Looking to swap out your current smartphone for a newer model? Before spending a small fortune on the latest must-have, first consider what you actually need out of a device. For some, it’s all about a quad-camera array and 4K video recording. Others like to keep things simple, with solid battery life and robust builds. Ready to make the switch to a new handset? Below are some of the most important things to look out for.
what you look at while buying a new phone
Camera Credentials
One considered a luxury, camera arrays are now a staple of even the most budget-friendly smartphones. If you’re looking for something in a lower price bracket, you’ll probably find yourself limited to a single camera setup, with a front-facing sensor for capturing selfies and performing video calls, along with a second for taking everyday photos and recording videos. If you’re prepared to spend a little more on your next device, you’ll want to look for a dual or triple-camera device. These smartphones feature an additional two or three sensors on the back of the device. With more lenses, you’ll have more options when it comes to capturing awe-inspiring photography.
That being said, more cameras aren’t always an indication of a great camera phone. You’ll need to actually take a look at what those extra lenses do, along with resolutions and aperture ratings. The better the specs, the more impressive the results.
Smartphone Displays
Even if you don’t use your smartphone for RAM-intensive applications, you’ll want something with a decent display. Screen size alone isn’t everything, but a larger display will make it easier to navigate through reams of text messages, enjoy everyday web browsing and catch up on your favourite streaming shows.
However, a large screen isn’t a guarantee of crystal-clear resolutions. To get an idea of how well those online clips and 4K videos are going to look on your device, you’ll need to focus on pixel density. A typical handset should offer resolutions of around 400-450 pixels per pinch (PPI). Spend a little more on a replacement handset, and you’re looking at devices with upwards of 500 PPI.
Are You a Mobile Gamer?
Whether it’s the latest action-packed gaming app or a virtual casino, you’ll need a mobile device with sufficient RAM to be able to handle mobile gambling applications. A larger display is a must if you’re looking for clear visuals. What’s more, if you want to play poker and blackjack at the casino platform of your choice, you’ll want a bigger screen to be able to enjoy those immersive live dealer experiences.
A high refresh rate and powerful smartphone processor will also ensure your device keeps up with the latest gambling platforms. If you’re buying something that’s a little more budget-friendly, at the very least look for one with more RAM. This way, you won’t have to deal with constant lagging or slow loading times as you attempt to open your favourite casino card game. You might want to consider the newly released iPhone 15 Pro, as it has the best processor on a smartphone at the moment.
Battery Performance
Although battery capacities are generally increasing across the board, it’s not always the case that a newer device will give you more juice after a single charge. Ultimately, the more you use your smartphone, the quicker your battery reserves are going to diminish to zero. If you want to squeeze every last drop of your device, make sure you’re paying attention to the mAh rating of any device you’re interested in. A higher mAh rating is a good sign you’re dealing with something with a higher capacity, but it’s not always as straightforward as that. A bigger screen can quickly drain your reserves, as can an overpowered processor. For peace of mind, ensure you’re purchasing a device that allows for fast charging as standard.
Build Quality
While you can invest in shock-absorbing cases and screen protectors to keep your phone protected from drops and scratches, choosing a device with a robust build is always a good idea. The vast majority of smartphones on the market feature plastic or glass bodies, with some featuring a combination of the two. While all-glass devices are also common, they’re prone to shattering. If you’re someone who’s dropped a few phones in their time, you’ll want to avoid these glass devices altogether.
