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Need a new phone? Here are some tips to keep in mind before buying one

Gadgets

January 1, 2022

Are you thinking of getting rid of your old device and buying a new phone? As easy as it may sound (if you’re rich and can afford every phone currently in the market), buying a new phone involves many processes. It’s more challenging when you’re not tech-savvy and don’t know half of the things listed in the phone’s specifications.

Believe it or not, not all flagship phones are made for everyone. You don’t need that high-end phone just because your friends use it or many people talk about how good it is. Just because the phone is good for them doesn’t mean it’s perfect for you.

So, what now? Instead of the typical buying guide that lists phone specifications, here is a more easy-to-digest guide on buying a new phone.

Step 1: Do Some Research

*Groans* Researching doesn’t sound that important when buying a new phone, does it? All you have to do is Google “What is the best phone now?” and purchase it. Wrong!

It is vital to look at different options and narrow down your choices. Most buyers often start by checking their budget when buying a new phone. Flagship smartphones are expensive because of their excellent-performing processors, high-quality display, and camera performance. Ask yourself, “Do these matter?”

For example, if you’re content with just having a fully-functioning phone, opting for the Samsung Galaxy A series instead of Galaxy S could help you in the long run.

Step 2: Consider the Important Features

After narrowing down the list according to your budget, examine the features. Here are some critical aspects to look out for when buying a new phone:

Battery
Are you always on your phone? Heavy usage drains your phone battery faster. Hence, check for phones that offer fast charging with excellent battery life and performance. It’s a bonus if they have wireless charging, too!

Camera
Are photography and cinematography performance and quality important? Do you often update your social media pages? Here’s a valuable tip: Don’t be fooled by the number of megapixels.

Many factors affect image quality, such as ISO levels, aperture, and autofocus speed. Aperture values refer to the camera’s depth of field and the amount of light entering your camera. Always remember: Lower aperture value is better as more light enters the camera.

Processor
Fancy jargon like Octa-core, Snapdragon, and so on can be intimidating and confusing for non-gadget savvy. If you want a quick solution, look at the processing speed in GigaHertz (Hz). The higher the rate, the better the processor. Better processors help phones run smoothly and aid in a lag-free experience.

Step 3: Ask Someone Who Knows

Knowledge is key. Now that you have a few phones on your list, it’s time to narrow it down further. You’ve done steps one and two, that’s good. So, what now?

Ask someone who knows. If you have no one to ask, search for honest reviews online of each of the shortlisted phones. You don’t want to only look at the specifications on the official website. Experts don’t sugarcoat facts; they review the good and the bad of the phones.

Reading and trying to understand the phone’s full specifications can be overwhelming. Some phones sound very similar to one another, and this is when an expert could greatly help you pick your new phone. Are they as good as they claim to be?

Step 4: See It For Yourself

Reading everything about the phone online could only give you as much. Nothing beats having the phone in your hands. Before buying a new phone, you should know what it looks like, as pictures on their website are often misleading (marketers know what’s up!).

Does it feel sturdy? Is it too big for your palm? Do you feel comfortable holding it? Is the colour to your liking?

Going to the nearest store and seeing the phones for yourself can significantly help you decide which phone to purchase. Listen to your heart when deciding to avoid future regrets.

Step 5: Let’s Get You A New Phone!

The time has finally come for you to get that new phone! Don’t simply buy it at the first store you enter. Surveying different stores could help save your precious bucks. Furthermore, benefitting from instalment plans is a great financial option as you could gradually pay your purchase.