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How to choose a phone
Purchase goals
Depending on the purchase goals, different device specifications may be required:
- Smartphone for photographers
- Smartphone for gamers
- Smartphone for work
- A smartphone for everyday use
If you like high-quality photos and it is important for you to post high-quality photo/video content on social networks:
● Camera. The main camera should be at least 12 MP. The best is 50 MP. The quality of additional cameras is also important, such as wide-angle and telephoto lenses, which allow you to take varied shots.
● Image processing. Many smartphones can improve photos using the software. This function can be disabled and everything can be done manually.
● Storage. High-resolution photos require a lot of space. From 512 Gb.
With such a device, photography will become a pleasure. A lightweight and compact smartphone allows you to capture important moments in any situation, be it a trip, a meeting with friends or a professional photography
If you are a fan of serious resource-intensive games, the main thing will be:
● Processor. Gadgets with a powerful processor provide the performance necessary for gameplay.
● Display. Your goal is to have a frequency of 120 Hz if you want super-high-quality picture and smooth image movement.
● RAM. To prevent games from freezing, you will need at least 6 GB.
● Storage. Large games take up a lot of space, so you need at least 512 GB.
● Battery. Powerful hardware requires a lot of energy. Aim for a capacity of 5,000 mAh.
Such a smartphone is a full-fledged gaming platform that is always at hand.
Do you solve office tasks in the palm of your hand? What to pay attention to:
● Display. The more, the better. Especially if you work with photos and videos.
● Operating system. Ideally, with multitasking support.
● Storage. For your million files, you will need at least 512 GB.
● Battery. A battery of 4,000 mAh will help you break free from the power outlet.
● Fast charging. Another important factor that should not be neglected.
Reliable data protection, multitasking, and integration with corporate services are also important, making the smartphone indispensable for professionals.
A smartphone for everyday use is a universal device that can easily handle any task. It should be suitable for communication, viewing content, working with applications, and photography. And also combine stylish design, good camera and performance, providing comfortable use throughout the day.
It needs a capacious battery so that you do not have to think about recharging. And an intuitive interface that makes interaction with the device simple and enjoyable. This combination of characteristics will be an ideal choice for those who value reliability and convenience in everyday life.
Operating system
A smartphone's operating system is the base element of its functioning, determining the interface, available applications, and capabilities of the device. The most popular platforms — iOS and Android — offer different approaches to functionality, design, and personalization. HarmonyOS is a mobile operating system developed exclusively for Huawei smartphones. The choice of OS plays a key role, as it affects your user experience and the ecosystem of connected devices
iOS
Closed operating system from Apple.
Pros: optimization, security, integration into the company's device ecosystem.
Cons: installation of software only from the AppStore, limited access to the file system, incomplete interaction with third-party OS.
There are no inexpensive smartphones on iOS.
Android
An open operating system from Google.
Pros: installation of software from third-party sources, many free programs, wide customization and a choice of devices - from cheap to expensive.
Cons: budget models are slow, some have ads (may be disabled), application optimization is low.
HarmonyOS
An open operating system from Huawei.
Similar to Android, it can run its applications, but in the future it is planned to switch to their own format. It can work with the Google Play store, but you will have to install it yourself.
Processors
The performance of a smartphone depends on the chip (SoC). It combines the central and graphic processors. The SoC determines the types and speeds of supported RAM and storage. Many manufacturers have both fast and slow chips. Therefore, you should focus not on the name, but on the benchmark results.
For example, you can use the points in Antutu benchmark:
Which processor should I choose?
If we compare the performance of a phone with the transportation of goods, the number of cores is related to the number of trucks: the more there are, the faster the goods will be delivered. The clock frequency is related to the speed of a truck: the higher it is, the better. And the architecture is related to the driver's skill: just as greater efficiency can be achieved if the driver knows where to take a reasonable shortcut, the chipset knows how to rationally distribute the allocated resources. The following chips are mainly represented on the market:
Qualcomm Snapdragon
A productive platform that is used everywhere: in budget, mid-range devices, and top gaming devices.
Considered one of the best processors for Android smartphones. The manufacturer maintains contact with software developers, so the software for mobile gadgets is initially adapted specifically for Snapdragon chipsets from Qualcomm.
MediaTek
If Qualcomm is famous for its flagship processors, then Mediatek is known for its budget single-chip systems. They cost about 30% less to purchase than Qualcomm chips.
With its latest processors, Mediatek is trying to turn the tide. The latest generation of MTK Dimensity 1100 chipsets successfully competes with Qualcomm systems
Samsung
The Korean company owns a line of Exynos chipsets, which are slightly inferior to Qualcomm processors in performance and energy efficiency.
But the latest models of these chips have a built-in neural processor for processing photos during shooting. Thanks to this technology, photos from Samsung smartphones often surpass competitors on other processors with similar camera modules in terms of automatic post-processing quality.
Apple
HiSilicon
Memory sizes
The amount of RAM determines how many resource-intensive applications can be running simultaneously on the device. On iOS, RAM is used more efficiently. To achieve the same effect, one and a half to two times less is required.
The amount of permanent memory determines how many programs and user data can be stored on the device
RAM
Ready-to-use memory
Screen characteristics
The smartphone screen is one of the most important parameters that affect the usability of the device. When choosing, it is important to consider the size, resolution and type of matrix, as they determine the image quality, clarity of details and color saturation.
The following options are most often presented:
- TN - has poor color rendering and small viewing angles of up to 160 ° vertically and 170 ° horizontally, but significantly reduces the cost of the phone;
- IPS - is the most popular among manufacturers due to the most natural colors, a viewing angle of 178 ° (horizontally and vertically) and image clarity. Typical for mid-range gadgets class;
- OLED - built on organic light-emitting diodes, therefore, compared to IPS, it consumes less energy and gives brighter, richer, more saturated and deeper colors, especially when it comes to black tones, mostly used in flagship devices;
- AMOLED - the same display as OLED, but with optimized energy consumption (more economical).
Determines how clear the picture will look.
- 720 x 16xx - HD+ category. Quite large pixels that can be seen with the naked eye;
- 1080 x 2xxx - FHD+ category. Pixels are indistinguishable unless you hold the device directly to your eyes;
- from 1116 to 1290 x 2xxx - category 1.5K. Slightly exceeds FHD+ in image density;
- 1440 x 3xxx - category 2K. You can see image details by holding the device to your nose.
The parameter is directly related to the size of the smartphone. It's the same story as with the resolution - the higher the pixel density, the better the picture. This parameter needs to be taken into account, so you will have to look at the technical documentation.
You can also determine the pixel density by eye:
- up to 350 - the picture on the screen is not very clear;
- from 350 to 450 - a standard range for smartphones of the middle price segment;
- 500 pixels and above - an excellent image.
Responsible for the smoothness of the screen in the literal sense of the word.
- 60 Hz is the minimum, and if we are talking about Android smartphones, it is better to take something more expensive. However, you won't feel any particular discomfort on iPhones and Google Pixel Smartphones;
- 90 Hz is already not bad. This value is quite relevant, and if you haven't used screen with 120 Hz before, then it will be very smooth for you;
- 120 Hz is the maximum smoothness. In combination with good performance, it becomes a real paradise for the eyes.
The higher value, the better. A big role in whether you can distinguish something on a smartphone screen on the street is whether the display has an anti-glare coating or not. In the first case, even at average brightness, the picture will be quite readable, in the second, even at 800 nits, you'll find it hard to make out.
It is also worth considering that AMOLED screens generally require lower brightness - precisely because they have infinite contrast, while on IPS screens, under sunlight, white areas can merge with black and gray.
The average indicators of top smartphones are within 550 nits. Before buying, study the technical specifications, paying attention to the standard and peak brightness, as well as the anti-glare properties of the screen.
Cameras
Camera of your feature smartphone is an important aspect that affects the quality of your photos. Modern devices offer many features, such as optical zoom and night mode, allowing you to take photos in any conditions. Pay attention to the following aspects to find the perfect option for you.
Resolution
Resolution is one of the main characteristics of the image sensor. The main camera modules in modern smartphones have a resolution of 12 to 108 megapixels
Stabilization
Smartphone camera stabilization plays a key role in obtaining clear and high-quality photos. It helps minimize blur caused by hand movement, especially when taking photo in low light conditions or using a long shutter speed. Thanks to stabilization, photos become clearer and videos become smoother, which significantly improves the overall quality content.
Lens aperture
The higher the aperture (light speed) of the lens, the more light it lets through to the matrix. The less noise in the frame and the better the quality of the photo. Flagship smartphones are always equipped with the fastest lenses at the time of release.
The aperture is indicated as a value of f/x, where f is the focal length and x is the objective lens diameter.
The main cameras on modern smartphones have lenses with an aperture of f/2.5 to f/1.5. Additional cameras can be equipped with a less fast lens, up to f/4. All other things being equal, the smaller the number under the fraction, the better.
Matrix size
One of the main characteristics that affects the quality of photo and video shooting. The larger the matrix, the more light it captures. This means the better quality and more detailed the photos and videos are. The matrix size is measured in fractions of an inch. The characteristic is represented as an expression 1/x. The smaller the number by which an inch is divided, the larger the camera matrix. For example, the diagonal of a 1/3 inch matrix is 5.8 mm, while a 1/2.3 matrix is 7.8 mm. Modern flagships are equipped with the largest matrices, up to 1/1.28 inches — the diagonal of such matrix is almost 20 mm.
Additional camera sensors
Modern smartphones are universally equipped with several camera sensors, and each of them has its own purpose.
An ultra-wide-angle lens is a sensor with a wider viewing angle than the main one. It allows you to take photos "from afar", fitting as many objects as possible into the frame.
A telephoto lens is a sensor with a narrower field of view than the main lens. It is used to implement optical zoom.
A macro lens is a sensor with a short focal length. It allows you to shoot small objects at a minimum distance from them. It can be used to take a photo of flowers, insects, or other small objects.
Communications and sensors
Modern smartphones are equipped with many sensors that provide effective communication and interaction with the user. These devices can determine location, track movement and even respond to touch, which makes them indispensable assistants in everyday life. Communication technologies such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi allow smartphones to stay connected to other devices and the Internet, opening up new possibilities for users.
All modern smartphones support 4G networks. Many models support 5G networks, but they are not yet widely available around the world.
Security in most smartphones is provided by a fingerprint scanner. It can be located under the screen, on the side or on the back of the device - choose according to your taste.
The supported Wi-Fi version determines the speed of data exchange with wireless networks. Wi-Fi 4 significantly limits the modern Internet, Wi-Fi 5 - almost none. Wi-Fi 6 speeds will be more than enough for the near future, and Wi-Fi 7 - for many years to come.
The newer the Bluetooth version, the more stable the connection between the smartphone and wireless headphones. Modern headphones require version 5.0 and higher. Sound quality depends on the supported Bluetooth codecs. The best of them are LHDC, LDAC, LH3 and the aptX family.
A full set of sensors is necessary for the full functionality of some applications, such as navigators or games. If you plan to use them, pay attention to the set of sensors of the device.
The NFC module provides emulation of various contactless cards, including bank cards. If you use contactless payment, pay attention to its presence.
Thanks to the proximity sensor, the smartphone can turn off the screen when approaching the ear, thereby saving you from false touches during a conversation. Different smartphones have different models of such sensors, which are very different from each other in operating principles.
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