Here Are 10 Things to Consider When Buying a New Smartphone

If you’ve been reading smartphone reviews over the last few years, you might have noticed that some features on one phone outweigh others when it comes to a phone receiving a good review or not. It can be stressful purchasing a new phone, especially with prices going over the $1,000.

Fortunately, you don’t need to spend as much; all you need to know is what you should be looking for as you shop for your next smartphone.

Below is a list of what you should be paying attention to:

Display

Like most people, you will probably be spending hours every day staring at the phone’s screen. Make sure that your purchase is bright enough outdoors and sharp enough to offer you a clear view of texts while surfing.

If you opt for a large screen phone, its resolution should not be anything less than 1920 x 1080 p. You can splurge on a sharper 2560 x 1440 Quad HD resolution phone for sharper images and texts.

At the same time, consider the phone’s screen size. Make sure that you can reach across it quickly. Take note that larger screens are great for movies, while smaller ones make it easy to handle the phone without dropping it.

IPS or AMOLED Display?

Instead of looking into the technical aspects of each display, the visual features will help you choose what type of smartphone display works best for you. While both have their advantages, each display type also comes with its disadvantages.

OLED, Super AMOLED, and AMOLED smartphones give you brighter colors, and more deep blacks as well as more viewing angles. In some cases, unfortunately, colors may appear over saturated.

On the other hand, IPS displays produce less color saturation than AMOLEDs. However, black levels are not as good, but viewing angles are excellent.

Storage

Many people would instead save money by purchasing cheaper smartphones, but they are usually shipped with little onboard storage space. Choose a phone that offers you at least 64GB storage if you will be downloading movies and music.

Plus, today’s apps are significantly bigger, and your pictures and videos will take lots of space if you are not using cloud backup. Services like Google Photos and Apple Photos allow you to send images to the cloud without storing them on your device. Also, a couple of Android smartphones have microSD card slots that you can use for boosting storage space.

Phone’s Age

Older-model or refurbished smartphones are a big temptation if you want to save a couple of bucks, but there are a few things you need to consider before purchasing such a phone.

If the phone is 2 to 3 years old on the market, the chances are high that it will stop receiving critical software updates and security patches. Moreover, the phone might be incapable of running newer version apps that require more processing and memory power.

However, if you will only be sending texts or checking e-mails, an older or refurbished smartphone will do you right.

Design and Functionality

While choosing a new smartphone, one of the biggest decision makers is personal taste regarding outward appearance and software. While some prefer rounded lines and a flowing design, others prefer a sturdy look with straight lines and sharp edges.

However, each month sees the introduction of smartphones that are increasingly looking alike due to trends and marketing campaigns. However, choose the phone’s design based on its functionality.

For instance, a trendy and stylish metal unibody looks great, but it might prevent you from using functionalities like a removable battery or microSD card. Before purchasing, make sure you check on the device’s quality to be sure that you can use it comfortably and conveniently.

Battery Power

Before purchasing any smartphone, make sure that you’ve read reviews or talked to people who already own the particular model you want. Obviously, you want a phone that will last a full day.

One of the biggest complaints from smartphone owners is that they have what they call “always dead” phones. If you count yourself as been among these phone owners, its time you consider purchasing a phone fitted with fast charging capabilities.

In addition, many Android phones have special chargers that can juice up the battery to half charge in a few minutes. iPhone owners should consider purchasing an iPad charger for better charging performance.

Camera

If family and friends photos are your passion, you need a phone that’s fitted with a good quality camera. Phones within the expensive range – iPhone X and Galaxy S9 – are capable of taking great photos in low light situations without the flash. In most cases, budget phones will not offer you such great pictures; so, consider paying a bit more if photos are important to you.

Manufacturer Reputation

If possible, spend some time researching a bit more about the company behind the phone. Some safe bets include names like Samsung, Apple, and LG. A few other companies have come under fire for numerous reasons including sending of private user data to third parties.

Know When to Buy

It’s tempting to purchase a smartphone as soon as it’s released to the market; however, be patient. For starters, you will likely pay a high price, and while you will end up with a new shiny phone, your wallet will frown.

It is best if you could wait a couple of months and watch out for phones that do not sell well. Such phones will eventually drop prices by almost 50% in a couple of months.

Your Current Smartphone

If you have been using smartphones, the chances are that it’s either an Android or iPhone phone. The market is mostly (90%) served by Apple and Google operating systems, and these companies are working hard to ensure you stay with them.

If you have used a particular platform for several years, you might have purchased movies, TV shows, and music that’s inaccessible if you decide to change platforms. For instance, a diehard Apple fan with hundreds of Apple Music and iTunes movies is better off purchasing an Apple phone. If you are not tied to a particular smartphone operating system, you can always buy a phone based on the most value and innovation.

 

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source https://www.telcoworld.com.au/news-blog/here-are-10-things-to-consider-when-buying-a-new-smartphone/

Smartphones of the Future: What Revolutionary Features to Expect

Smartphones are nearly ubiquitous, as even the most budget-conscious shopper can likely find a smartphone at an acceptable price. Even though most smartphone changes seem incremental, there have been major breakthroughs, and there are good reasons to think they’re going to advance dramatically in the coming years. Here are some of the ways smartphones are likely to change our lives in the future.

Computer Replacements

Even older laptops and desktops are perfectly adequate for most needs. Aside from gaming and a few processor-intensive tasks, even the lowest-cost budget laptop will likely function adequately for browsing the web and performing work-related tasks. Smartphones, in general, don’t yet have quite the same performance capabilities, but it’s only a matter of time before they catch up.

Instead of having a separate smartphone and laptop, why not use a laptop shell with a keyboard and touchpad and plug your phone in? When working at home, why not simply place your phone in a dock and use it with a connected keyboard and mouse? As demand for smartphones continues to rise and demand for laptops and desktops falls, smartphones might become the most popular means of performing traditional computing tasks.

Virtual Reality Devices

Smartphones are already being used as virtual reality and augmented reality devices. However, more powerful standalone devices, which are typically paired with a powerful computer, offer far more features. This will change as virtual reality works its way into the mainstream.

Because smartphones have an integrated screen, adapting them to virtual reality tasks is fairly straightforward. Furthermore, accelerometers and other sensors are already found in nearly all smartphones, so manufacturers have ample experience using them. Mobile graphics chips have improved dramatically over the years, and it won’t be long before they can match or exceed those in today’s most popular standalone virtual reality devices. Being able to run virtual reality programming regardless of your location is a major boon to smartphones virtual reality, and it’s likely to make them the standard virtual reality devices in the future.

Streaming Devices

Many people use standalone devices for streaming media to their televisions. However, smart televisions will make it easier to connect smartphones, especially Android devices, to their televisions, rendering these streaming devices all but obsolete for most users. Furthermore, wireless video streaming capabilities will provide even more flexibility, making it easier to mirror content from smartphones to televisions. When paired with a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, television screens and smart devices might replace more traditional computers and make it easier to perform computing tasks while in hotels and at other locations.

Furthermore, smartphones will increasingly be used as remote controls for various devices. The sensors in them mean they work as motion controllers for a wide range of games, and their touchscreens can adapt to various standalone devices. Instead of having to search the couch cushions for lost remotes, users will be able to simply pull out their smart devices.

Home Automation Tools

Slowly but surely, home automation is becoming popular. Already, various companies offer smart doorbells, which allow homeowners to see who is at their front door by looking at their smartphone screens. Microphones in phones allow two-way communication, and mobile connectivity lets homeowners lock and unlock their doors regardless of location.

In-home cameras have dropped in price significantly, and more and more homes are now monitored using an array of cameras. In the past, the only way to view this data was to watch it live on a television screen or review recorded tape. With smartphones, this data can be sent live, and the ubiquity of mobile connectivity means users will always have access to their home cameras. For those with children at home, these cameras will provide more comfort. Furthermore, law enforcement agents can be forwarded information about potential problems, increasingly the likelihood of criminals being caught and, perhaps, making criminals less likely to target homes in general.

Instant Projectors

Micoprojectors and picoprojectors have gained a considerable amount of attention over the years. However, they’re still standalone devices, and they still offer somewhat limited functionality. This will inevitably change as components become smaller over time. Projectors allow users to set up a large screen nearly anywhere, and they let users bring their content with them while traveling. If the lights in these phones become bright enough, they might even replace typical television screens for most people.

Furthermore, white projector screens available for use by the public might replace televisions and monitors. If all passengers have a device capable of projecting a bright image while in flight, for example, airliners might offer small screens for passengers to use. Hotel rooms can provide pull-down projector screens that allow users to enjoy media on a large screen.

Professional-Quality Photography, Video, and Audio

It’s remarkable how much smartphone photography has improved over the years. Despite the small size of the lenses they use, high-end smartphones can create photographs that even experts have trouble differentiation form professional-grade photography. With dual lenses becoming standard recently, it’s clear that manufacturers are still experimenting and will continue investing in new technology.

These lenses also translate to better video quality, and devices can record at 60 or even 120 frames per second. Furthermore, some films have already been shot exclusively on smart devices, and audiences sometimes struggle to see the difference in quality. Digital video has already made filming content more accessible, and this trend will likely continue going forward. Audio recordings will improve as well, and the act of purchasing a separate microphone for podcasting or recording music might eventually become a thing of the past.

Smartphone adoption has exceeded nearly all expectations, and they’ve proven tremendously popular even in some of the world’s poorest regions. While we can continue expecting incremental upgrades over time, users can also expect to see truly revolutionary changes as technology improves. Furthermore, users shouldn’t expect to pay a premium for these features once they’ve become established.

Even today’s lowest-cost smartphones can do far more than flagship devices from only a few years ago, and those shopping on a budget should expect to have access to revolutionary features only a few years after they become available on the most expensive devices. Visit our Telstra store in Melbourne to learn more about the latest and greatest features available on most available smartphone models today.

 

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source https://www.telcoworld.com.au/news-blog/smartphones-of-the-future-what-revolutionary-features-to-expect/

Most Common Causes of Phone Problems

For as much as we use our smartphones, it’s amazing they don’t break more often. Nevertheless, most people will eventually need to have a phone repaired or replaced. Although there are plenty of edge cases, most phone problems fall into a small group of categories. Here are some common issues and steps you can take to deal with them.

Cracked Screen

Smartphone screens have become incredibly rugged over the years, and dropped phones are far less likely to have cracked screens than in the past. However, dropping a phone at certain angles and above certain heights can still damage even the toughest of screens. If the touch sensors in the screen continue to work, phones with cracked screens can often still function adequately. However, cracks also spread over time and can lead to further cracking in the future. In addition, a cracked screen can cause your phone to flex if put under pressure, leading to more problems.

Fortunately, nearly all popular phone manufacturers sell replacement screens, and they aren’t as expensive as many people imagine. Furthermore, repair technicians have extensive experience replacing screens, so you can expect good service when receiving a replacement.

Battery Problems

Battery technology has improved significantly over the years, and most people can make it through their day without having to track down a charger. Unfortunately, the nature of batteries means they degrade over time, and it’s common for batteries to drop below adequate levels. Furthermore, a certain percentage of batteries will have manufacturing flaws, causing them to degrade prematurely.

One feature to look for when buying a phone is user-replaceable batteries, which many Android manufacturers offer. However, Apple and other companies install batteries in such a way that users can’t replace them on their own. If your battery can’t be swapped out easily and you aren’t looking for a new phone, repair technicians can replace them. Again, most manufacturers provide replacement batteries, so experts will be able to track a replacement down should you need one.

Water Damage

Even phones that aren’t advertised as water-resistant can typically handle rain or brief immersion in water. However, water will eventually seep into the phone and cause problems. Furthermore, water-resistant phones are only designed to handle immersion for a certain period of time and at a certain depth, and small cracks or other problems can render their water-resistance useless. Often, phones with water inside will simply shut off and refuse to turn on again.

Fortunately, phones will often spring back to life after they’ve been allowed to dry thoroughly. The exception to this is salt water, as any salt that remains can cause irreparable damage to parts of your phone. Note that storing your phone with dried rice is a myth, as it isn’t believed to dry your phone any faster. Furthermore, small particles of rice can enter your phone and cause further problems. If your phone has fully dried and still won’t turn on, an expert may be able to repair damaged parts.

Slow Performance

At first, new phones generally seem fast. Over time, however, performance can drop, leading to a frustrating experience. Often, the cause of the slowdown is the RAM becoming full. Take a look at your apps and try to uninstall some of them. Often, apps run in the background even when they aren’t in use, leading to a constant slowdown. In some cases, simply restarting your phone can have it running better. If all else fails, performing a factory reset on your phone and reinstalling your apps might restore its performance.

Unfortunately, manufacturers often provide updates to phones and place less of a priority on older devices. After all, updates that slow down a phone might lead the user to seek out an upgrade. If your phone’s operating system becomes slow due to updates, there’s often little that can be done.

Bad Connectors

People typically plug in their phone’s chargers about once a day. Although USB and other technologies provide a robust connection, mechanical wear can eventually lead connectors to wear down and eventually break. This is often a fairly slow process; you might have to wiggle the cable to get it to connect, for example. This can occur in other parts of your phone as well, including headphone jacks and ports for connecting SD cards and other devices.

While some connectors are relatively simple to swap out, others aren’t. Furthermore, such replacements typically require expertise with specific phone models. If your connector is degrading or has failed, make sure to seek out expert help to get your phone back up and running properly.

Bluetooth Failure

Being able to pair a phone with a speaker or headphones can be wonderful, and Bluetooth can also be used to transfer data to and from your phone. When pairing fails, however, your phone can be a source of frustration. Test out your Bluetooth peripherals on other devices to ensure they work properly. In addition, try pairing your phone in another location, as interference can be difficult to detect but lead to failures.

The Bluetooth radio in your phone is typically on the same chip as your WiFi radio, so if one fails, the other often fails as well. Unfortunately, it’s typically difficult or impossible to replace a broken chip on most phones. Still, talk with experts if you’re having Bluetooth or WiFi issues before paying for a new phone.

Although phones keep improving at a steady pace, people are using their phones for longer periods of time, as even older phones are more than adequate for most people. With this extra use, however, comes additional wear and the increasing likelihood of parts of the phone failing. While repairs aren’t always possible, phone technicians now have extensive experience handling a wide range of mobile phone repairs, and you might be surprised at how many problems experts can handle. It’s worth bearing in mind, however, that some problems can be expensive to fix. If you’re planning on purchasing a new phone at some point in the future, it might be worth using the money you would otherwise spend on repair work toward the cost of a new device.

 

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source https://www.telcoworld.com.au/news-blog/most-common-causes-of-phone-problems/

10 Amazing Things To Know About Android Oreo

Android lovers can always expect something different from successive releases of the operating system. To whet their appetites, the name given to each release, if nothing else, is typically mouthwatering. Tasty from the beginning, Android users have enjoyed nice ‘bytes’ of Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich even to its latest iteration, Oreo. While there have been many versions in between, rapid improvements are indeed a staple of the Android OS. Today, Oreo is the latest kid on the block and users have every cause to be excited about its features.

Of course, Android fans are no dinosaurs, yet they seem quite hesitant about migrating to the latest version on the device. This trend is already evident in the January 2018 developer statistics which indicate that just about 0.7% of Android devices are on Oreo. Putting this in perspective is a complementary statistic showing that Nougat (the version just before Oreo) has a total share of 26.3%. Sounds good, but it still falls short of the 28.6% market share occupied by Marshmallow, the version before the Nougat. Industry watchers readily opine that Android’s fragmentation is the chief cause of these disparate statistics.

Oreo is still rocking the Android airwaves with scintillating features that should arouse the interest of any smart-phone lover. Imagine being able to use apps without installing them….if you ever wanted that, expect Google to make it happen pretty soon with its Instant Apps. Here are just a few features of the Android Oreo.

Power Savings

This has got to be one of, if not the most, important feature of Oreo. Why? Power ranks as one of the most raised complaints about smartphones (Android is not exempt!). However, the geeks responsible for developing Oreo have taken that into consideration in this version. By placing automatic limits on the activities of background apps, the developers took out the gremlins responsible for draining battery juice. Activities affected include implicit broadcasts, background services, and location updates. This version even lets users see if an app only consumes battery power while in use or through background activities. So, for users still shy about biting into Oreo, this is certainly a compelling reason to go for it.

Wi-Fi Aware

This feature is also tagged Neighbour Awareness Networking (NAN). When devices with compatible hardware are within close proximity, this function allows them to communicate efficiently and effectively. The amazing thing about this feature is it does not necessarily rely on internet connection. Collaboration is obviously one of Google’s key thrusts with the Android O.

Rescue Party

Anyone who has experienced bootloop will testify to its deeply frustrating effect on the user. Resolving bootloop is typically a headache and serious pain, but again, Android O developers have come to the rescue with Rescue Party. It is configured to ensure recovery once the OS detects repeated app crashes. If recovery fails, the OS will boot into Recovery Mode and give the user an option to carry out a factory reset. There is no specific hardware required for this function to operate. The only thing is, it works with phones running Oreo.

Adaptive Icons

The app icons in Oreo have been designed to automatically adapt to the User Interface (UI) of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). While the icons have typically appeared different in conformity with the brand and manufacturer’s skin, Oreo now provides the opportunity to for a standard format for adapting icons across the board.

Notification Channels and Dots

This is yet another change that is available in Oreo as an innovation from Google. Named Notification Channels and Dots: this feature provides users with the new categories for notifications as well as control over the notifications too. Users can now use channel or even topic to block notifications. In summary, there is more power in the hands of the user to control the use of the smartphone.

Easy Widget Integration

Integrating widgets into the smartphone home screen just got easier with Oreo. While previous versions only permitted the user to trawl through an alphabetical list of widgets to make a selection, Oreo makes it swifter and hassle-free. Simply press the desired app icon and select one of the available widgets from the options provided. As previously mentioned, Oreo makes life simpler and easier for the user.

Picture-in-picture

Ok, there would have been times when users wondered if they could have a feature similar to a split screen. Only, it should not interfere with the working app. So, Oreo has the Picture-in-picture function that allows users to view a video, for example, in a small window unobtrusively. It is expected that several apps will support this function very soon with Duo, YouTube, Netflix and Maps among those on the list.

Animated Clock Icon

Developers noticed in the Android Oreo Beta version of the OS that Google was apparently going to add an animation function to its Google Clock icon. According to the developers, the icon will be able to display current hour, minute and second. This may be new to Android but not to iOS. So, it may be concluded that Android is not prepared to allow iOS continue having a field day with that feature. Perhaps, the thinking is to stop Android lovers from looking with envy at the iOS animated clock icon.

Enhanced Audio Performance 

Users can also get ready to enjoy a better audio experience with the native support that Oreo provides for Sony’s Hi-Res Bluetooth audio codec, also known as LDAC. There is obviously a lot of tweaking going on with the bitrate for audio. Given the degree of adjustment and options for sound improvement, the future of sound for Android may be revealed quite evidently in Oreo.

New and Novel Emoji

Did the Google developers consider the rounded shape of Oreo cookies in changing the traditional shape of Android emojis? Perhaps but more importantly, there are so many options to choose from. Looking for star-struck shaped, giraffe, wizard, or even fairy emojis, among many others–Android O apears to have users covered. Stop by our Samsung Melbourne shop to learn more about the different phones on the market and to compare features.

 

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source https://www.telcoworld.com.au/news-blog/10-amazing-things-to-know-about-android-oreo/

8 Reasons to Get the New Samsung Galaxy S9

The official release of Samsung’s newest flagship, the Galaxy S9, is set for March 16th, 2018, but the smartphone was introduced at the World Mobile Conference (WMC) in Barcelona on February 25th, 2018 along with all its cutting-edge features. With 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage space, and Samsung’s Exynos 9810 chipset, there’s no doubt it’s smarter and faster than its predecessors. It shoots better photos, has a sharper screen display, and has the finest speaker system on the smartphone market.

Whether you need a new phone or you want to stay at the leading edge of new technology, here are 8 reasons you should get the Samsung Galaxy S9.

1. Superior Display

DisplayMate has dubbed the Samsung Galaxy S9 as having the best smartphone high-definition display on the market. Samsung has called it “infinity display,” as the screen curves over the sides of the phone for a full edge-to-edge frame. It has a 18.5:9 display ratio and a pixel density of 570 pixels per inch (ppi) which shows stunning detail and provides a cinematic experience.

2. Dual Aperture Camera

Samsung has reinvented its camera system for its latest smartphone, which features the first-ever dual aperture camera on a phone. The sensor on the rear camera lets the lens control how much light it takes in, much like the pupils of your own eye, automatically enabling you to take brighter and clearer pictures in the dark without flash, and sharper pictures in bright daylight.

Of course, it has all the bells and whistles of Samsung’s previous version, including HDR, image stabilization, OIS, face ID and LED flash.

3. Stereo Speakers

The GS9 is the first Samsung smartphone with built-in stereo speakers. Its Harman stereo speakers supported by Dolby Atmos surround sound system and fine-tuned by AKG. The speakers play 1.4 times louder than previous Samsung Galaxy phones and the surround sound system creates a three-dimensional audio experience. Of course, this experience is limited to audio content that supports the format.

4. AR Emoji

Augmented Reality (AR) Emoji is Samsung’s response to the iPhone X’s Animoji. Using the GS9’s front camera, you can create your own personalized 3D animated emoji-like avatars that follow your movements and facial expressions. You can change the hair, clothing and other features of your animated emoji’s appearance before saving it. Then, you can send it in texts or post it on third-party apps, like social media networks, as GIFs. This is a notch up from Animoji, which only lets you send personalized emojis through the iPhone’s messenger app. On apps that don’t support animated GIFs, you can still post your personal emoji as a still image.

Another thing AR Emoji does is let you turn your selfie into a personalized Disney or Pixar character, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and superheros from the Incredibles.

5. Improved Power Efficiency

The Galaxy S9 contains the same 3,000mAh cell battery as the Galaxy S8, but the GS9’s upgraded processing technology makes it more power efficient and faster to charge. Also, the phone comes with its own unique charger which offers faster charging than standard chargers. Alternatively, it can be charged wirelessly using its charging pad, which props the phone up at a comfortable angle for using it.

6. Ergonomic Fingerprint Sensor Placement

After Samsung received many complaints about the placement of its fingerprint sensor used to unlock the Galaxy S8, it moved the sensor from next to the camera to a more ergonomic placement under the camera. The sensor is easier and faster to reach, so you can unlock your phone a lot more naturally.

Besides using your fingerprint, you can also unlock your phone using a password, pin or pattern. Alternatively, use the phone’s built-in Intelligent Scan, which combines facial recognition and iris sensor.

7. Improved Artificial Intelligence (Bixby)

Samsung’s artificial intelligence platform, Bixby, which was featured in the GS8, has been upgraded for the GS9. It provides several augmented reality features you can use with its camera. Its Live Translation feature, powered by artificial intelligence, lets you translate words in a foreign language instantly into your own language just by pointing the camera at them. By showing the camera each nutrition label from the foods you eat, the phone can track the calories you’re consuming each day. Point the camera at your surroundings, and it can tell you the name and address of your location.

On the beauty front, you can use the GS9’s front camera to apply different makeup products to your face and view them with augmented reality. It works like Snapchat filters by layering makeup over your face, so you can try on products any time or place without having to clean up. Samsung partnered with ModiFace to integrate this technology into its camera, so if you’ve ever used Sephora’s app to virtually test makeup products, you’ve used this technology before.

8. Improved Video Capture with Slow Motion Feature

The G69’s camera features noise reduction for video capture, and for the first time on a smartphone, you can use a slow-motion feature to capture video at 960 frames per second. This lets you capture details that would be missed by other phone cameras; in fact, it can display the splash of a water droplet or the burst of a bubble in stunning detail. Video capture also has action-detection, which activates the Super-Slow-mo features upon detecting movement.

Once a video is captured, it’s saved in video format and as shareable GIFs that allow you to add effects, loop them, and reverse them. You can set one of these GIFs as your phone’s wallpaper.

Should you get Samsung’s latest smartphone? If you care about significantly improving the quality of the photos you take and share on through your phone, there’s no better phone on the market. It’s also best for streaming high-quality video and audio at high speeds. Made to out-do Apple’s latest iPhone X, the Samsung Galaxy S9 may be the most top-notch smartphone on the market today. Ultimately, its users will decide but you can stop by your nearest Samsung Melbourne store and compare the S9 with other models to see what you think.

 

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source https://www.telcoworld.com.au/news-blog/8-reasons-to-get-the-new-samsung-galaxy-s9/

Choosing the Best Mobile Plan for Your Business

It goes without saying that while looking for an ideal business phone, you need a perfect plan. You need the one that accommodates your calls, texts, and data adequately and ensures full customers satisfaction. Most business owners in Australia are replacing their landlines phones and shifting to mobile options. They no longer view the use of cell phones as an extravagance. However, while it may seem like shopping for a business phone is a straightforward task, the truth is that it can be hectic as there are numerous phones and plans options. The following tips will help you choose the most excellent mobile plan for your business.

Consider phone functionality

Nowadays there are new types of business phones, and most providers offer business phones that do more than just calls. There are other features such as voice-activated dialing, text messaging, Internet connection, music, photos, and videos. These features are designed to give consumers exciting options and ways to enjoy using the phone. However, when choosing the right phone for your business, you need to ask yourself if you need all those features. Check if skipping any of them will help you save on costs by doing a quick needs analysis and if yes, then choose the essential elements and get a phone that matches up. For example, selecting the one without an Internet browsing option may help you save on the cost of bundles. Therefore, the functionality of the phone is the first thing to put in consideration.

Check the service plans on the phone

The service plan is the primary saving plan. Never purchase a plan that includes more than what you need. Also, never let the temptations of buying an unlimited service plan get into you. It may seem like an excellent plan but eventually may frustrate you especially when it comes to paying the bills. Always put in mind that the role of the marketer is to convince people to buy the plans and will probably land to you with a low-priced plan which will seem like an excellent way to save money. But think about what you want and what will help you deliver your services without letting the price of the plan deceive you. Get a mobile plan that you can comfortably afford but at the same time has the ideal facilities for you.

Consider competition

Just like any other products, you do not purchase from the first salesperson that comes at your doorstep. You need to do some research and get quotes from several providers and choose the most flexible one that fits your needs. While some salespersons may insist that they cannot reach a competitor’s price offer, you have the option to move to the next. Check the mobile’s features and how other people are saying about it as this will help you know if it is a good business phone that can help you serve your customers right. It will also help you decide if it is worth the quoted price.

Check the mobile contract

Some business owners do not know that the length of cell phone service contracts is negotiable and they end up settling for the first offer they get. Although it may take time and someone with strong negotiating skills to get better deals, it does not hurt to try. You may be lucky to negotiate a four-year contract down to two years. The best deals involve a short contract with a highly discounted price, but at times, the price is raised if the agreement is reduced. Depending on what you want, you may choose if you want to pay more for a shorter contract, or less for a lengthy one. Ensure that your budget can handle the deal that you wish.

Ensure to check its coverage

Every business phone service provider offers differentiated coverage; therefore, a company that may seem to be great in one city in Australia may be awful in the next. It all depends on the consumer’s needs. The best way to ensure that you find the best is by asking around. You may also borrow your partner’s mobile and use it in the place where you intend to have the setup and know if it will work for you. Some providers will also offer you the try before buying option without any obligation service. The period provided depends on the length of the contract. Also, you may know if the provider is genuine through trusted referrals as excellent customer services are always reflected in customer loyalty.

Consider your credit

Your credit score plays a vital role in determining the value of plans available to you. If you have a good credit score, you can walk to any provider, and get the best deals without any cash out of your pockets. It means that they trust you. An individual with a poor credit score cannot be presumed with items on credit as the provider is not sure if they will get paid. Also, ensuring that you have a healthy and stable relationship with your current cell service plan provider will do you good. You can achieve that by making sure that you are always paying your bills on time and that you shop there regularly. The provider is likely to consider you first when you want to get a new phone with a new plan.

The bottom line is that you must have the right knowledge if you wish to have the best cell phone for your business. Make sure to get a flexible plan too. This means that you can change it from time to time if you feel that it does not reach your expectations. Check the billing information to determine if it fits your budget. Take your time to understand the plan that you need and never rush into the first option that you see. Have an accurate picture of what want first.

We can help you by answering any questions that you may have about the best business phones and offer you the right one. The best part is that we take care of the installation too as we aim to see your business activities run smoothly without any downtime. Contact us today for assistance, and we will be glad to help. Come visit us at one of our Telstra Shops in Melbourne today.

 

The post Choosing the Best Mobile Plan for Your Business appeared first on TelcoWorld Corp..

source https://www.telcoworld.com.au/news-blog/choosing-the-best-mobile-plan-for-your-business/

8 Daily Habits That Are Damaging Your Smartphone

Smartphones have become an inescapable part of modern life. From learning in school to becoming more productive at work to simply enjoying ourselves, smartphones have found application in every part of life.

In fact, a study conducted in 2015 estimates that we will likely spend one-third of our lives looking at one screen or the other. Needless to say, smartphones are being put to a lot of work on a daily basis.

As a result of this, smartphones are susceptible to wear and tear due to use. On top of this, there are a number of daily habits most people engage in that actually damage and shorten the lifespan of their smartphones.

1. Letting your phone overheat constantly: It is a running joke that people these days never put down their phones and that at work, school, home or even during conversations, smartphones are always being put to use.

This is, however, very accurate, as phones, due to their every expanding applications and capabilities, are always in use.
However, this often results in phones overheating due to excessive use. This isn’t good for phones as repeated overuse wears out the life of the battery quicker.

To avoid this, use your smartphone in moderation, avoid applications that tend to cause overheating, and if your phone does get hot, don’t use it for a while.

2. Performing too many installations: It is truly amazing the number of functions a modern smartphone can carry out. From simple calculations to storing years worth of memories, there are few things it cannot do.

Unfortunately, many users take advantage of this to the fullest, often with unpleasant results. Many smartphone users make a ridiculous number of downloads, be it apps, music, or pictures.

This results in the phone’s memory capacity being stretched to the limit, and as a result, the phone becomes slower in performance and will likely start crashing.

To avoid this, do not download a large number of unnecessary files and delete all unnecessary downloads if your phone memory is depreciating.

3. Restarting your phone too often: Smartphones come with their own unique problems, from crashing apps to glitches in the software.

A quick web search of many phone problems often brings up the recommendation of restarting it. Because this advice is so common, when most smartphone users encounter problems with their phones, they often restart the device before attempting any other solution.

While this actually can helping in solving some common phone problems, constantly restarting a smartphone can damage it in the long run.

To avoid this, restart a smartphone only when it is absolutely necessary and seek out other solutions before opting for it.

4. Exposing it to extreme temperatures: It is recommended that smartphones not be exposed to extreme temperatures, whether direct sunlight of below freezing temperatures.

This advice is however is often ignored by many users. Perhaps because smartphones are taken virtually everywhere with us, but they are often left in unsuitable temperatures. This includes direct sunlight while outdoors or freezing temperatures both inside and outside.

Because smartphones are so durable these days, it is easy to forget that anything outside the recommended temperature can easily damage the hardware of the phone and shorten its lifespan.

5. Dropping your phone constantly: Due to inevitable human error, phones get dropped at one point or the other.

As time has gone on, smartphones have been built to withstand falls and drops. It has even become a popular internet challenge to see which phone model can withstand the most drops from various heights.

Regardless of this, it is important to note that phones can and will get damaged from repeated drops and falls. While phone pouches and cases can help break these falls, repeated impact with hard surfaces can lead to cracked screens, chipped bodies, malfunctioning and irreversible damage to the phone over time.

It is therefore imperative for phone users to avoid dropping phones so as to prolong their lifespan.

6. Suspicious downloads: Whether it is pictures or videos, all smartphone users have made one download or the other to their phones, sometimes on a daily basis.

While this is one of the benefits of smartphones, this must be done with caution to avoid malware and viruses which can corrupt files and cause malfunction. The easiest way to prevent this is to only make downloads from reputable sources.

For apps, only make downloads from the official app store for your smartphone and never from shady websites online. Songs, videos, and pictures should also be downloaded from reputable sources, and also be wary of what you download from messaging apps.

7. Damaging the charging port: One of the easiest parts of a phone to damage is the charging port.

This is because most people don’t give much attention to the charging port when making use of it. As a result of this, most people tend to simply jam the charging cable into the charging port without much consideration.

When you consider how many times a phone is charged in a day and then over its lifetime, it’s obvious that charging ports endure a lot of abuse when not handled properly.

By doing this, you can very easily damage your phone’s charging port and then have to repair it. Sometimes the damage done cannot be repaired at all.

8. Not updating your software: Periodically, there will be a new software update that is released on your smartphone by the developers. Many users neglect to make these updates, often postponing them for weeks and months at a time.

Unfortunately, this procrastination can actually damage your phone in the long run as more and more features will become difficult to enjoy normally as your phone’s OS will become incompatible with many new apps.

In some cases, phone users who refuse to update for very long periods of time find themselves unable to do and having to resort to a factory reset as the phone cannot function anymore.

While smartphones are a part of everyday life, smartphone damage does not have to be.

However, without knowing it, many people damage their smartphones every day and shorten their lifespan. By avoiding these small habits, you can lengthen your phone’s lifespan and prevent damage because if you don’t avoid these subtle, daily habits, then your phone may end up in a mobile phone repair shop, or you may end up having to replace your device.

 

The post 8 Daily Habits That Are Damaging Your Smartphone appeared first on TelcoWorld Corp..

source https://www.telcoworld.com.au/news-blog/8-daily-habits-that-are-damaging-your-smartphone/