Here is everything you need to know if you're buying a smartphone for the first time or upgrading an existing smartphone. With excellent new flagships from Apple, Google and Samsung all vying for your attention, plus dozens of high quality options for those on a budget choosing the right smartphone has never been more challenging. But we're here to assist you.

9 Exciting and Quick Tips For Buying Smartphones

Type of Processor and RAM

There are several processors used on modern devices. You will see terms like dual-core, single-core, quad-core and octa-core. iPhones are powered by their signature dual-core processors. They perform better than many of the quad-core ones out there. For RAM, always go for more as it improves the overall performance of the phone.

The Camera

Modern smartphones generally have fantastic cameras, fueled by the selfie craze. You should go for superior optics instead of a higher resolution. Features such as LED flash and BSI sensor are always welcome!

Also worth a mention, connectivity is now standard 3G and 4G, superseding the 2G. You can now easily find 4G enabled smartphones at extremely affordable prices. Also, consider the after sales service of the establishment where you buy mobiles. Apple and Samsung are well known for their superb superior after sales service.

Battery Life

Another crucial factor to consider is the battery life. While great features are all well and good, the battery needs to be sufficiently robust to sustain them for a reasonable timeframe. You don’t want a phone dying out on you every hour! Devices with more battery capacity invariably offer better battery backup options. There are smartphones with replaceable batteries, otherwise with non-removable batteries. The former is preferable, as one can carry a replacement battery and merely replace it there and then.

Operating Systems

Each significant brand usually uses its own operating system. The most notable include iOS, Android and Windows Phone. However, many brands operate on the standard Android OS. IOS operating systems only work on Apple devices. So try to experiment beforehand to help you decide which suits you best.

Memory Storage Size

Most modern-day smartphones come with inbuilt microSD card slots, yet many of them lack expandability via the microSD card. The storage may be mon-expandable, so consider that. Apple phones don’t typically feature expandable storage. Check exactly what you need to store in your device. Maybe files, photos, music, videos and documents. Check which of these can be transferred to cloud-based apps such as Dropbox. In any case, you will want to buy a smartphone with the largest possible memory size that you can afford. The extra space always comes in handy.

Price & Budget

The price and your budget are the most important factors to consider. The good news is there are many new and viable alternatives priced competitively to suit every budget. Try to stick rigidly to your budget. Chinese handsets like Huawei provide excellent value and similar features at a realistic price. They are more affordable and just as stylish.

Display Screen Size

Do you want a large screen, or would a smaller one do? The screen display size is an essential aspect for many people. You will see terms such as Apple’s proprietary Retina display, full HD display, AMOLED display and qHD display. You should go for a smartphone with a superior quality display which is also clearly readable in sunlight. You need to take the resolution and pixel density of the device into consideration.