Finding the Right Smartphone For You

With a wide variety of new smartphones being released every few months, picking out the right one to buy can be challenging. There are a lot of good smartphones out there, but here are a few tips that should help you find the best one for you.

Before you head out to get a new smartphone, think first if you actually need one. How will you use your smartphone? Do you require features that are not available in a basic phone?

If you feel the need to have a digital camera and an MP3 player while on the go, getting a smartphone that has these features can make life easier. If you always need to respond to work emails or be updated with the latest tweets, then a smartphone can keep you connected. If you are not a gadget enthusiast, then it might not be practical to spend for the latest smartphone when you only need basic functions like texting or calling.

The operating system (OS) is the primary platform that supports the smartphone’s various operations. Choosing the right operating system will likely lead you to the right smartphone.

Apple’s iOS runs exclusively on iPhones, the latest model being the iPhone 6 Plus. It has a simple yet sophisticated interface that provides ease of use to less tech-savvy users. The iOS is usually first on the hottest apps and games.

AndroidTM is the most widely used operating system in new smartphones. It is an open-source OS, which means that it is flexible and easily customizable by various manufacturers. The homescreen, keyboard, and widgets, among others, can be very different between brands. Android also offers a vast number of apps (most of which are free!) from its applications store, Google Play.

Though struggling to pick up, Blackberry OS is still being used by business people for email and web multitasking. The latest Blackberry 10 focuses on security and privacy enhancements, making it one of the most highly secure platforms for users concerned about data and privacy.

Windows10 is also trying to catch up with new compelling features such as a universal app system which lets any app on your Windows PC to run smoothly on your Windows mobile, and Continuum which allows you to access content from your PC and display it on a big screen.

The most common place to buy smartphones is a retail store, usually found inside malls. There, you can physically experience the device before buying it. The salesperson is usually happy to give a demo of the smartphone while you get a final chance to decide if you really want it.

If you prefer your smartphone to be delivered at your doorstep, you can get that convenience from online shops. Online stores like Kimstore, Lazada, and Widget City offer smartphones cheaper than their mall prices. One downside is you can’t physically check the device before you receive it, but these shops usually accept returns of damaged and defective items.

When buying your smartphone, the most straightforward way to pay is with your hard-earned cash. No need to worry about monthly payables and interest rates. But if you don’t have cash at the moment, just swipe your credit card at the counter. Many credit cards offer 0% installment plans and flexible payment options.

If you have neither enough cash nor a credit card, there are stores that offer installment plans with no credit cards required. The most notable one is Home Credit, which only requires two valid IDs and gives approval within 30 minutes. And the deal sounds so appealing. Then again, if you sum up the monthly interest, you might be paying much higher than the original price so make sure that you can maintain the monthly payment and won’t regret paying the additional cost.