Smartphones

Guide to Finding the Best Mobile Phone For You

Your smartphone is the gateway to some of the main notifications you need in life—calls from friends and family, text messages, your device’s camera for snapping quick photos, and of course, access to the internet and your favorite social media platforms on demand. 

With smartphones becoming the main way the majority of people handle computing tasks all over the world, it is important that you know how to select the right phone for you, no matter what your budget looks like. 

So, what is the best mobile phone for you? Follow this simple guide to find out which device you should think about picking up for yourself this year.

Choose Your Operating System

The first thing you need to think about when selecting a new smartphone is which choice of operating system you would like to go with. The two dominant platforms are Android and iOS, and they each come with their own advantages and disadvantages. Which one you choose mostly comes down to personal preference. 

Google Android: Android is a free and open-source mobile OS built on top of the Linux kernel. Android devices offer customization options that you won’t be able to find on iOS devices. Android devices can be found in different price ranges from all kinds of different manufacturers. If you like choice, Android is the platform for you. 

Apple iOS: Apple’s iOS platform is well known for its focus on security. Apple vets every app that goes into its app store, and it supports its devices through security updates for often up to five years, something you won’t often find on Android devices. If you like simplicity and regular updates, then an Apple device could be the right choice for you.

Think About How Much You Can Spend

Smartphones are getting pricier and pricier these days as their computing capabilities get even better and display sizes continue to increase. Think about what you’re looking for in a phone. If you want a simple device that is just mainly used for calling, texting, and looking up something online every now and again, there are many cheap smartphones that are meant just for people who aren’t looking for the latest phones on the scene.

Some great examples of budget smartphones include the Samsung Galaxy A series and the Moto G lineup, featuring budget devices with impressive specs for the price. 

If you want a more premium device with the latest processor and the highest storage capabilities, you are covered there, too. Some of the latest flagship phones, including the Google Pixel 4, the iPhone 11 Pro, and the Samsung Galaxy s20 all come equipped with some of the latest hardware and features.

Consider the Display

When you watch a good deal of media on your phone or consume a lot of content on the go, you should be thinking about the display on your phone, as well. If you like your phone to be easily usable one-handed, shoot for something with around a 4.7-5.5 inch screen. This is the perfect size range for simple one-handed usability. 

If, on the other hand, you want something with the best display you can find for playing mobile games or watching Netflix from anywhere, you will want to pony up a little more cash for premium. Devices like the latest iPhone and some of the newest Android phones from Samsung and LG offer AMOLED displays with rich colors and crisp tones.

Think About the Camera

Are you a shutterbug when it comes to using your phone’s camera, or are you one of the folks who only takes a snapshot every now and then? This is something else you’ll need to think about when settling on a new phone, as the camera specs play a big part in how costly it might be. 

If you want the best smartphone camera money can buy, you don’t need to look any further than Google’s Pixel line of phones. Whether you go with the latest and greatest Google Pixel 4 or the more budget-friendly Google Pixel 3a, you will find they both have the same great capabilities. On the other hand, if you are more a fan of Apple, you will find that the latest iPhones are no slouch when it comes to their cameras, either.

Consider the Hardware Specs

The latest and greatest smartphones will usually come with the latest Snapdragon processors from Qualcomm. These chips are known to power some of the fastest smartphones in the world. You want to think about hardware specs depending on how you use your phone. 

For example, if all you really do with your device is call and text, or occasionally scroll through social media, you probably won’t need the most powerful device on the market. A more budget-friendly phone will most likely suit you fine. However, if you play a lot of mobile games, do a lot of streaming, or like having tons of apps open simultaneously, then you will want to look into some of the more powerful flagship offerings.

Don’t Forget Your Battery Life

Finally, one of the most important things you don’t want to overlook in your smartphone is the battery life. You want something that is going to last you for hours on end so you can reliably use your phone anytime it is needed. Try to stay with a battery that’s at least 3000mAh. This should last you reliably, as long as you aren’t using it every minute of the day. 

If you are a power-user when it comes to your phone, you will want to go a little higher when it comes to the capacity of your battery life. Shoot for a device with at least 4500mAh or above if you think you will be using your phone a good deal of the time. A few of the latest phones with amazing battery lives include the Essential PH-1, the Samsung Galaxy s20 Plus, and the OnePlus 8.

Best Budget Smartphones

If you’re looking for the best cheap mobile phones you can find that will provide you with a good user experience on a budget, keep these devices in mind: 

• Motorola G7

• Motorola Z3

• Samsung Galaxy A10e

• iPhone SE

• Nokia 4.2

• Sony Xperia L4

Each of these devices offer you a great, flagship experience at half the cost of their top-of-the-line counterparts. If you’re looking for a reliable smartphone without spending an arm and a leg, you could benefit from choosing one of these spectacular, affordable devices.