Looking for a new phone can be annoying and time-consuming—especially when the search process consists of sifting through all smartphone reviews over the last couple of years. Some of the reviews are real, and some are fake or unhelpful; this can be disheartening, especially when you consider that the prices of many new phones are reaching over USD 1000. You could opt for a second-hand phone, but those come with their possible downfalls. When there are so many things to think about, what do you do?
Our phones hold our whole lives inside; they act as our diary, wallet, phonebook, photo albums, and so much more. Deciding as to which device is up to the task is important, and you want to make the right choice for your lifestyle.
Gone are the days when you could pick up a phone from the supermarket, and it did the trick for calls and texts. In simpler times, the biggest question you had to face was whether you wanted a prepaid plan or a fixed plan? Now, we’re presented with a myriad of concepts to wrap our heads around, some necessary and others not; how do we know what to pay attention to?
Fortunately for you, buying a new phone doesn’t have to be such a burden. The following is a list of eight things to consider before making your decision:
1.What do you use the phone for?
How you use your phone should have a big say in which one you decide to buy. If you love playing games in your spare time, you may have to consider the processer speed, which will matter more to you. You may need a top-notch camera to take swoon-worthy Instagram pictures. Make a list of the different ways in which you use your phone, and use that as a guide to help you prioritize. (1)
2. Design and functionality
As phones evolve, their features have changed, such as Apple’s removal of the headphone jack on their newer models. Ensure that you understand which features you want your phone to have and which ones you can live without. This is also true for design; some people may wish their phone to be sleek and soft, whereas others may prefer a more robust design. A great deal of finding the right phone comes down to personal preference.
3. Size and display
You might need a large screen if you have particularly bad eyesight or if you love to watch videos; you may require a smaller screen if you’re more focused on mobility and how comfortable it is in your pocket. This is why it’s good to shop around and physically pick up different models, as well as to research their various display features. Some phones have much larger screens and come with a stylus to make it easier to take notes, draw, and access different apps. Consider again how you plan on using your phone and what will make life easier for you.
4. Battery
For so many, battery life is significant. When you’re on the go, travelling to and from school or work, you want to know that your phone is going to last through the entire day. If this is important to you, make sure to look into battery life and how much power you can get out of your phone after it’s been fully charged. Many factors can save battery life, such as screen resolutions and high performing processers that optimize battery life.
5. Camera
If taking photos of your friends and family is your passion, you’ll want a phone to be fitted with a high-quality camera. More expensive phones can take some fantastic photos, while the less costly options may have a lower camera quality. If the camera is essential to you, then you might have to consider paying a bit more.
6. Manufacturer reputation
It’s a good idea to spend some time researching the manufacturer on the phone. You may have coped alright with your old phone, but that doesn’t mean it was the right phone or manufacturer for you. Most information regarding the manufacturing companies is readily available, so you should spend some time reading customer reviews to gauge how well-received their products are.
7. Memory and storage
If—like so many of us—your phone contains pretty much your entire life, then your memory and storage capacity is going to be high on your list. The more apps we use, and the more data our phones hold, the more important Random-Access Memory (RAM) becomes.
These days, most phones need 3GB of RAM. Some phones offer 6-8GB of RAM, but unless you use your phone in place of your laptop, this can be overkill. (1)
The same goes for storage. More storage is usually always better, but with the rise of so many backup services such as Google Drive, Google Photos or online streaming services, the need for a huge amount of onboard storage is decreased. If you’re someone who uses a lot of offline storage, then make sure that the phone you have your eye on offers a decent amount. (1)
8. Know when to buy
Never underestimate the market. While it may be tempting to get your hands on the newest model as soon as it’s released, you could save a lot of money by practising some patience. It’s a good idea to wait a couple of months and keep an eye out for any news regarding certain phones that may not be selling very well. Likely, these phones will eventually drop in price, and in some cases, have dropped nearly 50% after only a few months.
Conclusion
Now that you have a solid idea of what to consider when looking for a new phone, the decision should be easier to make. Remember to consider what you will use the phone for most and which features matter the most. When you know what you’re looking for and go with a reputable brand, very little is likely to go wrong.