Smartphones Buying Guide

Storage

The number of videos, photos and other data that can be stored on your phone depends on its storage space. Higher the storage space, higher the number of videos, photos etc.

PRO TIP: Your phone usually provides only 75% of Primary Storage as some space is assigned for Internal Memory and Pre-installed applications.

Display

Screen Size: Display size plays a significant role in the form factor.

5 inch or lower

• Easy to carry
• One hand usage
• Less prone to accident
• Less weight

5.3 to 5.5 inch

• Media consumption
• Spaced out keyboard
• Frequent web browsing
• Latest games

5.7 inch and above

• Video watching
• Mobile Gaming
• Easy readability
• Better video conferencing

Display Resolution: The display resolution determines how you enjoy content on your phone.

HD

Good for phones with screen lower than 5 inch

Consumes less battery life

FULL HD

Good for phone size between 5 to 5.7 inch

Suits video and gaming

QUAD HD

Good for 5.5 inch and above screen size

Suits VR Applications, Multi window apps

Higher Resolution, Pixel Per Inch and Refresh Rate allows you to experience a more beautiful, colorful and clearer display.

Your phone will consume even more battery if the resolution, PPI and Refresh Rate is high.

How to choose the perfect display for you?

• Analyse the type and quantity of media you use in a day on your phone
• Do you use your phone for gaming?
• Understand and evaluate how much you use your phone to edit photos and videos

A full HD display is the most basic requirement of every smartphone buyer.

Camera

• The camera’s aperture, set up and pixel size determines its performance and quality.
• Mega pixel does not qualify your camera as a good one. It is defined by how much data the camera can capture in one shot.
• Despite a 12 Megapixel shooter, an iPhone does an incredible job against the 48 megapixel cameras in the market.
• The quality of your photo significantly depends on the Image processing power of your phone.
• You should pay special attention to Optical Image stabilization if you take a lot of videos.
• Multiple Cameras in a phone does not necessarily mean that your camera is mind-blowing.

REAR CAMERA

Aperture: The performance of a smartphone camera in low-light largely depends on its aperture which is expressed as an f-number.

• You can enjoy a better low light performance with lower aperture.
• Wide aperture means that there is more light reaching the image sensor and vice-versa.

Pro Tip: Look beyond the megapixels!

• The number of megapixels does not always play a role in determining the quality of the image.
• Quality of images depends on sensor size and pixel size
• Avail better quality with a higher pixel size.

Dual Camera: Dual Camera implies that your camera uses 2 cameras to capture images.

• It offers better quality photos in terms of color and detail.
• You can also shoot DSLR like photos with a blurred background.
• Offers optical zoom

Dual Camera Type 1

• Separate Cameras for capturing colors and details
• Uses 2 identical cameras in terms of sensor resolution lens aperture
• Captures colors and details separately with individual cameras
• Merges the 2 photos to give a sharper image with rich colors

Dual Camera Type 2

• Optical Zoom and Background Separation
• Offers optical zoom without the bulk
• Captures DSLR-like portraits with soft background
• Lenses' aperture is not the same on both cameras

Dual Camera Type 3

• Wide Angle photos
• Offers wide-angle shooting
• Great for capturing landscapes
• Uses 2 diverse types of lenses

FRONT CAMERA

Aperture: The low-light performance of your smartphone camera is significantly regulated by its aperture which is expressed as an f-number

• A better low light performance can be achieved with a lower aperture.
• Wide aperture signifies that there is more light reaching the image sensor and vice-versa.
• Enables you to take a good quality low-light selfie without putting the flash on.

Dual Selfie:

• For background blur (bokeh), pick a dual selfie.
• A wide angle dual selfie camera fits more people in the frame

Front Flash:

• Front flash is the secret to all bright, well-lit selfies in dark environments.
• If you want your photos to have natural looking skin tones, opt for dual tone front flash.

BATTERY LIFE

Your complaints of poor battery life will only end if you check the battery capacity before buying a smartphone.

Needless to say, a higher battery capacity ensures that your phone has a high battery life.

Here's an image to give you an insight of what you can expect from your phone’s battery capacity.

The most important question you need to address- ‘How much battery do I need?’ This involves:

• Do you watch a lot of movies on your smartphone?
• How much do you travel in a day?
• Are you comfortable with handling the additional weight of a power bank?
• Do you use your smartphone to play a lot of games?

Many more questions might pop up in your mind when you think about the usage of your phone. So, don’t forget to address all of them before you buy your smartphone.

Always remember a few things that might cause your battery to drain excessively

Taking Videos

Video Calls

High Resolution Displays

 

Watching Videos

Wi-Fi Hotspot

If you require your phone for almost every other task in the day, it’s important to note that you should not be looking out for a bigger battery. Instead, you need to look for a phone which charges very quickly. Whether it’s video calls or using your phone for hotspots, you will be able to use your phone for a long time only if it charges quickly and efficiently. 18W and above fast charging is ideal. If you’re constantly travelling, a bigger battery life will help you out more.

PRO TIP: While buying a smartphone, look out for the 'fast charging feature.' Big batteries might take longer to charge, but with fast charging technology, you can get 50% of your battery charged in no time!

Design

The overall look of a smartphone also determines how it is liked by users.

FINGERPRINT SENSOR

• One of the most important features people look for while buying a smartphone.
• A fingerprint sensor guarantees utmost security and convenience, and saves you from the hassle of remembering passwords.
• It is a more efficient way to secure your phone. You can use this feature for specific applications as well.

UNIBODY

• Made of a single piece of metal
• It involves high quality with rounded corners to provide a comfortable grip
• Non-removable battery

INFINITY

• Bigger screen in smaller form factor.
• It makes for an attractive display with maximum screen to body ratio.
• 18:9 screen provides a gripping viewing experience.

LATEST OPERATING SYSTEMS

It is always advisable to buy a smartphone with the latest operating system. Here’s why:

• Enhanced security
• Latest software optimization for high-quality performance
• Avail all the latest features that come with new OS versions

From a luxury to a necessity, smartphones have become an integral part of our lives. There are several brands and companies that offer a wide range of smartphones with varying features and prices.

Indeed, it is a tough decision to pick one. The best way to go about buying a smartphone is identifying your needs and requirements first.

Newer technologies emerge with better and newer features everyday to lure you into discarding your old phone and buying a new one. However, we would just like to remind you that it is not necessary to upgrade your phone if you’re happy and content with your current device.