How To Buy The Best Phone For Your Money

 

The best mobile phone should be able to take the place of your camera, keep you in touch with people, keep you entertained while you're out and about, and still leave you with enough battery life to get you back home again. However, it's not easy to find a model that can tick all these boxes for you. Good phones are getting more expensive and as prices rise, there are even more phones to choose from. It's important to try and spend your money as wisely as you can, so you get a phone that will last and meet all your needs.

 

 

iOS or Android?

Which of the two major operating systems is best? The operating system (the OS) is the software that powers your phone. This is what decides what your phone interface looks like and what apps it can run, and has a large role in deciding how easy your phone will be to use. There are main options for you to choose between, iOS (Apple iPhones) and Android.

 

Android

Android is designed by Google. A range of different manufacturers use it for their phones, including well-known brands like Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola, and newer brands like Honor and OnePlus. Android can look and behave a little bit differently depending on who the manufacturer of the phone is, although the basics are usually pretty much the same.

 

Pros

Android phones are usually pretty easy to use. They're very customizable, and you can get access to a huge range of different apps, games, and entertainment through the Google Play store. Whatever your budget, there should also be plenty of choices of different Android phones.

 

Cons

In the past, Android has been a little more vulnerable to attack than Apple phones. However, this now beginning to change as Google focuses more on thoroughly vetting apps in the app store and fixing any security holes before they release them. Sometimes, some manufacturers and network providers can be slow to release updates to Android users.

 

Apple iOs

All iPhones use iOS, and unlike Android, the operating system is pretty much the same to use whichever iPhone you decide to buy. There are new updates released for the OS every year, but some older iPhones might not be able to run newer versions of the OS. For example, only the iPhone 5s and up can iOS 11. If your iPhone isn't compatible with the new update, you will miss out on some of the latest apps, features, and security patches that are released by Apple.

 

Pros

Apple iOS is easy to use and very quick to get the hang of if you haven't used it before. It will give you access to the Apple app store. All apps on the app store are thoroughly vetted before they are released, so you can be confident that they're safe to use.

 

Cons

Apple iPhones are almost always expensive phones. If you're not too concerned about having the very latest technology, then you can find cheaper deals on secondhand phones though. Apple iPhones don't have a micro-SD slot, so you will need to be careful about choosing the memory capacity, so your phone doesn't run out of space for things like music, photos, and apps.

 

What Size Of Phone Should I Buy?

Smartphones are getting larger and larger, after a period where small phones were fashionable. The latest high-end models are now clocking in at 5.5 to 6 inches or even bigger. Larger phones are fantastic for watching videos or browsing the internet, but they don't suit everybody. For some people, they can too large to hold comfortably and can be difficult to fit into a pocket, especially for women. Some people prefer a phone that can be comfortably used with one hand.

 

The best way to work which size of handset you like best and find comfortable to use is to go into a mobile phone shop and hold a few of the phones. If you find that you want something a little bit smaller so you can hold your phone more easily, choose a 4.5inch phone. Pay attention to the physical dimensions of the phone too. Screen sizes come in different aspect ratios, and phones will have different sized bezels. A phone with a 6inch screen could actually be smaller than one that has a 5.5inch screen if the aspect ratio and bezels are different. Handle the phone before you buy to make sure the size is comfortable for you.

 

Which Mobile Phones Have The Best Battery Life?

You might think that a phone with a larger battery will have better battery life. Battery size is usually a good indicator of how long the battery will last, but not always. Lots of things can drain a phone's battery, such as the screen size, refresh rate, and resolution. Read reviews of phones that thoroughly test the battery by watching videos, making calls, and using the camera. If you know you're going to use your phone a lot, such as for using apps while you're out and about, make sure you pay attention to the battery life before you decide what to buy.

 

Should I Buy On Contract Or Sim-free?

This a big decision when you're buying a new phone. It can be tempting to choose a lower monthly fee rather than paying a lot outright for a new phone, but this can end up costing you more in the long run. It can be cheaper to look for a good deal on a handset and then buy opt for a SMARTY SIM only contract instead.

 

Should I Buy A Second-Hand Phone?

Buying a second-hand or refurbished phone can be a good way to get a discount. A refurbished phone is one that has been used before and has then been restored to a ‘like new' condition, or to a certain level of quality. The second-hand phone market is booming, but be careful about what you buy. Buy from a reputable place and read the fine print.

 

Do I Need A Waterproof Phone?

For a lot of people, depending on your lifestyle or how clumsy you are, waterproofing might be a must-have. A water-resistant phone might be tempting if you work outside a lot in the rain, or are prone to dropping your phone into the sink.

 

More models of phones now claim to be waterproof, but this feature is more common in more expensive options. Keep in mind that while some phones claim to be waterproof, not all of them will have the same level of water resistance. For example, Apple claims that the iPhone 8 and 8Plus can survive being submerged in up to a meter of water for up to half an hour, while Samsung's Galaxy S8 and S9 claim to still work after being in 1.5 meters of water for thirty minutes.

 

At the moment, there seem to be more mid-range phones available that claim to be waterproof. The Samsung Galaxy A5 is as water-resistant as the much more expensive S-series line, and is more waterproof than the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus. Some expensive phones aren't waterproof at all.

 

Which Brand Is The Most Reliable?

The biggest complaint that most people have about their phones is the battery life. The most commonly reported issues are related to the phone not holding a charge for very long or refusing to charge at all. Read reviews carefully of the phone you're considering to make sure you know about any potential reliability issues.

 

Samsung and iPhone are the best-known and most popular brands but don't forget to consider some others. There are plenty of other options out there that can be just as good but could be more affordable.

 

Huawei

Huawei has become firmly established in the UK and the US recently. They have a range of phones at different price points, including a high-end P30 Pro, and the more budget-friendly Y6. There is a big difference between their best and worst phones, however, so make sure you do your research before you buy.

 

Motorola

Motorola has been a popular budget brand for a long time. Their range is competitively priced and a favorite for those with a little less to spend on a phone. Reviews of different models vary quite a lot, so research first to make the best choice.

 

Google

Google aims for quality over quantity with its phones. It doesn't have a large range of phones, but the ones they do have are popular with people who love to take photos on their phones and those who like to get timely operating system updates. Google owns Android, so you should get the updates as soon as they're available.

 

Before you buy any phone, make sure you do some thorough research first. Read reviews, and visit stores to handle the phones in person. Weight up factors like battery life, operating system, extra features, camera quality, and price to find the best phone for you for your budget.