How to buy a smart phone

When buying a smart phone there are a number of issues to consider to ensure you get the right one. 

The first and last thing you should consider is the price, as your budget is an obvious factor and it will help you narrow down your options and prevent you from over-spending. Price is where it begins and where it inevitably ends. It’s the research you do in between that will determine your success.

There are also comparisons to be made. If you see a phone that looks to be identical but at a cheaper price, then chances are it is different in some aspect – usually in storage capacity and RAM (we will get to that shortly), or it may be only single-SIM as opposed to dual-SIM (more about that as well).

There’s an old saying that you only get what you pay for. With mobile phones, it tends to be different because some extremely good phones are made for bigger markets, such as China and India, which may result in fantastic technology at a lower price.

So, to get the best phone for your needs you need to do your homework.


Here’s a checklist of features and considerations:

1. Software: Operating system

The two most popular mobile operating systems are Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS. For an in-depth analysis see our blog from 28 October.

Basically, Android is the best if you’re looking for more customizability as well as variety in buying options. In PNG, Android will give you more options and better bang for your buck.

If you have big bucks, then Apple’s iOS offers a simple, minimal experience with fast and timely updates and the best integration with Apple’s other devices such as Macs, Apple Watches, and iPads. If you already have Apple devices then you are already a convert. Stick with iOS.

iOS 17 update

Apple released iOS 17 in September. Already there have been updates to fix bugs and glitches 17.01, 17.02 and 17.03. A major update has just been announced in 17.01 with more fixes expected to come. Follow us for more news on the new Apple iPhone 15 and iOS 17.

2. Hardware: design, cameras, display, performance, and battery

Design

Mobile phones come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and use a variety of materials from plastic, metal, glass.

Styles can be minimalistic, funky, stylish and just plain practical.

Try and have a feel of the phone before you buy it. Understand where the keys and camera are, and how it feels in your hand. Is it too light? Too heavy? Is it strong enough to handle the harsh conditions of Papua New Guinea?

If you are constantly in an extremely harsh environment, such as a minesite or on a worksite, where you need a phone that is equally tough, then consider a Blackview “rugged” phone available through CHM. 

Camera

If a camera is important to you then this is where you need to do your homework. See the final comment at the end of this article.

Look for features like megapixel count, low-light performance, and the availability of additional camera lenses (wide-angle, macro, etc.).

If you intend to shoot high-quality video then obviously consider the video capabilities of the device.

Display

Consider the size and resolution of the display. A larger, higher-resolution screen may be beneficial for media consumption and gaming.

Screen resolution determines how sharp text and images appear. Most devices today either have a resolution of Full HD+ (around 2200×1080) or QHD+ (2560×1440).

You’ll likely see HD (720p) displays on cheaper devices. This is largely to keep the price down. Just keep in mind that when comparing a 720p panel to a Full HD+ panel, you’ll definitely notice a disparity in quality. But lower screen resolution can potentially benefit the device in providing better battery life. If you just need a phone for the basics, and you are on a tight budget then 720p is fine.

To get the most out of photos and videos you will want at least Full HD+.

There are also unusual form factors on the market, like foldables, flip phones and curved displays. See our final comment and do your homework if you are thinking of buying a phone with a difference.

Performance

In today’s market, you’ll find a wide range of phones that vary in terms of their chipset choice, storage capacity, and RAM.

You probably want at least 8GB of RAM (random access memory), with 64 or 128GB of storage capacity. Some phones have a microSD slot that allows you to expand your memory.

In PNG you will also have the option of single or dual SIM. Dual SIM is great if you frequently use more than one network, or if you want to take advantage of packages offered by various networks. You can simply switch between networks when and where you want, depending on how much credit you have with either network. Dual SIM is also useful if you travel overseas – use one SIM for home (roaming), and the other for the local network. Or you can have one SIM for work, the other for personal use.

Some phones will also have eSIM, which negates the need for a physical SIM, as the eSIM is digitally embedded in the mobile phone

The latest iPhones for instance, have the capability of installing eight or more eSIMS and using two phone numbers at the same time.

So, it’s best to know the SIM card capability of your prospective new phone before you buy it.

Oh, and avoid buying a phone that is locked to one network, unless there is a compelling reason to do otherwise.

Battery

If you’re a heavy user that spends upwards of five to six hours on your phone, getting a bigger model with a bigger battery might be the best way you can meet your needs. If you’re a lighter user, this may not be as big of an issue for you.

Check the battery capacity and read user reviews to get an idea of real-world battery life. Consider if the phone supports fast charging or wireless charging.

Most phones with good battery performance will advertise this feature. So, once again, do your research.

3. Your retail experience

Check list:

  • does the retailer have a warranty and returns policy?
  • is the retailer also an accredited, authorized and reputable repairer?
  • does the retailer offer accessories for your choice of device? Accessories include phone cases, screen protectors, chargers and so on. If not, then check availability through other accessory retailers. Do this before you buy the phone.
  • And, most importantly, does the retailer actually have stock in the country? Chances are, you want your phone now and not in three months’ time.

In PNG you should also beware of dodgy salespeople who may offer you the same phone at a cheaper price from one of their friends or off the black market (“off the back of a truck”). Beware as you may be buying a stolen, faulty or fake product. If you suspect anything is wrong with your buying experience, report the issue to the retailer. Facebook inbox is a good way to report issues discretely, as most reputable retailers use Facebook. Or contact Smart Shopper via email: smartshopperpng@gmail.com 

Another tip: always check that the phone matches the serial number on the box. Keep the receipt and check that you got what you paid for as soon as possible. Phones often come with different RAM and storage capacities, so although they may look the same, under the hood they could be different!

Final comment

When you have taken all of the above into consideration, go to Google and read some reviews. Amazon also has user reviews. There’s a wealth of information to support your choice – so there are no excuses for a poor purchase decision.

Also talk to friends or family who may have the same or similar phone, or bought their phone from the same retailer. How was their experience? Word of mouth is a great resource.

Talk to a tech geek, if you know of one, they will be happy to give you an educated opinion on your choice.

Remember that the best phone for you depends on your individual needs, budget and preferences, so take the time to assess what features are most important to you before making a decision.

Good luck and smart shopping!

 

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