Since the transition from the world of pen and paper to the globally connected generation of today, smartphones have become an increasingly important part of daily life. The average American spends a staggering 87 hours browsing on their smartphone each month. With this in mind it is essential that you find a smartphone capable of meeting these requirements, whilst identifying other features and processes to match your needs in a device.
Preferred Operating System
Within the smartphone market, Android, iOS and Windows all offer smartphone options. All of which boast different features. Android is owned by Google and focuses more on user customization. Whereas iOS the operating system used on iPhones, emphasizes the security element and the ease of contacting other iOS users through iMessage and FaceTime. Additionally, Windows operating system was designed so your smartphone could function under the same operating system as your PC and laptop.
Devices and Software
Take into consideration the devices you already own and use, then chose a smartphone in accordance with this. If you frequently use Google based programmes for communication, then an Android device would be best suited as you will more familiar with the programmes. For Mac users, an iPhone would be more appropriate as iMessages can be accessed interchangeably between devices.
Storage Requirements
How much storage do you require? Android devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S7 are compatible with additional memory products such as the removable micro SD card. Should you opt for an iOS based device, iPhones are available in a number of different storage sizes, ranging from 32GB to 256GB. Similarly to purchasing a micro SD card, the different storage sizes of iPhone are also optional. Therefore you can choose the device best suited to your needs.
Camera
Increasing numbers of smartphone users are switching from having a separate camera to use the camera on their smartphone when taking pictures. With this in mind it is important you identify the features of the camera and whether picture quality matches or exceeds that of a compact camera. A range of recent smartphones, including the iPhone 7 and Samsung Galaxy S7 boast 12MP cameras. This sized camera provides image quality that is suitable for printing. Alternatively, if your camera usage extends no further than regular daily usage, devices with a smaller camera size would be more appropriate and a cheaper alternative.
Battery Life
With the modern consumer relying heavily on a smartphone on a daily basis, battery life is an important feature to look out for. Additionally identify whether battery cases are available for your preferred device. Apple released the battery case for iPhone’s with additional battery storage attached to the back of your device, without incorporating a bulge on the side of the device, the case will not interfere with comfortability when holding the device. Battery enhancing cases are also available on Android devices, Samsung offer wireless charging battery packs with different sizes of mAh.
Screen Size
The modern smartphone offers a variety of screen sizes, with standard screens ranging from 3.5 to 6 inches. It is important the screen size of your smartphone is tailored to your specific needs. A larger screen provides a useful option for viewing media based applications such as YouTube and Netflix. Whereas a smaller screen represents a practical solution regarding convenience and transportation, as these devices will easily fit into user’s pockets.
Accessories
Aside from the standard USB charger and earphones which form part of virtually all smartphone packages, you should distinguish what additional accessories you require. The smartphone accessories market, offers a wide range of products for different devices from in car chargers for users commuting to work, to cases for those wishing to protect their device from damages. Therefore depending on the purpose of use, finding the necessary accessory should be relatively straightforward.
Trend/Aesthetics
Whether it is the shape, the style or manufacturing material, the aesthetic trends of the mobile phone have changed over time. From the early brick style mobiles, to flip phones to smartphones- the mobile phone industry has seen rapid change over time. There has also been a transition within smartphone manufacturing from the days of plastic material based products, to the modern usage of higher quality materials such as aluminium and glass. With this in mind, it is important you choose a device with lasting aesthetics, particularly with contract lengths lasting up to 2 years!