How much do you really know about your smartphone? When you pick up your device to send a text or surf the web, you probably don’t even think about how it all works – until something goes wrong and your phone gets slower, starts freezing or won’t turn on. If you want to learn more about your device and how to protect it, here are five things to consider before purchasing an Android phone.
Where do you plan on using the phone?
If you know where you plan on using your phone (work, home, travel), then you can take your location into account and purchase a smartphone that best suits your needs. For example, Android phones tend to be better suited for business use because they feature more productivity apps like robinroo.com and if you’re always on the go, it might be worth shelling out for a smartphone with long battery life.
How old is your current phone?
The latest Android smartphones are packed with hardware and software features, but you should only upgrade if your current phone is more than two years old. Phones have a short lifespan, so resist upgrading every time a new model hits the market. Instead, look at how long it’s been since you bought your current phone—if it’s more than two years, think about whether you really need to spend hundreds of dollars on a new smartphone.
What are your top priorities?
If you’re looking for a smartphone, it’s crucial that you take into account your usage habits and preferences when considering different Android phones. For example, speed is extremely important for business people who use their phones constantly; therefore, a top-tier flagship device like Galaxy S8 or iPhone 7 may be better than a budget phone like the OnePlus 3T.
Which apps do you plan on downloading?
Google Play has a massive collection of apps, and as you likely know, many of them are free. But there are also tons of paid apps available for your phone, so it’s good to have a plan for which ones you want. Speed up your new device with these essential downloads.
Is battery life important to you?
While batteries have gotten significantly better in recent years, there’s still a noticeable difference between good and bad when it comes to battery life. If you need your phone to last for hours on end or if you use it for work (or play) while away from a power source, consider investing in a model with stellar battery life. This way, you won’t be tethered to an outlet all day long—and can even rely on your device while traveling.
Screen Size and Resolution
The first thing that you should consider when purchasing an android phone is how big of a screen you want. If you plan on using your phone for work purposes, then it’s highly recommended that you get a bigger screen. A bigger screen will also make watching videos much more enjoyable as well. On average, most android phones these days have about 5-inch screens, but some go as high as 6 inches.
How much storage do you have available?
In terms of phones, speed is measured in two ways: processor speed and internal storage speed. When it comes to your phone’s internal storage, there are only a couple of things you can do about it short of buying a new device (which we recommend doing every two years anyway). The good news is that most apps these days are well optimized for most devices, so your experience will be largely similar whether you buy a cheap phone or an expensive one.
How are Google services used on other devices in your household?
If you’re already a big Google user, it might be a good idea to check how other devices in your household work with Google services. You can use Google apps (such as Hangouts and Gmail) on other Android devices, which could save you some money. Of course, some of these features may only be available if your family shares a Google account, but even if they don’t all share an account, it should still be possible for them to access at least some of your data and settings.
