Buying a new cell phone in 2024 can be an overwhelming task. The number of options in each spec and price category are close to unlimited. New smartphone companies are always introducing shiny new phones. If you’re buying a new phone after some time or considering a model upgrade, this helpful guide is for you.
In this discussion, all the pain-points of a smartphone buyer will be discussed in depth. Then we’ll provide essential tips: from setting your budget and priorities, deciding on operating system and hardware considerations to recommendations on places to buy.
It’s a blog packed with helpful tips to buy the best smartphone, so let’s get right into it.
Setting Your Budget and Priorities
The first step in your mobile buying journey is to set a realistic budget. The reason for that is smartphones are expensive and can disturb your monthly budget. Therefore, you need to plan. Setting your budget and priorities is part of the plan.
Budget planning is important and will help you in making a reasonable smartphone choice. You can start by asking questions like, can you afford buying a smartphone outright or are you going for installment options? Similarly, ask yourself how much can you spend easily without disturbing other essential life requirements.
Now, your budget is set. Start making a list of priorities which can further be divided into two sections of essentials and nice-to-have features. This whole practice may seem like a buzzkill but trust me with clarity you’ll be able to buy a phone that satisfies your needs.
Operating System (iOS vs. Android)
It\'s time to deal with the crucial question: iOS or Android? These are the two popular smartphone operating systems and have their own fan base. Choose based on your past experience and also consider following helpful tips.
iOS
Pros
- Intuitive Interface
- Tightly Integrated Ecosystem
- Regular Updates and Security
- Resale Value
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited Customization
- Closed Ecosystem
Android
Pros
- Variety of Options
- Open Ecosystem
- Google Integration
- Customization
Cons
- Fragmentation
- Bloatware
- Security Concern
Hardware Considerations
Now, it\'s time to get a bit geeky and dive into the nitty-gritty of the phone\'s hardware. We’ll try to keep it simple and only highlight what is important to you.
- Processor and RAM
A trusted processor like the Snapdragon or Apple’s A-series chipset should be your top priority. It is essential for multitasking, and enhanced performance in demanding tasks. RAM is your smartphone\'s short-term memory and allows background application runtime. It also means you can juggle between apps and play high-intensive games without slowing down.
- Storage
Storage is an essential feature to have in a smartphone. More storage will allow smooth functioning of apps and capability to store more photos, videos and music. Consider minimum options like 125GB, 256GB and 512GB as per your needs and use. More so, prefer in-built storage ability instead of going for external storage options like microSD.
- Display
Display is your way to the digital world. Consider size options ranging from 6 to 6.7 inches. For resolution, look for minimum Full HD+ resolution. OLED and LCD panels provide different benefits like vibrant color and affordability respectively. These are the essential specs to look for in a display, choose as per your personal preference.
- Camera
For many of us, the camera is one of the most important features of a smartphone. While megapixels get all the attention, other factors like sensor size, aperture, and image processing algorithms play a bigger role in image quality. Look for phones with multiple lenses (wide-angle, telephoto, macro) for more versatility.
- Battery
Look for phones with at least a 4000mAh battery, and consider features like fast charging for quick top-ups.
Where to Buy and Additional Tips
Let’s talk about the final step.
At this point, you have set your budget, considered your needs and completed your research by looking at all the hardware details. Now comes the actual part: buying your latest mobile phone in the tech market. There are multiple options available, both online and offline.
Here’s the ideal way to go about this step:
Online Marketplace: Browse popular platforms for new and used phones. They offer a wide variety of models, often with competitive prices and deals. However, be cautious of scams and always check seller ratings before purchasing.
Brand Stores: Official brand stores (e.g., Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi) offer genuine products and warranties, but they may be pricier than other options.
Additional Pro Tips
- Research: Before you buy, read online reviews and compare prices from different retailers.
- Warranty: Always check the warranty terms before purchasing any phone.
- PTA Approval: Ensure the phone is PTA approved to avoid network issues.
- Future-Proofing: Consider buying a phone with the latest technology (e.g., 5G) so it doesn\'t become obsolete too quickly.
Conclusion
Buying a new phone should be an exciting experience, not a stressful one. By following these tips and doing your research, you can confidently navigate the tech market and find the perfect phone for your needs and budget.
Happy shopping!