It seems like almost every individual on this earth owns a smartphone. Some of them even change it every year to avail better options with updated specifications and features. Regardless, buying a new model which ensures optimum performance and that too within your budget is not a piece of cake. Unless you are an iPhone user and left with only a few choices at hand because iOS come up with only one model every year. On the other hand, hundreds of Android phones are launched annually, making it a vast marketplace.
There are a number of things that you would need to compare and consider while purchasing a smartphone for yourself. Fret not as we are going to explain all the significant features of a cell phone in detail below.
But before moving ahead, it is important for you to know that the information stated here is as per today’s standards and will get upgraded with time.
Important Specifications That Shouldn’t Be Neglected While Shortlisting a Phone
With the advancements of technology, we are bestowed with a huge variety of smartphones that are equipped with the latest machinery and updated software. In fact, you can get a good phone with everything you need and that too within your budget. The key is to look for its specifications closely in order to determine if its worth your investment. Have a look at some important features to consider for an informed buying decision.
- Processor
If we have to tell how vital is the role of processor in a cell phone, then it would be fair to say that it is as important for a phone as the brain is for a human body. Like a CPU in the computer, a processor is responsible for handling all the functions of the device, such as speed, efficiency, browsing, multitasking, etc.
A lot of companies have launched processors for smartphones and each one has distinguished properties. For instance, iPhone chips are made by Apple and it is one of the best names for producing quality products. Here are a few more well-known labels from the world of Android smartphones chipmakers:
| Qualcomm | MediaTek | Samsung |
| It is the most significant and biggest Android chipmaker. The highest-end series from the brand is 8-series, followed by 7-, 6-, 4-, and 2-series.
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Here is another top-notch company that supplies powerful chips for smartphones. The top-tier processors of MediaTek include Dimensity 1100 and Dimensity 1200. | Samsung makes Exynos series in smartphones and a lot of these processors are high-end. However, they are not as good as Qualcomm’s chips. |
| Considering recent models, 8-series, 7-series and 6-series should be the most powerful among the rest.
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Dimensity series is powerful than Helio Series from the same brand, which is generally available in midrange phones with average performance. | Samsung chips are available in only their own phones.
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A poor quality processor can make your phone lag with slow downloads and browsing. Thus, you should be careful with the choice.
- RAM
Also named as Random Access Memory, RAM is another vital spec of a smartphone that is responsible for storing apps and files on a short-term basis.
RAM is basically a kind of super-fast storage, which is faster than the inbuilt phone capacity. Although more RAM is better, but it also varies in different phone models. For example, iPhone has only 4GB RAM, but it still performs optimum that is because its operating system goes well with the RAM of iPhone.
On the other hand, mostly Android phones require more RAM to run smoothly and handle multitasking, like 8GB, 6GB, 4GB, etc.
- Storage
The next on the list is storage, and we all know how important it is in a cell phone. Regardless, the feature has less to do with the performance of a phone and more to do with your data.
With the introduction of modern technology in smartphones, users don’t require much storage as there are other safe options to save data, like:
- Cloud services
- Apps Storage
- MicroSD card
However, phone storage is significant for downloading apps, games, music and even some files that are not supported by the cloud. In addition to this, the size of apps is getting bigger and asks for more space. Besides, applications like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, Picture Editor, Video Maker, Games and similar sites can’t be shifted to other storage options either. An external memory card can help you in the situation to some extent, though.
- Display Size
The size of phone display really matters to those who play games or watch movies/videos on their phone.
Generally, an average smartphone display size lies between the range of 5 to 6.8 inches.
- Display Type
The display of a smartphone is generally equipped with OLED, LED or AMOLED displays. Here is a breakdown of the mentioned types:
| LED | It offers a bright imaging along with vibrant colors. LED displays may not be as good as OLED as they don’t have deep black levels and have a backlight. However, there are high chances that technologies like Mini-LED and Micro-LED will bring change to the category in the future. | It has a brighter display quality.
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| OLAD | It ensures deeper black levels by offering a control on each pixel. It has the ability to turn the pixels off when there is a black image. OLED converse energy. | Its display is not as bright as the LED one.
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| AMOLED | This one is quite similar to the OLED displays except for having an active matrix for controlling the LEDs. As a result, users experience more précised control | Almost same display as OLED. |
Display Resolution
When we talk about a phone display, it is important to understand that the quality of imaging depends on the pixels. Although more pixels offer a sharp image, but it will also drain more power from the battery.
Usually, higher-end phones come with a 1,440 display – it means 1,440 columns of pixels. While a few phones have only 4K displays (4,000 columns of pixels). However, it won’t make much of a difference on such small display.
On the other hand, midrange phones usually have 1,080p display, which still ensures a crisp image. Whereas, low-end phones have generally 720p display, and any phone with a lower resolution then this is not suggested to buy.
- Battery
The capacity of a phone battery is measured in milliamp hours, which basically signifies how big and powerful a battery is. Regardless, this metric doesn’t really indicate how long the battery will last on charge and mainly depends on other aspects, like network usage, display specs, game apps, etc.
It is suggested to check reviews of the desired model on the Internet beforehand in order to determine the life and performance of its battery.
- Camera
Close-up of a businessman hand holding a smartphone white screen is blank the background is blurred.Mockup.
The next spec on the phone buying list is the ‘camera’ that is an ultimate need of today’s generation. The quality of a phone’s camera has become extremely important these days as people are using their smartphones for photography and videography purposes. However, it is not possible to tell about the camera result of a particular model without using it. This is because, the image quality is subjective to some other specs that you should look at:
- Camera Type
The first thing to consider in camera specs is the type of camera used in the phone. In recent times, the high-end phones are available with multiple cameras, including one wide-angle standard camera that is most commonly utilized. An ultra-wide camera is also included in some phones that has the ability to capture wider image than normal.
Besides, a telephoto camera is also found in a few models, which allows zooming into the scenery without losing the data in the process. These phones usually come between 2x and 4x.
- Megapixels
The number of megapixels represents the resolution of a camera. One megapixel is equal to one million pixels, which means 12 megapixels can snap a photo with 12 million pixels. However, number of pixels are not worth worrying much as long as the other features are up to the mark.
- Aperture
The aperture of a camera is measured in f-stops. For your information, f-stop is a ratio of focal length that is divided by camera’s opening size. The amount of light the camera allows inside depends on the number of f-stop. The smaller the number, the greater amount of light will enter.
- Operating system
In the business of smartphones, you are required to select from two operating systems mainly – Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android. Choosing between these two means you will be deciding about your preferred tech ecosystem.
| Operating Systems | iOS | Android |
| Compatibility | Apple’s iOS is compatible with the devices like iPad, Mac, Apple Music, iCloud, etc. | Android integrates with Google’s ecosystem and support services, like Google Photos, Google Drive, Search and more. |
| Nature of system | It is more consistent in work. | The system is customizable comparatively. |
| Third-party sources | Doesn’t support third-party sources. | It allows the user to install apps via third-party sources. |
| Handling bugs | Antivirus isn’t required as Apps store does the job for you. | Antivirus can be installed on the phone. |
- Network Support
A new network generation is introduced every decade or so. Currently, the industry is in the midst of developing 5G network. However, to use the service, you need to make sure that your device is 5G compatible and your location is somewhere near the 5G cell or tower.
So, while buying a phone don’t forget to check its connectivity with the available networks.
- Design
The last on the list of significant smartphone features is its design. After all, who wants to use an ugly phone? No matter how good it performs.
Well, a smartphone design is entirely subjective to the preferences and liking of the user. But it is not a wise idea to buy a phone on the basis of its good looks only because it has to go in the protective case any way. So, choose thoughtfully.
Ideal Specifications For A Smartphone
To sum up all the above-mentioned details, we have created a chart to briefly describe the ideal features a phone should have.
| Features to look for | Ideal Specifications |
| Camera | 40 to 60 megapixels |
| RAM | 4 to 8 GB |
| Software | Android, iOS |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, 4G, VoLTE, WiFi |
| Screen | LCD/LED |
| Internal Storage | 64 to 256 GB |
| Battery | 8 to 24 hours for one time charge |
Do Your Homework!
Now that you are all set to get a new phone; the next step is to choose the right model that matches your requirements the best. The key is to look for the reviews and ratings of that particular model to be sure about its pros and cons.
There are different websites on the Internet to give you a detailed review of phones and even offer comparisons with the similar model from same or other brands. Another option is to search directly through Google by typing the brand name + model number in the search bar. For example, type Samsung Note Series and hit the search button. In addition, you can also inquire about available phones within a specific price range to filter the results.
Just keep in mind that smartphones with top-notch features are mostly high in price. However, it is suggested to invest in a good-quality phone from a reputed brand as it will last you for years and will have a resale value as well.
| Bonus Tip
Avoid buying a smartphone from a brand that don’t have any franchise in your company. This is because, the warranty provided by them will become worthless if there is no service center nearby. In case of any issue, you won’t be able to get it repaired from the manufacturers either. |
Conclusion
Luckily, you can find a huge variety of smartphones in the marketplace these days in every price range. However, it is important to research a bit before buying one in order to prevent any regretful circumstances. The main specifications of a smartphone that you should consider are already discussed above in detail to make your decision easy.
Moreover, you can opt from two leading operating systems in the business, Apple and Android. If you are an Apple lover, then the choices are less in the category with a high budget of course. On the other hand, the market of Android phone is vast with flexible price range. A lot of famous brands have launched their models in affordable prices as well, like LG, Sony, Samsung, Huawei, OPPO, OnePlus and more. Have a pleasant shopping experience!
