6 Factors to Consider When Buying s Smartphone

If there is a golden age for mobile phones, this time must be it. It seems that mobile phone technology have been improving at a very rapid pace with smartphone manufacturers releasing new models one after another.

But with many choices, it is difficult to make a decision on what smartphone to buy. To help you, here are the top factors you should consider before making a purchase:

Operating System

There are several platforms you can choose from. If you want flexibility, true multi-tasking and more freedom then the Android is the choice for you. If you want a simplistic OS with top-notch hardware and software integration, then the iOS is probably your best bet. If you want heavy MS Office and X Box integrations, then the Windows platform is the answer. Special mention goes to Blackberry if you are looking for a business phone that has a high-security email and an actual keyboard.

Size

There was a time when the smaller phone is always the right choice. But with new phones becoming more of a computing device than a phone, the size of the screen became a significant factor. Apple used to claim that the 3.5 inch iPhone is the most optimum smartphone size but they too increased it to 4-inches in the iPhone 5.  So it is just a matter of how big is too big? The Galaxy Note gives you so much room to operate but can barely fit your pocket. The Nokia Lumia 920 looks very sturdy but it is pretty much on the heavy side. In the end, it is up to you as the consumer.

Specs

There are three major things you have to consider when looking at the spec sheet and those are:

• Screen – The screen resolution of your screen should not be less than 800x48o800x480. From there, you can choose the type of screen available like AMOLED, Retina, or LCD.
• Processor – The quad-generation of smartphones are starting crop up, so get a phone that at least have dual-core chips to ensure that it has enough juice to support your activities.
• Memory – You would need at least 512mb of memory get adequate performance but most modern smartphones already have 1 GB of memory. For storage, if you are not planning to store much in your phone, then 8gb is enough but at least 16gb is preferred, whether it is through internal memory or through an SD card.

Camera

Most flagship phones have 8MP cameras but there are still phones with 5mp shooters out there. But while megapixels are important, you have to pay attention to other features like how well it takes outdoor and indoor shots with inadequate lighting. Does it have LED light and does it have autofocus? For video, check for cameras that can record 720p HD footage.

Battery

Most phones have 1,700 to 2,000 mAh. Find a phone that has a battery within that range. The phone with the best battery among flagship phones right now is the Motorola Droid Razr MaxxHD.

Price and Carrier

If you are going to get a phone through a carrier, the price range will range from free to up to $300 for high-end models. There is also the option of going prepaid but it will cost you more for the unit; though you will be free from the 2-year contract that normally comes with carrier plans. AT&T is still the biggest carrier and they have the best support. However, they are also the most expensive with TMobile being the least expensive. Verizon has the biggest 4G network, while Sprint is the go-to carrier if you want unlimited data.