Choosing your next phone is not so tricky. Well of course, sometimes you feel trapped due to whole lot of options that are spread around. The best way out is to think of the usage in respect to the features you need and then think of a device suiting your individual needs and requirements.
Then, while considering mobile phone deals do take in account your monthly usage as well. So do not feel daunted with so much of options from numerous manufacturers just take some cue from our guide and make an informed decision.
Calls and texts
The most basic use of a phone is to make and receive calls and to text. So, even if you are going for a feature phone or for a smartphone, you for sure will care the most about the capability of handset to make and receive calls with ease and to text without any hassle.
Adding to it, if you are not so much concerned about the internet over your handset and those high quality cameras to snap as you go, then you can very well choose from the range of feature phones. In all the other cases, you have the advantage to choose from a bounty of smartphones, which invariably come loaded with lots of high end features.
Features of the handset
Going for a new handset just for the sake of latest features is not a sin. Then, deciding what to try and what to leave out is invariably tough. Some of the common features that the modern smartphones have includes camera, touchscreen, full QWERTY keyboard or on screen full QWERTY keypad, fast processors and intelligent skin aka the user interface.
However, the factor which largely affects our buying decision is not the feature or the number of apps a handset support, but the operating platform on which it is based. The aforesaid common features are of course a must, but what appeals to us the most is the efficiency, with which these features are utilized by the handset, and is useful to us or serves us, and this efficiency depends upon the operating software on which the device is based. So, in plain terms understanding of the operating platforms are a must to pick the handset which is actually going to make you feel a winner.
Distinctions based on Operating Software (OS)
iOS – This is the operating software from Apple and is certainly one of the most obvious reason behind so much popular iPhones and the iPads. So very popular for its multitasking abilities this platform also allows the user the benefit of using the Apple App store, which is loaded with not less than 350000 apps.
Writing down the cons, the rigidity to change (unless the device is jailbroken) is one factor which surely annoys all those who have used the Android based devices. But the regular updates take care of the rigidity; however, you never know when the next upgrade is due.
Android – This operating software has the parentage of Google and so is one of the best. This OS is so very customizable and flexible, that different handset manufacturers have the ability to customize the software and create skins aka the trademark user interface.
The Android app store is also plush but the best part is that over the handsets using Android base you can use apps from the open market as well. The latest of the updates from this operating platform also enables the devices to run the flash videos, which is almost like an exclusive feature that you find only over an Android device (the jailbroken Apple gadgets too have the ability to run flash, but that is not considered ethical).
Symbian – This operating software seems to be the platonic beloved of Nokia. Though several other popular brands also use this OS over their devices, but Nokia phones use this software as an essential element.
This platform is blamed to be rigid and not very much adaptable to change but Nokia happens to use it with proficiency. The apps that can be used over devices using the OS are also growing rapidly and are only second to that of the Apple app store.
Slow to change and slow to process as blamed by the competitors is not at all true as the latest of the smartphones featuring Symbian OS happens to be one of the most sold in the modern day.
BlackBerry OS – Developed by Research in Motion, this operating software is used only over the BlackBerry handset. So very famous for the powerful emailing heart, this is the operating platform behind rising success of the BlackBerry Phones.
This operating Platform has its own pace and upgrades cycle, which of course seems dependent upon inclusion of new handset from the manufacturer. Boasting an app store, which is second only to Apple app store in term of revenue generation, this OS also boast of a mix view towards flexibility. The handsets based on this platform are quite smooth in functional capacity if not as efficient as Apple devices in terms of multitasking.
Windows Phone – This operating software for mobile phones is developed by Microsoft and is proving to be a spoilt kid. The handsets running on Windows Phone 7 are quite smooth in navigation and also support whole lot of apps and widgets.
Then, the Windows Phone app store is not so plush in comparison to the app stores of Android and Apple. However, the latest investments in developing Windows Phone OS and a noble collaboration with Nokia is certainly reaping benefits, as the handsets which are still to see the daylight and are based on this operating platform are to have features and qualities which might be more than enough to prove this spoilt kid more worthy than what it was a year ago.
Web OS – This operating platform is developed by HP. Though there are not many handsets in the market which are based on this operating platform, then, this OS is truly remarkable. With some handsets based on it and almost same number of tablet deices running on it, Web OS is only the third operating software after Android and iOS, which is good enough, both for tablets as well as for smartphones. Though not as flexible as Android platform as far as flexibility is concerned, then, Web OS is not as rigid as the iOS is. Some of the upcoming devices which are to feature this operating software seems promising and hopefully push Web OS to new heights.
Other OS – BADA and MeeGo essentially fit in the category of other OS, as not much of devices are based on these two platforms. BADA has been used by Smasung while MeeGo seems to be the new muse of Nokia.
BADA OS however has proved its mettle and it is quite surprising that we do not see more of handsets based on this operating software. Then, MeeGo is yet to come in the open market as is to make its debut over the Nokia N9.
Related to work
Work, of course is a major concern and what better than your new mobile phone which is capable to ease your work. For instance, the full QWERTY keyboard is definitely a hit among all those who need to type mail for work.
The BlackBerry handset makes another fine example as its email dedicated core is perfect for all those who need to remain stringed to their work. Other handsets with fast browsing and internet capabilities also make a good pick when your work acts as a deciding factor while you are out buying a mobile phone.
Other implications
Then, there still remains a category who does not just want a mobile phone to serve any singular purpose, but wishes for a smartphone which is really smart and can fit in diverse scheme of things.
A combination of mobile phone with factors such as high tech features, lot of usability and availability with affordable mobile phone deals certainly make a complete package to suit your needs.
So, with this consideration, choosing a mobile phone also relies on the deals over which it is available. Thus, we further need to investigate into mobile phone deals to complete the picture of choosing a new handset.