The smartphone has become one of those indispensable devices for people, mainly because it monopolizes a good part of our days. After all, it represents a rapidly growing market, gradually connecting the most diverse sectors, from work to entertainment to particular tasks. In such a changing universe, these devices are much more than just telephones; therefore, choosing the best smartphone is a matter that deserves to be deepened.
Android Or iOS Smartphone? What Is The Best?
The first distinction to be made regarding smartphones is the operating system. The two great factions are represented by Android, by Google, and iOS, developed by Apple. The first is present on a wide variety of devices, from low-end to top of the range; the second, on the other hand, is intended only for the devices of the famous apple. Both are pretty similar and end up contaminating each other. At the same time, however, they also have particularities that can make a difference in terms of use. Google develops Android.
It is Open Source and offers the possibility to (almost) all developers to be able to design software on it. Android is completely Open Source and designed for a wide range of models. iOS is developed on proprietary hardware that always guarantees high-level performance. It is highly customizable and has many settings that can completely transform its interface and operation. Among the strengths of Android are:
- The incredible ease of use.
- A great variety of games and applications.
- Access to all Google tools for productivity and leisure.
Then there is iOS, which is used on all Apple devices and entirely developed from proprietary hardware. In this way, in addition to being stable and reliable, it always guarantees the same performance on all supported devices. It is effortless to use and grants access to a library of apps and games, released under the strict control of Apple so that they are safe and reliable. Unlike Android, it is available exclusively for a limited number of models, equipped with specific hardware and features; if, on the one hand, this guarantees impeccable performance, on the other, it leads to a substantial increase in prices on all products.
One of the most significant differences between the two operating systems is the price with Android, which, unlike iOS, covers a much more comprehensive range of prices from budget phones to top content. The smartphones of the Chinese giant no longer have access to Google services, and while still relying on the same kernel, they had to redesign the interface and applications from scratch. This has led to great confusion for users who have purchased reliable smartphones but with a limited and often inefficient software sector.
What Features Should A Smartphone Have?
There are some essential details to consider when buying a new device. Much choice will be influenced by the device’s final use, which in many cases also defines the budget available for the purchase. Before choosing a model rather than another, it is necessary to do some research and consideration.
Dimensions, Materials, And Protective Devices
One of the main features concerns the screen size. Current devices are veering forcefully towards ever larger screens ranging between 5.5 and 6.5 inches. Beyond this measure, buying a tablet represents the perfect compromise between a PC and a phone. In terms of size, one of the most important innovations in recent years is represented by foldable phones. These particular models allow the curvature of the screen that can be closed like a book, varying in size depending on the context in which it is used.
They are about 50% bulkier than a typical smartphone but once closed. They reach the same size as a classic model. At the moment, however, they still have a relatively limited diffusion due to the rather high prices and a certain fragility in the system for opening and closing the screen. Foldable smartphones are one of the most exciting technologies for the future, even if, at the moment, they still have a relatively limited diffusion. Another factor to consider when looking for the perfect smartphone is robustness. Being a widely used device, falls are more frequent than expected.
Therefore it is advisable to choose resistant devices with solid bodies capable of preventing breakage from a fall or impact. Although high-quality materials are used, they are not free from scratches and aesthetically unpleasant marks; therefore, it is advisable to purchase a cover that guarantees additional protection to the phone. The same goes for the glass, which is the most at risk for each device. Gorilla Glass is generally durable and ready to take hits and falls. In the case of Apple, on the other hand, the company has turned to Ceramic Shields, which have proved to be a very resistant solution. Also, in this case, it is advisable to purchase a protective glass that guarantees an additional defense for the screen.
Memory, Processor, And Battery: Smartphone Hardware Makes The Difference
A key feature is available memory. Everything that contains a device is saved in the memory, which can be internal to the device, external, or in the Cloud. As for the internal memory, most modern devices can count on a space that varies from 32 to 128GB, with the high-end models reaching up to 256 or 512GB. To these, you can add additional space with an external memory which, except for Apple devices, can be installed on any phone. However, external memories are especially suitable for storing personal data such as photos, videos, and music.
At the same time, they do not allow the passage of applications that, in many cases, must be installed in the device’s internal memory. The memory of a smartphone is a fundamental issue because it allows us to keep safe photos, videos, and personal documents available at all times. The Cloud is a digital storage space designed to secure personal files; several alternatives, including DropBox, iCloud, and Google Drive, offer different subscription plans depending on the area to purchase. RAM deserves a separate discussion: it represents a random access memory and takes care of running applications and speeding up processes.
The models currently on the market can count on 4, 6, or 8GB, with some top-of-the-range that can even reach 12 or 16GB. An essential point of speech concerns the choice of the processor. A detail perhaps “reserved” for the most practical users in the sector but which can make a difference in terms of performance. Many types of processors can radically change the potential of your smartphone. The low-end ones are relatively modest and are meant to have reduced performance. They are usually found in inexpensive devices worth a few hundred euros.
The intermediate ones are more powerful and capable of making the phone more responsive; they represent most of the CPUs on the market and are inserted in the vast majority of devices. The high-end ones guarantee a very high level of power and performance. These processors characterize the top-of-the-range and more expensive machines. High-end processors ensure power and reliability; they are the link between a smartphone’s portability and a computer’s technical specifications. The choice of the CPU is a speech made mainly by those who need specific characteristics; generally, a mid-range device will be more than adequate for everyday use.
Given the wide daily use, a factor not to be overlooked is that of the battery. Generally, we tend to install models not lower than 5000 mAh to guarantee a daily duration of the charge. Much also depends on the smartphone’s use and performance, but before purchasing it, it is a good idea to pay close attention to the size of the battery. Chargers are also worth mentioning. Several types, except Apple models, are universal for all devices. A quick charger is practically a standard model, although some are designed for smartphones that can withstand a greater charging power.
Of course, a more powerful charger is not essential and does not affect the charge of the device but only the charging times. High-power recharges seem to cause more battery wear, so spending a few more hours is always advisable rather than risk future problems. Some model phones on the market support wireless charging, with the device that must be placed on the appropriate base without needing a direct connection. This particularity provides for longer charging times and is only available for some high-end models.
Which Smartphone To Buy?
Several range tops, such as Samsung or Apple devices, can reach prices above 1000 Euros. They are devices with incredible performance that could quickly be oriented to semi-professional use. All those more modest devices have highly advantageous prices, in the order of a few tens of Euros, which also have lower performance. Very often, small brands prefer to offer economical solutions rather than challenge the giants by focusing on power. Of course, they also have minimal functionality and are oriented towards a more classic phone use.
High-end devices are the most expensive and offer higher performance and quality. To buy such a smartphone, you will need to spend from € 600 upwards, but you will have a phone ready to face any challenge, from work to entertainment. In addition, these devices can count on a whole series of accessories designed to increase the prestige and desirability of users. Mid-range smartphones have a starting price of around € 200; in this category, there are excellent phones which, although they cannot compete with the top of the range, still do their job more than satisfactorily. A mid-range phone is ideal for all users looking for reliable devices at an affordable price and with no particular needs for use.
It is the perfect solution for the average user, who has no special needs but commonly uses the phone. Great for mail, surfing the net, social networks, photos, and all those activities that have now become the norm. The low-end devices are highly cheap phones that start at a few tens of Euros up to around € 200. They are “acceptable” phones, designed for those who canonically use them, and do not have too many pretensions in terms of materials and aesthetics. They are functional but also have many limitations due to an outdated or significantly reduced hardware sector.
Smartphone: Future Development Prospects
The technology linked to the world of portable devices runs and evolves rapidly. Innovations and changes in the sector take place all the time, to the point that it has become impossible to always be up to date in this regard or to have the best performing model. After all, these devices are designed for everyday life and to become an extension of our senses, increasing perception and allowing people access to the web.
At the moment, the most exciting development prospects concern folding smartphones, which are becoming increasingly popular; virtual and augmented reality devices, which find fertile ground in smartphones; artificial intelligence, which makes these devices ever closer to humans; an even more performing photographic sector; ultra-fast connections; miniaturization of devices.
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