You’ve been putting it off, but now it’s time to buy a new smartphone. You have several different options available to you; you can purchase the latest flagship smartphone or even wait until the new iPhone hits stores in the future. But if you do need to purchase one now, what are some things that you should consider before buying? Read on to learn about 10 highlighted points to consider before buying a new smartphone.
Highlighted Points to Consider Before Buying a New Smartphone
- Processor
- Camera
- Touch ID
- Refresh Rate
- Software & Updates
- Wireless Charging
- Fast Charging
- No Bloatware
- Long Battery Life
- Other Features
- Bonus Tip
1) New, Faster Processor
The processor is usually considered one of, if not The most important component for your phone. It dictates how well games run, how fast you can scroll, and how much you can multi-task. If a phone advertises itself as having the latest and greatest it will likely come with an upgraded processor. These processors are measured in Gigahertz (GHz) or Quad Core—the higher on either list the faster they process information.
You might want to consider upgrading if your old smartphone has begun slowing down significantly even though its battery might still be holding up ok—or perhaps when it comes time to buy a new device or upgrade your existing smartphone contract. Be warned: Faster processors drain batteries at a faster rate, so don’t expect miracles. Today’s power-saving technology helps offset these issues but they are still best addressed with newer generation processors.
2) Better Camera
If you like taking pictures with your phone, it might be worth upgrading to a higher-megapixel model for sharper, better-looking images. A lot of new phones are switching from 13MP, 48MP, 50MP to 64MP and 108MP cameras, so look into what newer models are offering. If all you want is a phone that will make calls and send texts, however, you can probably stick with your older device.
Many smartphones now have adequate cameras — including Apple’s iPhone and most Android devices — and they’ll only get better in coming years. Not sure if your current smartphone takes great photos? Just snap a few quick test shots at different times of day (early morning, late afternoon, and night) or capture some subjects against varying backgrounds before you commit to an upgrade.
For more tips on capturing good-looking pics with your camera phone, check out How to Take Good Pictures With Your Camera Phone.
3) Touch ID
One of Apple’s hallmark features, Touch ID allows you to unlock your phone using your fingerprint. After setting up Touch ID, each time you press your finger on your home button, it takes an optical scan of your fingerprint. This data is then used by Apple and stays on Apple’s servers; there is no way for third parties to access or use these fingerprints (although rumors have been circulating that hackers may be able to access some of these files).
Your fingerprint is encrypted with other information about you so that even if someone does gain access, they can’t just run off with all of your information—Apple isn’t storing anything valuable at all. You are also free to opt-out of Touch ID at any time.
Almost all the smartphone brands now support touch ID sensors for their devices and smartphones having AMOLED displays.
4) Higher Refresh Rate
Manufacturers are increasing refresh rates on their newer phones, but you can still find some older handsets that don’t support as high of a rate. In general, try to get at least 120Hz (on Android devices) or 60Hz (on Apple devices). More is always better when it comes to refreshing rates. You’ll notice a significant difference between devices with higher and lower refresh rates.
5) Better Software and timely updates
Unlike Android or iOS, Windows phones are not designed by Google. Instead, they’re made by Microsoft and run on its proprietary software, which doesn’t get regular updates like Android or iOS do. That means if you want to upgrade your phone, you might be stuck with older software versions that are insecure. And there isn’t much of an app ecosystem compared with Android and iOS. For example, if you don’t like Snapchat (or what it does with your information), you won’t find a replacement for it in the Windows store.
6) Built-In Wireless Charging
While wireless charging isn’t considered essential in phones anymore, it is nice when you have it and can save you from having to carry around additional gear. Many of today’s flagship phones have dropped wired charging completely so consider whether or not it’s something that would make your life easier. Both Apple and Samsung have offered wireless charging for several years but some newer Android phones like LG and HTC are now starting to get on board with it too. If it’s an important feature for you, be sure to check if your favorite phone has it before buying.
7) Fast Charging Support
It’s one of those features that sounds like it should be basic but isn’t. Many Android phones—and even Apple’s iPhone 7 and newer iPhones—support fast charging. Fast charging can be a huge benefit if you need to juice up your phone faster, whether you just want some extra battery life for an evening out or are trying to jumpstart your phone after accidentally leaving it on overnight.
Even if your phone doesn’t support fast charging, you might still have some options available: A cable with quick-charging capabilities or an accessory like Google’s Quick Charger can help get some charge into your device quickly.
Smartphones brands are now manufacturing fast charging like 33W, 45W, 50W, 65W, and even 120W fast chargers. Fast charging and better cameras are now a race between smartphone manufacturing brands, every brand is trying to provide the best camera and fastest charging support for their devices.
8) No Unnecessary Bloatware
Bloatware can really increase your cell phone bill and it can take up storage space on your device. Make sure you delete anything that’s not necessary. The fewer apps you install, the longer your battery will last. Plan ahead for updates: It’s important to plan ahead for updates when you buy your phone. If there are any updates in-store, make sure that you know about them before you make your purchase so that you can be prepared for them and have an idea of how much data they will take up on your plan—and whether or not it’s worth it!
9) Longer Battery Life
Whether you’re in an emergency situation or just want more time between charges, longer battery life is important. If your phone has removable batteries, take them out and keep them charged at home or in your car—that way, if you find yourself stuck somewhere without power for several hours, you can put fresh batteries in instead of plugging in your phone. Similarly, try setting your screen brightness lower so that you don’t have to rely on full power as often. (Did we mention turning off push notifications?) Whatever option you choose, long battery life is crucial for any smartphone user.
10) Additional Features
One feature of modern smartphones that isn’t always talked about is haptic feedback or haptic for short. This feature lets you physically feel something by adjusting your phone’s vibration settings, which has been in smartphones since 2010 with Apple’s release of its iPhone 4. Of course, it varies from phone to phone. Some devices offer just basic haptic feedback—for example when you press a button or select an option—while others let you change your settings so your phone vibrates differently depending on what you do: being able to feel every push-up or sit-up you do in your fitness app is one use case example.
Bonus Tip: 5G Connectivity
Most of the countries are using 5G networks on their smartphones for blazing fast internet speed. Brands are focusing to produce new smartphones with 5G technology, you should consider this point in mind before buying a smartphone.
How will it change our lives? : Most of us aren’t familiar with 5G yet, but if you have your eyes on a new phone it’s something you should start thinking about. The 5G network promises to be even faster than current mobile speeds, but it will also have more capacity – meaning more people can use it at once. When it launches, 5G will change how we work and play. What technologies are going to benefit from these changes? And which ones might fall by the wayside? Getting answers to questions like these can help ensure you get what you want out of your next smartphone.
Final Words
Smartphones have become an essential part of our lives, whether for business or pleasure. As one of your major business tools, it’s important that you choose wisely when selecting a new smartphone and carefully consider its features. If you want to buy one as soon as possible, make sure you read these tips first! We hope they help you find exactly what you need in a new device. Good luck!
