STACK #250 August 2025

FEATURE TECH

Picking the right ecosystem: Android or iOS? While smartphones may look similar on the outside, the software inside –specifically

the operating system (OS) – can make a big difference. Android and iOS are the two major players, and your choice might depend more on what other devices you use. Apple’s iOS is the way to go if you already use a Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch, while Android, developed by Google, is all about flexibility, giving users greater freedom to customise and choose from a broader range of apps and hardware brands. If you're upgrading from an older device, sticking with the same OS will make the transition smoother, and if you’re buying your first smartphone, pick the platform that plays best with your laptop, tablet, and other devices. How fast and responsive should it be? Nowadays, speed is everything. You’ll want a phone that responds instantly to taps, swipes, and commands – especially if you're gaming, multitasking, or editing videos on the go. The latest processors, such as Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, MediaTek Dimensity 8350, and Google Tensor G4, are designed for high performance and energy efficiency. RAM also plays a With AI-driven enhancements now commonplace, these processors also handle complex tasks like live translation and image editing more smoothly. How does it look and feel? We all want a phone that looks good, but it has to feel good too. Consider how it fits in your hand, how heavy it is, and how easy it is to use one-handed. Do you prefer a sleek, traditional slab phone, or cool foldable and flip designs that offer dual displays and hands-free viewing? Most phones today have screens in the six to 6.9-inch range. A 6.1-inch screen is perfect for general use, while larger displays – 6.7 inches and up – are great for watching videos, gaming, or displaying bigger fonts. Modern smartphones come in a variety of stylish finishes, from soft pastels to bold metallics. Many also let you personalise the user interface to reflect your personality. Foldable and flip phones continue to improve, offering more compact portability with the key role. While 8GB of RAM will be fine for most, 12GB or more is good for power users and future proofing.

flexibility of full-size displays. Foldables can also double as mini-tripods for selfies or video calls, and have a separate cover screen for checking messages, controlling music, or answering calls without opening the phone.

What should I look for in a camera system?

Camera quality can be a major deciding factor for some, and most smartphones now feature multi-lens setups, often with three rear cameras: a main lens, an ultra-wide-angle lens, and a telephoto or zoom lens. Why so many? Multiple lenses allow you to shoot close-ups, wide landscapes, or distant subjects, and can even combine images to create a more high-res shot. AI-driven functions can automatically suggest the best settings or apply real-time enhancements to make shots look pro-level, and provide easy editing of your shots. Look for cameras with at least 12MP

How much storage do I need?

Storage is easy to underestimate, until your phone is full and you can’t save another photo. For everyday use, 128GB is a solid starting point. But if you download a lot of apps, shoot high-res video, or store music and games offline, 256GB or more might be a better fit. Premium phones can offer up to 1TB of internal storage, which is overkill for some but essential for creators or heavy users. Some Android phones support microSD cards, allowing for easy storage expansion. Remember, your operating system and pre-installed apps already take up space, so always leave some breathing room for future downloads and updates.

resolution for crisp detail. Features like optical image stabilisation (OIS), night mode, and 4K or even 8K video recording are now becoming standard. Premium phones can also include periscope zoom lenses, natural portrait modes, and cinematic video capabilities that rival professional cameras. Even the front-facing camera is getting serious upgrades for selfies, vlogs, or video calls, with features like auto-framing and facial tracking.

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