[How to Giude] Buy a smartphone

[ANUPLUCIFERGAMER]

Hey guys! So I thought of making a "How to buy a smartphone guide" as many people including me are buying smartphones but without knowledge. So, let's start.

Note:I may be wrong at some places. it's you who is buying the phone. Take your decision correctly and thank me

 

OPERATING SYSTEM : Make no Mistake,it's the OS that puts the 'smart' in you smartphone,so before buying, it's always a good idea to know about the different ecosystems that exist....

 

•  ​The Android OS promises native integration with Google services that include search,Gmail,Maps,Hangouts,YouTube,etc.Besides,you get access to over a million apps in its Play Store.The Best part? Titles that  might be paid downloads on iOS and Windows Phone are sometimes available for free on Android store.Another advantage of an Android handset is that these are Plug and Play.You can simply connect it to your PC via a USB cable to begin transferring files to and from the device with Zero Hassles. Also,you can choose from Phones-- costing as less as 300$ to those which are priced over 1k$, From vendors such as HTC,Lenovo,LG etc.Just remember, Android versions are alphabetically  named, the latest in the market are Jellybean and Kit-kat. Make sure you're putting your money in either of these. 
• Windows Phone is now playing a catch up with Android and iOS- and at last count, its app store just had over 2 lakh titles.Still, most popular apps have already made their watyto this platform. You get really good hardware for the price you pay (Nokia).Plus, these devices come with subscriptions to free content like music,movies (depending on the model you buy), and also Here maps and Drive+, which are arguably the best map and navigation services in the country.
• iOS, only found in iPhones, is extremely intuitive  to use - and since Apple vets every title that makes it to its App Store, you're promised high-quality digital content in the form of music and movies. The OS itself promises smooth operations,and you'll find very rare instances of iPhones freezing during use. On the downside, you'll have to use iTunes to connect the handset to your PC,and this can be proved to be quite annoying. And yes, These phones can give you a small attack.D

 

PROCESSORS: When shopping, you are bound to hear about dual-core and quad-core processors. But what should you put your money on?

• While a great number of cores are supposedly better, it doesn't give you a true picture of how a smartphone may perform.Why? Well, not all cores designed identically. UK-based ARM, which designs these chips, licenses different architectures-- with names such as Cortex A5,A7,A8,A12,A15-to manufacturers. Here, higher numbers mean better chips. In effect, a phone that uses a quad-core A15 will definitely be more advanced than a handset with a quad-core A5. In fact, there might be instances where dual-core processors might be far better than a quad core chip.]
• Also, a lot of how a processor performs  depends on how the OS utilities it's abilities. So, an iPhone on a dual core processor could be better performer than many quad core Android Phones. That said, these are some of the names you can expect to hear when shopping........
• Qualcomm's  quad core Snapdragon 600 and 800 chips.Samsung's octacore Exynos, and Apple's dual core A7 (found on the iPhone 5s, and not be confused with ARM's Cortex series)are the top dogs in this market.
• Devices like the Nokia Lumias use mid range dual core Qualcomm S4 chipsets that are also seen in handsets like the Samsung Galaxy Grand Quattro and the Sony Xperia  M.

 

STORAGE: We carry our world of emails, social network,photos,videos,music games, with us on our smartphones, so when buying, always budget for a phone that comes with ample storage.

• Generally if a phone lists it capability as 8GB, only about 6.5GB will be available for the user.So, if you need 4GB, buy a Phone with 8 or 16GB
• More Megapixels and HD video recording capabilities result in Images and Videos that occupy more space. Also, if you plan on watching Full HD movies on you Phone, ensure you have at least 32GB storage.
• If possible, opt for a model that supports microSD cards of upto 64GB so you can always add more memory if you need.

 

SIZE: In my Experience, a screen of 4-5 inches works well for most purposes.

•  A phone that has a screen bigger than 5 inches could be slightly uncomfortable to use with one hand. Also keep in mind that big-screen phones are heavy, and can be uncomfortable to carry in your pocket.
• On the flip side, large screen allow for a better experience while playing games, watching movies and surfing the net.

RAM:  This one is simple, More RAM, always better.Just look for a phone that has 1GB of ram to play games

 

DISPLAY:The best way to judge a smartphone's screen is to look at it from different angles for changes in colour, and also in varying lighting conditions for visibility.

• Invest in a Full HD (1080p) display if you're buying a phablet (ex:HTC One Max). On the other hand,HD (720p) screen works well for devices upto 5 inches in size.
• On smaller devices, load a web page to see if the text is crisp, and can be read without any strain on eyes. In any case, avoid smartphones with lesser than WVGA (800x400px) resolution.
• AMOLED screens are the best when it comes to displaying punchy colours.LCD screens with IPS  technology comes a close second, while TFT LCDs should be avoided if you can.

 

CAMERA: A 5MP camera is capable of 8 x 6  inch prints even at 300dpi. which is the standard resolution used in professional printing.

• So, if you're looking for a good camera phone, dump the idea that more MP will give you better pictures. Instead,look for phones which boast better camera optics (Carl Zeiss lens). Remember, a High Resolution camera with low quality lens will only give you low quality pictures.
• In any case, if you need a snapper only for photos you'd like to share on Social Networks or Instagram, a 10 MP camera is going to be overkill.
• Opt for cameras with BSI(backside illumination) sensors for better low light photography; make sure it comes with an LED Flash.
• In my experience, if you want a good shooter, you have to sell out extra bucks. Good photos are a result of adequate MPs, good lens and sensor technology as well as high end processor chipsets. The Nokia Lumia 1020,1520 and 925, the Apple iPhones, the Samsung Galaxy S3,S4 and S4 Zoom,LG G2, and HTC One are know for their good snappers.
• For your front facing camera, 1-2 MP is more than enough.

 

BATTERY: You many have the Best Hardware at your disposal, but if you keep running out of battery, you handset is quite useless.... 

• Bigger screens, Extra Cores, and more sensors mean greater power consumption. If you're considering a Smartphone over 4.5 inches in size, look at devices that come with at least 2000mAH(milliamp-hour) battery. The higher the mAH, the longer the bettery will last.
• If possible, select devices that come with lithium polymer batteries over lithium ion. The former are lighter, and also retain their charge for longer.
• And yes, preferably,  buy a device that comes with a user replaceable battery . 

Hope this guide is helpful and helped someone or the other buy a good phone and not like me who bought a useless phone.   BTW, Can I get some likes for this long typing?

[Snickerzz]

Can you change the ram requirement of 1gb to play games? I feel like 1gb for multitasking, 2gb for gaming, but thats just me

Other than that, nice guide

[helping]

At least include the source in the OP  :rolleyes:

 

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/personal-tech/gadgets-special/How-to-buy-a-smartphone/articleshow/30084656.cms

[ANUPLUCIFERGAMER]

At least include the source in the OP  :rolleyes:

 

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/personal-tech/gadgets-special/How-to-buy-a-smartphone/articleshow/30084656.cms

It's on the net? Never thought!

[Bonsai99]

It's on the net? Never thought!

Plagiarism is bad yo!

[nicehat]

 BTW, Can I get some likes for this long typing?

 

You mean the copy paste? I dunno about that.. Its a good starter though. Too bad BlackBerry isnt on there. Those are great phones. 

[ANUPLUCIFERGAMER]

You mean the copy paste? I dunno about that.. Its a good starter though. Too bad BlackBerry isnt on there. Those are great phones. 

Sir, with great respect, I'm telling you, I didn't copy paste it. I read it in my Sunday Newspaper and typed it in. I never thought they would put that thing on the net..

[Phage]

Sir, with great respect, I'm telling you, I didn't copy paste it. I read it in my Sunday Newspaper and typed it in. I never thought they would put that thing on the net..

its guide btw

[clickme.sh]

I have a simple tips to keep in mind while purchasing  :

 

• Go for latest processors (having new mobile architecture / Having opensource support too, helps in after market development). One example is Krait Architecture by Qualcomm is cool here (one of the best for gaming) & other OEM specific based on ARM's design.

• Go for a device with at least 1 GB of RAM (Better for multitasking and gaming)

• Go for a device having High Density display probably having a 720p resolution (In India there are many device under 250 USD) And Moto G is a clear choice here

• Choose a device that is future proof to Android (Must choose one that will get latest and greatest android version) as new version means more optimized one thus increased performance

 

That's all keep those 4 things noted and get a cool but fast android device with a mid to high spec range.

[Nallown]

Nice "Giude"!!

[Carter]

The alternative is to do what I did if you want a cheap but good one, and get the nexus 4. Specs are still great with a quad core s4 pro (pretty much last gen's 800 I think) and a nice 4.7" screen. I got mine when they went down to £150 on the play store at the end of last year, but you may still be able to find a good deal...

[Antistatic12]

You have battery at the bottom, Personally for me it is at the top.
Battery tech is far to neglected, it really needs a kick in the butt to get some new stuff happening.

Great guide though.

[565465464]

I would never recommend a phone with less RAM than 2 GB for people that are heavy multitaskers. The Nexus 5 is probably the perfect phone for most people because it is going to get updates for a long time, it has a very powerful SoC (S800), the display is beautiful and 2 GB RAM. The only problem is battery if you use your phone a lot during the day.

[YouRezz]

What do you think of offbrand china phones??

I find them interesting because of their low prices and swell performance. ( i own 2 a Zopo c2 and a ThL w8s-- this was one of my smartest buys)

[DroPouT1999]

At least link to the site you copied and pasted from...

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/personal-tech/gadgets-special/Guide-Choose-the-right-smartphone/movie-review/30084656.cms

[agentagent47]

You mean the copy paste? I dunno about that.. Its a good starter though. Too bad BlackBerry isnt on there. Those are great phones. 

i don't care if he copy paste or not, but not all people read the sunday newspaper that he read and not all people know the website/source of that guide. it's nice when someone share it's what a community is all about. anyway nice guide

[KPZ211997]

What do you think of offbrand china phones??

I find them interesting because of their low prices and swell performance. ( i own 2 a Zopo c2 and a ThL w8s-- this was one of my smartest buys)

unless you are talking about oppo, huawel, oneplus, zte,.... please NO

Offbrand China is unreliable, its spec is just marketing gimmick, use it for about a few months and you will regret it

 

@OT: please add the source if you type it in here

 

Currently using a second-hand korean Optimus G Pro (bought for 260$ or something) and I'm satisfied with it for now, though the battery sucks

[Skylercompany]

The Xperia z2 matches all of the qualification to being an awesome phone. That's what I was thinking about purchasing.

 

It's very well put together and has almost everything you mentioned.

 

When I buy one i'll definitely keep your tips in mind.

[Tech_Dreamer]

Can you change the ram requirement of 1gb to play games? I feel like 1gb for multitasking, 2gb for gaming, but thats just me

Other than that, nice guide

 

OMG!!!! A TALKING HORSE!!!!