I was sitting on those typical city council sits in Arboretum meditating on Artificial Intelligence commonly called AIs(I will talk about AIs in my next article) when someone sitted next to me broke my session... He was complaining about how his phone was malfunctioning blah blah blah... If it wasn't freezing or as we commonly refer it as "hanging", it would be slow connection.I decided to have a glimpse of this murmuring guy's phone, mind you that it had a very enticing physical design, the kind of design that makes you feel emotionally connected to your gadget.Anyway to cut the long story short, the guy had been duped into purchasing the gadget due to its physical appearance.
So today, I will simply take my time to address this issue and save an innocent chap.What specifications/features should you look out for when purchasing a smartphone?
1.Operating System and its respective version
This is the basic spec.Currently there are 3 major smartphone OSs:Android, iOS,Windows.
*ANDROID-this is the most popular OS courtesy of Google Inc.Why? Unlike Windows and iOS,it has a wide hardware array in that as many phone manufacturers(eg 'Infinix, Samsung, Innjoo,LG,Nexus etc) can get this OS into their gadgets without a sweat.Also it is more open thus the phone manufacturers can easily innovate their softwares on top of Google softwares.It also boasts of being open source that means that developers easily code apps for Android and hence it is more relevant to users unlike other OSs.remember Android has about 1billion+ apps and games with more still coming with the expected launch of Android 7.0(Android N) later this year.
Thus it boasts of having the best and hottest apps and games.
It is also boasts of being easily customizable and flexible,keeping in mind that rooting is actually easier than Jailbreaking for iOS.
*iOS-self-proclaimed as the most secure OS,but I think it's really not as secure as they claim,this is because it is not as open as Android, while this might be a security strength, it denies users the ability to enjoy variety of apps and games.However unlike Android, it boasts of a clean user interface, an orderly one that is pleasing to the eye. It also boasts of high quality apps and games, this is because it has a strict selection criteria for apps coded out of the Apple academy.
It is however hard to customize as Jailbreaking an IPhone can be quite an expensive affair if you brick it or meddle with system apps.
*Windows-Shun the naysayers of Windows phone.
Though I'm yet to be emotionally attached to it,I appreciate Nokia's effort to collaborate with Microsoft and manufacture Lumia Smartphones.They are the closest that a desktop and a smartphone can ever be.The Windows OS by Microsoft is quickly gaining popularity thanks to the application integration program that has led to about one fifth of all iOS and Android apps being coded for Windows OS.
It boasts of an enticing user interface with dynamic live tiles that can be resized and customized anyhow anyway.
It's greatest strength remains that it is easily accessible from your Windows PC.Little software configuration is required unlike for other OSs.
2.Processor-This is the brain of a smartphone.For Android, there are two main processors;Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTeK processor. Now if you are a geek,I advise you to go for a MediaTeK processor,this is because it allows you to do easy tweaks on your smartphone without much stability issues unlike Snapdragon.Rooting a MediaTeK-powered phone is more easier than rooting a Snapdragon-powered phone.If you are a regular user who is not interested in geeky stuff, then a Snapdragon processor is good for you.A good processor allows you to open apps faster,play games easily and even edit video clips without a hitch.Snapdragon 800 /805 is currently the best and it offers high powered graphics for both Windows and Android smartphones.
For iOS, A7 chip inside Iphone 6c is way powerful than A6 chip inside IPhone 5c...so for Apple smartphones opt for the high-end gadgets.
3.RAM-this is the adrenaline that drives your phone.This is the system memory of your smartphone, the higher the system memory, the faster it switches tasks and carries out tasks. The best smartphones have RAMs of 2GB /3GB ,however 1GB RAMs with 1.5quadcore MediaTeK processors also work out just as fine. I use 'Infinix x507 which handles 320 installed apps and switches about 15apps in a stable manner,I have rooted it though.
4.Internal Storage and Expandable Memory
We are looking forward to cloud storage but before we fully put our trust in cloud storage,lets use what we have.Most phones these days have internal storage of 16GB...now you are tempted to ask me how big is that,well,an average mp3 song has a size of 4MB,so 16GB can handle about 4000 such songs.So that's quite a good space to start with.I recommend a minimum of 16GB internal Storage and 64GB Expandable Memory storage.
5.Camera Megapixels and Mods
In this age of social media,we're victims of F.O.M.O syndrome (Fear Of Missing Out). We can't afford to miss those light moments.For a high quality photo ,a higher megapixel camera is required.There has also been a new camera debate in electronic streets claims that a 13mp Infinix camera produces a higher quality photo than a 20mp Samsung camera.Reason??These days camera sensors are being installed in smartphones to increase the quality of photos being produced.For example, the IPhone 5s has an 8megapixel camera but with its new camera sensor it allows bigger pixels and hence a more sharper-looking and high quality photo.
Other modifications such as Optical Image Stabilization allows a steady image for less blurs.
6.Battery Capacity.-battery life,hmm..
Gone are the days that manufacturers marketed their phones by lying to us that the phone can last with charge for a whole week. Now all you have to do is look over the battery and read its specific capacity eg 2000mah 4000mah etc... It is quite stressful when your phone runs out of charge often like mine does,I was not keen then to purchase a higher battery capacity phone (I wish someone had taught me then just as im teaching you right now)
So for an average smartphone, I would go for a rating of about 3000mah and above.
7.Software Updates by Manufacturers.
Sometimes there is discovery of bugs and serious vulnerabilities in our smartphones eg the famous Stagefright vulnerability on Android 4.0- phones where hackers could take entire control of your smartphone through a text or mms message.Google fixed the Android flaw and sent patched update packages to phone manufacturers who then were to send Software updates to their clients(users).How regular software updates are sent may determine whether a user's phone is vulnerable to blackhat hackers and crackers.
Some of the best phone manufacturers who sent regular updates are 'Infinix,Samsung, IPhone and Microsoft.
8.Connectivity
Features like 3G/4G internet, Bluetooth 4.0,NFC(read article on Near Field Communication), HotKnot,WiFi, Hotspot tethering(wireless data sharing with either another smartphone or laptop), USB tethering(using your phone as a modem to your laptop).
9.Screen Size
It is essential when it comes to typing documents, watching videos and playing games.
A 5.5 inch screen is equivalent to a teenager's palm and this is the best size I recommend.
10.Security Encryption
How secure is your device?this lies exclusively on the Operating system version. Android Marshmallow 6.0 has been voted as the most secure Android version as intrusion of unauthorized persons into your smartphone is next to impossible.In earlier versions of Android (upto Android Lollipop 5.0), when installing apps, we were limited to either accepting or install permissions or fully denying all install permissions, kinda dictatorial SMH,but with Android Marshmallow 6.0 you can allow some permissions and deny others).
There is an updated version Android one for marshmallow version 6.0.1
11.Warranty and Servicing Centers
Considering the high cost of purchasing a smartphone, it is pocketwise to choose a smartphone that has a longer warranty and reliable servicing centers.Eg Samsung has the longest warranty of 24months while 'Infinix,Tecno and Itel are known to have the most reliable service centers in Africa and Asia for phone repairs and upgrades under the brand CarlCare Service Center.
Other specs to consider: weight of the phone,LCD LED OLED screen, etc
Now you're informed, save your peeps by sharing darkwaregeeks.blogspot.com.
So today, I will simply take my time to address this issue and save an innocent chap.What specifications/features should you look out for when purchasing a smartphone?
1.Operating System and its respective version
This is the basic spec.Currently there are 3 major smartphone OSs:Android, iOS,Windows.
*ANDROID-this is the most popular OS courtesy of Google Inc.Why? Unlike Windows and iOS,it has a wide hardware array in that as many phone manufacturers(eg 'Infinix, Samsung, Innjoo,LG,Nexus etc) can get this OS into their gadgets without a sweat.Also it is more open thus the phone manufacturers can easily innovate their softwares on top of Google softwares.It also boasts of being open source that means that developers easily code apps for Android and hence it is more relevant to users unlike other OSs.remember Android has about 1billion+ apps and games with more still coming with the expected launch of Android 7.0(Android N) later this year.
Thus it boasts of having the best and hottest apps and games.
It is also boasts of being easily customizable and flexible,keeping in mind that rooting is actually easier than Jailbreaking for iOS.
*iOS-self-proclaimed as the most secure OS,but I think it's really not as secure as they claim,this is because it is not as open as Android, while this might be a security strength, it denies users the ability to enjoy variety of apps and games.However unlike Android, it boasts of a clean user interface, an orderly one that is pleasing to the eye. It also boasts of high quality apps and games, this is because it has a strict selection criteria for apps coded out of the Apple academy.
It is however hard to customize as Jailbreaking an IPhone can be quite an expensive affair if you brick it or meddle with system apps.
*Windows-Shun the naysayers of Windows phone.
Though I'm yet to be emotionally attached to it,I appreciate Nokia's effort to collaborate with Microsoft and manufacture Lumia Smartphones.They are the closest that a desktop and a smartphone can ever be.The Windows OS by Microsoft is quickly gaining popularity thanks to the application integration program that has led to about one fifth of all iOS and Android apps being coded for Windows OS.
It boasts of an enticing user interface with dynamic live tiles that can be resized and customized anyhow anyway.
It's greatest strength remains that it is easily accessible from your Windows PC.Little software configuration is required unlike for other OSs.
2.Processor-This is the brain of a smartphone.For Android, there are two main processors;Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTeK processor. Now if you are a geek,I advise you to go for a MediaTeK processor,this is because it allows you to do easy tweaks on your smartphone without much stability issues unlike Snapdragon.Rooting a MediaTeK-powered phone is more easier than rooting a Snapdragon-powered phone.If you are a regular user who is not interested in geeky stuff, then a Snapdragon processor is good for you.A good processor allows you to open apps faster,play games easily and even edit video clips without a hitch.Snapdragon 800 /805 is currently the best and it offers high powered graphics for both Windows and Android smartphones.
For iOS, A7 chip inside Iphone 6c is way powerful than A6 chip inside IPhone 5c...so for Apple smartphones opt for the high-end gadgets.
3.RAM-this is the adrenaline that drives your phone.This is the system memory of your smartphone, the higher the system memory, the faster it switches tasks and carries out tasks. The best smartphones have RAMs of 2GB /3GB ,however 1GB RAMs with 1.5quadcore MediaTeK processors also work out just as fine. I use 'Infinix x507 which handles 320 installed apps and switches about 15apps in a stable manner,I have rooted it though.
4.Internal Storage and Expandable Memory
We are looking forward to cloud storage but before we fully put our trust in cloud storage,lets use what we have.Most phones these days have internal storage of 16GB...now you are tempted to ask me how big is that,well,an average mp3 song has a size of 4MB,so 16GB can handle about 4000 such songs.So that's quite a good space to start with.I recommend a minimum of 16GB internal Storage and 64GB Expandable Memory storage.
5.Camera Megapixels and Mods
In this age of social media,we're victims of F.O.M.O syndrome (Fear Of Missing Out). We can't afford to miss those light moments.For a high quality photo ,a higher megapixel camera is required.There has also been a new camera debate in electronic streets claims that a 13mp Infinix camera produces a higher quality photo than a 20mp Samsung camera.Reason??These days camera sensors are being installed in smartphones to increase the quality of photos being produced.For example, the IPhone 5s has an 8megapixel camera but with its new camera sensor it allows bigger pixels and hence a more sharper-looking and high quality photo.
Other modifications such as Optical Image Stabilization allows a steady image for less blurs.
6.Battery Capacity.-battery life,hmm..
Gone are the days that manufacturers marketed their phones by lying to us that the phone can last with charge for a whole week. Now all you have to do is look over the battery and read its specific capacity eg 2000mah 4000mah etc... It is quite stressful when your phone runs out of charge often like mine does,I was not keen then to purchase a higher battery capacity phone (I wish someone had taught me then just as im teaching you right now)
So for an average smartphone, I would go for a rating of about 3000mah and above.
7.Software Updates by Manufacturers.
Sometimes there is discovery of bugs and serious vulnerabilities in our smartphones eg the famous Stagefright vulnerability on Android 4.0- phones where hackers could take entire control of your smartphone through a text or mms message.Google fixed the Android flaw and sent patched update packages to phone manufacturers who then were to send Software updates to their clients(users).How regular software updates are sent may determine whether a user's phone is vulnerable to blackhat hackers and crackers.
Some of the best phone manufacturers who sent regular updates are 'Infinix,Samsung, IPhone and Microsoft.
8.Connectivity
Features like 3G/4G internet, Bluetooth 4.0,NFC(read article on Near Field Communication), HotKnot,WiFi, Hotspot tethering(wireless data sharing with either another smartphone or laptop), USB tethering(using your phone as a modem to your laptop).
9.Screen Size
It is essential when it comes to typing documents, watching videos and playing games.
A 5.5 inch screen is equivalent to a teenager's palm and this is the best size I recommend.
10.Security Encryption
How secure is your device?this lies exclusively on the Operating system version. Android Marshmallow 6.0 has been voted as the most secure Android version as intrusion of unauthorized persons into your smartphone is next to impossible.In earlier versions of Android (upto Android Lollipop 5.0), when installing apps, we were limited to either accepting or install permissions or fully denying all install permissions, kinda dictatorial SMH,but with Android Marshmallow 6.0 you can allow some permissions and deny others).
There is an updated version Android one for marshmallow version 6.0.1
11.Warranty and Servicing Centers
Considering the high cost of purchasing a smartphone, it is pocketwise to choose a smartphone that has a longer warranty and reliable servicing centers.Eg Samsung has the longest warranty of 24months while 'Infinix,Tecno and Itel are known to have the most reliable service centers in Africa and Asia for phone repairs and upgrades under the brand CarlCare Service Center.
Other specs to consider: weight of the phone,LCD LED OLED screen, etc
Now you're informed, save your peeps by sharing darkwaregeeks.blogspot.com.
I appreciate Nokia's effort to collaborate with Microsoft and manufacture Lumia smartphones .They are the closest that a laptop/desktop and a smartphone can ever be.The Windows OS by Microsoft is quickly gaining popularity thanks to the application integration program that has led to about one fifth of all iOS and android apps being coded for Windows OS.
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