Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 2: Choose your operating system
• Part 2 of 2: Choose your smartphone model

When buying a smartphone, you must first decide on the operating system, and only then proceed to reviewing the functionality and price in order to choose the right model. Learn how to make an informed decision when buying a smartphone, and don't forget to consider what other devices you currently own!

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Choose your operating system

1. 1 Learn about some of the major differences between operating systems.
   • iPhone (aka iOS) is known for its ease of use, security, and seamless integration with other Apple products.
   • Android offers integration with Google services, more customization options, and generally a lower cost.
   • If possible, test your device in a store.This will give you a good idea of ​​the interface and capabilities of each operating system.
2. 2 Define your price range. IOS phones (iPhones) tend to be more expensive than their Android counterparts. Among various manufacturers, Apple and Samsung phones are usually among the most expensive (some models range from RUB 25,000-43,000), while HTC, LG and Motorola offer cheaper options (some inexpensive smartphones can be purchased for less than for 6 thousand rubles).
   • Phones can be subsidized when contracting with a telephone operator, or provided "free". This usually means a two-year tariff plan for the selected operator, which contains penalties for early cancellation.
   • Some carriers also charge a monthly “device fee” to offset small or initial smartphone costs.
3. 3 Take into account the devices and equipment you already own. If you already own a tablet or computer, you can ensure that you get the best possible integration with their services and software by purchasing a phone with the support of the appropriate manufacturer (for example, Apple computers and iPads are interoperable with iPhone applications). However, it should be noted that any phone can connect and work with almost any operating system.
   • If you are a power user of MS Office or Google, you will achieve much better integration and support with your Android phone (although please note that both Microsoft and Google release their most popular applications for competing operating systems).
4. 4 Determine which features suit your needs. Each individual operating system has its own unique features, while basic features such as email, web browser, and maps are available on all systems.
   • iOS / iPhone has exclusive features like Siri, fingerprint scanning, FaceTime chat, and iCloud support.
   • Android has Google Now, customizable widgets for the desktop, and allows third-party apps to be installed (which allows you to download programs from the Internet and install them outside of the Play Store ecosystem). Most modern Android phones also have fingerprint scanners, cloud storage for images, and support using Google Drive to access documents and cloud storage.
5. 5 Decide which apps you want to use. Many popular apps (Google Maps, MS Office, and Apple Music) are available on all operating systems, but some apps (iMessage, Facetime, and Google Now) are platform-exclusive. Check the app store of each device to make sure they have the apps you want (Apple, Google Play Store).
   • Typically, if a popular application is not present on a competitor's operating system, there is a strong likelihood of a similar application with similar functionality.
   • Your in-app purchases are linked to your store account. The ability to move purchases to other phones will only be available if they are using the same operating system.
6. 6 Select your operating system. For most people, personal preference is the deciding factor. Those looking for a simple interface and a secure system usually prefer iOS-based iPhones, but those looking for more customizable options and lower cost will likely prefer Android phones.

Part 2 of 2: Choose your smartphone model

1. 1 Select an operator. Most carriers offer different tariffs for different operating systems (carriers do not discriminate against any OS). Major carriers often subsidize phones or offer different tariff plans and contractual terms to keep the original cost of smartphones down.
   • Some operators allow the customer to opt out of the contract by breaking the cost of the phone into monthly payments. In case of early termination of service, you will have to immediately pay the rest of the cost of the phone.
   • Unlocked phones are phones not purchased from an operator and therefore not bound by a phone service contract. They are more expensive, but offer much more flexibility if you suddenly want to change carriers.
   • When purchasing an unlocked phone, make sure that the model is compatible with the network of the operator. Most carriers have a web page where you can check their compatibility with your phone's model ID.
2. 2 Choose a phone operator and a suitable tariff plan. Telephone operators typically offer a wide variety of prepaid monthly plans for making calls and sending messages and data over the cellular network.
   • To cut down on monthly expenses, you may not need to sign up for a data plan at all, but then, in order to access the Internet from your phone, you will need access to a Wi-Fi network.
3. 3 Select your screen size. Screen size is measured diagonally from one corner to the next. The choice of screen size depends on your personal preference. Small screen phones are cheaper and easier to carry in your pocket. Large displays are usually taken by those who plan to watch a lot of video.
   • The iPhone makes compact phones in the SE series, while large screen phones are in the Plus series.
   • Android phones come in a wide variety of sizes: small budget models like the Moto G or Galaxy S Mini, more expensive models like the Galaxy S or HTC One, and larger phones like the Galaxy Note or Nexus 6P.
4. 4 Decide which phone model to choose: new or old... Newer phones are generally faster and more powerful than older models, but they also cost more. In particular, older phone models are more difficult to run modern applications.
   • If you're on a tight budget, wait for the new model of your desired smartphone to come out and then take advantage of the drop in prices for other models. After the presentation of the new phone model, interest in the old models will immediately fall, which will affect their price.
   • Regardless of your choice, you should understand that technology is evolving very quickly and that new phone models will continue to appear. Over time, every smartphone will appear to be old or outdated.
5. 5 Find out the amount of memory. Phone storage (usually indicated in gigabytes or GB) is a measure of how many files (photos, videos, applications) it can store at the same time. The amount of storage has a big impact on the price of a smartphone, so determine how much storage you need before deciding on a phone model.
   • For example, storage capacity is the only difference between the 16GB iPhone 6 and the 32GB iPhone 6.
   • 16GB is supposed to hold about 10,000 images or 4,000 songs, but keep in mind that your phone also stores all downloaded apps.
   • Some Android phones (but not all) have a microSD card slot. iPhone does not support expanding storage after purchase.
6. 6 Pay attention to the quality of the camera. While smartphones tend to take high quality photos, the actual image quality will vary by brand and model. The best way to determine the quality of a camera in a phone is to search the Internet for sample photos taken with that model, or to test the camera yourself.
   • While manufacturers usually advertise the number of megapixels in a camera, features like ISO, low-light performance, brightness, and noise reduction should be considered as well.
   • Most modern smartphones come with front and rear cameras and flash, and also support third-party attachments (such as lens mounts).
   • Apple phones are known for their high quality hardware and software.
7. 7 Consider the battery life of your phone. Battery design is constantly improving, so new phones have a longer battery life, however, the battery life of a phone mainly depends on how you use the phone. Talking on the phone, playing games, and using your phone outside of WiFi range will drain your battery faster.
   • The average battery life of a smartphone can vary from 8 to 18 hours.
   • Most of the flagship Android models do not support battery swapping. iPhone does not support battery replacement on any model.
   • Some newer Android phones use fast charging technology to charge large batteries faster (like the Samsung Galaxy S series or Motorola Droid Turbo). Manufacturers claim that fast charging phones hit 50% charge in about 30 minutes.