Friday 27 June 2014

Things To Consider When Buying A Smartphone By Sage Harman



This is a guest post. I figured it would help if you, like me, find it tasking to make a choice when it comes to phones. I remember my mom bought me a Samsung Galexy (Yes, Galexy. This is not a typo *tears*) S4 phone earlier in the year. I wanted to cry. I'll talk about it in my next post. I'll even post pictures loool. Enjoy the post.
 
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Considering what give the men in your life as a gift? If you're thinking ties, handkerchiefs and shirts boring, why not go for gold and give him a smartphone if you can afford it? You know he deserves it. But before you run off to your nearest store, take time to review your options. Mobile phones have come a long way over the years and with manufacturers constantly inventing new features, the choice of which phone to purchase can be a bit confusing. Here are a few things to consider before buying a smartphone.

Platform
Android, iOS and Windows Phone seem to be the most popular options. You can make your choice of operating system based on what's most important to you, or in this case, your the recipient - versatility, user-friendliness, security and customization.

Camera
In this day and age of selfie, there is a lot to consider. While most smartphones come equipped with cameras capable of taking 8 megapixel pictures, these days, also take account of resolution, optical zoom, shutter speed, ISO and other capturing settings and features.

Style
When it comes to physical appearance, more and more people lean towards the thin and sleek design. Don't just consider the form factor, though, think about the screen size, weight, keyboard, Retina display, and portability.
 
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Applications
It's important to consider the phone's compatibility to apps. Apps are programs that perform different functions. Almost all smartphones have the ability to support applications. Health monitor, GPS device, scanner, TV and video apps, digital wallet, and mobile hotspot are just some of the popular ones you can install on your smartphone. 

Battery Life
Smartphones, with all the amazing things you can do with it, are like mini computers. Of course, you'd want to get one with a long battery life. But you might also want to consider the option of replacing the battery when you're unable to charge up. Some phones have built-in batteries that you can't remove for example. So if you require a lot more power, go with one that has a replaceable battery.

Storage Capacities
Most smartphones carry an option of 2GB to 64GB built-in memory. If you think you would need more storage space, consider buying a phone that supports memory cards.

Connection
Since smartphones are portable gadgets, you should take connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Mobile hotspot) into consideration. 

Most major phone companies now offer smartphone plans that fit every budget. There are a wide variety of models and features to choose from. But I guess what it will all come down to is the price you are willing to pay. You don't want to spend a lot but you don't want to miss out on important features for a small price difference either. It's best to take the time to research and consider all your options so you can make an informed decision.

A frugal living enthusiast, wife and mother, Sage Harman runs http://www.no-contract-plans.com, a site dedicated to providing free information to consumers trying to find viable no-contract phone and internet plans.

20 comments:

  1. Don't have a smart phone only a dumb phone, no bells and whistles just serves its purpose. As for affordability, ha, I don't think I am buying a cellphone smart or other wise for $750.00 at that price tab it begs the question, who is smarter the cellphone companies or the consumer. As for monthly packages, they don't come cheap at least not in Canada....Samsung Galexy S4/5, IPhone 4/5 starts at $60/$70/$80 and that's to start. Can you imagine your phone bill by the end of the month, forget eating, you working to pay for the "smart" phone. Unless I get a really good deal, I will be sticking to my dumb phone as having it affords me to ability to still pay all my bill with ease and not choose between phone bill and groceries.

    Have a blessed Day.

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    1. I totally hear you and you're definitely making good points. The cos of purchase is crazy and monthly data packages don't come cheap as well.

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  2. Lool @ Galexy! Looking forward to your next post on it.
    Now heading over to Sage's blog for more useful advice cos this lady needs a new phone :)!

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    1. Girl, i could not even cry when she gave me that phone. Post is coming up soon :)

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  3. I need to change my phone but I just can't get over the cost of these "mobile gadgets"....anytime I remember that the cost of Iphone 5 is someone's per annum..I just step out of the store...it is well

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    1. heheheheheheheheh @ Someones Per Annum. It is true oh. hmmmnn It is well, GOD will take us there Bubba, we will have lots of cash to buy all we need one day.. Can I hear an Amen!!! :)

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    2. Sykik, you are absolutely right. I usually tax all of my siblings when i'm ready to change my phone. The thought of dropping all that money from me freaks me out and makes me feel so wasteful *sigh*

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  4. Yes ke!! Engr. Toinlicious in the Building :). I can like to come here shaaaaaa... Well i think its all about what the consumer wants. I am a BIG GADGET freak, I mean going to konga.com is a BIG temptation for me, cause I go straight to the gadget section, whether I have money oh, or i dont :(. hmmmnn It is well with my soul sha. lmao.

    Not to digress too much, I guess it all boils down to what the User wants, if you want a Serious Professional phone, Then Apple is the way, If you want Social devices, Then Samsung is the way, if you want Hustle, Nokia/ Windows phone is the way, if you want PHONE HANGING, Then TECHNO or INFINIX is the way **Winks..

    Interesting Post Bubba, I like it here so much Toinlicious. xx You can make me smile at the Monitor sha...

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    1. Lool. You are always welcome here Duru. That smiling at the monitor sha, i don't know o... *scratches head* I hope you're mostly alone before your colleagues will be wondering...

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  5. i literally think smart phones are shams. why do we need so many gadgets and still require a smart phone? i never do well with them anyway. i tried the blackberry and somehow 4 got stolen with 7months. decided to go for the iphones and i have replaced its screens 3times in 6months. the thing just gets more and more expensive has time goes it. i do well with laptops and ipads though. so now like @rhapsody i use a dumb phone and to substitute for emails and other web based activities i carry around a macbook air and an ipad. stupid right? yea! but they serve different purposes b4 u ask why i need the both of them hehehe. aside that, these smart phones can disappoint you with their battery life, and my dumb phone's battery last me 3days.

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    1. You know, i should probably do what you did but carrying two other gadgets is not for me

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  6. It's my birthday today Toinlicious (it's not your concern if i celebrate birthdays more than once a year,it's my prerogative *in Bobby Browns voice*),so you gon buy me a smart phone? I'm thinking iPhone 6.-_____-

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    1. Erm, i was actually thinking about that Camaro we talked about but if you, you know, insist on a measly iPhone 6, well...no worries then but i really think the Camaro is a better bargain...but that's if you ask me. I know it's none of my bidness *kanye shrug*

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  7. I miss the days when i could charge my Nokia phone and the battery would last for three days, i didnt have to worry about shattering my screen if my phone dropped, nowadays to even hold the phone sef na problem.

    www.roseofsharonwrites.blogspot.com

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    1. I so miss those Nokia days too. Life was certainly a lot easier and simpler

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  8. Hello Toinlicious, how are you? I tagged you in a post oh, cause you are an interesting Blogger. Kindly do well to Honor it Baby mi, and to not break the chain.. Cheers.

    http://duruadolphusjnr.blogspot.com/2014/07/and-that-was-how-i-was-tagged.html

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  9. Smartphones are over rated. Many Nigerians see it as a status symbol hence they always want to keep up with the joneses. www.seyonhundeyin.blogspot.com

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Hit me nicely