STACK #227 September 2023

TECH FEATURE

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with a surfeit of functions and a high-resolution display will also consume more power, but many have energy saving modes to prolong battery life. Battery capacity is measured in mAh (milliampere hours) smartphones support fast charging to deliver a handy top-up. Is it built to last? CALL TO ACTION continued and the higher it is, the longer it will last. Many

Caught on camera

W e probably take more photos than calls with our phones, and consequently most smartphones now boast a triple rear camera system that generally comprises a main camera, wide-angle and telephoto/zoom – plus a front or ‘selfie’ camera. Why so many? Three lenses will capture the same shot and then combine them into one high-resolution image for the perfect snapshot. The number of megapixels

a camera has determines the amount of detail in a photo, and multiple cameras can have different MP counts. The higher the number, the better the image quality, so aim for 12MP and above. Phone camera systems also feature a range of inbuilt editing tools and dedicated shooting modes, including night settings for capturing clear and colourful shots after dark or in low-light conditions. OIS (Optical Image

Stabilisation) is another useful function that eliminates shaky cam, and cameras with optical zoom will give you better close-ups than ones that only offer digital zoom. Most smartphone camera systems have everything you need for general use, like capturing a moment or snapping a selfie, while more specialised features will benefit photographers and content creators.

Most phones are durable enough to withstand everyday wear and tear, accidental knocks and drops, splashes and spills (water resistance is indicated by an IPX rating). Many premium models have super-strong glass and tough aluminium frames and, for extra peace of mind, a sturdy case and screen protector will further increase a phone’s durability. Do I need 5G? The 5G network continues to expand worldwide and most mid-range and premium phones are ready to connect if it’s available in your area. If it’s not, a 5G phone will still work on the 4G network. 5G connectivity not only future-proofs your phone, but also gives you the benefits of lightning-fast data speeds and a bigger bandwidth to handle network traffic in congested areas such as big events.

Your phone is an integral part of your life, so it should reflect your style and personality. Smartphones are available in a wide variety of different (and often exotic sounding) colours – Icy Blue, Starlight, Mint, and other shades are rapidly becoming the new black – and can also be dressed up in a vivid protective case. Standing out from the crowd has never been easier! Flip and foldable phones are becoming more popular and these trendsetting devices offer the Smartphone style

Responsible recycling When it’s time for a new smartphone, do the planet a favour and recycle your old one.

MobileMuster – a telco industry product stewardship program accredited by the Australian Government – provides a free phone recycling service of the highest environmental standard. Recycling is 100% carbon neutral and all brands and types of smartphones are accepted, along with batteries, chargers, sim cards, and accessories. There are public drop-off points nationwide, along with a free postal option – simply pick up a MobileMuster satchel from your local JB Hi-Fi store, or head to mobilemuster.com. au to learn more.

flexibility of hands-free use for photography, watching videos and

videoconferencing. They also provide a dual display experience with a cover screen to quickly access notifications and frequently used apps, and a main screen for multitasking across multiple windows and apps.

24 SEPTEMBER 2023

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