Practical tips to choose the right smartphone

There's an almost endless range of smartphones on the market today. Choosing a new phone can be pretty overwhelming, even more so if you aren't in tune with recent developments in the world of smartphones. While you won't want to spend your money on a cheap handset with disappointing features, there's no doubt you also don't want to overspend on a device with extra features you will never use.

Comparing smartphone deals can feel a lot like sifting through a haystack if you aren't familiar with mobile phone tech jargon. While comparison tools like Green Smartphones can make finding smartphones within your budget easier, we rounded up some tips to help you find the right phone.

Screen size and display

The first and most straightforward factor you should consider when buying a new handset is the screen size and the display. While the smallest smartphone screen measures just under 5 inches, the largest handsets measure slightly over 7 inches. Because the size range is pretty broad, it's essential to consider a comfortable screen size.

If you hope to use your new device to stream Netflix, explore the world of mobile gaming, or open large work documents, it's best to choose a device with a screen size of 6 inches or more. Otherwise, smaller screens are a better option if you want a lightweight, compact handset.

Beyond screen size, it's also essential to think about the display. The resolution and pixel density will determine the display quality; the higher the number of pixels per inch, the better the viewing experience. Smartphones with superior-quality displays make it possible to view images clearly, even in sunlight.

Once again, choosing display quality based on intended device use is wise.

Your budget

Of course, you should shop around for a new smartphone you can afford. With this, you can decide to pay the full price of the device upfront or opt for a smartphone contract deal. Often, contracts usually come with extra rewards like monthly voice or data packages. These contract benefits make affording high-value handsets a bit more practical for those who don't have a few thousand euros to part ways with. 

However, if you aren't interested in getting tangled up with a payment plan and don't have thousands on hand, you can consider browsing through budget-friendly smartphones. If you know what smartphone specs to look for, you can find a new handset with everything you need for under three hundred euros. You can even find smartphones for under one hundred euros if you are willing to compromise on some features and functions.

Memory capacity

While most modern handsets come with built-in microSD storage card slots, many phones no longer have this feature. Moreover, Apple devices don't typically have this feature. So it's also essential to determine how much memory you need by considering downloads, images, apps, and other activities that require storage.

The operating system

Each mobile phone brand uses a unique operating system as one of the core differences between smartphones. But even so, there are two primary operating systems to choose from; the Android operating system, available with a vast majority of devices, and the iOS operating system. This system is only available with Apple handsets.

The best way to figure out which operating system is the best choice for you is to try an Android phone and an iPhone to determine which interface you feel is easier and more appealing. That said, Apple iPhone has made impressive strides in terms of device upgrades, although new models suggest we may have already reached a peak in smartphone innovation.

Battery life

A few decades back, the iconic Nokia 3310 was one of the last mobile phones to boast an extensive battery life; these handsets could stay on standby for as long as a month. These days, the best smartphones can only stay on standby mode for three days at most. So it's important to consider battery life when choosing a new smartphone.

Smartphones also have other charging differences; some support wireless charging while others don't, and some offer fast charging capabilities or other unique innovations. If your budget isn't too restricting, spending more on a handset with a powerful battery is worthwhile simply because the phone will last longer between charging times.

Camera specs

Whether you consider photography a lifelong passion or not, modern handsets have great cameras as a standard. Even if you won't need fancy aperture and artificial intelligence camera settings, having a handset that can capture crisp, clear photos is still nice.

These days, even basic smartphones boast 12MP cameras. But because the highest quality smartphones hold 108MP main cameras and 32MP front cameras, it's worth your time to shop around a bit. The Samsung Galaxy F54 model is currently rated as the best camera mobile phone on the market, although the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite and Realme 10 Pro Plus also boast similar camera specs.

Phone design

While most smartphones are standard rectangles, the screen size and design can easily tell them apart. But in terms of design, it's essential to think about more than the look of the device and consider comfort. Some phones are compact and lightweight, while others are bulky and heavy. Moreover, some are easy to use with one hand while others aren't.

If you aren't able to visit a smartphone retailer to hold different models and make a decision, you can read customer reviews. Customer reviews often detail every aspect of a product, from overall quality to any minor flaw.

Device compatibility

Lastly, it's also wise to consider device compatibility before investing in your next smartphone. If you don't, you might struggle to find headphones, wireless charging pads, and other accessories that work with your handset frustrating.

Apple iPhones are only compatible with Apple devices, so you will need to consider the lack of options when choosing an Apple handset. On the other hand, most Android smartphones are compatible with the majority of accessories. However, it's still wise to check device compatibility before purchasing.

Finding your next smartphone doesn't have to be a frustrating challenge. Even if you aren't up to speed with the newest handset models, you can still find the best phone for your budget by considering the essential factors.