In 2016, the LG G4c H522Y was renowned as one of the best smartphones for music lovers. Like many other devices, it supports 24/192 FLAC lossless playback. It also features excellent performance in improving sound quality, decoding audio files, sound processing, and so on. Yes, and this device looks very good - just for some kind of creative nature.
Rice. No. 3. LG G4c H522Y
Again, the cost of the LG G4c H522Y is approximately 4000 units of the Ukrainian currency.
Selfie smartphones. For those who wish to use it primarily for producing high quality and vibrant photos, this class is best suited.
The choice should be stopped not only on models equipped with a camera with a sufficient number of megapixels, but also on additional elements such as flash, autofocus, and the use of new technologies.
An excellent model for those who like to be photographed - see the review Nokia Lumia-83
Rice. No. 4. Nokia Lumia-830
Nokia Lumia-830 can be bought for 7,500 hryvnia, although in 2017 this is already quite problematic.
Gaming smartphones. Such devices cost a lot of money. The high price category is due to the high performance. In order to play modern games on a smartphone, you need a powerful processor, the latest version of the operating system and a sufficient supply of RAM.
- great smartphone for gamers
Rice. No. 5. Nexus 5
LG Nexus 5 in Ukraine is sold at a price of 4400 hryvnia.
Protected smartphones. This class includes the most reliable devices in terms of strength and endurance. Rugged models are resistant to dust, dirt, water and mechanical stress.
Intel is another well-known manufacturer that has become more widespread in PCs, but has recently been used for gadgets as well.
Clock frequency - features of choice
Modern processors are designed to automatically increase or decrease the clock frequency during operation within the acceptable range specified by the manufacturer. Frequently, the frequency is 1 GHz or more, and good, powerful models are equipped with a processor with a power of about 2 Gigahertz. The best option for a smartphone is 1.8 GHz, although the more the better.
There are also combinations. For example, the LG H990 V20 has 4 cores in the processor, but only 2 of them have a clock speed of 2.15 GHz, and the other two have 1.6 GHz. First, those that are smaller work, and if there are not enough of them, those that are larger come into play.
By the way, the above-mentioned Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor model MSM8996 is used here. True, here it works in combination with the Adreno 530.
It is worth saying that this combination is very good. Other characteristics are also at the level - 4 GB of "RAM", 64 GB of its memory, Android 7.0 OS. The price of such a pleasure is about 13,000 hryvnia.
Rice. No. 15. LG H990 V20
Single-core and multi-core processors
How to choose a processor for a smartphone? The answer to this question depends on the reliability of the manufacturer, the number of cores and their optimization, clock frequency. All processors are divided into single-core and multi-core. Multi-core devices, in turn, come with 2, 4, 5 and 8 cores.
Advice! The number of cores does not always guarantee a high or low speed of a gadget. As an example of this, the well-known Apple releases devices with two cores, optimizing them in such a way that not every multi-core device can compete with them. Therefore, it is not so easy to find out how to choose the right processor.
Most multi-core processors are designed in such a way that only some of them provide high-speed work with applications, the rest of the cores perform additional functions. So, for example, an 8-core Exynos 5 processor consists of two 4-core ones. Both processors differ in power, one is weaker and more economical for power consumption, and the second is more powerful, but consumes a lot of power. It is recommended to purchase smartphones with two or four cores.
Above we said that there is a Xiaomi Redmi Note 4x with 10 cores. To date, this is the largest indicator. It is possible that soon Xiaomi or someone else will release an even more powerful device.
There are also a large number of smartphones with 8 cores. This is the sensational Samsung Galaxy S8, which can be bought for 25,000 hryvnia, Xiaomi Redmi 4 Pro for 5,000 hryvnia, Meizu M5 for 3000 units of national currency, and many other models. All of them are more than worthy.
Rice. No. 16. Samsung Galaxy S8
4. Memory parameters
Choosing a smartphone according to its characteristics, the next item to be paid attention to is the device's memory. There are three types of memory used in almost every model of a modern phone: RAM, built-in memory and external storage.
Rice. No. 17. SD memory
Random access memory (RAM, RAM). In translation, it means free access memory. RAM is closely related to the speed of the device. Only if there is sufficient RAM is it possible to use high-performance programs and games.
In addition to the volume, the RAM has various speed indicators, which are denoted as DDR3 and higher. It stands for double data rate. The last digital indicator denotes the type by which you can navigate when choosing a smartphone.
The type determines the speed of the memory. A good smartphone should have at least 1 GB of RAM.
Rice. No. 18. RAM
Now there are a lot of smartphones with 6GB of RAM. For example, the very famous OnePlus 3, for which you have to pay somewhere around 12,000 hryvnia, has exactly 6 GB of "RAM".
Judging by the reviews, it works very quickly. Combined with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor and the 4-core Adreno 530 processor, this amount of memory allows you to achieve the highest operating speed.
The rest of the characteristics of OnePlus 3 are also at the level - 64 GB of internal memory, a 16 MP main camera, an 8 MP front camera, a 5.5-inch screen, a 3000 mAh battery.
Rice. No. 19. Oneplus 3
Built-in memory. The memory is designed to store any data files, from audio and video recording programs to documents and messages. All files that are transferred from programs to a smartphone are saved in the same block. All standard settings are designed in such a way that almost all data is automatically stored in the built-in memory. Modern devices are characterized by a large amount of internal memory, which allows you to store a lot of data without external drives. For today, the memory can be in the range of 16-64 GB.
Rice. No. 20. Counter of own memory in the phone
The aforementioned Apple iPhone 7 Plus has 256GB of internal storage. As of today (mid-2017) no more on any other smartphone.
Actually, no one even understands yet, what can be used to fill up as much as 256 GB of the smartphone's own memory. The day is not far off when we will see a smartphone with 1 TB of memory.
Rice. No. 21. Apple iPhone 7 Plus
Expandable memory. An external storage device for storing data in a smartphone allows you to increase the capabilities of the device with the initial small internal memory. The card supports 16-64 GB and is released separately from the smartphone. But not all devices have a slot for external drives.
Rice. 22. microSD card for smartphone
5. Support for SIM cards
Today smartphones with two SIM cards or more are considered relevant. This is due to the convenience of using one device instead of two. Most modern models have 2 SIM cards, although some of the top ones, such as the Iphone, are all represented by one SIM card slot.
6. Screen options
When choosing the best device for yourself, you should definitely pay attention to the type of sensor, size and resolution of the display. The convenience of viewing and using the device depends on these criteria.
Let's consider what types of sensors are:
Resistive sensor. It is considered a simple, budget option that responds to both fingertips and ordinary objects, stylus. Among the minuses, they note a weak speed and a short service life. Typically, a resistive sensor fails within six months.
Capacitive sensor. A modern method using new technologies. It was first used on APPLE products. A better sensor has not yet been invented. Among the advantages are durability, reliability and speed of work. The disadvantage is that it only responds to finger touch.
An inexpensive and good smartphone with a resistive screen - Lenovo Vibe C A2020. This company is famous for its not very high-quality devices, but this does not apply to this model.
The characteristics of the Lenovo Vibe C A2020 are more than average. So the diagonal of the screen is 5 inches, the processor has as many as 4 cores at 1.1 GHz. There is a 5 megapixel camera, 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of its own memory. All this is served by a very good 2300 mAh battery.
You can buy such a smartphone for about UAH 2,600. For such characteristics, the price is quite suitable.
For the same price (maybe 200-300 hryvnia more), you can purchase the ZTE Blade L370, a smartphone with a capacitive screen. In principle, the phone is very average, but it works out its money.
Here are the same 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of its own memory. Of course, there is the possibility of expanding the memory by means of a microSD memory card. True, its maximum volume is 32 GB. The diagonal of the screen is the same 5 inches, but the main camera is better - 8 Mpix (5 Mpix front). The battery is smaller - 2000 mAh.
Rice. No. 25. ZTE Blade L370
The display sizes of modern smartphones range from 4 to 7 inches. But the most popular are the following screen sizes: 4; 5.7; 7.
As you can see, many of the models described above have a screen diagonal of exactly 5.5 inches.
As for the 7-inch giants, here it is worth remembering, for example, the Huawei MediaPad X2. This is a real tablet phone. At the same time, the resolution is Full HD, which is worth paying special attention to.
Depending on the version, the number of GB of RAM can be equal to 2 or 3. As for its own memory, there is 32 GB of it here. The main camera at 13 megapixels shoots well enough. The case is very stylish, metal and sturdy. All this beauty is served by a 5000 mAh battery.
Rice. No. 26. Huawei MediaPad X2
Also, when choosing a display, it is worth considering technology.
The following displays are in greatest demand:
- Super LCD is the most common display technology found on branded smartphones such as Samsung, HTC;
- Super AMOLED - a unique technology used only on Samsung gadgets;
- IPS is a new technology that is already popular and is used on smartphones LG, HTC, Lenovo.
When it comes to phones with Super LCD, HTC One (E8) comes to mind.
The price of this smartphone is about 5000 hryvnia. The diagonal of the screen is 5 inches, inside is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor + GPU Adreno 330 with 4 cores of 2.5 GHz each. The screen resolution is 1920 x 1080.
The viewing angles are quite good, although of course they are better in devices with Super AMOLED technology. This is clearly seen in the example of the Samsung A500H Galaxy A5. However, all modern devices from Samsung use just such a matrix.
Either way, the Samsung A500H Galaxy A5 has excellent viewing angles. Users will produce a very bright and clear picture on the screen of this sample. The screen diagonal is the same - 5 inches, but the resolution is smaller - 1280x720.
But if you take these two smartphones (Samsung A500H Galaxy A5 and HTC One E8), then the picture will definitely be better in Samsung.
In addition to all of the above, the Galaxy A5 has 16 GB of its own memory and 2 GB of "RAM" with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 + Adreno 306 processor with 4 cores at 1.2 GHz. The battery is quite good here, 2330 mAh. This is enough for all basic tasks.
In addition, Samsung has a 13 megapixel camera. And, as you know, cameras of Samsung devices are always better than those of others. But we'll talk about this later.
Rice. No. 27. HTC One (E8)
Rice. No. 28. Samsung A500H Galaxy A5
As for the IPS matrix, this is installed on the vast majority of modern smartphones. Why? It's simple - it's the cheapest.
For example, this is exactly what is on the Meizu MX4 Pro, a very sensational phone now. Its cost is only 3900 hryvnia. It is very powerful - 3 GB of "RAM", 32 GB of its memory, an 8-core processor with a frequency of 2 and 1.5 GHz. Battery 3350 mAh. Screen with a diagonal of 5.5 inches and a resolution of 2560x1536. 20.7 megapixel camera.
In general, everything is very powerful, but the picture is not very high-quality precisely because of the IPS matrix.
Rice. No. 29. Meizu MX4 Pro
All three displays have their own advantages and disadvantages, but the latest technology deserves the most attention, which has a good viewing angle and contrast ratio.
The screen resolution plays an important role in this, the quality and purity of the image depends on it. A good smartphone should have an average of 170 PPI per inch.
7. Camera selection
New generation gadgets are usually equipped with two cameras: front and rear.
Choosing a camera is usually much more difficult, because megapixels do not always guarantee high quality images.
In addition to the megapixel ratio, there is also a lot of detail, which together provide clarity, contrast and high quality photos. The camera consists of optics, lenses, matrix and other elements.
Focusing also plays an important role in focusing. And in order to be able to use the camera in the evening or at night, there must be a flash.
Rice. No. 30. Smartphone camera
Let's note the main subtleties of choosing a camera for a smartphone:
- Permission- at least 8 Megapixels, since modern cameras take high-quality photos according to the standard;
- Autofocus- one of the most important indicators of image clarity;
- Flash- the ability to shoot at night and use it as a flashlight.
It is worth saying that smartphones of some companies always have better cameras than others. We will not talk about why this is so, but the fact remains.
The brands that have good cameras include mainly Sony and Samsung. Also, Nokia devices (which use operating systems from Microsoft) have good cameras.
For example, the aforementioned Meizu MX4 Pro has a 20.7 megapixel camera, the same value as the Sony Xperia Z3. But if you take photographs of the same area, at the same time and under the same conditions, then the picture taken with Sony's help will be many times better.
Among other things, the Sony Xperia Z3 has a shock-resistant case, which is able to protect the device from all kinds of falls and damage. RAM here is 3 GB, built-in - 16 GB. Of course, you will need to use an additional memory card here.
The processor here is a 4-core (Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 + GPU Adreno 330) with a frequency of 2.5 GHz. The diagonal of the screen is 5.2 inches, and the resolution is 1920 × 1080. Battery 3100 mAh.
You can buy such a good device for 6500 hryvnia.
Rice. No. 31. Sony Xperia Z3
8. How to choose a battery for your phone?
The battery for a smartphone is an important part, since all processes in the device are carried out due to its service life. Therefore, when choosing a phone, be sure to pay attention to its battery life.
Currently, lithium ion batteries are used, which are also called Li-lon and Li-Po.
The latter version is one of the newest batteries, in the production of which polymer structures are used. It is used in modern iPhone models.
Standard lithium-ion batteries are an order of magnitude cheaper to manufacture, withstand a long battery life, and do not need to be charged the first time they are used.
Rice. No. 32. Smartphone battery
As for polymer batteries, their advantage is their distinctively smaller size, which allows them to be used in super-thin devices. They are also considered the most durable and reliable.
Among the disadvantages of the new generation polymer batteries are shorter battery life and high cost.
Most smartphones use a Li-ion battery. For example, in Xiaomi Mi Note at a price of about 5000 hryvnia, the capacity is 3000 mAh.
It works for several days without recharging completely calmly. Of course, over time, the battery will have to be replaced, as it will wear out corny.
Among other things, Xiaomi Mi Note has 3 GB of RAM and 64 GB of its own. The processor has 4 cores of 2.5 GHz each. By the way, it also uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor + GPU Adreno 330. A 5.7-inch screen with a resolution of 1920 × 1080. In general, it is also a pretty good device.
Rice. No. 33. Xiaomi Mi Note
Li-Pol batteries are usually used in very interesting and unusual devices. Often these are very cheap smartphones or expensive ones with low specifications. It cannot be said that such samples work longer - the duration of work is the same as on identical devices with Li-ion.
For example, ASUS PadFone 2 A68 costs about UAH 21,000.
The battery capacity is 2140 mAh. RAM - 2 GB, own memory - 64 GB, the processor has 4 cores of 1.5 GHz. The diagonal of the screen is 4.7 inches, the resolution is 1280x720. The rest of the characteristics are also, to put it mildly, not inspiring. It is absolutely incomprehensible why it costs so much.
Rice. No. 34. ASUS PadFone 2 A68
When choosing a battery, you need to pay attention to the mAh indicator, which indicates the electric charge of the battery and the duration of autonomous work.
The recommended electric charge is at least 2600 mAh. The higher the indicator, the longer the phone will work without recharging. The technical characteristics of any smartphone indicate the time in standby and work mode. The battery can also be removable or non-removable.
Battery life may decrease or increase not only due to technical specifications, but also due to factors such as:
- High-performance processor;
- Display type, some consume too much power;
- High screen resolution;
- Programs running in the background;
- Internet resources;
- The type of operating system, for example, Android is characterized by high power consumption.
9. Popular manufacturers
Rice. No. 35. Different brands of smartphones
In the modern world, there are many manufacturers, among which it is worth noting the most popular and high-quality ones:
Apple is a leader among branded smartphone manufacturers. Their products are quality, style and new technologies. The phones are manufactured on the proprietary IOS operating system with a set of unique programs and a durable metal case.
Samsung - the company occupies a leading position in the top brands of smartphones that produce products on the Android operating system, with a proprietary, high-speed TouchWiz shell and a variety of standard programs. A set of applications significantly slows down the speed of work.
Sony is a Japanese manufacturer that undoubtedly deserves attention due to its consistently high quality and excellent customer service. The company updates its software every two to three years. Devices from the Japanese brand are distinguished by a beautiful, stylish interface and a variety of branded programs.
Asus is one of the most popular manufacturers previously only for PCs, but more recently also for smartphones. They are characterized by high performance, large screens, a set of original programs.
Lenovo Is a Chinese manufacturer that has established itself as an excellent value for money. They produce budget smartphones based on the Android operating system.
Meizu- not as popular as previous manufacturers. According to numerous reviews, it is distinguished by high quality, stylish interface, powerful processor and rugged case.
Video
Many people ask questions: How to choose a smartphone? How to choose a smartphone by OS? Smartphone screen - which one is right for you? How much memory should your smartphone have? - we will answer all your questions and consider what criteria you need to make a choice in 2017.
Smartphone- this is a convenient and modern device, but the disadvantage of all such gadgets is that they are short-lived and also very easy to break. What are we driving at? If you can't choose a mobile phone, here are some good tips to help you spend your money on a truly multifunctional and high-quality item. 
Why do you need a smartphone?
To choose a high-quality smartphone, you need to consider it from all sides, and that's what we'll do.
When it comes to choosing a phone, everyone feels like a real expert. At the same time, people do not take into account that opinions may not be the same. Indeed, think for a second - what do you need a smartphone for?
Today, gadgets are available for any age, gender and social status. Moreover, each device performs almost the same tasks. And it doesn't depend on the operating system. 
A modern smartphone, in addition to making calls and sending SMS, has other important functions:
- surfing the Internet - now you can access the Global Web from anywhere in the world, having only a good phone;
- watching movies and listening to audio in excellent quality;
- work with office programs;
- communication via Skype and its analogues;
- solving everyday problems.
It is very important to realize what exactly you need - all provided functions or only calls with quick messages. If you do not use the Internet and do not watch all kinds of videos, then the smartphone will turn out to be unnecessary ballast. Buy yourself a simple cell phone with classic features and spend the savings on something more useful.
Which is better: Android, iOS or Windows Phone
It's time to choose an operating system for your smartphone. It depends on how convenient the functionality of the device will be for you, as well as the prospects for development, because new applications are constantly being released that can not be installed on any OS.
Android
One of the most popular and simplest operating systems. Going into any hardware store, you will see a variety of Android smartphones. That is why its main advantage is a large selection of models and manufacturers. If you are wondering how to choose an inexpensive but good smartphone, buy a device. 
There is also huge software support for Android. As soon as you open PlayMarket and discover thousands of different programs that increase the functionality of the gadget, a flashlight is the most primitive thing you can install. 
It can be concluded that Android, despite the pros and cons, is the most widespread operating system.
iOS
This operating system from Apple is designed for those who want a reliable smartphone. iOS offers the most functionality. What kind of bells and whistles can not be installed on an iPhone, there are both paid and free applications. This operating system offers users more than a million different toys and this despite the fact that almost every day something new appears. Apple phones are preferred by thousands of teenagers today. 
But iOS is also not perfect, it has its pros and cons and is suitable for use only on Apple devices. With which operating system to buy - it's up to you. 
As a result, we can say that it is more suitable for people who like ease of use and fast playback.
Windows Phone
If you trust Microsoft, then you will love this OS. Its main advantage is the ability to work on the phone in the same way as on a computer, this is mainly felt on Microsoft Office documents. 
The downside of such an operating system is slow operation and a rather small number of applications compared to analogues. You should think about the choice of this OS.
Other
The list of OS is unlimited, Symbian, Bada, Blackberry OS - you can list it for a long time. Each of them has its own advantages, some take clients with functionality, others - with the speed of work. 
These types of operating systems are considered the least common.
How to determine the screen size and resolution?
When you have already decided on a set of functions, it's time to move on to external parameters. Let's start with the screen size - what is the screen size for your smartphone?
Less than 4.5 inches
If you want the phone to fit freely in the palm of your hand and can be easily stuffed into your pocket, choose smartphones according to their characteristics with such a screen. These devices are also quite lightweight. The downside is that it can be difficult to type messages, especially if you have thumbs up. 
4.5 - 5.5 inches
It is these smartphones in stores that are the most, they are the most convenient. These can be both cheap devices and phones with an average cost. The larger the device, the less comfortable it is to hold it in your hand. However, if you like to play phone games or watch movies through a pocket gadget, then it is better to buy a device with a diagonal closer to 5.5 inches. 
More than 5.5 inches
Phones with such large screens are called phablets. These devices are a cross between a smartphone and a tablet. You can operate such a device only with two hands, holding it with one and pressing the screen with the other. You can't put a phablet in your pocket, unless it's a huge pocket in your coat. Today, people talking on a smartphone with such dimensions no longer surprise anyone, so if you will not experience discomfort due to its large size, choose such a smartphone. 
Memory Amount
You also need to be guided by the amount of built-in memory.
4-8 GB
If you plan to use it mainly as a regular phone and only occasionally access the Internet or play a few games, then this amount of memory is quite suitable. The fact is that the amount of free GB significantly affects the cost of the device, so think about it in advance. But more smartphones on the Android platform have the ability to insert a flash card.
16 GB
With that much memory, you should be able to fit some photos and music, but be prepared to run out of free GBs quickly.
More than 16 GB
32/64/128 GB is suitable for those who plan to actively use the device for different purposes. As soon as you open the same PlayMarket, you will immediately have a desire to download dozens of different applications, because each of them is unusual and necessary in its own way. In order not to fill up the entire RAM of the gadget in half an hour, take care of this in advance by calculating how many GB you may need.
Specifications
Processor power, amount of RAM and camera are the main characteristics of a smartphone. They are also the main choice.
Processor and RAM
The more cores a processor has, the faster and more powerful the smartphone. In theory, yes, but in practice it does not always work out that way. It also depends on how optimized the operating system is. But all the same, more cores are not superfluous :)
The recommended number of cores is 2-4 or more.
RAM also affects the speed of your smartphone. 2 or more GB of RAM is recommended. The iPhone 7 costs 2GB. 
But it is worth knowing that the smartphone does not slow down on the number of cores in the processor and RAM, but also on other factors - the brand of the phone, the operating system, the year of manufacture, etc.
Camera
Everyone thinks and argues, when the more megapixels in the camera, the better it is. No, this is not entirely true. Megapixels - matrix resolution and image size. What matters in the camera is how each pixel is formed and the quantity and quality of the crystals in the camera. Apple has only improved the camera every year in the number of crystals, not megapixels. Maybe a smartphone has a 12 megapixel camera, and photographs like 3.2 megapixels. You need to check the camera personally. 
Also, be sure to pay attention to the material from which the case is made, the type of screen, the manufacturer. All of these criteria will help you find the phone with the optimal ratio. Do not forget to check the reliability of the store where you buy the device - look for reviews about smartphones and stores on the Internet, ask your friends for advice, compare prices on different sites. Nowadays, it is much more profitable to order everything on the Internet, this does not affect the quality in the least, but the difference in price can be significant.
Conclusion
We have covered the most important points when choosing a smartphone, so ...
In order to choose a smartphone, you need to know:
- To begin with, figure out whether he is needed at all.
- Choose your smartphone class.
- It will be determined on which platform suits you best. Consider all the pros and cons of the OS.
- Choose the screen diagonal you need.
- Do not bother especially with the technical characteristics.
- It's good to choose a camera.
- Buy a smartphone and enjoy the purchase 🙂
Happy and good choice to everyone!
Today, the mobile device market is developing so rapidly that the instructions for choosing smartphones become outdated in just a month. We hope that this article will help you with choosing a smartphone at least until the end of this year.
Specifications
When choosing a smartphone, this is the main point. But here the main thing should be separated: what directly depends on the operation of the phone and the secondary, which is more suitable for bragging. For example, all these smart things from Samsung, a la flipping eyes, can be attributed to not the most important characteristics.
Screen
Today, you almost never meet a person with a phone screen less than four inches. If you plan to use the device mainly as a dialer and sometimes install some kind of applications, more compact models are suitable, which, as a rule, are cheaper. If you need to watch videos and play, we recommend the so-called phablets, where the most famous representative is.
But you should be careful here, because some smartphones offer a huge display, but a weak processor and low resolution, which makes the work very uncomfortable.
Today the resolution of phones can be from 800x480 to Quad HD. The usefulness of the latter is possible, but the most balanced and correct decision is Full HD.
The matrix plays a huge role. It is better to give preference to IPS or Super AMOLED from Samsung, since they provide excellent performance both in bright sun and in the dark. Conventional LCD screens, as a rule, do not shine with quality.
Hardware component
Manufacturers are heavily involved in a race for the number of cores, which is not really a measure of processor power. So, for example, the 2-core iPhone 6 is only slightly inferior to the 8-core. Approach this question wisely and ask yourself the question: "Do I need a most powerful processor at all?" Yes, power is good, but it is only needed for resource-intensive games.
If the budget allows, it is better to buy some flagship with a top-end chipset from Samsung or Qualcomm. And if not, then you can take a closer look at devices powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 415 or 615. Their power will be quite enough for everyday tasks and toys at medium graphics settings.
There is also a Chinese company MediaTek that makes MTK processors. In principle, modern models can compete with the leading players in the market, but still eight MediaTek cores cannot be compared with eight cores of the same Qualcomm.
As for memory, today smartphones can have 2-4 GB of "RAM", which is enough for the normal operation of the Android OS and user tasks. In budget models, usually 1 GB of RAM, but this is not enough.
The built-in memory can be from 2 to 128 GB. Better to look closely at 32 GB devices, as this is the golden mean: there is enough memory for everything you need. Many Android devices support memory cards, but you still won't put all applications there, so if you are a gamer, 16 GB may not be enough, let alone 2 or 4 GB.
Autonomous work
The actual problem these days is gadgets. Most smartphones have a 1800 to 4000 mAh battery. Flagships "live" for one and a half to two days, and devices from a cheap line can hardly work one working day without recharging. This fact should be considered when choosing.
Smartpads like Galaxy Note can work without an outlet for a long time, but they cost accordingly. At the moment, the record holder for battery life is Motorola Droid Turbo, which does not need to be charged for 3-4 days.
If you are an active user and use GPS, Wi-Fi, mobile data and often play games, then the device should have a capacious battery. The best smartphones in this regard.
Camera
The resolution of cameras of modern devices reaches 23 megapixels. Here the situation is the same as with the number of cores: many megapixels does not mean good quality. It is always better to hold the device in your hands before buying, to see how it shoots.
Normal manufacturers always do great with this parameter (with rare exceptions), even budget models have 8-megapixel modules with a pretty good matrix that takes high-quality pictures. If you do not need a camera that shoots in all possible modes, then you should not overpay for it.
The resolution of the front camera already reaches 13 MP, which will clearly be appreciated by lovers of taking selfies. But, if you only need to talk on Skype, then two megapixels will be enough. Those who like to take high-quality pictures of themselves are advised to pay attention to smartphones with front-facing modules from 5 MP. You will find the best models in ours.
Wireless interfaces
Now smartphones are equipped with everything that is possible: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, 3G, 4G. Devices offering 4G LTE are slightly more expensive. If this standard is not supported in your country or the speed of the Internet through a mobile network is not important to you, then it makes no sense to focus on the presence of this module. But if you often use the Internet, for example, in public transport or travel, then 4G support is very necessary.
Protection
Recently, it has become fashionable to protect smartphones from the ingress of dust or moisture. They also try to protect gadgets from blows. In fact, for an ordinary user, this is so, self-indulgence, protection according to the same IP67 standard does not bring real benefit. More suitable for people who like to travel, climbers and so on. Therefore, do not refuse to buy a good device just because it cannot be wetted.
Market
The user is presented with a huge selection of different smartphones. You can buy a phone from a reputable manufacturer, a Chinese counterfeit,. Of course, it is recommended to always take only original products, because fakes are made slipshod and may not work at all - that's how lucky you are.
Having bought the original one, you will definitely be satisfied, but it will hardly be pleasant to use even the most expensive and exact Chinese copy of it. If you do not want to pay extra money just for the brand, then it is better to look at the "Chinese". But, again, it is better to buy only models from more or less well-known brands (Lenovo, Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo, Fly, Meizu, Xiaomi).
Conclusion
It's up to you to decide which smartphone to buy. Analyze why you are buying it and what you need. If the budget allows, then you should definitely take a closer look at flagships such as Galaxy S6, LG G4, Xperia Z3 +,
Mobile phones are a thing of the past. They have been replaced by smarter and more functional smartphones. A smartphone is a very useful and compact device that, if used correctly, is very helpful in solving various creative and everyday tasks.
For those who do not have time to read the entire article, I immediately give the recommended smartphone models with a short explanation. Well, you can buy a smartphone at RBT.ru.
The most popular operating system for smartphones is Android. Therefore, I will recommend smartphones primarily on this operating system.
The best manufacturers of Android smartphones are Sony, HTC, Samsung and LG. Quite good models can be found among the brands Huawei and ASUS. As a budget option, you can consider Lenovo smartphones and high-quality Chinese brands Meizu and Xiaomi, which, at a low price, have a very powerful filling.
A modern smartphone should have at least a 4-core processor, 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal flash memory. For demanding games, these parameters should be twice as high - an 8-core processor, 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal flash memory.
If you need a smartphone mainly to make calls, write SMS and use the simplest programs such as an organizer, calendar, calculator, etc., then, in principle, a smartphone with a 4 ″ screen diagonal, which will be convenient to use with one hand, is sufficient.
But the fact is that the choice of smartphones with such a diagonal is already very limited, not all of them have enough memory and support for 2 SIM-cards. Therefore, I would recommend paying attention to smartphones with a diagonal closer to 4.5 ″ (4.3-4.7 ″). It is still a comfortable size for one-handed use.
Lenovo Vibe B Smartphone
If you want to experience all the comfort of a large screen, then pay attention to models with a diagonal of about 5 "(5-5.3"). On such a smartphone, it will be convenient to surf the Internet, play and, in general, do everything else. The only drawback is that it will not be so convenient to use the smartphone with one hand, but most will be able to put up with it. Smartphones with a 5 ″ diagonal are considered today to be optimal in terms of compactness / comfort ratio.
For games, apart from a rather powerful filling (8 cores, 2 GB of memory), one should definitely give preference to a smartphone with a screen of 5.5 ″ or more. If you need a powerful and inexpensive smartphone for gaming, then your choice is Lenovo, Meizu or Xiaomi with an 8-core processor and 2 GB of RAM. They are all about the same quality, so choose by design.
If you were thinking about purchasing a compact 7 "tablet, since the screen size of your smartphone is not enough for you, then stop and think again. Two devices are not very convenient to carry, it may be time to replace your smartphone with a new one with a 6-7" diagonal.
Lenovo Phab Plus Smartphone
2. What a modern smartphone can do
The smartphone, except for calls and SMS, can be used for scheduling various tasks, reminders of birthdays and other events, reading books and office documents, visiting websites, checking e-mail, like a notebook, alarm clock, stopwatch, timer, voice recorder, translator , calculator, flashlight, flash drive, navigator, for calculating and managing bank accounts, for taking photos and videos, watching movies, music, games, chatting on Skype, weather forecast, checking and setting up network equipment and much more! In addition, using a smartphone is very easy and pleasant. Impressive? Then go ahead and choose the right smartphone!
3. Operating system
The majority of modern smartphones have operating systems Android (from Google), iOS (from Apple) and Windows (from Microsoft).
Android and iOS smartphones are more functional, and many applications and games are released for them.
Microsoft at one time missed the market for mobile devices. Windows smartphones have fewer settings, applications and games. Due to their simplicity and larger interface elements, they are convenient to use as a phone and simple tasks such as a calendar, a scheduler, etc. They are suitable for those who do not need a phone anymore.
Until now, in some catalogs and flea markets you can find smartphones with outdated or not very popular operating systems. I will give them here for general development.
Symbian - was developed by Nokia and is hopelessly outdated.
Bada was developed by Samsung as a competitor to the up-and-coming Android system, but has not gained popularity and is no longer developing.
MeeGo is a Linux-based system, Nokia's attempt to compete with Android, but it failed.
Nokia X is an Android-based system with a proprietary shell that is very similar to the rectangular Metro interface of the Windows operating system.
BlackBerry is a client-server platform popular in Western corporations, as it allows you to quickly and safely exchange messages between company employees and quickly manage business processes through a corporate server. Not popular in Russian-speaking countries.
Buy a smartphone with the most recent version of the operating system. Today these are Android 5, Windows 8.1 and iOS 8.1. As for Android, manufacturers only support updates to this operating system for 6-12 months, after which you lose the opportunity to receive new functionality and software. The iOS update has been supported for much longer than 2-3 years, so you don't have to worry too much about it. And you won't be able to get a new version of Windows just like that, so it is advisable to focus on the latest version. Going forward, you will only receive security updates and bug fixes, not new functionality.
4. Software shell and proprietary applications
A software shell (Launcher) is a special add-on on top of the operating system that is used to display the home screen, icons and other interface elements. Pure Android has its own built-in native shell and core apps. But many manufacturers, wanting to make the interface of their smartphone more original, more beautiful and more functional, are developing their own versions of the shells and additional applications.
HTC Sens is one of the most beautiful, fast and functional skins. Not least thanks to her, HTC smartphones enjoy well-deserved popularity. Also HTC smartphones have a set of beautiful and lightweight programs.
Sony - uses its proprietary very well-designed shell with a large set of high-quality, useful and fast applications.
Samsung TouchWiz is not the best shell, especially in budget smartphones. It is not very pretty, not very fast, but in principle it is comfortable and functional. Samsung smartphones have the largest number of pre-installed applications, both useful and unnecessary. This makes them slower, and everyone can install the necessary programs on their own.
ASUS - in its devices uses a slightly modified Android interface, which looks beautiful in principle, improves functionality and slows down the system less than TouchWiz. There are also two times less branded applications in them than in Samsung.
Nokia - has a Windows-style Metro style shell with large rectangular buttons that is more suitable for thumb owners. He also develops his own applications for navigation and others.
MIUI is a shell from Chinese developers that is most different from a pure android. But it is of high quality, colorful and functional. Installed on some Chinese smartphones. But enthusiasts can install on other models of smartphones of popular brands.
GoLauncher is the highest quality, beautiful and functional shell that can be easily installed on any smartphone. This is probably why it is so fond of manufacturers of budget models who sell their smartphones with it, without particularly bothering with customization (revision).
In my opinion, it is better to buy a smartphone either immediately with a good shell (HTC, Sony), or with a bare android and install GoLauncher on your own (it's very simple). I can also say that in my HTC smartphone the Sens shell quickly ceased to suit me due to lack of functionality and I installed GoLauncher, which I use for a long time with great pleasure, as it became more convenient, while nothing slows down and looks very beautiful! In principle, this can be done on a Samsung, ASUS or any other smartphone, but you still have to disable a bunch of unnecessary programs (this is also not a problem).
When choosing a smartphone, focus on the quality of the brand and the power of the hardware. If you don't want to bother, then take a smartphone with a good shell. If you want to save money and get a faster device, then choose powerful hardware with the cleanest android possible and, if you want, put your launcher (by the way, there are a lot of them).
Windows smartphones have their own Metro style shell (rectangular buttons), which is more convenient for thumb control and is perfect for a collective farmer
Apple iPhone smartphones have a beautiful, convenient and functional shell built into the iOS operating system.
5. Smartphone manufacturers
Smartphones are made by many manufacturers. I decided to divide them into groups, depending on the popularity and quality. Within each group, manufacturers are ranked in decreasing order of preference.
5.1. Popular high-quality Android smartphones
Google itself does not manufacture smartphones, but orders them from well-known manufacturers such as ASUS, Samsung, LG and HTC. These smartphones are sold under the Nexus brand and are of good quality and clean stable operating system. Plus, Android updates on these devices will be supported for much longer than on all others. I recommend paying attention to them.
Sony is a Japanese brand that deserves respect for its consistently high quality and customer care. Updating the software for their smartphones within 2-3 years, while other manufacturers are limited to 6-12 months. These smartphones have a beautiful interface and a set of excellent proprietary programs.
HTC - stylish smartphones of good quality, with a beautiful user-friendly interface, branded programs, but somewhat overpriced.
Samsung - produces good quality smartphones. There will be no problems with the service. They have a branded, but not the most beautiful and fast TouchWiz shell and a lot of pre-installed programs, which makes the smartphone ready for use for all occasions, but slows down its work. This is an option for those who do not want to understand and bother with installing programs, but just take and use. Although with programs for Android, everything is much easier than with programs for a computer
LG is Samsung's eternal competitor. Smartphones from this manufacturer are of good quality, warranty support and are slightly cheaper. They can be viewed as a worthy alternative.
ASUS is a popular brand that makes good quality smartphones with large screens. But they also may not be crammed with all the necessary programs. The range includes interesting models that can be turned into a tablet using a special docking station.
And the tablet, in turn, smoothly turns into a computer with additional connectors, keyboard and mouse
5.2. Unpopular high-quality Android smartphones
Nokia is a brand that has always strived to maintain its individuality. Now owned by Microsoft and produces smartphones with both Windows and Android (Nokia X). In principle, they have a powerful filling, good screens, cameras and sound. But they are not very popular now.
Motorola is a company that tends to surprise with unusual design and creative solutions. Manufactures rugged smartphones, dust and moisture resistant and very thin. But they are not officially supplied to Russian-speaking countries, so there may be problems with service.
5.3. Popular budget smartphones with Android
Acer - produces good smartphones that outperform more famous brands in value. But their design will appeal, perhaps not to everyone, since many models have quirky rounded shapes with red or white accents, which is closer to a sporty style. Although the lineup is gradually changing, but there are no drinking companions in taste and color
Lenovo is a very popular manufacturer right now, as their smartphones have a good price / performance ratio. But they are of average quality and the highest number of calls to the service center.
Gigabyte is a reputable manufacturer of computer components, but its smartphones can be attributed to the more budgetary direction. Before you buy a smartphone from this manufacturer, read the reviews and reviews, as there are models with problems, in particular, low-quality sound.
Fly is a manufacturer of phones that were distinguished by their original design, low price, but also rather mediocre quality. Now in her arsenal there are surprisingly successful not expensive smartphones with a rather powerful filling and a high-quality case. But their screen resolution is usually lower and there are problems with overheating and glitches in some programs. Treat this brand with caution, read the reviews and reviews first.
5.4. Unpopular budget Android smartphones
Philips is a reputable manufacturer of home appliances. Has in its arsenal a small number of smartphones with increased durability and energy saving mode. They are not very popular, but for some it may be important.
Archos is a French electronics development firm. Its smartphones are of good quality and good design, but they are not very popular.
Alcatel was once a popular mobile phone manufacturer. Nowadays, it produces smartphones of mediocre quality and is not very popular.
5.5. Quality Chinese smartphones with Android
Meizu, OnePlus are overgrown Chinese brands that have grown in quality to unprecedented sizes, but the price has become equal to Godzilla ... These smartphones are distinguished by their stylish appearance, thin durable body, powerful filling and good functionality. It makes sense to consider them only as an alternative to the flagship models of famous brands.
Xiaomi is a new Chinese brand from the creators of the popular functional and beautiful MIUI shell, taking the best from Samsung TouchWiz and Apple iOS. They are distinguished by powerful filling, large screens, bright colors and a completely democratic pricing policy.
Huawei is also an established Chinese brand. Has in its arsenal a wide range of smartphones from budget to flagship. They can be viewed as an alternative to more expensive brands.
ZOPO is a brand similar to Huawei, but with a smaller lineup. These smartphones look stylish and are of acceptable quality. You can buy a model with a large screen (5-6 ″) quite inexpensively.
Prestigio - budget smartphones that have a good look, low performance, but a fairly solid case. It can be considered as a gift for a student, he will like it. And if he does, then you will not be so offended, because this pleasure is not expensive.
Please note that all Chinese brands may have some difficulty in service. There are dozens of them, but I recommend limiting yourself to those given here.
5.6. Windows smartphone manufacturers
Windows smartphones are produced by far fewer companies of approximately the same high quality: Microsoft, Nokia, HTC, Samsung. And also some budget brands like Prestigio.
5.7. IOS Smartphone Manufacturer
IOS smartphones are produced by Apple itself under the iPhone brand. They have an uncompromising combination of quality and style, but also cost accordingly.
5.8. Smartphone manufacturer BlackBerry
BlackBerry smartphones are produced by the Canadian company of the same name, but they have a very specific focus and are not suitable for Russian-speaking users.
6. Screen diagonal
The larger the screen diagonal, the more convenient it is to use your smartphone. The minimum acceptable screen diagonal for today is 4 ″. This smartphone can be used with one hand. A smartphone with a diagonal of 4.5-5 ″ will be nicer in terms of the size of the image on the screen and much more convenient in terms of control and typing, since it will be much easier to get your finger on the desired element or letter. But such a smartphone will have to be held with one hand, and the other will be pummeled across the screen. A smartphone tablet (phablet or plafond) with a screen size of 5.5-6 ″ will be an excellent replacement for two devices at once.
If you often use your smartphone for calls and SMS and you are not very interested in Internet surfing and games, then a smartphone with a screen size of 4-4.5 ″, which can be used with one hand, will be more convenient.
For occasional Internet surfing and games, take a smartphone with a screen size of at least 5 ″. And if you want to have a more or less complete replacement for the tablet, then choose a shade with a screen size of 5.5-6 ″.
Buy a smartphone with the maximum screen size acceptable for you, it will be much more pleasant to use it.
7. Smartphone or tablet
If you are thinking of purchasing a separate smartphone (or you already have one) and a separate small tablet (7-8 ″), then be guided by the following principle. If you plan to often carry your tablet with you along with your smartphone, then it is better to sacrifice a little screen size and buy a 6 ″ shade, since it is inconvenient to use and carry two devices at the same time.
If you need a tablet at home, in the country or on a business trip and you do not plan to carry it with you every day, then take it separately. But in this case, I strongly advise you to take it, it will be more convenient. The smartphone in this case may have a diagonal of 4.5-5 ″. If you already have a smartphone with a 4 ″ diagonal, then it may be more expedient to replace it with a shade.
8. Dimensions and shape of the smartphone
The size of the smartphone is influenced by the diagonal of the screen, the width of the frame around the screen and its thickness. With the diagonal, everything is clear, choose the maximum possible, not focusing on the size of the smartphone. As for the frame around the screen, unlike a tablet, where it should be wide enough to be comfortable to hold, on a smartphone, the narrower the frame, the better. Since the grip of a smartphone is not at all the same as that of a tablet. The tablet is held from above with the thumb outside the frame, and the smartphone is held by the palm from below, with four fingers on the right edge and the thumb on the left.
As for the width of the smartphone, the narrower models are easier to hold. Some smartphones have a shape closer to a square and it is not so convenient to hold them, as the fingers simply do not reach the side edges. But such models are few.
The height of the smartphone doesn't really matter. It is even better if the smartphone has a wide frame at the top and bottom of the screen, since it will be more convenient to hold it in a horizontal orientation by holding the frame with your thumb.
As for the thickness of the smartphone, do not go after very thin models (8-10 mm). It is most convenient to hold a smartphone with a thickness of about 12 mm. But I advise you not to bother with this parameter at all.
As for the shape, more rounded smartphones are more pleasant in the hand. And parallelepipeds with sharp edges are not so pleasant to the touch, but this is solved by buying a cover or a bumper
9. Screen resolution
Screen resolution is the number of dots (or pixels) in width and height. The higher the resolution, the clearer the image and the more information will fit on the screen. The cheapest smartphones have a low screen resolution, pixels are visible on it, which makes the image blurry, and the fonts are clumsy. A good smartphone with a 4-4.5 ″ screen should have a resolution of at least 800 × 480. For a smartphone with a 5-6 ″ screen, a resolution of 1280x720 and higher is desirable. More expensive smartphones can have a resolution of 1920 × 1080 (Full HD), but for their screen size this is too much and, in principle, unnecessary. In general, the higher the resolution, the better. But do not chase ultra-high resolutions, you will not notice much difference in image quality, but the cost of a smartphone will be much higher. The main thing is that the resolution is not lower than the recommended one.
All modern smartphones Apple iPad have fairly high quality screens with high resolution. Some have screens with even higher resolutions, called Retina. But they are much more expensive, and not everyone will notice the difference in image quality.
10. Matrix type
The matrix is the liquid crystal screen of a smartphone.
TN - matrix with average color quality, clarity and poor viewing angles. Fits into cheaper smartphones. These matrices can be of different quality from poor to quite acceptable. If you have chosen such a smartphone, then I recommend looking at it live in the store or reading reviews.
IPS, PLS - matrices with high color quality, clarity and good viewing angles. There are already even more smartphones with such matrices than with cheaper TN. I recommend that you consider them first.
AMOLED, Super AMOLED, Super clear LCD - matrices from Samsung, have darker juicy, but less natural colors and are mainly used in smartphones from the same manufacturer. Such screens have better quality than TN and lower power consumption than IPS and can also be recommended for purchase.
11. Processor and video card
Smartphone processors have 1 to 8 cores and an integrated graphics card.
11.1. Smartphones with Android and Windows
Smartphone processors are quite specific and are made by various manufacturers. Each of them has both weaker and more powerful models, which differ in numbers in the marking. But it makes no sense to consider them, since there are too many of them and the lineup is changing rapidly.
Therefore, I recommend focusing primarily on the number of cores and processor frequency. A modern smartphone should have at least 2 cores, but preferably 4 cores, since after installing various programs, a smartphone with a 2-core processor starts to work slower.
As for the processor frequency, it should not be lower than 1 GHz, preferably 1.2-1.6 GHz. In any case, the more the better.
You also need to understand that no one will put a powerful processor in a cheap smartphone, and in more expensive models the processor will be better. Smartphone processors are divided into generations by core types Cortex-A5, A7, A9, A15, A17, A53 / A57 (64bit). The most widespread are smartphones with a Cortex-A7 core, below which it is highly discouraged to purchase, since many modern programs will not work. If possible, buy a smartphone with a newer processor generation.
The more powerful and modern the processor, the more powerful the video card. For a smartphone with a large screen that you plan to use for gaming, search for reviews and benchmarks online.
11.2. Apple smartphones
Apple processors also have different generations: A4, A5, A6, A7, A8 - the higher the number, the more powerful the processor. But all iPhone smartphones have an optimal processor for them, and all programs and games are optimized for them. So it doesn't really matter. But it is more advisable to purchase the most modern device available to you.
12. RAM
A smartphone with Android or Windows must have at least 1 GB of RAM, otherwise braking is possible. More expensive models may have 2GB of RAM, which won't be superfluous. The most expensive models have 3-4 GB of RAM, which, in principle, is useless, but does not interfere.
Apple iPhone smartphones have from 512 MB to 1 GB of RAM, which is quite enough for them, since all applications for iOS take these features into account.
13. Support for memory cards
Most modern smartphones support the installation of memory cards. This is usually a microSD card. If your smartphone does not support installing memory cards, then pay attention to the amount of internal memory.
14. Internal memory capacity
If the smartphone supports the installation of memory cards, then, in principle, 4 GB of internal memory is enough for it. But keep in mind that the operating system reserves a fairly large amount of internal memory for itself. In addition, when installing programs, some of the data still goes to the internal memory automatically. It is very good if the smartphone has 8 GB of internal memory.
If the smartphone suddenly does not support the installation of memory cards, but for some reason you still want to buy it, then it is desirable that it has at least 16 GB of internal memory. This amount is usually required if you have movies, music or games on your smartphone. But it may also be needed where you do not expect at all. For example, for shooting videos or maps of navigation programs.
15. Cameras
Cameras are rear and front.
15.1. Rear camera
The rear camera is located on the back of the smartphone and is designed for photo and video shooting. Any modern smartphone should have a rear camera, which is very convenient. Cheap smartphones have cameras with a resolution of about 3 megapixels (megapixels), which are of low quality, but they are sufficient for capturing documents and announcements. It is desirable that the camera resolution is at least 5 megapixels. More expensive smartphones are equipped with 8 megapixel cameras or more.
It is desirable that the camera has autofocus and a flash, which can also be used as a flashlight, which is very convenient. If you buy a smartphone with a good camera for taking pictures, then it's good if the camera has optical stabilization, which eliminates hand shake (does not work in the morning)
Apple iPhone smartphones have a very good camera, comparable in quality to cheap digital cameras.
15.2. Front-camera
The front camera is located on the front of the smartphone and is designed primarily for Skype calls. It is desirable that it was, this will allow you to communicate with relatives or friends, being on a business trip or on vacation, since Wi-Fi is available in any cafe. Cheap smartphones are equipped with cameras of very low quality with a resolution of 0.3 megapixels (VGA). It is desirable that the front camera has a resolution of 1 megapixel (HD). The image quality will be much higher.
16. Sound
In cheap smartphones, the sound is quite quiet and of poor quality. Smartphones with stereo speakers and audio-enhancing technologies such as Beats Audio, Dolby Sound, etc. sound much better. If this is important to you, then pay attention to it.
Apple iPhone smartphones have excellent sound quality, comparable to the expensive MP3 player from the same manufacturer. The sound through the headphones is very clear, detailed and natural.
17. Battery life
Battery life depends on battery capacity and smartphone power consumption. It is desirable that the smartphone has a battery with a capacity of at least 2000 mAh. But such a battery will last for 1-2 days, depending on the intensity of using the smartphone. The 4000 mAh battery will allow the smartphone to work for 2-4 days without recharging. Therefore, the larger the battery capacity, the better. Check battery life in online smartphone reviews and user reviews.
18. Smartphone connectors
Micro USB is a connector that almost all modern smartphones have, through which they are charged and connected to a computer.
3.5 mm audio jack - allows you to connect a headset (headphones with microphone) and should be on every smartphone.
HDMI or mini-HDMI is a connector with which a smartphone can be connected to any modern TV or monitor and used as a video player. Available on a limited number of smartphones and optional.
MHL, SlimPort - connectors that combine Micro USB and HDMI into one connector. A special cable is used to connect to the TV. Only available on select smartphones.
Dock connector - some flagship smartphones have special accessories for them. For example, a stand with speakers, which turns into a music center when a smartphone is installed in it.
Apple iPhone smartphones have their own proprietary Lightning connector, through which they are charged, connected to a computer and various accessories, as well as a 3.5 mm audio jack for connecting headphones.
19. Smartphone buttons
Most smartphones have a mechanical on / off button that is also used to lock / unlock the screen. It is located on the side, top or front of the smartphone.
The volume rocker is usually located on the side of the smartphone. With it, you can adjust the music volume without unlocking the screen. And when the screen is unlocked, the ringer volume is adjusted to it.
Some smartphones may have a separate mechanical button for taking photos, which is quite handy if it has a good camera and you plan to take pictures frequently.
Smartphones may have other proprietary buttons, which are not required in principle. For example, the Apple iPhone has a separate switch for silent mode.
20. Wireless technologies
GSM is a radio module for connecting to mobile operators, used for calls, SMS and slow but cheap 2G Internet (GPRS, EDGE).
Wi-Fi is a wireless adapter for connecting to the Internet. Available in all smartphones and must support 802.11ac or 802.11n.
3G (UMTS) - radio module for connecting to fast 3G Internet. There are almost all modern smartphones, but not all operators support this standard.
CDMA (EV-DO) is a radio module for connecting to fast 3G Internet. Available only in some smartphone models. You must decide in advance which operator you will connect to and what standard it supports.
4G (LTE) is a radio module for connecting to a very fast 4G Internet. There are not all smartphones and operators that support this standard in Russian-speaking countries are still poorly developed and have limited coverage.
Bluetooth - used to exchange files between devices and connect wireless headsets. Available in all smartphones. If you plan to use a wireless stereo headset for music, then the A2DP profile must be supported, which is responsible for transmitting stereo sound over the radio channel.
GPS is an American satellite navigation system that operates around the world. Allows you to use map navigation programs and should be in any modern smartphone. If the smartphone supports more advanced A-GPS technology, the coordinates will be determined much faster and more accurately. This technology, in addition to satellites, uses base stations of a mobile operator, but requires an Internet connection.
GLONASS is a Russian satellite navigation system operating around the world, analogous to GPS. In principle, there is not much difference between them and the navigation programs support both standards.
NFC is a handy thing that allows you to quickly and without hassle exchange files between devices. To do this, you just need to bring them to each other at a distance of less than 10 cm.
Wi-Fi Direct is a technology for quickly transferring data between two devices over Wi-Fi, but both devices must support this technology.
DLNA is a standard for connecting various devices into one digital network. It is mainly used for viewing photos and videos on TV over Wi-Fi and is optional.
ANT + is a secure wireless data transmission technology designed for use in sports devices. It is used, for example, in wrist watches on the Android system, which can measure heart rate, blood pressure and transmit these data to a smartphone.
IrDA is an infrared communication adapter with which a smartphone can be used to control a TV, air conditioner, refrigerator, dry closet and other household appliances This functionality is outdated, since smartphones in this segment have been replaced by remote controls
21. Support for SIM-cards
Many modern smartphones allow installing 2 SIM cards of mobile operators. This is very convenient and allows you to use your smartphone to connect several numbers of different operators to it. You can use both SIM cards for calls, or you can use one for calls and the other for the Internet.
Please note that most smartphones have one radio module, so when talking on one number, the other will be busy. If your business requires two constantly active lines, then you need a mobile phone with two radio modules. But there are already very few such models, they are more expensive and have an increased energy consumption. A classic of the genre in this case is the use of multiple mobile phones or smartphones.
Most modern smartphones support the installation of SIM cards of operators of fast 3G Internet of the UMTS standard. And some models support 3G Internet of EV-DO (CDMA) standard. If you plan to connect to one of these operators, then decide in advance what standard you need. At the same time, the smartphone can be used as a mobile Wi-Fi router that distributes the Internet to a laptop or tablet.
Some Chinese smartphones support 3-4 SIM cards, but their quality is poor, so I do not recommend purchasing them.
As for the size of SIM cards, they come in a standard size - Mini SIM, reduced - Micro SIM and the smallest - Nano SIM.
Micro SIM cards are increasingly used in modern smartphones, and Nano SIM is used in Apple iPhone smartphones. It doesn't really matter, since you can replace or cut a SIM card in any mobile phone store. There are also adapters for installing small SIM cards into a slot of a standard size.
22. Sensors
A modern smartphone has many different sensors.
Light sensor - used to automatically adjust the brightness of the screen. Available in mid-range and higher-end smartphones. With its presence, you do not have to adjust the brightness when going outside, entering the premises or public transport.
Accelerometer - Used to measure acceleration. Can show the speed at which you are traveling in a car or bicycle. Optional, but comes with most smartphones.
Gyroscope - detects the tilt of the smartphone, which is used, for example, to control in games. Also optional, but comes with many smartphones.
Compass - determines where is south, where is north and can be used in navigation programs. Supplied complete with GPS
Do not bother too much with sensors, they are in all smartphones and perform their functions. I told you about it, just so you know what it is.
23. Additional functionality
FM tuner - allows you to listen to the radio. Usually only works when headphones are connected, since their wire is used as an antenna. But some models have a built-in antenna, which allows you to listen to the radio without connecting headphones.
MP3 player - I don't know why some catalogs still indicate this parameter for smartphones, since all of them naturally support playing music.
A stylus is a long, thin stick that resembles a fountain pen. Used primarily for typing, clicking on small interface elements, and drawing. Sometimes this is convenient, but it is not necessary, since the screens of modern smartphones are well adapted to be operated with your fingers. Samsung Galaxy Note lamps have an advanced stylus that supports 256 degrees of pressure, allowing you to get creative
Wireless charging (Qi) - allows you to charge your smartphone by placing it on a special heating pad plugged into an outlet Supports some flagship smartphones, but make sure that you can purchase an additional outlandish accessory in your country ... Yes, and do not leave the heating pad unattended
Highly sensitive touch screen - some expensive smartphones have, which allows them to be operated with gloves. But in my opinion it is better and cheaper to buy special gloves for touch screens ...
24. Smartphone design
Monoblock - the main type of smartphone design, called on the forums for the firmware of smartphones, brick
Folding - an outdated design, but in Russian-speaking countries you can still find one such model, popularly called a clamshell
Slider, rotator - there is one model of each type of these constructions
Watch phone - but this design, originally used by the Japanese in TVs, is now becoming more and more relevant in the smartphone segment, and I found as many as 7 such devices on the Internet. But don't confuse them with the optional accessory for the 27 ″ Samsung Galaxy Mega Pad.
25. Keyboard type
On-screen - touch keyboard that appears on the screen in the right places. It is optimal for modern smartphones, since in many applications it is simply not needed and the screen is used most rationally.
QWERTY keyboard - a mechanical keyboard with all letters, numbers and emoticons of the alphabet. An absolutely stupid option for a smartphone, as it constantly occupies half of the front panel of a smartphone due to a smaller screen. But some models have a slide-out keyboard, probably for a typist secretary who can't live without work.
Telephone keypad - there were also such transitional models for those who in no way can wean themselves from Soviet times
26. Body material
The most pleasant to use are smartphones made of matte (rubberized (soft-touch) or ribbed) plastic and metal. I recommend avoiding glossy plastic, as it easily scratches, slips and slips in your hands. But if you plan to use a case anyway, then this can be neglected. Do not forget that the most vulnerable place is the screen, which easily breaks when the smartphone is dropped.
27. Screen Cover
Inexpensive smartphones are coated with plastic or regular glass. Plastic is more scratched, but more flexible, so it breaks less. Glass scratches less but is more fragile and often shatters if dropped. It is very easy to protect the screen surface from scratches with a special film.
More expensive smartphones have a tempered glass cover (like Gorilla Glass). It is much more scratch resistant and slightly stronger. But it is still fragile and not so difficult to break.
Some smartphones have a mineral glass screen protector that is incredibly scratch and shock resistant. It is practically impossible to break it even on purpose. There are few such models, usually they have a screen up to 3.5 ″ and not very powerful filling, but are indispensable for people leading an active lifestyle.
28. Dust and moisture resistant
Some models of smartphones have a sealed case with rubber seals and connector plugs. Usually this does not mean that they can be put in swimming trunks and rowed 24 hours a day.
Usually smartphones positioned as protected have a corresponding prefix in the name. Below are some interesting examples.
Sony Xperia Active is a unique dust and water resistant smartphone with mineral glass screen and steel frame.
Motorola DEFY is an ordinary dust and moisture resistant smartphone with a Gorilla Glass screen in a plastic case.
29. Smartphone color
Black smartphones look more strict. A silver smartphone in a metal case will look more stylish, white will look more aristocratic. If you want something more fun or more original, then pay attention to the models that have soft pleasant shades of gray, blue, brown or pink. But if you use a case, then the color does not matter so much.
Deputies and prosecutors can emphasize their status using a smartphone in a gold case, skillfully inlaid with diamonds, rubies and emeralds from Swarovski by the gentle hands of girls with higher education
30. Purchase and warranty
I recommend purchasing a smartphone in a well-known store in your city or in a well-established online store. Don't look for the lowest possible prices and don't buy a smartphone from a little-known online store. Now you can often find gray (Chinese unofficial) smartphones, as well as refurbished used smartphones. Check if the smartphone has an official warranty and whether the service center will accept it. Or just ask him white or gray.
Refurbished smartphones are usually packaged in a different box, have less warranty and must be marked with the letters “ref.”. But sometimes sellers forget to do this ... If the warranty from the seller (and not from the manufacturer) is less than 12 months, then the smartphone is definitely gray or refurbished. I do not recommend purchasing such a smartphone. You will save a penny, but ruin your nerves and time!
31. Android or Apple
And finally, let's dispel the last doubt that torments many.
If you are a wealthy person, then take the Apple iPhone. It is an uncompromising combination of quality and style. In addition, for sure your acquaintances will use the same devices and you can easily exchange files and experiences with them.
If you do not have extra money, most of your friends use devices on the Android system, you want to easily exchange files, experience with them and customize everything to your taste, then buy a smartphone with the Android operating system from one of the popular brands.
32. Setting up filters in the online store
Below is the order of actions and a list of parameters that must be specified in the filters of the online store. In parentheses, there are recommendations for the optimal price / quality ratio of a smartphone on the Android system.
- Go to the "Smartphones" section on the seller's website.
- Select Recommended Manufacturers
(Sony, HTC, Samsung, LG, ASUS, Acer, Lenovo, Huawei). - Operating system (Android, iOS or Windows).
- Screen diagonal (4.5-6 ″).
- The number of cores and the frequency of the processor (4 cores, from 1 GHz).
- The amount of RAM (from 1 GB).
- Internal flash memory (from 4 GB).
- Support for memory cards (desirable).
- Rear camera (from 5 megapixels).
- Front camera (from 1 megapixel).
- Number of SIM cards (2).
- Other parameters important to you.
- Browse positions starting with the cheapest ones.
- Buy the model you like by design.
Don't overdo it with filters, as you can weed out good models. Set only the most important parameters. Thus, you will receive a smartphone that is optimal in terms of price / quality ratio and meets your requirements at the lowest possible cost.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X 16GB Smartphone
Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X 32GB Smartphone
Xiaomi Redmi 4X 16GB Smartphone
And in the last 5-10 years, a breakthrough in the field of cellular communications was the emergence, and then the widespread use of smartphones. What is a smartphone, what is its difference from simple mobile phones and how to choose it? This is what we'll talk about now.
Smartphone Is a device that combines cellular functions with functions. In addition to making voice calls, SMS, voice mail functions, using a smartphone you can access the Internet, receive and send e-mail, communicate in social networks and chats, edit office documents, listen to music, take photos and videos, and much more. ...
Whether all these functions are necessary for a novice user (ie a "teapot") is up to you. In principle, the support of a particular feature in a smartphone depends not only on the technical parameters of the device, but also on the type of operating system that is preinstalled in this model, as well as its current version and installed software.
Now the "fashion" for smartphones has gone and everyone buys them, both schoolchildren and students, and even some advanced pensioners ... Before proceeding with the choice of a smartphone, let's figure it out, do you really need it?
1. Who needs a smartphone?
