How to choose the right smartphone for your needs: A step-by-step guide

Purchasing a new phone may be an intimidating task because of a large number of choices, features, and prices. The silver lining, when you have a methodology in mind, then you can easily get a hold of the phone you need. This smart phone buying guide provides a step by step guide on how to pick a smartphone, the different features found in the smartphones along with practical smartphone purchase guidelines to assist you make the right purchase on the first try.

Understand your priorities: What do you need most?

Know what you need as a base before you start searching. Ask yourself:

• Do I require a high-end camera to create content?

• Do I game or multitask a lot?

• What is my value of long battery life?

• Will I need the newest updates on software and security?

• What is my price-range?

Write a list with your priorities, this will guide your decision and make you focused.

Set your budget

In planning your budget on a new smartphone, you must be aware that they are offered as part of a series of price ranges to suit various demands. Entrants in the smartphone market, sold below a retail price of 15,000/- are entry-level smartphones with basic performance and are well-suited to make calls, messages and execute light applications and thus best suited to low end customers. Phones in the mid-range of the Rs15000 to Rs30000 are stepping up their game in their performance, camera, RAM and storage capacity, and fast charging features. 

Of the top-tops, flagship features, high-quality displays, new processors, and premium construction, you will need to have a budget of above 30,000 in the high-end tier. The main smartphone purchasing trick in this case: it is tempting just to concentrate on the price, but consider the overall value you should use. Consider the software updates, after-sales and must-have features to make your selected device a smart and long-term investment.

Operating system: Android vs. iOS

One of the most important decisions, which has to be made when selecting a smartphone, is the question of operating system because there are two such brands: Android and iOS. Every platform has its own strengths. Android is characterised by a diversity of possible customisation, the opportunity to get access to a diverse range of devices at all available price points, and the independence to make decisions among a variety of brands of devices. It is best suited to those users who are looking forward to flexibility, variety and customisation of their phone. 

Conversely, iOS, a product of Apple-only iPhone, is famous when it comes to the smooth software update process, the consistency of iOS and Apple supply chain, and the priority of user privacy and security. In case you already possess other Apple items, including a MacBook, iPad, or Apple Watch, you will have no trouble with connection and continuity by choosing iOS. Out of a selection guide tip: anyone who wants as many choices and options as possible to customise their phone, might want to go with Android but those who want a simple experience, a device that can be eliminated by just creating a basic interface and will easily interface with any other Apple product will certainly find iOS to be the best option available.

Explore smartphone features: What matters for you?

Critical characteristics with examples to assist decision making are:

Display

• Size: How small of a phone do you want (6.1" and smaller) or do you want a big phone to watch and play games (6.5" and higher)?

• Type and Resolution: AMOLED and OLED have superior colours; increase refresh rate (90Hz/120Hz) 

Camera

• Megapixels & Lenses: The bigger, the better not necessarily. Look out at functionalities such as OIS (optical image stabilization), night mode, and multi lens.

• Front Camera: Helps in taking selfies and video calls.

RAMs & processor

• Processor: The more modern and powerful the chip is (e.g., Snapdragon 8 Gen, Apple A-series), the smoother the performance, the more future-proof.

• RAM: 6GB minimum, 8GB+ preferred when the device is meant to be used to play games or perform multitasking.

Battery Life

• Capacity: 4,000mAh and above are the standard of all day use.

• Charging: Support of fast charging (e.g., 25W, 67W) takes little time.

Storage

• Internal storage: 128GB will be the safe minimum. 256GB+ is a good choice when you want to store many photos and videos or games.

• Expandable memory: It can be useful in cases when you have many files stored off-line.

Construction & strength

• Material: Glass and metal are of premium quality; plastic is actually lighter, but less scratch-proof.

• Protection: Seek Gorilla Glass, water/dust resistant ip rating.

Software& updates

• OS: Latest version guarantees security and feature-long life.

• Update Security: After sale, certain brands will provide up to 5- 6 years of OS and security updates.

Connectivity

• 5G, Wi-Fi 6/7, NFC: Future-proof your device, be ready to work with faster connections, and make contactless payments possible.

Test In-Store (If possible)

Visit a store to hold short-listed models. Assess:

• Comfort and weight in your hand

• Display brightness and clarity

• Button placement and overall feel

Consider after-sales support & brand reputation

It has to be good customer support, warranty service and updating. Choose brands that have a reputation of good service.

Make the purchase wisely!

When you are at last prepared to buy your smart phone, make a good buy by going through the price comparison at well-known sites such as Flipkart, Amazon and official sites of the brands in order to make sure that you are being offered the cheapest online price. Buy a new one by a series of deals offered when purchasing a new model, the exchange of the old model (in the case you are selling it), or add-ons to make your purchase truly worthwhile. To make the most of the money and have the best experience of purchasing a smartphone, you can check the existence of time-limited discounts or online only offers.

Quick smartphone buying checklist

The best phone has never been about the largest specifications, but the optimal balance of what you need and will pay. As a guide to pointed purchase of smartphones, you can read up on these smartphone buying tips to get past the marketing and get down to what is really important to you in your lifestyle. Happy phone hunting!

Disclaimer: The information regarding the gadgets/devices listed in the table and article has been sourced from various secondary sources. For detailed product specifications, please refer to the brand sources.