New smartphone? 7 tips you should pay attention to

It is 2 p.m. in the afternoon, you take your phone out of your pocket and to your surprise you see that you have only 8% battery left. And that’s even though you left the house this morning with a full battery. You put it – probably not for the last time today – on the charger. By now it’s an old beast and you’ve been through a lot together, so you check with your provider and yes: you can have a new smartphone!

But then it begins. There are so many choices that a lazy battery suddenly doesn’t sound at all as bad as it did 5 minutes ago. That’s why we have 7 tips for you on what to look out for when picking out a new smartphone.

The eternal debate: iOS vs. Android

Of course, there are more operating systems than those two, such as Windows Phone or Blackberry OS, but Apple (iOS) and Google (Android) dominate the market and chances are you will end up with one of the two software types. For example, if you want to be able to customize your own screen design, go for Android. Do you think ease of use is more important? Then take iOS.

Say cheese!

The device in your pocket these days is more digital camera than phone. Manufacturers therefore compete for the best camera. For example, Apple’s latest model, the iPhone X, has what is known as TrueDepth technology that allows you to take highly professional portrait photos. But the relatively young OnePlus brand, which launched the new OnePlus 5T last week, is also known for its excellent camera. Samsung, LG and the Google Pixel phones also have above-average cameras. Therefore, always ask around you for experiences and test new smartphones in stores.

Empty battery? Rather not

Of course, you don’t want your new smartphone to run out of power after two calls, 15 minutes of Facebook and some music listening. Therefore, thoroughly compare the battery life of different phones. So did
ExpertReviews
A comprehensive review of the best battery.

The manner and speed of charging is also worth paying attention to. For example, the Samsung Galaxy models can charge wirelessly and feature fast charge technology. With that, you can refill more than half your battery within half an hour. The iPhone X, 8 and 8 Plus and OnePlus devices also feature wireless charging and fast charging.

Do we want more or less storage space?

Especially many iPhone users will be familiar with it: Storage memory almost full. You can manage storage space in your settings. Arriving at your settings reveals that there’s really not that much on there at all, except a lot of unexplained storage.

Want to avoid this? Then get a device with more memory. Some Android devices have the ability to insert an external memory card. That way you never have to delete your precious photos.

It can also be done the other way around. Did your old device leave you with a lot of memory? Then consider a new smartphone with less storage. Saves money!

Size does matter

Remember when you used to have to have the smallest cell phone and you didn’t belong if you had a “refrigerator”? Those days are over. New smartphones are getting bigger and bigger. Some are starting to get scary close to tablet size. Would you rather go back to those “good old days” of small phones? You can. For example, Apple has the iPhone SE that lets you keep a nostalgic “pocket feel. Can’t it be big enough for you (we mean your smartphone huh ;-))? Then there are also plenty of choices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S8+, Samsung Galaxy Note 8, the Google Pixel XL and the iPhone 8 Plus.

Bursting with scratches

A big screen on your phone means a big crack if you let it clatter out of your hands on the street. American insurer SquareTrade test how fragile new smartphones are. As
this test
with the most fragile phone ever.

Whether one phone is less fragile than another; an accident is in a small corner. So use a case and/or screen protection.

We remain Dutch

Here it is at the bottom of the list, but for most people it will be the deciding factor in smartphone choice: price. iPhones are the most expensive, that’s no secret. But with the competition, there are big price differences. For example, the Google Pixel phones (Android) are not far away from Apple in terms of price, but the Oneplus 5 and 5T (also Android), for example, are many times cheaper. Repairing your old phone may be the smartest choice.

Bonus

With all that choice, can’t see the forest for the trees, or are you so attached to your old mobile that you can’t part with it? Then you can also choose to have your old phone repaired or upgraded. A new battery works wonders and is also a lot cheaper.

Are you doubting at all now? New smartphone or upgrade? Then
this item
might be for you.