Just like a kid in a candy store, buying your first smartphone can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming. After all, with so many models, brands, and features to choose from, where do you even start?
“The best way to predict your future is to create it.” — Abraham Lincoln
There’s no need to worry though, we’re here to help guide you through this process and make it as smooth as possible. From setting out your budget to choosing the right OS, from understanding the key features to making the final purchase, we‘ve got you covered.
- Decide on a budget: Knowing how much you’re willing to spend will narrow down your choices and make the decision-making process easier.
- Choose an Operating System (OS): Are you team Android or team iOS? Your choice of OS will determine the interface you use, the apps that are available to you and much more.
- Understand the key features: What do you want from your phone? Good camera quality, long battery life, large screen size — understanding what you value most will also help you make a decision.
- Make the final purchase: After identifying what you want, the final step involves comparing different smartphone models, reading customer reviews, and finally making the purchase.
Let’s embark on your smartphone buying journey together, and step by step, you’ll be holding your very first smartphone in no time!
The Importance of Choosing the Right Smartphone
Step into the dazzling world of smartphones, and the possibilities can leave you baffled, more so if it’s your first attempt at buying one. But fret not, we’re here to assist.
Before you jump on the bandwagon, remember – every enticing shine isn’t gold. Follow these key considerations to make an informed purchase:
Understanding Your Needs and Budget
Let’s dig deeper into figuring out your smartphone needs and how much you’re willing to invest in this crucial piece of technology. As a first-time buyer, your needs might vary: you might be a student requiring a phone primarily for online schooling, a businessman needing a device that can handle multiple apps and tasks at once, or perhaps you’re an elderly person needing a simple phone for basic communication. Let’s break down how your usage could influence your phone choice:
- Heavy Usage: This includes gaming, multitasking between apps such as email and social media, or frequent streaming of videos. For such usage, a phone with a powerful processor, more RAM, and a large battery life becomes indispensable.
- Moderate and Basic Usage: This includes regular phone calls, WhatsApp, basic internet use, and using social media apps. You won’t need as high specs, but you should consider a reasonable processor and enough battery life.
Remember, the price of a smartphone is closely tied to its features and specifications. Your budget can be a determining factor in the smartphone you end up with. The market is peppered with a multitude of smartphones, each varying in price and quality. For instance, understanding how much you are willing or capable of spending can give you an insight into the kind of smartphone you should target. On a lower budget? Peruse top 10 smartphones under 10000. Need something more advanced? Check out the best smartphones under 15000.
Researching the Latest Smartphone Trends
Stepping into the overwhelming world of smartphones can be daunting at first, but arming yourself with knowledge about the latest trends can narrow down your options. Technology is on a constant drive forward, and what was considered top-tier last year might already be outdated now. Bear in mind, though, that trends come and go, but actual device functionality is what truly matters.
- 5G Ready: As telecom companies are rolling out 5G networks all over the globe, more and more devices are being released with 5G compatibility. While 4G is still sufficient for most users, if you live in an area with 5G coverage, it pays off to consider a 5G-ready device.
- High Refresh Rate Displays: This used to be a premium feature, but more and more mid-range phones are now coming with screens that have higher refresh rates, which result in smoother visual experiences.
- Multi-camera Systems: Most modern smartphones come with more than one rear camera, each designed for different types of photos – from wide-angle to macro to depth sensing.
Comparing Different Operating Systems
While dipping your toes into the world of smartphones, one crucial element that you’d come across is the operating system (OS). It’s the gateway to all the apps and functionalities that you will engage with and heavily influences how your device operates.
Primarily, there are two operating systems:
Android: Google’s Android is versatile, often less costly and allows for a lot more customization. Android devices come in all shapes, sizes and prices. With Android, you have a tremendous variety of choices.
iOS: This is what powers Apple’s popular iPhones. It is known for its simplicity, security, and clean, sleek modern design. If you appreciate resolute, high-value, and flawlessly designed interfaces with limited customization, then you’re in team iPhone.
Now, to help you make an informed decision, here’s a table showing a comparative analysis of both operating systems:
Android
iOS (iPhone)
Customization
High (Custom UIs, Widgets)
Low (Limited to What Apple Allows)
App Selection
Extensive (Google Play Store)
App-Intensive (Apple App Store)
Security
Good (Depends on User)
Excellent (Highly Secure)
Each operating system has a loyal fanbase swearing by each distinct advantage, but it all boils down to your personal preferences and requirements.
Remember: the right operating system is the one that delivers what you’re looking for in a smartphone, whether it’s unique features, user-friendliness, security, or affordability.
Tip: Before deciding, try using a friend’s phone for a bit to get the real feel of the operating systems. It makes all the difference.
Evaluating Camera Features and Performance
Ah, the camera! Many of us turn into budding photographers as soon as we get our hands on a brand-new smartphone. The camera is often the determining factor between two great smartphone options. So, let’s delve into this fascinating world of pixels, lenses, and software enhancements.
Camera Resolution: You might be dazzled by the high resolution of smartphone cameras, often touted in megapixels. Although resolution is key in capturing details, don’t be fooled into thinking that more megapixels equal better pictures. A lot depends on the quality of the lenses and sensors.
- Higher-megapixel cameras allow you to zoom in and crop your photos without losing too much detail.
- However, lower-megapixel cameras can also produce excellent photos if they offer quality lenses and advanced features.
Lens Quality: The lens of your camera plays a crucial role in the image quality. A better lens will let in more light, making your photos look richer. Look for smartphones that offer wide-aperture lenses.
Other Features: Consider additional camera features like optical image stabilization, auto-focus, manual mode, and different shot modes. Experiment with these features in-store if possible to see if they meet your needs.
Understanding Connectivity and Network Compatibility
Now let’s dive into the world of connectivity. Your new smartphone will be a gateway to the online world, so you need to understand how it connects to the internet and the type of network it can support. GSM vs CDMA Network
- GSM (Global System for Mobiles): Predominantly used worldwide. It uses a SIM card, and allows easy switching of phones by simply moving the SIM card from one phone to another.
- CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access): This type of network doesn’t use a SIM card and instead, the network information is built directly into the phone. It’s largely used in the U.S by carriers like Verizon and Sprint.
To choose between the two, you need to consider your location and the carrier you plan to use. Most countries use GSM, but if you’re in the United States, choosing a CDMA capable phone might be a good idea if your carrier supports it.
Beyond this, you also need to consider connectivity features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC (Near Field Communication) and obviously, 4G/5G network capabilities. The next table summarises the functionality of these connectivity features.
Connectivity Feature
Description
Wi-Fi
Enables high-speed internet connection within a local area like your home or office
Bluetooth
Helps to connect your phone to other devices like headphones, speaker or car stereo
NFC
Enables contactless payments and fast data transfer
4G/5G
Next-generation mobile network, offers fast internet and streaming speeds
If you’re buying a smartphone in 2021, make sure it supports 5G networks. As carriers move towards this new standard, you’ll want your smartphone to be ready.
Also, consider a smartphone with dual SIM capabilities if you often travel abroad or need to maintain two lines (one for personal use and the other for work).
Making the Final Decision: Online or Offline Purchase
Once you’ve defined your needs, evaluated important features, and compared different options, it’s finally time to take the plunge and buy your first smartphone. But the question remains – should you make your purchase online or head to a physical store? Let’s break it down
Buying a smartphone online lets you compare a wide range of options at your convenience, and it’s often possible to snag some attractive deals that can’t be found in a brick-and-mortar store. Online shopping platforms also usually offer in-depth product reviews and ratings from other customers, which can provide valuable insights before you make your decision.
On the other hand, buying in a physical store gives you the opportunity to personally try out the smartphone. You can get a feel for the device’s size, weight, screen quality, and overall functionality. Plus, having a salesperson readily available to answer any questions can be quite helpful, especially if you’re new to smartphones.
