.jpg)
1. Budget:
- Determine your budget range and stick to it. Smartphones come in various price ranges, and setting a budget will help narrow down your options. Example : With a high budget, it is possible to get a high-performance smartphone.
2. Operating System:
- Decide between iOS (iPhone) and Android. Each has its own set of features and ecosystem, so choose the one that aligns with your preferences. Example: If you plan to use the device for heavy tasks, multitasking, creating, and editing, I recommend opting for Android. However, if your usage primarily involves capturing high-quality pictures and videos, browsing, and using social media apps without engaging in heavy tasks, then go for an iPhone. Both platforms offer security, but iPhone's security is slightly higher than Android due to its closed-source nature, whereas Android is open source. Android currently boasts a greater number of apps than the iPhone. While iPhone's UI and UX are a bit more flexible, Android offers more features. The speed of both smartphones depends on your budget and the specific Android or iPhone model you choose. It's worth noting that there are many Android devices that can capture quality pictures and videos, sometimes even surpassing the iPhone, depending on your budget. For more detailed information, you can explore articles comparing Android and iPhone on the internet. Personally, I would prefer Android.
3. Performance:
- Check the processor (CPU) and RAM specifications. Higher-end processors and more RAM generally result in better performance and multitasking capabilities.
Example: There are a lot of powerful CPUs that help your device operate smoothly and run faster; some are listed below.
- Apple A15 Bionic (used in iPhone 13 series)
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 (for high-end Android devices)
- Samsung Exynos 2200 (used in some Samsung Galaxy models)
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (used in various flagship Android phones in 2021)
- Apple A14 Bionic (used in iPhone 12 series)
- Samsung Exynos 2100 (used in some Samsung Galaxy S21 models)
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (found in some mid-range to high-end Android devices)
- MediaTek Dimensity 1200 (used in some high-end Android smartphones)
- Apple A13 Bionic (used in iPhone 11 series)
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (used in 2020 flagship Android phones)
To determine how powerful your CPU is on your smartphone, take the CPU name and search it on the internet. You will find all the information and reviews about that CPU, which will help you assess whether the smartphone you are considering to buy has a good or bad CPU. Also, it is important to note the reviews of the CPU to understand what people are saying about it before purchasing the device. Regarding RAM, 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB is suitable for a smartphone.
4. Storage Capacity:
- Consider how much storage space you need. Some smartphones offer expandable storage through microSD cards, while others don't. Example: The default storage for a phone should ideally be 64GB or more it is acceptable.
5. Battery Life:
- Look for a smartphone with good battery life. Check reviews or user feedback to get an idea of how long the battery lasts under normal usage conditions. Example: Revised: The battery capacity should be at least 7,000mAh, 6,000mAh, 5,000mAh, or 4,500mAh, but not less than these values.
NB: Android devices generally have longer-lasting batteries and faster charging capabilities compared to iPhones. Also, it's important to highlight that a higher battery mAh doesn't necessarily guarantee longer battery life. For instance, an iPhone with a 4,352mAh battery may last longer than an Android device with a 5,000mAh battery. The actual performance depends on the equipment used in creation and the brand of the battery.
6. Camera Quality:
- Assess the camera specifications if photography is important to you. Pay attention to megapixels, aperture size, and features like optical image stabilization. Example: In this case, I would choose an iPhone over Android. It's not that Android doesn't have good camera quality; my answer is no. However, the reason I prefer iPhone is that you can get a good camera quality iPhone within a lower budget, whereas with Android, it might require a more prepared budget. Both platforms offer good camera quality, and the choice ultimately depends on your budget.
7. Display:
- Consider the display size, resolution, and type (e.g., LCD or AMOLED). A higher resolution and better display technology can enhance the overall viewing experience. Example: The display refresh rate must be at least 60 Hertz or higher, and that is acceptable. Screen size depends on your personal preference, and I won't delve into the display details further because it's straightforward—aim for a refresh rate of 60 Hertz or higher. Note, In terms of my preference, AMOLED screens are the best for phones, although replacing them at a phone shop can be expensive.
8. Build Quality and Design:
- Evaluate the build quality of the smartphone. Premium materials and a solid construction can contribute to the device's durability. Example: In this case, the choice depends on your budget, but I would prefer an iPhone. This is because iPhones are produced by the same company, ensuring consistency in design. iPhone designs are uniform and straightforward, while Android devices, being produced by various companies, have different design approaches. Android phone designs vary, with some being excellent, while others may not meet expectations. It's important to note that this comparison is between Android and iPhone, not specifically Samsung versus iPhone.
9. Connectivity:
- Check if the smartphone supports the latest connectivity standards, such as 4G or 5G, if they are important in your region. In this case, I would choose an Android phone for its faster internet connectivity.
10. Software Updates:
- Ensure that the smartphone receives regular software updates. This is crucial for security and access to the latest features. In this case, I would choose an iPhone because all their devices receive updates promptly, provided the device supports the update. In contrast, Android devices, excluding Google phones (Pixels), often experience delays in receiving updates even when the devices are ready for them. This is because Google is responsible for releasing updates for the Android operating system.
11. Brand Reputation:
- Consider the reputation of the smartphone manufacturer. Established brands often provide better customer support and long-term software support. For this, I suggest considering phones from Samsung, Google, Huawei, Tecno, and Infinix, as recommended by me. Additionally, some people also suggest Redmi and Xiaomi phones.
12. User Reviews:
- Read user reviews to get insights into real-world experiences with the smartphone. Look for both positive and negative feedback to make an informed decision. Here's a general guide to interpreting review rates:
- 1-2 Stars (or 1-4 out of 10): Indicates a poor experience. Users are likely dissatisfied with the device or product, citing significant issues or drawbacks.
- 3 Stars (or 5-6 out of 10): Represents a neutral or mixed review. Users might have encountered both positive and negative aspects but are generally undecided or find the device average.
- 4 Stars (or 7-8 out of 10): Suggests a positive experience with some minor issues. Users are generally satisfied with the device, but there may be a few areas that could be improved.
- 5 Stars (or 9-10 out of 10): Reflects an excellent experience. Users are highly satisfied, and the device is likely meeting or exceeding their expectations.
13. Water and Dust Resistance (Optional):
- Check if the smartphone has any level of water and dust resistance. This can be beneficial in protecting the device from accidental spills or exposure to the elements.
14. Warranty and Support:
- Review the warranty terms and after-sales support provided by the manufacturer. A good warranty can provide peace of mind in case of any issues. It is important not to waste your money, as some devices may have internal faults such as screen issues, touch problems, auto-restart, speaker and microphone malfunctions, charging problems, etc. Therefore, it is advisable to ensure that your device comes with at least a 1-year warranty.
15. Carrier Compatibility:
- Ensure that the smartphone is compatible with your carrier's network bands and technologies. Regarding this, ensure that the phone supports at least one SIM card. Also, check if your network carrier is compatible with the device. Note that most phones are supported, so you need not worry about this aspect.
By considering these factors, you can make a well-informed decision and choose a smartphone that aligns with your preferences and requirements.
NB: My say - "It depends on your budget to get good phone performance" This means that you cannot compare Iphone 7 to Samsung S21 Utra.