Buying Guide: How to Choose the right smartphone when you want to buy one

We all have to agree that smartphones are one of the most high-tech products that we can not live as human beings. As a result, you ought to understand the mechanics of this particular product and make a clear decision before settling on one.

Jun 1, 2022 - 21:48
Jan 18, 2023 - 11:36
Buying Guide: How to Choose the right smartphone when you want to buy one
Buying Guide: How to Choose the right smartphone when you want to buy one

Within a short period, smartphones have proven to be a handy item, almost becoming a natural extension of the hand for those obsessed. A design object, nearly as powerful as a computer for the best, ultra-versatile – it allows you to make calls, surf, play, or photograph - the smartphone is not a device that we buy lightly. It's typically the puzzle when it comes to making a decision.

Let us get started

Android or iOS

This is undoubtedly one of the many questions I am always asked frequently. The answer is, it certainly depends on your needs. Unless you are not conversant with the smartphone world, forget about Windows Phone and BlackBerry OS. Only Android and iOS smartphone operating systems are seen on our phones nowadays.

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The iOS operating system brings about an up-to-date system capable of making the most of your favourite applications and regularly offers you the latest software news. It should also be said that iOS is not open-sourced; therefore, it is not possible to do customizations with the system itself unless you are the developer. Compared to Android, iOS knows how to respect the privacy of its users than the first

On the other hand, the Android operating system developed by Google has evolved over the years such that almost every smartphone now is equipped with the Operating system. Accurate as of the writing of this article, many smartphone manufacturers continue to impose their overlay, which, if it brings a certain functional richness to users, sometimes deprives them of the latest  Android updates. Nevertheless, Android smartphones have a joint base of essential applications ranging from Gmail to Google Maps via YouTube. They have the same application store (the Play Store) that does not have to blush in front of Apple's (the App Store). More open than iOS, Android makes it possible to install applications from any source, access its files more efficiently, customize the interface, etc

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So um, Choosing between iOS or Android is a matter of taste.

screen size

Smartphones now virtually all have displays greater than 6 inches, much larger than the original Note. Fortunately, the gadgets have acquired elegance and compactness due to technological advancements from the various manufacturers from the makers, such as edge-to-edge panels. Whether you choose a front camera contained in a pop-up, a notch, or a punch based on personal preference or budget, the screen of your new smartphone is likely to take up more than 75%) of the façade. Now we have even the folding smartphones.

Screen Technology

Manufacturers fitting their smartphones with OLED technology get all the votes thanks to the support for absolute contrast, vivid colours and less energy consumption. Don't be confused anyway, as there are still many LCDs available that have the benefit of high brightness) and a high contrast ratio. Therefore when choosing a smartphone with an LCD, make sure that its IPS has good viewing angles.

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For those who want to limit themselves to displays above 6.5 inches, go for a Full HD resolution at the very least to get the most accurate display possible. This is a high-resolution situation. The screen resolution, which is about 300 dots per inch, should not disappoint you. Finally, the increased refresh rate of the newest generation of high-end smartphones sets them apart from the competitors. This enables them to show more frames per second, which increases navigation smoothness. Some provide 90 Hz, while others offer 120 Hz. This is faster than the typical 60 Hz refresh rate in both circumstances.

 Processors

The newest CPUs are etched in 7 nm, enabling smartphone processing capability that rivals desktops. We're talking about Apple's A15 Bionic, Huawei's Kirin 990, Samsung's Exynos 2200, and Qualcomm's Snapdragon® 8+ Gen 1, which are all used in the highest-end smartphones and provide a healthy dose of AI (artificial intelligence) in the process. These processors are integrated with supplementary neural chips, known as NPUs (Neural Processing Units), which enhance images using sophisticated image analysis.

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Mid-range terminals have processors that are somewhat less powerful (Snapdragon 888, Kirin 820...). They'll take care of the majority of your gaming needs. Finally, entry-level smartphones - even those with a low-power processor (such as the Snapdragon 450 or the MediaTek Helio), as long as they have a well-optimized system by the manufacturer - will allow you to communicate, surf, photograph, and occasionally play low-resource-intensive games with ease.

 Storage

It's not only the performance that matters a lot. It must be accompanied by more or less random access memory (RAM), which helps the mobile run more smoothly, mainly while doing several energy-intensive activities. Goodbye to the days when your smartphone's RAM was limited to 256 or 512 MB. Some versions now have as much as... 10 or even 12 GB. Apple does not provide more than 4 GB of RAM on its most powerful iPhone, demonstrating that software optimization is critical if not adequate. For the most resource-intensive operations on Android, 6-8 GB will suffice. Two or even 3 GB of RAM is preferable on an entry-level Android smartphone. Avoid internal memory with less than 32 GB since they only provide around twenty GB of generous storage. Even if you store your photographs, movies, and music in the cloud if you install many apps, particularly games, this space will rapidly be used. We suggest 128 GB of storage if you can afford it.

 Battery Life

it is preferable to get a smartphone with a large battery capacity between 4000 mAh and 5000 mAh, depending on the manufacturer. Some CPUs are more energy-efficient than others, as we all know the latest from Apple and those from Huawei in particular. As a result, Qualcomm's entry-level CPUs outperform MediaTek's in this area. If you value battery life above all else, forget about most 5G phones and displays with a high refresh rate. They use an excessive amount of energy.

Photography

This is most likely the criteria on which large brands are now feuding the most, and I bet you are also. If the quality of the photos is a top priority for you, you'll need to invest in a high-end smartphone, perhaps among the most costly. Some brands have grown their market share in this sector. Each of Huawei, Samsung, Apple, and Google has its advantages. Low-light photography, ultra-wide-angle photography, bokeh-effect pictures, and even optical zoom are all battlegrounds.

Network

If you're on a tight budget, make sure the phone is 4G capable, so you may browse, chat on social media, and download the essential apps in comfort. 5G is not yet available in Kenya entirely but is already seen in other world regions. Already several manufacturers have provided compatible smartphones, which are often priced more. Should you invest in a 5G phone? This novelty does not have a good reputation at present. It has been chastised for excessive battery use and overheating handsets. However, if you decide to upgrade your phone and want to keep it for a long time, we suggest going with a compatible model. 

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Joseph Richard Joseph Richard, a leading contributor to sledge.co.ke, uses his decade-long expertise in finance, business, and technology to offer clear, reliable guides and analyses. His work aids Kenyans in making informed financial and business decisions, earning him a reputation as a trusted industry authority.