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.
We discuss:
- Say cheese!
- Empty battery? Rather not
- Do we want more or less storage space?
- Size does matter
- Bursting with scratches
- We remain Dutch
- Bonus
The eternal debate: iOS vs. Android
iOS or Android, it remains the classic. Of course, there have technically been other systems, but they are now as dead as Hyves. So the choice is simple: Apple or Android. Want everything tightly organized, clear and with little fuss? Then iOS is the way to go. More of the self tweaking, customization and free installation? Android all the way. Both systems today are smart, fast and full of smart AI features, so it’s mostly about your preference.
Say cheese!
Let’s face it: your phone is more camera than phone these days. Vacations, birthdays, cats, dinner … everything goes on camera. So check the cam specs before choosing a new device. Pay attention to things like night shots, zoom, image stabilization, portrait mode and, of course, video. And yes, it’s tempting to go for 100 megapixels, but trust us: software quality does at least as much. Best tip? Just test it out in the store. Or ask your friend who takes pictures of everything what they use.
Empty battery? Rather not
No one wants a phone that calls for a power nap at 3 p.m.. So look carefully at battery life, and especially how fast it charges. Fast charging is almost standard these days and can save your life if you need to get out the door in 10 minutes. Also handy: wireless charging. Or devices that can charge other devices. Tech is getting smarter, take advantage of it!
Is your phone’s battery capacity below 80%? Then it is better to have it replaced as soon as possible. To do so, make your appointment here.
Do we want more or less storage space?
Are you the person with 15,000 photos including 13,000 screenshots of recipes you never made? Then you probably need a lot of storage. Fortunately, most devices let you choose between different storage capacities. Also check if the device supports a microSD card (handy!) or uses smart storage management via the cloud. And remember: more storage = more cost, but also less frustration later.
Size does matter
There was a time when you wanted just the smallest cell phone. Now some smartphones look more like a shelf than a phone. Do you like watching series, multitasking and a large keyboard? Go for a bigger screen. Do you use it mostly for calling, apps and navigation? Then something more compact would be nice.
Just test it out. What feels good in your hand and fits in your pocket is often the deciding factor.
Bursting with scratches
Big screen = more chance of damage. And even though manufacturers promise that their glass is “indestructible,” we all know better after one fall on paving stones. So yes, invest in a decent case. And no, the one euro one on Ali doesn’t really count.
Screen protectors are also not a luxury. Better to prevent than to have it repaired, right?
Do you have a big crack in screen after dropping your beloved phone? Then make an appointment here.
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 models (also Android), for example, are many times cheaper. Repairing your old phone may be the smartest choice.
Or consider a refurbished device. These are often considerably cheaper than a new one, but technically completely checked, refreshed and often with warranty. So you get a device that works like new, without the new price. Ideal if you don’t necessarily need the latest model, but still want quality. And it’s also a sustainable choice, better for your wallet and the environment! Want to know more? Then read; Why you should buy a refurbished smartphone.
Bonus
Is your phone otherwise fine, but is it mostly that battery that’s driving you crazy? Or is there a star in your screen, but it otherwise runs like clockwork? Then repairing it really isn’t a bad idea.
At ThePhoneLab, we often fix your battery or screen within half an hour. And then you’re good to go again for a long time. Better for your wallet and better for the environment.
Are you doubting at all now? New smartphone or upgrade? Then
this item
might be for you.
