7 Factors to Consider While Buying a Smartphone

Buying a smartphone means researching several crucial aspects, such as battery life, performance, camera, and more. This guide breaks down seven key factors to help you select the right device with confidence.

Buying a Smartphone: Tips to Keep in Mind

Keeping these specs and features in mind will ensure you buy a smartphone that’s tailored to your needs:

1. Battery Life and Charging

A smartphone’s utility depends on its ability to stay powered all day.

• At least 5,000mAh battery capacity for all-day battery life. Many budget and mid-range phones now offer batteries of 6,000 mAh or larger.
• Fast charging has become standard, with many phones supporting 33W, 67W, or even 100W charging.

2. Processor and Performance

The processor is the engine of your device, controlling its overall speed.

• MediaTek Helio or Qualcomm Snapdragon 4-series processors are ideal for regular usage (social media and light photography)
• Snapdragon 6-series or MediaTek Dimensity 6000-series chips offer better performance for multitasking, long videos, or casual games
• Power users and gamers can opt for Snapdragon 7-series and 8-series or Dimensity 8000/9000-series processors, which deliver flagship-level performance

3. Operating System and Software

Your experience is defined by the operating system (OS), with the main choices being Android and iOS. Android is known for its flexibility and wide hardware selection, allowing extensive personalisation. Apple’s iOS is praised for its simple interface, strong security, and seamless ecosystem.

• Several brands have custom UIs laid over Android that, while efficient, may be cluttered with preinstalled apps.
• Software update commitments range from 2 to 7 years. Regular updates keep your device secure and provide new features for longer.
• Some brands pre-install numerous apps that you can’t uninstall; check reviews to confirm.

Also Read: Impact of GST Reforms on Smartphone and Laptop Prices

4. Memory and Storage

For smooth performance, a phone relies on RAM and internal storage.

• RAM allows your device to handle multiple apps at once; a minimum of 8GB is recommended for efficient multitasking.
• 128GB should be your storage starting point, while 256GB is a better choice for heavy users and content creators.

5. Cost and Budget

With a wide range of options, it’s important to consider your budget and pick the best choice available.

• Always calculate beyond the phone’s price tag, including expenses like screen guards, extended warranty plans, and accessories like fast chargers.
• Buy your new smartphone during e-commerce platform sales for discounts. Bank offers, exchange bonuses, and cashback deals could further reduce costs.
• Opt for an EMI via a Consumer Durable Loan to make premium phones more attainable.
• Keep total ownership costs in mind; consider things like service centre availability, resale value, and warranty coverage.

6. Camera Quality

The camera is often a deciding factor; beyond megapixels, keep these smartphone tips in mind:

• Larger sensors capture more light, leading to better night photos and richer colours.
• A wider aperture (like f/1.8) and OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation) reduce blur, giving you sharper shots and steadier videos.
• Look for secondary lenses like ultrawide for landscapes, macro for close-ups, or telephoto for zoom.
• Consider software as well, since most brands heavily rely on software algorithms to enhance images beyond hardware.

7. Display

A quality display is crucial, especially if you have an eye for clean, clear visuals.

• AMOLED displays offer more vibrant colours and better contrast than traditional LCDs.
• A refresh rate of 120Hz provides exceptionally smooth scrolling and responsiveness compared to a standard 60Hz display.
• A high-resolution screen ensures text and images are sharp and clear for a comfortable viewing experience.

Also Read: How to Choose the Best Mobile Finance Option for Your Budget in India

Financing Your Smartphone With a Consumer Durable Loan

Here are the steps to purchase your new smartphone on EMI:

1. Select your preferred model at a partner store.
2. Confirm your eligibility by providing the required KYC documents and employment details.
3. Choose the Consumer Durable Loan option at checkout.
4. Your application should get verified within a few hours.
5. Once approved, the retailer receives the entire loan amount, and you can take your phone home.
6. Repay the loan through affordable monthly EMIs over the loan duration.

To Conclude

Now that you know what to look for, remember that owning the right technology should not be a compromise. If the perfect phone seems just out of reach, flexible financing can make it a reality.

You can alternatively consider an online Personal Loan from Poonawalla Fincorp, offering attractive interest rates and easy application, to fund your purchase.

FAQs

What are the factors to consider when buying a phone?

When looking for a new phone, keep in mind things like the battery, processor, software, camera specs, cost, memory, and display.

How to choose a good mobile phone?

Choosing a good phone means evaluating key factors based on your needs. Start by setting a clear budget, then prioritise what matters most to you, be it the all-day battery life, a powerful processor, or a great camera.

Which is more important when buying a phone: RAM or processor?

Both are equally important for a phone to run smoothly. The key is to find a device that provides a proper balance of RAM and processor.