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Choosing from the abundance of smartphones available might seem daunting, but knowing what you want within your set budget will considerably narrow the field. Whether you’re into photography, content creation, gaming, or streaming, there’s a smartphone out there to suit your lifestyle and budget. Here are six key things to consider when on the hunt for a new phone. Words Bec Summer A SNAPPY GUIDE TO SHOPPING FOR A SMARTPHONE

Smartphone selection Aesthetics are important, but like the dating game it’s best not to pick a phone based on looks alone. It’s easy to become spellbound by all those shiny frames and dazzlingly colourful displays, but ultimately its functionality and overall performance that’s key. To get the best of both worlds, consider the features and functions you’ll use on a regular basis, look for a good camera system, ample internal storage, a bright display and long battery life, and then select a colour and design that makes a personal statement. Android or iOS? Smartphones are

Camera system Today’s smartphones are rocking multiple

Durability Drops and knocks are a common hazard when we pull out our phones or pop them precariously on a table. A cracked screen or an accidental dunk in the pool can really ruin your day, so you’ll want one that can withstand mild impacts, splashes, and dust. Look out for a high IP rating number for water resistance, a tough frame – armour aluminium, or titanium

cameras/lenses, giving you a variety of settings to capture the perfect shot, and crystal clear video

footage. Then there are all the handy in-camera editing tools to enhance your images, a variety of shooting modes, and 4K video support. Most camera systems are sufficient for everyday

– and scratch-resistant glass. Battery life and charging No smartphone user wants to suffer ‘battery anxiety’ – you’ll want it to last all day long, and then some. Phones with a lot of functions and a high-res display tend to consume more

use, like taking selfies or snapping photos of the children and dog, while more advanced features and specialised lenses will benefit photographers and content creators. Storage space How much internal storage you need really depends on the amount of apps you’ve installed, a common entry point on many models. Mid range phones can double that to 256GB, while premium models can store 512GB up to a jumbo 1TB. 128GB is generally enough for general use – i.e. moderate app selection, high-res photos, mobile gaming, and video streaming. Many phones also support MicroSD cards to expand the memory should space get tight. high-res photos and videos in your albums, songs in your music library, and whether you’re an avid gamer. Capacity comes in several sizes, with 128GB now

ostensibly similar, but each operating system has proprietary features and functions, and usability and interfaces will vary between the two. Those looking

power, and a streaming binge session will quickly deplete it. How long it lasts depends entirely on personal use. The good news is that many phones have energy saving modes to extend battery life. Look for the battery’s mAh rating; the higher it is, the longer it should last. When it’s time to power up, fast charging and USB-C connectivity can quickly send a compatible phone’s level soaring back to full. And wireless charging is another speedy option if the phone supports the Qi wireless charging standard.

to upgrade are likely to stick with the same OS or brand, but if it’s your very first phone, you primarily want it to be compatible with your existing devices – laptops, tablets, smart home tech, etc. If you’re an Apple user, iOS is the way to go, while Google’s Android is an open system giving you more freedom of choice with apps and customisation options.

26 MARCH 2024

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