Look for coupon codes, Best Buy Coupons 20% OFF Entire Purchase plus Best Buy coupons 2016 for discounts on your purchases now. Get Best Buy Coupons 20% OFF , Save 20% OFF or More on All No-Contract Prepaid Phones, Exclusions, Terms and Conditions Apply!.
Deciding to buy a smartphone is a big decision, but it doesn't have to be complicated. By keeping a few key factors in mind, buyers can take a more focused approach to finding the right phone. Whether new or used, a smartphone is a handy device to own, but not all models offer the same features. Consumers can start by considering how and where they'll use their phone most. These clues can lead them to a smartphone that fits their needs and lifestyle. This guide will offer five sensible tips for choosing a new or used iPhone or Android smartphone.
By focusing on the way iPhone and Android devices differ, consumers will be better able to decide which brand will work best for them. After choosing a brand and model, buyers can look for new and used smartphones in many retail locations. Stores run by specific wireless carriers sell many different devices, as do big-box electronics retailers. Alternatively, many consumers opt to buy a smartphone via the Internet, either through online merchants or auction sites like eBay.
1. Explore Smartphone Operating Systems
Each type of new or used smartphone runs a particular operating system (OS) that can be updated but not changed once purchased. While they all aim to offer users similar features and capabilities, there are some important differences worth knowing about. Learning a bit more about the iPhone and Android operating systems can help buyers make a more informed purchase decision.
The iPhone Operating System
Many consumers find the iPhone OS's sleek and polished look to be irresistible. For some, Apple products are an instinctive choice because of the level of attention given to detail and design. The iPhone OS excels at multi-tasking by allowing apps to run in the background without sapping battery power. Several applications can run simultaneously with no negative effects to overall performance. The iPhone also offers an inbox that can be connected to multiple email accounts. With access to a large and vetted store of apps, users can customize their iPhone experience, but only to a point.
Some consumers are turned off by the fact that certain iPhone OS default applications can't be altered. This includes the Safari web browser, which is not capable of supporting sites that run Flash. Apple also strictly regulates its App Store, requiring approval for any apps made available to users. This approach can be a bit stifling to creativity, but it also ensures protection from malicious software. Consumers that prefer security and ease of use to device personalization will likely appreciate the benefits of an iPhone.
The Android Operating System
The Android OS is unique because it's an open source platform. This allows for a level of individuality that isn't offered by Apple. Anyone can create apps, and Google does not require approval before they can be offered to the public. Android smartphone users can purchase applications through many different vendors, which only adds to the wide variety of possibilities. Because manufacturers have free access to this platform, there are a number of brands producing Android phones. This leads to greater competition in the marketplace and more options for consumers. Android users can customize their device home screen to fit their needs.
With widgets, users have constant and convenient access to important processes and information like news and weather. Since Google contacts, calendar entries, and email are easily synced to Android smartphones, they are particularly suited to those that prefer Google services. The main downside of the Android OS stems directly from its biggest benefit. With little regulation, there is no standard for the quality of applications. It's up to the users to monitor the permissions requested by each app, and carelessness can compromise device security. Still, Android fans find this to be a small price to pay for the freedom offered by this versatile smartphone operating system.
2. Think About the Physical Characteristics
Physical appearance is one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a new or used smartphone. Buyers generally formulate their first impressions based on the look and feel of a phone. Device features such as the display size, keyboard, and camera are often the deciding factors. Consumers will find that the abundance of Android models leads to greater diversity in smartphone size and shape. Even so, many consumers still prefer the polished design of the iPhone to the many Android formats.
Display Screen
Buyers will want to think about the display size and resolution when choosing a new or used smartphone. Those who plan to use their phone for Internet browsing and visual media may want a big screen. On the other hand, many smartphones with smaller screens are less bulky. With so many different Android models available to consumers, there are many screen sizes to choose from. The iPhone doesn't offer many options for screen size, but the advanced Retina Display Technology found in many Apple computers comes standard on some models. When it comes to screen size and image resolution, buyers will need to rely on personal preference and performance needs to make a decision.
Keyboard
The keyboard could easily be a deal breaker in the choice between Android and iPhone smartphones.. People who want a physical QWERTY keyboard on their smartphone will most likely opt for an Android. With so many different devices on the market, consumers can find various touchscreen and physical options available on Android smartphones. The iPhone does not offer any sort of physical keyboard, but its touchscreen is comparable to many Android touch formats.
Camera
Many consumers are concerned about the quality of the camera included in their new or used smartphone. Once again, with so many brands producing Android phones, there are many different cameras available. The standard iPhone camera is generally comparable to many higher-endAndroid camera phones.. Consumers will need to look at the product specifications to figure out the megapixel power of a particular smartphone's camera.
3. Consider Smartphone Storage and Battery Capacity
When selecting a smartphone, consumers will want to take battery life and device memory into consideration. It's important to note that iPhones and Android phones approach the idea of data and file storage a bit differently. With an Android phone, users have the option of adding to storage space using a microSD memory card. Some Android devices can handle up to 64 GB of additional memory. The iPhone does not offer the ability to expand device memory in this way. Instead, the original device capacity is supported by cloud storage space. Data saved to the cloud is stored on a separate server, not on the iPhone. While this offers an unlimited amount of storage space, it also requires an Internet connection for access.
When it comes to battery capacity, buyers will need to check out product specifications, since battery life tends to vary from device to device. People who rely heavily on their smartphone can look for a model that offers many hours of use between charges. Buyers may also want to learn some of the many tactics used by smartphone users to boost their battery life and cut down on unnecessary energy-sucking processes. Android owners also have the option of switching out their dead device battery for a fresh replacement battery,, but this strategy is not possible with the iPhone.
4. Learn More About Communication and Connectivity
With so many special features and functions available on various smartphones, it's easy to forget their main purpose, communication. Buyers will want to explore their network carrier options, as well as possible connectivity speeds. When considering the physical aspects of a phone, consumers should remember to think about how the phone will function when used to make a simple voice call.
They may also want to look into whether or not a particular smartphone will sync up with their email account, appointment calendar, and contact list. This may be especially important when considering a smartphone for business applications, since some companies only support a certain type of smartphone. Android and iPhone smartphones both offer a wide variety of communication and connectivity features. The challenge is finding the phone that best fits the consumer's current habits and preferences.
5. Conduct a Comparison of Various Smartphone Features
Consumers who have narrowed their search down to an Android or iPhone smartphone may benefit from a side-by-side comparison of features. This way, they can distill the overabundance of product information down to a few targeted points of interest. After carefully evaluating their options in this way, buyers may find it easier to choose between an iPhone and an Android device.
Android and iPhone Smartphone Features at a Glance
The following chart offers a simplified recap of some of the Android and iPhone features discussed in this guide. Buyers can reference this chart for a quick, easy-to-read summary.
No comments:
Post a Comment