Over 30% of all people replace their phones after two years. This is usually around the time when tech begins to show its age. Even if the device still works, many will trade it for a new one for the simple fact that their contract with their carrier is up.
No matter your reasoning for ditching your phone, you’re now tasked with finding a new one. It’s easier said than done if you have no idea what you’re looking for.
We can help you choose the best smartphone for your wallet and needs. Check out this guide to learn how to navigate your way around the market.
Set Your Budget
Before you begin shopping around for a new smartphone device, set a budget. If you’re paying out of pocket, and you’re tight on cash, Nokia and Motorola offer affordable but decent phones.
If you’ve got a little more wiggle room to play with, you can step up to an Android or Apple device. Out of the two, Android is a bit easier on the wallet.
Make a List of Features You Need
Another factor that’s going to affect your budget is features. If you want a new phone with all the bells and whistles, it’s going to cost you. Depending on what your needs are, you may be able to get by with an older device.
Take a minute to write down a list of features you want your phone to have. Do you need something with a large screen, or would you rather be able to use your phone with one hand?
Do you want a phone with a top-notch camera, or do you not plan to take a lot of pictures with your device? These are only a few things to think about.
Choose Your Operating System
The two main operating systems to choose from are Android and IOS. Android has more types of smartphones to choose from. That makes it easier to find a device within your budget.
Android devices offer more in terms of customization, and they have a great assortment of apps installed from day one.
If you already have a MacBook or iPad, it makes sense to get an iPhone to go with it because Apple products integrate seamlessly with each other.
No matter what model you have, you’ll be able to find iPhone cases and other smartphone accessories for it. Buying cases for older Android phones can feel almost impossible. Apple devices also have higher-quality apps.
Consider the Specs
When you’re in the phone store, an associate can give you the specs of any device you ask them about. This being said, it never hurts to do your own research.
If you know how much processing power and RAM you need going in, for example, it will be harder for the associate to try and upsell you. It will also help you narrow down your choices.
Design
The best way to decide if a phone’s design is right for you is by holding it in your hand. Does it feel comfortable?
Do your fingerprints leave tons of smudges behind? If so, is that something that’s going to bother you?
Processor and RAM
The two things that measure smartphone performance the most are the processor and RAM.
The processor is the heart of the device. It receives commands when you open an app and executes them.
When you’re shopping around, you’ll see the terms dual-core, single-core, and quad-core thrown around a lot. Dual-core processors are the most efficient.
RAM is the brain of your smartphone. It’s the keeper of the data. The more RAM your device has, the faster your apps will run.
The general rule of thumb is that you shouldn’t settle for anything less than 4GB of RAM.
Screen
You’re going to be staring at your phone screen a lot. That means it should be a comfortable size. You don’t want to hurt your eyes when scrolling through your social media and responding to texts.
As far as resolution goes, a 1080p display will suit your needs. Having a phone screen that isn’t impossible to see in the sun is also a plus.
Battery
There’s nothing more annoying than moving from one outlet to another during the day. You need a phone that can keep up with how much you use it.
To find out how much a device’s battery can take before it powers down, search for reviews. You should look for fast charging and wireless charging features as well.
Camera
With the number of people who pride themselves on their selfies, it’s almost a requirement for developers to include a decent camera in their designs. That doesn’t mean that every phone has a good one, though.
While having a device with a high-resolution camera is nice, optics is more important. Having a phone with an LED flash is also a plus.
Storage
With the amount of storage that most smartphones have to bring to the table, you’ll be hard-pressed to run out of room. It’s not impossible, however.
To make sure you have plenty of space for all your videos and pictures, try to find a phone with either 32 or 64GBs of storage.
Choosing the Best Smartphone for Your Needs
As you can see, there’s a lot that you need to keep in mind when searching for a phone. Navigating your way through the specs and other features can get confusing.
We hope that you’re able to use this guide to make sense of it and find the best smartphone for your needs.
For tips that will help you use your new device, visit the Technology section of our blog.
