Choosing a smartphone seems to be an exercise is compounded annually as phones become more and more advanced. Just when a buyer thinks he has all the information it needs to make an informed decision, a kind of new functionality becomes fashionable. When one considers that the computer that flew astronauts on the Moon had less computing power of a four-function calculator, it is amazing to consider what the modern smart phone can do and how far technology came in just the last ten years about these incredibly useful handsets.
Select the most important features
Every smart phone users will use their phone for a different purpose. While some users may simply use their phone for phone calls and SMS, other users might want to have as much power as possible packed into their device. This means that the first thing to do when looking for a new phone is to identify the most important characteristics that we want, and then base their research outside of these parameters.
For example, battery life, high resolution screen, and functionality of the application could be the most important features for a user, while another person might be more focused on the quality of call and weight of the phone. Given all the variables available in the purchase of a smart phone, it makes sense to list the "must haves" and then look for phones that offer all of these needs. There is very little reason to compromise on phone features with all the different features that are on the market today.
Operating system
Everything a smartphone can do as well as its compatibility with various applications and programs depends on its operating system. Depending on what the user might want to do with the phone, get the right operating system is important. Although many application developers are starting to make their applications available to the widest possible market, iOS (Apple) still has a significant lead in overall applications available. Android is catching up to the popularity of Apple, while Windows and Blackberry are a little further behind.
The most common operating systems are:
Android - An open source operating system that is customizable very easily changed, manipulated and molded to fit all the features you have in mind. Android has true multi-tasking capabilities and the second largest application store.
iOS - A closed platform. All applications look and work with the continuity of the Apple operating system in mind. IOS is a very safe and stable environment with few customization features. The screen is much smaller than most of its competitors, but the iPhone has the largest application store and the selection of accessories available.
Windows and BlackBerry - The two other major smartphone platforms (Windows and BlackBerry) also have individual benefits, but realistically, it's too early to call whether they will be successful because they have not reached the level of the application proliferation of Android and the iPhone.
Carriers and Plans
all smart phones are not available from every single carrier. If a buyer is a client of a particular cellular service provider for years, he or she might be reluctant to change their business just to meet the need of a new phone. Although all smart phone users are very loyal to their carriers, there are often discounts and loyalty coupons that come with repeat business with one carrier. This may mean that a buyer could take a more expensive phone with discounts applied. Take a look at the phones available is a good idea when beginning the search for the smartphone.
Another decision that will be required once a buyer has settled on a support is what plan will be appropriate. Group plans that offer users the ability to put all their devices on the same account and the use of data is becoming popular, but all the data plan is chosen, it must be monitored after buying the smart phone to ensure that the use of excessive data does not lead to the high cost of the bill. Keeping an eye on the use of data is very important to avoid overspending and smartphones generally come with simple features to help users keep above their use with ease.
Call quality
Smart phones can do incredible things, but to their very base, they are still used as a communication device. Using a smart phone as a traditional phone remains one of its most popular uses. A cool design and some large applications can not compensate for poor call quality. Find a way to test different phones and call quality is a worthwhile investment of time. Fortunately, most cell phone providers offer outlets where phones can be tested. Beyond pushing all the buttons of the device, it is important to ensure that call quality is tested as well.
