiences.
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6. Battery life
When choosing a smartphone, battery life is an important feature to consider. Don’t be deceived.
A higher number of mAh doesn’t necessarily mean more battery life or a longer life span. It is worth learning about the different factors that play into this equation.
Consider, for example, that higher resolution screens consume more energy while newer processors maximize battery life.
There are also quick charging technology and display refresh rates to consider.
It’s better to look beyond specs and to read reviews and benchmarks to see how each factor performs when combined in one device.
At the moment, 4,000mAh to 5,000mAh seems to be the norm for most phones.
7. Camera quality and creativity
Smartphone manufacturers are paying more attention to features and camera quality lately. This is a good thing for users. Smartphones are increasingly becoming digital cameras because of their megapixel count, hybrid autofocus and optical stabilization, as well as special effects and selfie features.
Again, I advise you to not dwell on the technical sheets’ numbers. The MP is not enough to tell the entire story.
It is important that you have a good idea of the type and quality of the integrated sensor, the lens quality, and the pixel size.
All the details will be provided in our reviews. However, once you are in the store, you can start the camera app to check the brightness and other features.
8. Software and integrated functions
Is your focus on a phone that does everything? Do you need a phone that can do everything?
There are many options available, including top-of-the-line smartphones and mid-range smartphones. You will also find the most recent hardware innovations.
Don’t just choose a smartphone for its hardware features. To find out what features are hidden and which options work best for you, activate the display and look at the software.
Are you a fan of reading ebooks on Android? Choose an interface that lets you adjust the display’s hue and provides blue filter protection for your eyes.
Do not be tempted with the appearance of the interface. You should thoroughly examine it.
This is worth looking at when you want to buy a smartphone.
9. Performance versus price
This is one of the essential factors on this list. However, it is the most important factor to consider if your budget is limited. How much do you plan to spend on your next phone?
Do you think it is worth spending all of your salary to buy a smartphone? Or should you limit yourself to something more affordable but still powerful and current?
You have the option to make that decision, but keep in mind that there are better devices than others for every price range.
Conclusion
You have to do your own research. A used smartphone purchase can be frightening because it could be stolen, abused, worn out, or all three.
You should do your findings well enough before buying a used smartphone.
Although a used smartphone may be cheaper than a new one, it could also cost more to repair.
Think about what you want and why you need a smartphone. It might be a good idea to buy a second-hand smartphone if it is being used for secondary purposes.
If you plan to use the smartphone as your primary device, you might not want it too old.
You should only buy a used phone if the warranty is valid and the condition of the device is acceptable.