Everybody knows it: smartphones are in demand!
As cell phone companies lower the prices of their data plans, they create more incentive for you to own one. With so many options to consider, it can be a little overwhelming trying to figure out which phone is best for you.
Operating System
There are three major operating systems on mobile devices: Google’s Android, Apple’s iOS 7, and Microsoft’s Windows Phone 8. The most popular among them is Android, and the most widely used operating system on mobile devices since 2010. Many smartphones run Android, so you’ll have a lot of choices when it comes to finding a brand. The iOS 7 operating system is completely exclusive to the iPhone, so your selection is limited. However, if you love Apple products, this isn’t a bad thing. Smartphones running Windows Phone 8 are also limited as Microsoft hasn’t allowed version 7.5 users to update. At the moment, about 21 models run Widows Phone 8, and you won’t be able to purchase an older Windows phone and hope to update. Apple, on the other hand, allowed free updates to iOS 7, and made it available on older versions of the iPhone.
Not Just a Phone
Smartphones resemble a small computer much more than they do a regular phone. Keeping that in mind, you have to think about how you’ll want to use yours. You may choose to watch your favorite shows on the go or play your favorite video games, or you could even be sending big files with it. You’ll find that you can do almost anything with a smartphone, and the sky is the limit, therefore, technical specifications become a big deal. If you’re just going to be checking your email occasionally, you won’t need a lot of power. But, if you’d like to get into mobile gaming, you’ll want to look at devices with a good processor and rendering capabilities. Watching movies on your phone will require a model with a bigger display. If you enjoy taking pictures, you might like your phone to double as a camera so you can take high-quality photos no matter where you are. Camera technology on phones is becoming more advanced all the time. Be sure to check the specs of the model you’re considering and understand what they mean.
Your Carrier
Once you think you’ve found the perfect smartphone with all the specs you need at the right price, you have to consider your carrier. Before you get your heart set on a particular model, be aware that you can only use certain phones with certain carriers. The iPhone has expanded, and you can now purchase it from most major carriers. By contrast, the most powerful Windows Phone 8 currently runs only on the AT&T network; a decision many people have criticized. Getting a smartphone is still a big commitment for many people since a 24-month contract is usually attached. So make sure you’ve done your research before making your purchase.