Eligible For A Smartphone Upgrade? Here Are Some Research Tips To Help You Pick The Right Smartphone!

LG G Flex with Android OS

We love our smartphones.  Nearly every person you see has one in hand.  Families sit quietly at the dinner table because everyone is looking at their phone.  We use our devices to check our favorite social media sites, email, play games, watch video, and even read books. For many, it’s rare to turn on a home PC or laptop, because a smartphone can meet all of our needs. As these devices have become such an integral part of our lives, choosing a new device can be stressful. With so many devices on the market, how can someone make a decision and be happy with their choice for more than a few months?

Before going to your carrier or retail store, research should be done in the same manner by which a laptop or desktop computer is chosen. Begin the process by deciding on your price range. Next, make a list of your favorite applications and determine how you plan to use the device, from simply making calls to using it to track your fitness. Usually, we do a lot of research when trying to find the right computer. We turn to consumer reports, blogs, reviews, family and friends. We ask questions such as: how big is the hard drive, is there enough memory, is it upgradeable? Reason being, the last thing we want to do is spend hundreds of dollars and buy a computer that is outdated as soon as we get it.  Why should shopping for a smartphone be any different? The choice should be a device that will still be relevant more than one year later.

Portable Device Charger

There are many choices of screen sizes and operating systems. The 3 most popular operating systems are IOS, Android and Windows Phone 8. We all have our opinions on which we like best. Each of the platforms have their similarities. The main difference between the three is availability of applications and features. Another difference is the ability to personalize and customize. With Apple making a larger model device, and adding the use of widgets and a swipe keyboard, Apple and Android are now much closer to a very similar user experience. As Windows Phone 8 continues to add more of our favorite applications, it continues to become as viable a choice as the others. This simply means we are close to choosing whichever device we like, regardless of the operating system.

Battery power is another important feature to research when choosing a new smartphone. How long the battery will last, and if it is removable are the features to consider.  For some, the ability to remove the battery is a must, or else they will not purchase the device. This gives the ability to use multiple batteries with your device, especially in emergency situations.  Universal device chargers are now small, and fit well in your pocket or backpack. If you are unable to find an outlet, it's okay because you have backup in your pocket. This could also mean the purchase of a second battery, if the phone has a removable battery. So, whether you have a portable battery charger or a second battery, battery life does not have to be a “make or break” part of your decision.

Once you have narrowed your search, and you have your sights set on a particular smartphone (or two), you should turn to YouTube and search for reviews and tips & tricks. Take notes, write down as much as possible. If there is anything you do not understand, search for an answer on the internet. Once done, you are ready to visit your local carrier or retail store to choose your next smartphone. Arriving with a list of devices you wish to try out, you are empowered with knowledge. Now the conversation with the store representative will not seem foreign or “over your head”, as you are prepared. Often store representatives attempt to sell the latest, greatest, most popular, and expensive device. Some sales reps will look to take advantage of customers with a lack of knowledge and sell the device which pays the highest commission. To defend the sales reps that provide excellent service, it is difficult to help a customer find the perfect device if the customer has no clue and has done no research. Once paired with a knowledgeable sales rep who probes and listens for your smartphone needs, do not make a decision until you try the phone(s) out. The comfort of the phone in your hand, or responsiveness of the software, can only be experienced in person.

Smartphone used as a computer

Smartphones are portable computers with the ability to perform nearly as many functions as a full size computer. With many carriers giving the choice to not have a contract and allowing customers to bring their own device, choosing a smartphone that you will enjoy for more than a few years is now more important than ever.  Screen size, operating system, battery and available applications are important features to research when choosing your next device. With so many devices to choose from, the key is to choose a device that will make you happy beyond 1 to 2 years, when “the next big thing” is released. With a smartphone which will work with many carriers, and will last you for years to come, you can be in control of your contract (or lack there of) and have the ability to use it on multiple networks. Research can leave you empowered with knowledge. Hopefully these tips help you find your next smartphone.

Posted By Jerry Todd from Brainy Toads