Selecting a smartphone for yourself can be a challenging task. With so many choices on the market today, simply browsing your options can feel overwhelming. You might not know what features you require, and each one is different. Add on the fact that a smartphone is a high-ticket purchase, and you may be ready to throw in the towel before you begin.
If you feel unsure about choosing a smartphone, here are five tips for finding the right product.
1. Determine Your Price Range
Before you start shopping, take a look at your budget. How much are you willing or able to spend on a smartphone? Do you have room for optional features or need to stick with the basics? Is a refurbished phone more aligned with your budget than a brand-new model?
Keep in mind that your plan will have ongoing costs. You may enter into a contract with your provider or choose prepaid mobile. Your provider may also offer you the option to purchase a phone from their company or bring your own. If you can shop independently for your phone, you may have more options from which to choose and more control over how much you pay.
Brand names play a critical factor in what you pay for a smartphone. Some brands are more expensive, so it’s good to look at individual features and read reviews before purchasing a particular brand.
2. Decide on Features
Some smartphone features may be on your must-have list, while others are a bonus. Some features to think about include:
- A high-quality camera
- A large screen
- Compatibility with your laptop’s operating system
- Battery life
- Storage space for videos, photos and music
Determine what features you need and shop for models that have them. Your nice-to-have list comes second.
3. Shop for Your Required Features
Once you know what you want in a smartphone, start comparing models that meet your requirements.
Screen size is an important consideration. Perhaps you want a large screen for easy viewing. Most smartphones are getting larger, so finding a big screen might not be a problem. Most phones are comparable in size and their differences may be negligible.
However, if you want something smaller, you may have to do some digging or find an older model.
Camera quality is constantly improving, but some models have superior cameras. Many people just want a camera that takes relatively good photos but doesn’t care about the bells and whistles. However, some people need a good camera for work or hobbies. If high quality is critical to you, be sure to compare camera features between smartphones.
You may also require lots of storage space, especially if you need to store high-resolution photos and videos. You may pay a higher price for a smartphone with more storage, but it can be worth it to avoid running out of storage space.
4. Consider the Extras
Once you’ve found smartphones with your required features, move on to the ones you’d like to have.
Are you rough on your phone? Do you spend lots of time outdoors or in a dusty environment? You may consider purchasing a smartphone that is resistant to drops and spills. If you cannot find a phone that provides adequate resistance, keep in mind that you can purchase a case to protect your device from moisture, dust and impact.
Most people charge their phones overnight and don’t require more frequent charging. However, if you use your phone extensively during the day, long battery life may be something you want. Don’t be discouraged if you cannot find that feature, though. A portable charger can save you from a drained phone.
5. Make Your Purchase
Once you’ve done your homework, you should have a clearer idea of the smartphones that meet your budget and feature requirements. You can confidently make your selection and enjoy your new device.
Choosing a smartphone is a big task, but taking time to research it before buying can save you time and money.
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