So you’re in the market for a new phone. Lucky for you, smartphones have never been more affordable. But with such a wide selection of devices to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you?
Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Below are eight questions to ask yourself before buying a new smartphone. Answer them honestly, and you’ll be one step closer to finding the perfect handset for your needs.
What Features Do You Need in a Smartphone?
When you’re ready for an upgrade, the first question to ask is what features you need in a new smartphone.
Do you need a large screen? How important is battery life to you? Is a fast processor a must-have? Do you want a phone that can double as a laptop or tablet?
Once you know what features are important to you, it’s time to start narrowing down your options.
How Much Storage Should You Have?
How much storage should you have on your new smartphone? This is a question you’ll need to answer for yourself. Some people can get by with just 32GB, while others may need 128GB or more.
It depends on how you plan to use your phone. If you’re a power user and you take a lot of photos and videos, you’ll need more storage. If you just use your phone to check email and browse the web, 32GB will be fine.
Think about what’s important to you and make a decision based on that. You don’t want to end up with buyer’s remorse because you didn’t get enough storage.
What Is the Right Size and Weight for Your Needs?
Thinking about getting a new smartphone? The first question to ask yourself is what size and weight you’re looking for. Do you want a smaller phone that you can easily carry around with you, or are you looking for a larger device with a bigger screen?
Think about how you’ll be using your new smartphone. If you’re always on the go, a smaller phone might be the way to go. But if you want a phone that you can use for watching videos and browsing the web, you might prefer a larger screen.
The right size and weight for your needs is ultimately a personal decision. But it’s important to consider how you’ll be using your new phone before making a purchase.
Which Operating System Should You Choose?
You probably already know if you’re an Android or Apple fan. But if you need a refresher, you should ask yourself which operating system will serve your needs better.
If you prefer seamless integration, Apple’s iOS is the safest bet. All iPhones run the same operating system, so all your devices—from the iPhone to iPad to Mac—are connected and can communicate with each other. That’s not only useful for transferring files and data between devices, but also for compatible software and apps, so you can pick up where you left off on another device.
Android phones have a wide range of features and customizable options that give you control over your phone. They tend to be cheaper than iPhones with more price points and models. Android often offers larger screens, longer battery hours, and expandable memory options that may not be available in iOS devices.
Regardless of which operating system you choose, bear in mind the future implications of your decision. Decide whether long-term compatibility or short-term savings is more important to you before making a final decision.
How Will You Stay Connected on the Go?
When it comes to staying connected on the go, you want a smartphone that provides enough battery life and strong cellular service. First, consider how often you plan to charge your phone and make sure that it offers enough battery life for your lifestyle. If you’re often on the go and don’t have access to a power source for hours or days, look for a phone that specifically advertises excellent battery life.
Second, make sure the cellular service the phone offers is compatible with your network provider or other network providers in the area. If you’re a frequent traveler or live in an area where your current provider doesn’t offer strong service, taking a look at other carrier options is important.
Finally, do some research into whether or not the smartphone has Wi-Fi calling capabilities—this can be really helpful if you’re in an area with spotty cell service. Many newer phones come with this capability built-in, but some of them don’t so if this is something you think might be useful then make sure to pay attention to this feature before making your purchase.
What Camera Quality Should You Look For?
Before making your final selection, now is the time to consider the camera quality. How many megapixels do you need? Do you need a dual-camera setup or a camera with optical zoom? Will you ever use the portrait mode feature?
If photography isn’t a priority, then opt for something that’s more cost-effective. For example, if you don’t take many photos and don’t plan on using your smartphone for professional editing or photography, then avoid models with multiple lens setups and go for something more basic.
On the other hand, if you are a photo enthusiast who needs top-of-the-line quality and advanced editing capabilities, it’s best to invest in a device that offers higher resolution and powerful camera functions. Nonetheless, be sure to look at what each phone offers in terms of camera settings and image processing capabilities before taking the plunge.
How Long Do You Need Battery Life to Last?
Do you ever find yourself without access to an outlet? If battery life is important to you, ask yourself how long it should last. Most phones today have a battery life of up to 25 hours. Or, you may be able to find a phone with removable batteries that can be replaced when necessary. You may also want to assess whether the phone supports wireless charging and quick charging, as these features will help you top off your battery quickly when necessary. Be sure to check the average talk time and standby time on any phone you’re considering; this should give you an indication of how long it’ll last on a single charge.
Are There Any Additional Accessories or Features to Consider?
So, before you make a purchase, take some time to think about any additional accessories or features you might want. Would a protective case be helpful? Do you need a headphone jack? Is water resistance important? Do you plan on using a VR headset with your phone?
You may also want to consider an extra charger and cable if the phone doesn’t come with one. Additionally, some phones have special features that may give them extra appeals such as gesture navigation, expandable storage, or wireless charging capabilities. If you plan on downloading lots of apps or streaming videos, then battery life should be top of your list too.
These questions could help narrow down your selection and ensure that the phone has all the features and extras you need for your lifestyle.
Conclusion
So, before you head to the store, ask yourself these eight questions to help you decide which smartphone is right for you.
- What Features Do You Need in a Smartphone?
- How Much Storage Should You Have?
- What Is the Right Size and Weight for Your Needs?
- Which Operating System Should You Choose?
- How Will You Stay Connected on the Go?
- What Camera Quality Should You Look For?
- How Long Do You Need Battery Life to Last?
- Are There Any Additional Accessories or Features to Consider?
FAQ
Do you have some common questions you’d like to ask before you buy a new smartphone? Here are some of the most common ones and what you should consider.
How much storage do I need?
This depends on how many apps or media you want to store. Some phones come with expandable storage, so consider upgrading if this is something that matters to you.
Does my phone need to be water-resistant?
If you plan on taking your phone anywhere near water (like the beach or pool), then having a water-resistant phone is a must.
What type of screen do I need?
LCD screens are generally better than older LED screens, but if battery life matters more, OLED might be the way to go.
