7-Step Guide to Buying a Smartphone

By Injured Gadgets - August 4, 2021     1510 Views

Though cell phone sales were affected by the pandemic, it is recovering rapidly in 2021. In 2020, 1378.72 million smartphones were sold, and in 2021 (until July), the sales have already crossed 1535.6 million. These numbers indicate more and more people are buying smartphones this year. 

However, buying a smartphone is not an easy task, especially when new phones are released every few weeks. Moreover, hundreds of available options make the selection process even more challenging. 

To make things easier for you, we have created this phone buying checklist covering everything you need to know about purchasing smartphones. We will discuss how to buy a mobile phone depending on what you’ll use it for (browsing or gaming). Let’s get started. 

Checklist for Buying Cell Phone

If you find yourself asking your friends, “help me choose a smartphone,” here are some tips for you to find the mobile that suits your requirements. 

1- Decide What Kind of Mobile You Want to Buy

Decide What Kind of Mobile You Want to Buy

The first step to buying a smartphone is knowing what you need. Begin with determining whether you want your phone for just browsing the internet, making phone calls, and occasional gaming, or heavy gaming and photography. 

Then, decide on your budget because that will help shortlist the right devices. Here are some more questions that you should answer:

  • Do you need a mobile with a large screen?
  • Do you prefer a phone that can be used with one hand? 
  • Do you want a phone with extended battery life?
  • Do you want to buy a smartphone with the best camera?
  • Do you need a phone with extended internal storage?

Answering these questions will help narrow down your choices. 

2- Android or iOS?

Decide which operating system you want Android or iOS

Next, decide which operating system you want: Android or iOS?

Both Android and iOS are easy to use and support a wide variety of apps. However, if you currently use Android and switch to iOS (or vice versa), you’ll have to spend some time getting familiar with the platform. 

Or you can choose to stick to the operating system you currently use unless you don’t like it. 

Also, Android offers a wide choice of smartphones at different prices and more customization options. If you already use Google services (Maps, Gmail, Google Drive, etc.), Android is probably a better choice. 

iOS, on the other hand, is only used in iPhones and is expensive compared to Android smartphones. However, iOS is more secure than Android and offers a uniform, accessible experience. So if you have a MacBook or an iPad, buying an iPhone would make more sense. 

3- Focus on Specifications

Focus on Specifications

When you buy a mobile from a local store, the owner would probably take you through the phone’s features and help you choose the right one. However, when you buy a smartphone online, you’ll need to do due diligence. Here are some things to look for:

  • Storage: Look for a smartphone with a minimum of 32 GB of internal storage and, if possible, 64 GB.
  • RAM: Ideally, you should choose a mobile with RAM of at least 3 GB. However, the more, the better.
  • Processor: Your phone’s processor defines how smoothly your apps will run. Depending on the brand and your budget, the processor will differ. For example, Samsung (Exynos) and Apple (Bionic) use their own processor in most models, while OnePlus uses Snapdragon. If you are an extensive gamer and choosing Android, we recommend selecting a phone with Snapdragon 730 and above.
  • Additional Features: Features like fingerprint and face unlock have become important. Apart from security, they make our lives convenient. Other features like fast charging and wireless charging are good to have.

4- Don’t Compromise on Comfort and Usability

Don’t Compromise on Comfort and Usability

Although bigger screens look attractive, you need to ensure it is comfortable to use in your hand. You would not want to struggle to use the phone from one hand or feel far too bulky in the pocket. 

Make sure the phone is easy to type and swipe. Also, all the parts of the screen should be reachable with one hand. However, most phones with extra-large screens have a “one-handed mode” that allows you to adjust screen size and layout. This enables you to use the phone with one hand easily. 

5- Look for Smartphones with Large Battery

Look for Smartphones with Large Battery

When you buy a smartphone online, don’t forget to check the battery size. Smartphones consume a lot of battery, especially if you use them for hours every day. Add gaming to it, and your battery life will decrease further. 

Therefore, we recommend buying a smartphone with a large battery. By large, we mean a minimum of 4,000 mAh battery if you want the phone to last longer. Also, look if your choice of phone offers fast charging. This will save hours every day charging the phone. 

For instance, Google Pixel 2 gives you 7 hours of power in just 15 minutes. The latest iPhone (iPhone 12) also supports fast charging. However, it does not include a fast charger in the box. You will need to buy it separately, which would cost you around $70 (including the power adapter and lightning cable). 

6- Camera Aperture Matters More than Megapixels

Camera Aperture Matters More than Megapixels

The camera is one of the most sought-after features of a smartphone. We’ve evolved from a single to quad-cameras in just a few years. More expensive phones like iPhone 12, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, and Vivo X60 Pro have exceptional cameras. 

However, don’t just go by the number of cameras or megapixels. Instead, focus more on features like aperture, dual lenses, and optical image stabilization. More aperture means more light will enter the camera, resulting in great pictures. 

7- Pay Close Attention to Screen Brightness

Pay Close Attention to Screen Brightness

The last thing on our phone buying checklist is the display. If your smartphone’s brightness and color quality are not good enough, you’ll likely regret spending hundreds of dollars. Therefore, make sure your choice of smartphone is bright enough for you to read it outdoors under direct sunlight. 

Also, think about the size of the screen if you’re going to spend hours looking at it (watching movies or playing games). We recommend buying a smartphone with a screen size of more than 5.8 inches. 

For the phone’s resolution, we suggest a minimum of “1920 x 1080 pixels.” High-end phones offer a quad-HD resolution, 2560 x 1440 pixels, and even 3840 x 2160 pixels. However, they don’t come cheap. 

When it comes to screen technology, OLED screens have better contrast than LCD screens. 

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right smartphone depends mainly on your needs. However, the basic checklist for buying a cell phone is the same. We have highlighted the most important tips that will make buying a smartphone easier for you. 

But did you know Injured Gadgets is the leading cell phone parts supplier in the US? We also sell refurbished devices, including Samsung, iPhone, and Google Pixel.  So if you want a high-end phone but have a low budget, check out our refurbished devices section.