How to choose a smartphone - expert reviews

When choosing a smartphone should be repelled primarily from the planned use of the device.

Content

1. How to choose a smartphone: what to look for
   
2. The main criteria for choosing smartphones
3. How to choose a smartphone on the "Android"?
4. How to choose a powerful smartphone
5. Which processor to choose a smartphone
6. How to choose a smartphone for 2 SIM-cards
7. Choosing a smartphone for the Internet
8. How to choose a smartphone with a good camera
9. What is the diagonal of the smartphone to choose
10. How to choose a smartphone with a good battery
11. How to choose an inexpensive smartphone (up to 10,000 rubles)
12. The best manufacturers of smartphones
13. Smartphone Video

How to choose a smartphone: what to look for

The main criteria for choosing smartphones are:

1. Operating system;

2. Processor and RAM;

3. Permanent memory;

4. The number of SIM-cards, their mode of operation and supported Internet standards;

5. Screen;

6. Camera;

7. Battery capacity.

8. Also important is the manufacturer of the device.

The main criteria for choosing smartphones

Smartphones are multifunctional devices. Therefore, their technical characteristics quite indirectly determine the specific specification. So, a smartphone with a good camera is suitable not only for mobile shooting, but also for everything else.

operating system

The main operating systems used in smartphones are Android, iOS and Windows Mobile. The rest of the firmware like Sailfish, Tizen, Ubuntu, Plasma occupy too small a market share, are intended for enthusiasts and therefore are hardly worth considering.

Android

Android is the most popular mobile operating system. Almost 70% of the smartphones on the market are equipped with it. However, it is worth considering that it exists not only in its pure form, but also in numerous variations like MIUI (in Xiaomi devices), EMUI (Huawei) or Flume (Meizu). In addition, the vast majority of manufacturers (Samsung, LG, Sony, etc.) make their own changes to Android, changing it in some cases beyond recognition.

However, both modifications, and third-party interfaces, and pure Android offer roughly the same features and similar user experience.

Despite the shortcomings, with careful use, the Android operating system shows sufficient functionality and practicality.

iOS

iOS is the second most popular mobile operating system. It is proprietary and therefore only available on Apple smartphones. The lack of fragmentation makes it quite optimized on any mobile devices from this manufacturer, so it works smoothly, both old and new iPhones.

Optimization, a good level of protection and ease of use makes iOS suitable for most users - especially those who do not like to experiment with the interface and other components of the OS.

 

Windows 10 Mobile

Windows 10 Mobile is the third most popular mobile operating system. Despite the fact that Microsoft has ceased its support in September 2017, smartphones with it can still be found on sale - from HTC, Nokia, HP and some other manufacturers.

The Windows 10 Mobile operating system is quite convenient to use and therefore is well suited for budget (costing up to 10 thousand rubles) smartphones.

How to choose a smartphone on Android?

The Android operating system with each new version is getting better. It has useful functions, increases autonomy, improves work with a large number of simultaneously running applications.

Therefore, choosing a smartphone, it is necessary to give preference to devices with the most recent version of Android.It:

1. Android 6.0 Marshmallow;

2. Android 7.0 / 7.1 Nougat;

3. Android 8.0 / 8.1 Oreo.

4. Smartphones running Android 5.0 / 5.1 Lollipop and “older” are not recommended for purchase.

In addition, it is desirable that the operating system was "clean", without any installed software from the manufacturer or deep modifications. Unfortunately, this OS is equipped only with smartphones from Nokia, Google and a number of Chinese manufacturers. Samsung and LG make quite deep changes to the interface, and Sony - not very (but tangible).

Of the third-party Android-based firmware, only EMUI (Huawei smartphones) and Flume OS (Meizu smartphones) can boast a good level of optimization. MIUI, the most famous "mod" "Android", is not very optimized and therefore on budget smartphones it can slow down and lag.

Processor and RAM

The processor and RAM are the brains of the device. It depends on them its speed in a variety of cases. So, a powerful processor allows you to run demanding applications like 3D or even AR-games, and a large amount of RAM allows you to work with a large number of programs at the same time.

In 2017, the optimal configuration value of the processor is 4 cores and about 2.0 GHz clock frequency, and RAM - from 2 GB.

How to choose a powerful smartphone

The most productive line of processors is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 series. And the most powerful to date (November 2017) is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835. The alternative is to MediaTek Helio X35 (or P35, they are about the same). Therefore, if the smartphone requires maximum performance, you should choose models equipped with processors of the series Qualcomm Snapdragon 800, MediaTek Helio X and MediaTek Helio P.

The amount of RAM is at least 2 GB. Better, of course, more. The standard in the flagships for 2017 is 4 GB - this is the amount of RAM installed in the Samsung Galaxy S8, Google Pixel 2 and LG G6. In some smartphones - Samsung Galaxy 8+, OnePlus 5 - even more RAM can be installed: 6 or 8 GB.

However, the Android operating system kernel cannot adequately utilize more than 4 GB of RAM, even despite the transition to the 64-bit architecture starting from Android 7.0 Nougat. Therefore, when buying a smartphone with 8 GB of RAM, you will need to reflash the kernel to a custom one, which includes support for so many “RAM”.

Which processor to choose a smartphone

If the maximum power from the smartphone is not required, you can pay attention to other, less productive ones - and at the same time less expensive processors. These are, for example, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 series and the MediaTek MTK67XX line.

Thus, the method of choosing a processor for a smartphone is as follows:

1. If you want the highest performance, then: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, 830, 825, MediaTek Helio X35, X30, X35, P35;

2. If you want high performance: Qualcomm Snapdragon 825, 820, MediaTek Helio from X15 and P15;

3. If you need sufficient performance: Qualcomm Snapdragon 800, 810, 815, MediaTek Helio any, Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 series any, MediaTek MTK6700 series any.

Smartphones on other processors of these lines are not recommended for purchase, as well as on Intel Atom.

On Kirin or Exynos can be taken - they provide sufficient performance at the level of current or previous flagships.

Permanent memory

The amount of permanent memory determines the amount of user data that can fit into a smartphone. In addition, the Android operating system and installed applications are placed on the internal drive.

1. As a result, the higher the amount of persistent memory, the better. In 2017, its minimum adequate volume is 16 GB. All user applications will fit into such an internal drive, and there will also be room for a couple of music albums in Loseless-quality or even a movie.

2. The optimal amount of permanent memory - 32 GB. In addition to user applications, this drive can accommodate a whole season of 13 episodes of a TV series in HD quality.

3. 64 GB or more will be required only by those users who are used to carrying with them an entire music library, video library, etc.

With a small amount of internal memory (32 GB or less) you can use a flash card to store user data. If you plan to carry films and other “weighty” content with you, it is recommended to take a smartphone with a slot for MicroSD.

The number of SIM-cards, their modes of operation, supported standards for mobile Internet

Native (built-in, without "crutches" from third-party developers) support for 2 SIM-cards appeared only in Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Of course, smartphones with several GSM modules were released before that, however, the quality of the networks in them left much to be desired. For example, the mobile Internet was available only on one SIM-card, and the second was used exclusively for calls and SMS.

Therefore, if you plan to buy a smartphone with two SIM-cards, you should make sure that it works on Android 6.0 or newer.

SIM cards in smartphones can operate in one of three modes:

1. Simultaneous. If a call is made on one SIM card, you can also receive it on the second one;

2. Expectations. If a call is made on one SIM card, the person calling to the second will hear something like “This subscriber is talking on the second line”;

3. Alternate. If a call is made on one SIM card, the person calling to the second one will hear “Subscriber outside the network coverage area”.

At the same time, the simultaneous operation of two SIM cards leads to an intensive discharge of the battery, waiting for a smaller one and alternating for a minimum.

Supported mobile Internet standards are also:

1. 2G is the slowest, up to 128 kbps. Suitable for communication in some messengers;

2. 3G is the best. Suitable for surfing the web, social networking, listening to music and watching movies online;

3. 4G is the fastest. Suitable for watching movies in high quality online, video calls, file downloads;

4. LTE-A is an enhanced 4G version that supports more streams to maintain speed while actively using the channel.

Each subsequent standard includes support for all previous ones - that is, smartphones with 4G-module can work in 3G and 2G networks.

How to choose a smartphone for 2 SIM-cards

When choosing a smartphone for 2 SIM cards, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

1. The version of the Android operating system - the fresher the better;

2. Mode of SIM-cards (simultaneous, standby or alternate);

Slots for SIM-cards. Most modern smartphones use a combo jack into which you can insert either 2 SIM cards, or 1 SIM card and a memory card. If you want to use 2 SIM cards and a memory card at the same time, you should pay attention to models with “spaced” connectors.

Choosing a smartphone for the Internet

When choosing a smartphone for the Internet, you should pay attention to the supported standard of mobile communication. Also important is the amount of RAM (the higher it is - the lower the risk of uploading a web page or an application).

Camera

Photographic abilities of a smartphone are affected by camera resolution, sensor model, processor model, camera optics, and other characteristics.

Camera resolution - the actual number of pixels on the sensor. Most smartphones use modules designed for 5, 8, 13 or 20 MP. For mobile shooting, 13 or 20 megapixels are enough.

The sensor model largely determines the quality of focus, color and saturation of the picture. The more “fresh” it is, the better. The most commonly used sensors from Sony, called IMX. After this letter code is a numeric set. The higher this three-digit number is, the “fresher” the sensor is.

Camera optics determine the saturation and clarity (exposure) of the image. For most users, Sony stock optics is sufficient, but if necessary, you can pay attention to models with lenses from Leica - for example, Huawei Mate 9 or 10.

Other characteristics include the aperture of the sensor (the lower it is, the better), the number of sensors (in smartphones of the middle and flagship classes, two camera modules shoot better than one) and the presence of additional functions (HDR + support, quality improvement software, two-color flash).

How to choose a smartphone with a good camera

Pay attention to the following parameters:

1. Sensor model (it is desirable that this is the IMX300 series. For example, the IMX333 is installed in OnePlus 3T);

2. The actual resolution (13-20 megapixels is enough);

3. Optics (preference should be given to Leica optics);

4. The processor (the more powerful it is - the faster the pictures will be obtained and the more beautiful they will be);

5. Focusing type (laser is better for macro and portrait photography, contrast is for landscape and city).

Screen

When choosing a screen, it is worth considering three characteristics - diagonal, resolution and manufacturing technology.

1. Diagonal - the actual screen size. It is measured from angle to angle (for example, from the lower left to the upper right). Determines the usability of the smartphone.

2. Screen resolution - the actual number of pixels on the display matrix. Defines the “smoothness” of the picture. On the other hand, the higher it is, the more energy the screen consumes.

Manufacturing technology is a structural solution by which a smartphone screen is manufactured. The following technologies are distinguished:

1. TN. It has low contrast, low saturation, low viewing angles. It is found perhaps in the cheapest smartphones;

2. Ips. It has a good color reproduction, wide viewing angles. Power consumption is directly dependent on the brightness of the backlight. Displays an untrue black. There are in almost all mid-range smartphones and some devices in the top-priced range;

3. AMOLED. It has excellent color reproduction, good viewing angles, excellent contrast. Energy consumption depends on the saturation of the picture. The disadvantage is that it burns out over time. It is found only in flagship smartphones;

4. IGZO. It has the maximum resolution, optimum power consumption, optimal contrast and color reproduction. It is found in a very limited number of smartphones.

Smartphones on IPS or AMOLED are recommended for purchase.

What is the diagonal of the smartphone to choose

The optimal values ​​of the diagonal:

1. 4 inches - this smartphone will be convenient to use with one hand;

2. 5 inches - some people with miniature palms will not be able to use the smartphone with one hand;

3. From 6 inches - in any case, you need two hands to use a smartphone.

The best diagonal value is 5 inches (or so).

The optimal resolution is for 4 inches 1280 × 720 pixels, for 5 inches and more than 1920 × 1080 pixels.

Battery capacity

The battery life depends on the battery capacity. The optimal value of this parameter is from 2800 mAh. A smartphone equipped with such a battery will “live” about 8-10 hours of mixed use.

How to choose a smartphone with a good battery

If you need a high autonomy of the smartphone, it is worth considering the following criteria:

1. Battery capacity. The higher the better;

2. Type of display. More preferably AMOLED or IGZO;

3. CPU. It is recommended to choose models with the smallest technical process (up to 16-20 nm). You can find out the value of this parameter from the specifications for a specific chip;

4. Operating system. The “fresher” the better.

Nevertheless, it is very difficult to accurately determine the battery life, since it is influenced by many factors - from the type of smartphone use to the quality of cellular network coverage.

How to choose an inexpensive smartphone (up to 10,000 rubles)

When choosing an inexpensive smartphone, you will have to compromise anyway. But the optimal values ​​of the parameters are as follows:

1. The operating system - the “fresher” the better;

2. RAM - at least 1.5-2 GB;

3. Permanent memory - at least 8 GB, a slot for a memory card is required;

4. Camera - from 5 MP;

5. Screen - IPS;

6. Battery capacity - from 2000 mAh.

Good budget smartphones are: Meizu m5, Huawei Honor 6A, Xiaomi Redmi 4X and some other models.

The best manufacturers of smartphones

The best manufacturers of smartphones are:

1. Apple Launches the iPhone lineup;

2. Samsung. Produce devices of all price segments;

3. Nokia.Recently I returned to the smartphone market with interesting devices;

4. Lg. Constantly receives support from Google;

5. Xiaomi, Huawei, Meizu - Chinese manufacturers, which you can definitely trust.

6. Also worth mentioning is the OnePlus company, which produces flagship smartphones at a relatively low price.

In the following articles, our experts tell how to choose a phone with a good camera and secrets choosing a Chinese smartphone.

Smartphone Video

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.