Buying a new smartphone can often seem like a big task. There are many elements to consider and given there are so many options on the market, it can be challenging to know which is the best phone for you. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a tech whizz to find the right smartphone. You just need to know what you want from your phone and come up with a reasonable budget.
It can help to consider the key uses you’ve had for your phone in the past. If you’re unsure where to start still, this article will explore some of the key functions and qualities to look for when choosing your new phone.
Decide On A Budget
Your budget will determine the quality of the phone that you can buy and what kind of functions it will have. You should avoid overspending and ensure that you stay within a budget that you can easily afford.
Once you have your budget, you can start looking at phones within your price range. If there are no smartphones within this range suitable for your needs, it may be beneficial to keep saving for a while longer rather than compromising on quality or functionality.
Make A List Of Essentials
You should list the functions and features that are essential for your phone to have. It may help to keep a diary of how and when you use your phone for a few weeks. You can use a tracker on your phone or the battery use function to identify where you spend most of your time on your phone. For instance, if you mainly use your phone for its camera function, you can then look for phones with high quality, reliable cameras.
While it may be tempting to buy the best phone you can afford, it makes more sense to choose a cost-effective phone if you only really use it for basic functions like texting and calling.
Consider Pixel Density
Pixel density is how you can measure the sharpness of the screen. Typically, the higher the pixel density, the sharper the images. You should also consider the size of the screen and the ratio of pixels to that size.
Review Camera Quality
Most people use their phone cameras frequently, so choosing a smartphone with a high-quality camera is a good idea. You can find plenty of reviews online from people using various smartphone cameras in different lighting settings and for different types of images. This can be a great way to identify the best choice. It can also be beneficial to try out the camera on a smartphone in person where possible. You could consider visiting a local phone shop to test out some options.
Check The Operating System
There are three main operating systems available for mobile phones – Apple’s iOS, Android and Windows Phone. The operating system you choose will determine the range of apps that you can download and the phone’s usability. Many people choose to stick with the same operating system that they’ve become accustomed to using, meaning that they are limited to what is available with that operating system.
You could consider experimenting with different operating systems to find the one that works best for you. For instance, you could ask friends and family if you can use their phones to get a feel for the different operating systems.
Look For High-Quality Security Features
Many phones nowadays come with enhanced security features. These can include facial recognition software and fingerprint scanning technology. If you are concerned about security for your smartphone, these two options can be invaluable. They can be used to unlock your phone and access apps that hold sensitive information, such as banking apps.
Consider Your Plan Options
You should consider your options for plans for your smartphone. You can often get a plan over the course of between a year and three years that will let you pay off the cost of your smartphone over that time. Often, however, it is more cost-effective to buy your phone outright and use a SIM-only plan.
SIM-only plans can be hugely beneficial in cutting your monthly phone bill. You should choose a reliable provider like Lebara who offer SIM-only plans that run on the award-winning Vodaphone network and offer the best affordability and quality.
Find A Sturdy Phone Case
Phone cases can be a fantastic way to ensure that your smartphone remains safe. If you tend to be on the clumsier side or work in an environment that poses hazards to your phone, finding a shockproof phone case can be invaluable. You could also consider a screen protector that will help prevent cracks or damage to the screen.
Ensure It Is Waterproof
Choosing a waterproof phone can be beneficial. Many of us have experienced the panic that comes after accidentally dropping our smartphones into water and the worry of wondering if the phone will work again once dried out. A waterproof phone can help eliminate that worry.
Look Into Battery Life
Battery life is another crucial consideration when choosing a new smartphone. You should consider how long you spend on your smartphone each day and what uses you have for it. Different functions will use different amounts of battery power. For instance, if you like to play games on your smartphone or take a lot of photos, this might take up a lot of battery power. It is best to look for a phone that will offer the longest battery life within your budget.
Consider How Old The Phone Is
The age of the smartphone you choose will determine how much longer it will receive software updates. Some operating systems stop putting out updates to their software after a certain period of time. This can make the phone difficult or even impossible to use once some updates have stopped. While buying a phone that is a few years old will help cut costs, you should consider whether it will be functional and useful to you in the long term.
Use A Reputable Phone Maker
You should assess the different phone makers available to choose the one that has the best reputation for producing high-quality phones. There are a few big brand names that everyone knows, and these can often be a safe bet when choosing a new phone.
Smaller providers can also be beneficial and often cheaper. It is vital if you’re using a smaller or lesser-known smartphone maker that you do your research and ensure they are trustworthy and reputable. You could look at online reviews and ask friends and family their thoughts.
Decide How Much Storage You Need
You can get smartphones with varying levels of storage. You should consider what you store on your phone and how much storage is taken up on your current phone. People who listen to a lot of music or keep a lot of videos or images on their phones may find that they may need a lot more storage than people who only use their phones to store texts or browse the Internet.
Try It In Person
It is always a good idea to try out a new phone in person before committing to the purchase. You could visit a local mobile phone shop, ask to borrow one from your friends and family or make use of a try-before-you-buy scheme. You should ensure that you check out all of the critical functions while using the phone and be confident that it is suitable for your needs.
