Everyone has heard of the smartphone but there are many people who are still not sure exactly what it is.
What is the difference between a smartphone and a standard mobile phone? One of the main things is that few manufacturers are now creating a basic mobile phone as more and more people want more and more from their handset, so most are concentrating on the smartphone market.
This makes it more difficult to choose a smartphone as there are many different phones out there. So what should you be looking for?
Computing Power:
The processor is an essential feature of the phone. In a nutshell, this is what dictates the operating speed of the phone and a good processor means that you get to browse the web without any stuttering or reduction in speed. Some basic phones will have a single core processor but these are not as fast as dual core or quad core. If you opt for a more expensive phone then generally you can expect a better quality processor.
Internet Connection:
It is also important to consider how the phone is going to connect to the internet. Most phones offer 3G and Wi-Fi but there are many now which offer several other ways of connecting. Look for a handset that gives you a wide choice as one or two options will severely limit your access to the internet. Look for phrases such as Bluetooth and NFC and you know the handset you’ve picked offers the variety that you need.
Screen:
When it comes to the screen on the handset you are heading into a minefield. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes and in order to determine which size of screen you will actually need you need to think about what you want the phone to do. Are you going to be viewing films or playing games? If this is the case then you might want to opt for a screen of at least 4 inches. However, if you just want to check the odd email then a smaller screen will be perfectly fine.
Memory:
Storage is an essential element of a smartphone. This is particularly important for those who want to use the phone for music or taking a lot of photos. If the on board storage is not large and there is no option to expand with a microSD card then another model needs to be considered. Standard call usage and the occasional email check will only need a minimum of storage on the phone.
Camera:
The camera is another element which you will need to consider. These days all smartphones come with a camera but these vary a great deal in quality. Do you want to spend a lot of time taking photos or are you happy with the occasional snap to upload to Facebook? If you intend to use the phone as your main camera then it is worth investing in a slightly better model but if not then a basic version will do just as well.
Battery Life:
It is also a good idea to check out the battery life on the phone. Heavy users will find that they need to charge the phone on a daily basis but if you can get one that promises a little longer than a day then it is worth it.
Compromises:
When looking at any smartphone you need to consider what you want from it to make sure that it meets your needs. However, as they all differ you may find that you need to compromise at some point.
