The Top 3 Mobile Phones for Gamers

When most people think of gaming, they think of PCs, Xboxes or PS4s – consoles that you play on a big screen – but not mobile phones. Of course, we all know that that it’s possible to play games on mobiles, but it seems more like an afterthought; something to help pass the time whilst you’re waiting in line or sat on a bus on your way home.

The games we associate with mobile phones are more often than not addictive, low-graphics, mini-game-esque games like Temple Run, Flappy Bird, and others of a similar vein. In other words, games that are designed to kill some time, rather than offer an adrenaline-packed, hardcore gaming experience. Lately, however, this all seems to be changing.

Mobile phone gaming is on the rise. The biggest console and PC games of the year – PUBG and Fortnite – have come to mobile. These addictive, console-quality games are transforming the way gamers see mobile devices, and this is hopefully just the beginning. The trend of console-quality games becoming available on mobiles looks set to continue as top developers at E3 2018 promised to bring even more high-end games to mobile handsets in the years to come.

The upshot of all this is that, if you’re serious about mobile gaming, you’re going to need to plan ahead. As higher quality games move over to the mobile platform, the processing power required to run them smoothly rises, so you’ll need to get your hands on a device that is optimised for gaming performance. This means thinking about things like the speed of chipsets, amount of RAM, quality of graphics chips and screens, and app ecosystems.

That might seem like a lot of research but don’t worry, we’ve done the hard work for you! Just read on to find out all about the 3 best phones for mobile gaming in 2018.

 

1. iPhone X

It had to be an Apple device that bagged the top spot here. Why? Because of the App Store.

Whilst Android’s Google Play is great in its own way, the App Store is superior in terms of game availability. For some reason, the best games always seem to be released on iOS first. Take Fortnite, for example, which has still not yet been released on Android. With that in mind, if you want access to the most games, iOS devices are a clear choice.

But why the iPhone X and not the 8 Plus? Well, it has a bigger battery for starters, and that’s going to come in handy if you’re gaming often as games are notorious for draining batteries. In addition to this, it also has a 5.8-inch OLED display which is big enough and stylish enough to make those high-end game graphics really jump off the screen.

Another reason to go with iOS is if you’re into AR (augmented reality). iOS is leading the push for wider adoption of AR tech, and this includes AR gaming experiences. If you loved Pokemon Go or other AR games, grab an iPhone X and watch this space.

 

2. Razer Phone

Next up, we have an Android phone which was built with gaming in mind. The Razer was one of the first phones to be developed in response to the increasing consumer demand for mobile gaming and started a string of releases of phones built for gamers. These types of phones have high-end hardware specs and specific features that make them perfect for gaming.

For speed and power, the Razer has a whopping 8GB of RAM and Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor. For visual performance, it has a 5.7-inch display with 1,440p resolution and a refresh rate of 120 Ghz. It also has the ‘Ultra Motion’ feature which syncs this refresh rate up with its GPU to ensure that all games run smoothly, with no frame-jumping or lag.  And for audio quality, it has high-volume twin speakers on the front which come with Dolby Atmos support.

In addition to these gaming-oriented specs, it’s impressive in other ways too. For example, it also offers excellent photo and video quality, as it comes with two 12MP rear cameras and an 8MP front camera, and a superb battery life due to its 4,000 mAh battery.

If it wasn’t for Apple’s superior App Store, this would have undoubtedly been at the top of this list. If you’re an Android-person though, you really can’t go wrong with the Razer for gaming.

 

3. Xiaomi Black Shark

This is another Android phone from a Chinese phone manufacturer that was released in April this year in China but has yet to be released over here. Its offers similarly impressive specs to the Razer and gets extra points for looking incredibly cool.

In terms of design, the Black Shark looks as cool as its name sounds. It’s black, it has neon lights around the main buttons, and it just feels right in your hand. In some ways, it actually looks and feels more like a handheld console than a phone.

The screen is 6 inches and offers 1080p resolution. Like the Razer, it has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset and 4,000mAh battery. It also comes with either 6GB and 8GB RAM, and 64GB or 128GB storage space, depending on which model you choose to go for. The lower-spec models cost around $650 AUD and the higher-spec models, around $750 AUD.

In terms of extra gaming-oriented features, the Black Shark has it all. There’s a cooling system like you would find on a PC integrated into the phone itself. That way, gamers can play for hours on end without the risk of overheating. If you want to feel really cool, you can also push the ‘Shark Key’ to boost the phone into a high-performance mode.

The camera on the Black Shark is actually even better than the Razer, with two 20MP cameras on the rear and a 12MP camera on the back.

 

Summary

There you have it, three great options for mobile gamers. Other notable mentions that didn’t make the cut include the iPhone 8 Plus, Galaxy S9 Plus, Sony Xperia XZ2 and the Nubia Red Magic. Hopefully, you’ve found something that matches your personal tastes.

Happy gaming!

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source https://www.telcoworld.com.au/news-blog/the-top-3-mobile-phones-for-gamers/

How to Maximize Your Phone’s Lifespan

Even though smartphones are getting thinner and lighter, they’re still becoming more durable. Unlike early smartphones, today’s phones are typically tested to ensure their longevity, and technology is constantly evolving to make phones easier to use and less likely to become damaged through typical use. However, it’s still worth taking a few basic steps to prevent possible problems with your phone. Here are a few guidelines for avoiding common problems with smartphones and other smart devices.

Consider a Case

Cases add a bit of bulk to smartphones, but this extra size and weight provides protection against drops. Although a case won’t ensure you avoid a cracked screen or other damage, they do provide a bit of robustness that can mean the difference between an intact phone and a broken one. Not all cases are the same. If you have a history of dropping your phone, it might be worth investing in a more rugged case. If you’d prefer to preserve your phones look, consider a case that only covers the sides and not the back. As phones continue to become thinner, many people are finding they prefer a thicker device than is available on the market. Cases can provide a better feel for many people, and textured cases can help prevent your phone from slipping during long conversations.

Learn What Causes Scratches

Glass is a surprisingly hard material, and only harder materials can cause scratches. Metal, no matter how sharp, won’t scratch a smartphone’s screen, so don’t worry too much about car keys or other metal items causing scratches. One of the most common causes of smartphone scratches is sand, which can be harder than the glass on a phone’s screen. Wipe your phone screen gently, as wiping away sand or other small materials too harshly can lead to scratching. If you typically carry your smartphone in a purse or backpack, consider picking up a case that covers the screen to avoid scratching.

Updates Are Important

Smartphones are computers, and they need to be maintained like any other computer. Make sure to run security updates promptly, as failing to do so can leave your phone vulnerable to hacks, potentially compromising your information. App updates are important as well, as vulnerabilities in programs you run can lead to problems as well. If updates fail for any reason, make sure to talk with experts to find out how to resolve the issue.

Take Care of Your Battery

Modern smartphones are designed to maximize the life of batteries, but there are steps you can take to prevent premature wear. Try to avoid letting your battery drain completely, as doing so can shorten its lifespan; developing a habit of plugging in your phone every morning or evening can help keep it topped off. However, experts also advise against leaving your phone plugged in once its completely charged. Letting your battery drain a bit helps keep it functioning optimally. Note, however, that batteries inevitably lose their capacity, so consider picking a phone with a replaceable battery if you plan on using it for the long term.

Keep Your Phone Dry

Many phones on the market are advertised as being water resistant, and many that don’t advertise that feature can still function after being submerged in water. However, it’s still best to keep your phone dry whenever possible. Small cracks can make a water-resistant phone vulnerable to water damage. Furthermore, saltwater can still build up on a phone, potentially causing scratching and other issues. If your phone stops working after being submerged, give it time to dry completely before trying to power it on again. Note that the rice trick, which involves placing your phone in a container of rice, isn’t advised by most experts. It has little effect on drying out your phone, and small rice particles can become embedded in your phone. Silica gel packets, on the other hand, can safely speed up the drying process.

Be Wary of Non-Standard Apps

Android phones can be set to sideload apps, which lets you run programs not installed via the official store. Furthermore, third-party stores are common as well. Some people jailbreak their iPhones, which lets them run programs not found in the App Store. If you’re interested in running such apps, be careful, as malware is a growing problem with smartphones. These apps can sometimes capture information covertly, which can lead to identity theft and other problems. People often use their phones for banking and other critical tasks, so ensure any third-party app you install comes from a trusted source, such as Amazon or other established companies.

Avoid Temperature Extremes

Extreme temperatures can have a number of effects on smartphones. Hot and cold temperatures can shorten a battery’s lifespan, and phone screens and other parts sometimes fail to work properly in especially hot or cold temperatures. While those who live in hot or cold regions have little choice when it comes to smartphone temperatures, avoiding keeping a phone in a car when the temperature is hot can help you avoid issues. It’s generally best to keep your phone indoors as much as possible, especially if rain or snow is likely.

Streamline Your Apps

Today’s smartphones are often able to store a seemingly unlimited number of apps, but uninstalling apps to save space can be wise even if you have plenty of room left. Phone storage components wear down over time, and smartphones can spread information across the storage space to slow this degradation. Freeing up space offers more room for this process. Furthermore, uninstalling apps helps keep you interface from becoming cluttered, helping you find apps more quickly. Some apps run in the background, which can cost you bandwidth and lead to poorer performance. If you haven’t used an app in an extended period of time, think about if you’re likely to use it again in the future.

Smartphones are better than ever, and they’ll continue evolving over time. Although devices are more rugged and durable than ever before, a bit of caution and maintenance can go a long way toward ensuring your phone lasts as long as possible.

Our highly knowledgeable team will take care of all your communication needs. Contact us now.

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source https://www.telcoworld.com.au/news-blog/how-to-maximize-your-phones-lifespan/

A Quick Guide To Mid-tier Smartphones

Smartphones have become an important staple of our daily lives. No longer are they luxury items sought out by the technologically minded. From communication and entertainment to navigation and banking, our phones play a pivotal role in many of our activities. However, their prices can be off-putting and downright prohibitive when it comes to top-notch devices. Choosing the right phone at an affordable price can be a cumbersome experience if you’re not familiar with the technical specifications and their meaning, and you might end up paying extra for features you don’t need.

This short guide will look at five smartphones priced below $500 AUD, highlighting their features and explaining the difference between them. In this price range, these devices often eschew state-of-the-art bells and whistles and yet are powerful enough to allow for a hassle-free experience.

The phones we propose are the Samsung Galaxy A5, the Motorola G5 Plus, the Huawei P9, the HTC U Play and the Oppo R9s. At a glance, they are very similar devices, roughly the same size, although aesthetically different.

Display

Screen sizes in these devices are the same, 5.2”, except for the Oppo R9s, 5.5”. Screen size is important if you plan to do a lot of reading on your phone or if you want to use it to watch movies or TV shows. Of course, a larger screen means a bulkier phone you’ll have to carry around.

When it comes to resolution, full HD is as far as you’re going to get at this price range. This means a picture 1920 pixels wide and 1080 pixels high, also known as Full HD. If it’s any consolation, lower resolutions aren’t too noticeable in smaller screens. The difference between 4K and FHD on a 55’’ TV would be huge, whereas on a phone screen it might require closer inspection to even notice.

The biggest difference between these phones is the technology used for the screen. Broadly speaking, the two different options are AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode) and IPS LCD (In-Plane Switching Liquid Crystal Display). Without going into technical detail, LCD’s present a sharper image, brighter colors and a wider viewing angle. On the flip side, it uses more power, and its components require more space, which means thicker phones. AMOLED shows darker blacks and higher contrast and requires no backlighting, which means less energy consumption. However, AMOLED’s have a shorter lifespan than LCD’s, are generally more expensive, and aren’t environment-friendly.

There is no consensus on which is better, so you’ll need to look at each kind of display for yourself the next time you’re out shopping.

Camera

One would usually think that a higher megapixel count is all that matters, but you must also take into consideration that a lower resolution camera might still have better sensors, shutters and focus speeds than their higher resolution counterparts. This translates into better pictures in different conditions, such as low light and moving objects. For example, the A5 has a higher megapixel count than the Huawei P9, both on the frontal and the selfie camera, but the P9 boasts a Leica dual lens setup that allows for more professional pictures. That said, larger megapixel counts are required to take higher resolution video, like 2K.

CPU and RAM

These two components determine how fast your phone works and how many tasks it can handle at a given time. Although bigger numbers are usually better, you may not see too much difference between a phone with 3 GB of RAM and one with 4 GB.

On the CPU side, more cores (quad-core, hexa-core, octa-core) with larger clock speeds (gigahertz, or GHz) mean a better phone. The apps in your phone don’t use all of the CPU’s cores at the same time, though, and a phone with four decent cores (> 2.0 GHz) and four smaller ones might be enough for your needs. For example, the Motorola G5 Plus has eight 2 GHz cores, while the HTC U Play has only four at that speed, the remaining four being clocked at 1.1 GHz. A regular user might not even tax the phone’s resources enough see a difference in performance.

Storage

Most of these phones come with 32 GB of storage, except for the Oppo R9s, which comes with 64 GB. You can expand this storage space by purchasing a microSD card, to add up to 256 GB extra space. Whether or not you want to do this depends on how you plan to use your phone. If you prefer to download all of your music, movies and TV shows, you’ll definitely need the additional card. On the other hand, if you usually stream this content using services like Spotify or Netflix, then you might get by with just the base storage space.

Battery

Battery capacity is expressed in miliamperes hour (mAh), and the higher the better. It means how much energy the battery can output in an hour. Non-replaceable lithium-ion batteries have become the norm, and the one aspect you should look out for is if it allows for fast charging. All of the phones have 3000 mAh batteries, except for the HTC U Play, which comes up short at 2500 mAh.

SIM Cards

All of these devices allow you to use two different SIM cards. This card holds your phone line data, such as your carrier and your phone number. Some people prefer to have separate numbers, one for personal use and one for their business. Having them on the same phone is obviously practical. The HTC U Play and the Oppo R9s cut some corners and only let you do one of two things: you can either expand the storage space with a microSD card, or you can use a second SIM card. Since they use the same slot, you’ll have to pick one.

In the end, you must choose the phone and phone plan that feels right for you. Most stores will have a display where you can examine each device and test out the camera, display, speeds, etc. You might find that a feature that many people prefer is actually not for you, as might be the case with the different kinds of displays. Hopefully, the information provided here will help you get the phone that best suits your needs.

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source https://www.telcoworld.com.au/news-blog/a-quick-guide-to-mid-tier-smartphones/

Why You Should Repair Rather Than Replace Your Smartphone

Gadgets don’t last forever, smartphones included. Whether you spill a liquid on it or accidentally drop it from your hand, your smartphone will finally succumb to damage at some point in time. The big question is, “will you choose to fix or replace your gadget when its day of reckoning comes?” Yes, the smartphone world is growing bigger by day due to technological advancement, and if you have seen the sexy and sleek curves of the latest handsets, then you probably understand what this means. But you don’t have to purchase every new device that comes on the market no matter how appealing it may be. Certainly, you have other needs to meet, and saving your cash may just be “smart.”

Unless your phone is due for an upgrade, it’s more advantageous to repair than replace it. The advantages of a smartphone repair include the following:

1. It Is Cheaper to Repair Than Replace

Consider this scenario: you just bought a smartphone that you have been admiring for many years. The handset accidentally falls down after only three months of use. You pick it up, but the screen has sustained a crack. You examine the phone and realize that other features are intact. Yes, the gadget does not appeal to you anymore, but do you have to ditch it and acquire a new one? You don’t have to. Typically, it will cost you more to replace your damaged handset than repair it. The truth of the matter is that no one wants to spend money unless it is necessary. Some smartphone damages are so minor that you don’t have to spend your cash buying a new handset. For instance, a cracked screen can easily be replaced without compromising the quality of your phone.

2. Data Preservation

Your smartphone is as good the data contained in it. Remember, you just don’t want to lose the video that was taken on your wedding day. If you took a photo with Leo Messi, one of the most talented, if not the most talented soccer player to ever kick the ball, you probably understand that some events happen once in a lifetime. Losing such a photo may mean more than you can imagine. And yes, many people may argue that phone data is something that can be recovered, but let us get real here- the recovery is possible if you have the data backup. If you don’t have the backup, then losing your gadget means losing your data. Even if you have a backup, you will still need to spend the better part of your time transferring the data to your new gadget if you chose replacement over repair. But is the transfer worth the time? Time is a scarce resource that should be utilized wisely. It is never recovered once it passes.

3. You Don’t Have to Learn Using Your Repaired Gadget

If you decide to replace your damaged handset with a new one, chances are that you may purchase a different handset. Remember, phone technology is so dynamic that new phones with more improved and admirable features are coming up every day. From a psychological point of view, an unknown stimulus object raises the curiosity of a human being more than a known one, and this is the nature of the human mind. However, a completely new handset comes with some responsibilities. It is not the phone you are used to. Probably, the phone has new features that you have never seen or used before. You will need time to study, understand, and use such features. It is a different story when it comes to repairing your phone. The repair does not come with any new features or functions, meaning that you will continue using your phone as you have always done.

4. Choosing a Good Smartphone Repair Service Provider

Repairing your smartphone can be the best choice for fixing your gadget problems if it is done right. Remember, repairing your handset means entrusting someone else with the gadget that means a lot to you. You just don’t want your phone to spoil any further. But how do you choose the right service provider that suits your needs? To answer this question, there are several qualities you need to look for in a good smartphone repair service provider. They include:

5. Reputation of the Service Provider

When choosing a suitable repair service provider, go to a credible provider with a good reputation. You can establish if the service provider has a good reputation by looking at the comments that people make about his service. If the service provider had a forum where clients post comments, be sure to access such forums. If you know of any person who has had his phone repaired by the service provider you are just about to hire, be sure to ask that person about the service provider.

6. Convenience

Do you have to travel 100 miles just to have your phone repaired? If your smartphone has a problem, you probably need it fixed within the shortest time possible. Go to a repair service provider who is near you. However, you don’t have to compromise the quality of the service because of distance.

7. Price

This is probably the most important factor to consider. Why not purchase a new smartphone if the cost of repair is almost equal to the cost of a new gadget? Some service providers may take advantage of your ignorance and charge you more than it is necessary. You need to be careful here. Compare repair prices from various service providers to ensure you end up with a fair price.

8. Bottom Line

Making a decision to replace or repair your smartphone is understandably not easy. In fact, it is a discussion that seems never to end any time soon. Most smartphones are made of delicate glass fronts. Glass is the preferred material for obvious reasons: it allows for a thinner front assembly and precise use of a touchscreen. These fronts can easily be replaced when they crack. Also, other common smartphone problems, including water damages, can easily be fixed without replacing your entire handset.

 

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source https://www.telcoworld.com.au/news-blog/why-you-should-repair-rather-than-replace-your-smartphone/

Is the Galaxy S9 better than the iPhone X?

It’s 2018, and a new Samsung Galaxy phone is almost out. The S9 isn’t a massive improvement over its predecessor, but when its technical specifications are displayed next to those of its closest competitor, the iPhone X, it seems to be the better choice, and with a gentler price tag at that.

When you’re looking to buy a top-tier phone, you want to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible. You want to get the most mileage out of it and make sure that it has the best components available. Apple and Samsung have always been head to head in the smartphone race, but I believe that in this lap, Samsung is taking a clear advantage.

A couple years ago both Apple and Samsung were in trouble. Apple was heavily criticized by its detractors for its decision to remove the headphone jack, a staple of personal electronic devices for decades. Samsung had one of its biggest failures ever when faulty batteries caused some phones to literally explode. In this scenario, Apple stuck to its guns, claiming that the removal of the port was a bold move made in the name of progress, while Samsung had to admit their mistake, apologize for it and correct it.

Apple has now taken a new bold move. They have removed the Home button from the iPhone X, and with it the fingerprint scanner that once gave us access to our phone. No headphone jack and no button on the front sure give the iPhone X a slick, clean look, and yet I can’t help but feel that instead of streamlining the experience, Apple is taking away options from its customers.

Samsung, on the other hand, has not only kept, but enhanced previous features. Accessing by fingerprint is still an option, and the sensor has been placed farther away from the camera lens to avoid mistakes. Facial recognition has been merged with iris recognition to produce a more reliable identification mechanism.

While some may argue over which method, fingerprint or facial recognition, is more secure, in the end, both features can be bypassed with a PIN number. Thus, the issue is not one of security, but of convenience. The differences are subtle, but having to pick up your phone and having to put it in front of your face is a little more effort than just placing the right finger in the right position. You would think that every time you need your phone, you’d be staring right at the screen, but this isn’t always the case. What’s worse, you’re no longer able to register another person for access to your phone, as you could with Touch ID. If your significant other wants to use your phone, they’ll have to use the PIN, and all the convenience of biometric identification goes out the window.

Time will tell if the decisions taken by Apple are revolutionary, or just aimless attempts at innovation by removing features. If the phone itself were superior to its competitors it wouldn’t matter much. But the fact remains that the Galaxy S9 matches most of the iPhone X’s features and exceeds many others.

The S9 boasts an eight-core processor (4×2.7 GHz Mongoose M3 and 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A55), where the iPhone X has only six cores running at lower clock speeds (2.39 GHz 2x Monsoon + 4x Mistral). The S9 has 4 GB of Ram, compared to the iPhone’s 3 GB.

With regard to storage space, Samsung offers three different models: 64, 128 and 256 GB internal storage, which can be enhanced with a microSD card up to 400 GB. Apple offers 64 GB and 256 GB models, without any possibility of adding extra storage. Of course, one may say that Apple offers its iCloud service, but that won’t do you any good when you need the space for a few extra apps or games.

The resolution of the screen is higher on the S9, achieving 1440 x 2960 pixels with a 570 ppi density, whereas the iPhone X stays at 1125 x 2436 pixels with 458 ppi density. Both devices have OLED screens, a technology that Samsung has been using since their first Galaxy phone.

Samsung is not without blemish, though. The S9 is a meager improvement upon the previous installment, giving Galaxy users little incentive to upgrade this year. The screen is precisely the same; size, resolution and pixel density remain unchanged. The improvements include a dual camera setup, superior storage space, and a slightly faster processor.

Both the S8 and the S9 are compatible with the Samsung DeX, a device that can turn your smartphone into a workstation. The DeX is a dock that connects to your TV, to give you a desktop environment where you can comfortably work with office suites, modify documents, edit pictures. All with mouse and keyboard support. This addition gives extra importance to the powerful processing capabilities of the S9, as it allows it to rival laptops and even some desktop computers. And it’s not all business. The S9 Mali GPU allows for mobile gaming that can also be transferred to your TV via the DeX.

I can see two kinds of people buying a Galaxy S9. The first are those coming from lower tier experiences, finally getting their hands on a top of the line product. These guys are most likely very familiar with the Android environment and will very seamlessly migrate to Samsung. The second kind are the people coming over from Apple products. For some reason or another, now that the time has come to upgrade their phone, they no longer feel identified with Apple. They might be puzzled by the changes made to the hardware, or are simply tech-oriented and can no longer deny that Samsung is giving them a better deal for their money, at least spec-wise. The change from iOS to Android might be trying for some of them, but they’ll eventually adapt.

Unless you are heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, this might be your chance to give Samsung a try.

 

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source https://www.telcoworld.com.au/news-blog/is-the-galaxy-s9-better-than-the-iphone-x/

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/