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The latest wave of shiny new smartphones has arrived and our comprehensive guide has you covered with a handy checklist of key things to consider, the latest innovations, and the hot new phones to look out for. Words Scott Hocking THE SMART GUIDE TO BUYING YOUR NEW SMARTPHONE CALL TO ACTION

DYK?

R eady for a new smartphone, or buying one for the first time? Ponder these important questions to find the phone that best suits your needs and lifestyle. What do I want from a smartphone? Modern smartphones are essentially pocket sized computers boasting an amazing suite of functions and features, and the more advanced the phone, the higher the price tag, so it pays to first check that the features you need fit your budget. Premium phones are a good long-term investment to avoid upgrading every few years, however many high-end features can be found in mid-range models, so do your homework. From web browsing, photography, and content creation, to gaming, streaming, and contactless payments, there’s a smartphone to suit every lifestyle.

How does it look and feel? Size, shape, and style vary depending on the model, and the kind you choose is a matter of personal preference. Make sure it fits comfortably in you pocket and has a display that suits your needs. The average smartphone has a screen size of 5.5-6.2 inches, which is ideal for general web browsing, apps, and photography, while larger displays can be 6.5-inches and above for more immersive gaming and streaming. How much internal storage does it have?

A phone’s memory can quickly fill up with saved content and apps. Many brands offer a 128GB or 256GB base model, while premium phones can boost that to 512GB – and even 1TB. 128GB should suit general usage, but go bigger if you have a large photo album, music library, and an abundance of apps, to avoid paying for cloud storage from your network provider. Many phones also support memory

Nomophobia is the fear of being without your mobile phone, or unable to use it. The name of the condition is derived from NO MObile PHone phOBIA

expansion via a microSD card. How long does the battery last?

GB

A fully charged battery should last all day with general use, however lengthy streaming binge sessions and calls can quickly deplete it. Phones

22 SEPTEMBER 2023

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