Smartphones

How to choose a smartphone

Display size

• 3.9" and less - small screen, found on push-button phones.
• 4" to 4.4" - a very compact phone, perfect for one-handed operation.
• 4.5" to 4.9" - a balance between display size and compact dimensions.
• 5" to 5.4" - a popular size suitable for watching movies, playing games and surfing the Internet.
• 5.5" and more - devices on the border between phone and tablet (phablet).

Camera resolution

• 2MP - for undemanding users.
• 3-5 Megapixel - occasional photographing and filming short videos.
• 5-8 Megapixel - standard for mid-priced phones; high-quality photos and videos.
• 8-12 megapixel - sharp photos and videos suitable for sharing on the Internet.
• 12 megapixels and more - quality comparable to compact cameras.

Internal memory capacity

• 8 GB - sufficient for several applications and small amounts of music.
• 16 gigabytes - for undemanding users; sufficient capacity for several applications and music albums.
• 32 gigabytes - for dozens of applications and normal everyday use; sufficient for most users.
• 64 gigabytes - holds dozens of applications, games or music albums, several films.
• 128 gigabytes - holds hundreds of applications, games and dozens of movies; suitable for intensive use.
• 256 gigabytes - holds dozens of movies, games and applications; for the most demanding users.

Operating memory

• Less than 1 GB - for basic use only (a few simple applications or games).
• 1 GB - for undemanding routine use (active internet use and multiple applications).
• 1.5 gigabytes - for smooth running of the operating system; you can surf the Internet or play less demanding games.
• 2 gigabytes - for comfortable Internet browsing and playing games; sufficient for multiple concurrent applications.
• 3 GB - for smooth running without jamming even during multiple processes.
• 4GB or more - able to handle multiple demanding operations; will satisfy the most demanding users.

Operating system

iOS	Android	Windows
Debugged and reliable  Wide range of applications Updates for older devices  Available only for iPhone No memory card support	Memory card support Thousands of free apps  Highly customisable  Requires a more powerful phone compared with iOS and Windows Phone	Low-power  Also available in cheaper phones  Easy operation  Only available on a few devices  Few applications available

Construction

• Plastic - phones are cheaper but less attractive.
• Metal - strong and attractive design.
• Glass elements - provides a luxurious look, but more fragile and prone to damage.

Useful functions and features

• Water resistance - the phone can be used in rain or under water.
• Drop resistance - such phones feature a reinforced structure and display protection.
• Fingerprint reader - unlock the phone quickly by holding your finger on the reader.
• Wireless charging - the phone can be charged by placing it close to the charging pad.
• Fast charging - phone charges to 50% within a few tens of minutes.
• Memory cards - expand the internal memory capacity of a phone.
• LTE - fast mobile Internet in most places.
• NFC - a wireless technology, e.g. for wirelessly pairing the phone with a speaker.