Smartphones

What Is a Smartphone?

A smartphone has many useful functions that a traditional mobile phone lacks. Find out what makes smartphones so special and all the features you can look forward to using.

1. Every smartphone has an operating system.
2. All smartphones support WiFi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
3. Wireless technologies guarantee convenient access to the Internet, your banking and e-mail accounts.
4. A modern smartphone is a good alternative to a compact camera or even a DSLR.
5. Another feature that every smartphone boasts is GPS support—ideal for finding out where you are and navigating.

Smartphone and Operating System

All smartphones have an operating system that manages all functions and technologies, controls the operation of apps and creates the user environment. The most widely used smart phone operating system is Google Android, followed by Apple iOS. How are they different?

Android Phone — Google Phones

Many of the world's leading manufacturers produce Android phones. Among the most important ones are Samsung, Huawei and Oppo. Android is also available for tablets and smart TVs. What are the specifics of Android?

iOS Smartphone — Exclusively from Apple

As iOS is an exclusive feature not found in other manufacturers' phones, smartphones with iOS means iPhones. What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Smartphone with Windows

Windows phones were made famous by Nokia. The environment was tuned to the style of the well-known Windows 8/10 operating systems and offered advanced possibilities of connection within the Microsoft world. Today, this series is already a thing of the past, but you never know—maybe one day we'll see it again.

Rugged Smartphone

Rugged smartphones feature reinforced designs and safety features that make them more resistant to damage from falls, foreign particles and water ingress. You can check the IP rating of smartphones for an indicator of durability.

Camera Phone — Smartphones for Photographers

Camera phones are smartphones with top-quality cameras. Their camera modules usually consist of multiple lenses with a range of advanced photographic features.

Gaming Phone — Maximum Performance

Gaming phones are powerful gaming devices that can handle even the most demanding titles. Gaming smartphones usually have sophisticated cooling and a high-capacity battery.

Smartphone — What Parameters to Focus On?

When choosing a new smartphone, pay attention to a few key parameters. Think about the size and resolution of the display, RAM size and internal storage capacity.

Smartphone and Display

Smartphones offer a variety of touchscreens that differ in screen diagonal, resolution and display technologies. When choosing a smart phone, focus not only on the size of the display but also on the resolution and type of technology.

In addition to touchscreen models, you will also find smart button phones

Smartphone Display Size

Display sizes are given in inches. Smaller smartphones rely on compactness and ease of use while larger smartphones (Phablets) are more suitable for using the Internet, playing games and watching multimedia.

• Smartphones with displays up to 5" are compact and ideal for one-handed operation.
• Smartphones with displays from 5" to 6" are a compromise between size and manageability.
• Phones with displays over 6" are perfect for watching movies and videos or playing mobile games.

Smartphone Display Resolution

The resolution of a smartphone display indicates the number of pixels per inch of screen. A higher resolution means a finer image with the disadvantage being higher energy consumption.

The most widely used resolution is Full HD. However, you can also find lower HD or higher QHD resolution. If you like watching movies and series on your phone, we recommend at least Full HD.

Smartphone Display Technologies

Smartphones have displays with different display technologies. OLED screens delight with superb contrast and low power consumption, while IPS displays offer high-quality colour reproduction. The cheapest smartphones often have TN displays, which are not as high in quality.

Smartphone and RAM Size

Processor and RAM size affect how well smartphones perform. RAM is a fast cache memory where the processor stores the data it works with most often.

• 1 to 2GB of RAM is enough for regular use, comfortable web surfing and playing less demanding games.
• 3 to 4GB RAM is enough for smooth operation even with many processes running at the same time.
• 4+GB of RAM will keep your smartphone running smoothly while running lots of apps and playing the most demanding games.

Smartphone and Storage Capacity

All smartphones have internal memory for storing user data. The key, however, is its size. Some smartphones do not allow you to expand the storage with a memory card, so choose carefully.

Price Also Plays an Important Role in the Smartphone Selection Process

Smartphones are available in many price ranges. Make your choice based on the performance and features you want from your phone.

1. Choose a smartphone under £170 if you do not require high performance and a quality camera.
2. Smartphones from £170 to £330 represent a compromise between performance and price.
3. Smartphones from £330 to £500 will satisfy users with higher demands on performance and equipment.
4. Smartphones above £500 are normally flagship models. They have the best components and cameras.

Smartphone Cameras — You Pay Extra for Quality

Camera resolution is given in megapixels. Simply put, the more megapixels, the better the picture quality. What else should you take into account?

• The number of lenses on the main camera greatly affects the photographer's options.
• Image stabilisers are responsible for taking sharp photos even when you or your smart phone are moving.
• Face detection allows you to find a face in the scene and focus on it.
• Lens speed (f) determines how much light the lens can use to render the subject.
• LEDs help when shooting in low light conditions and in the dark.

Dual-SIM Smartphone

Dual SIM mobile phones allow you to connect two SIM cards at the same time. This is a great option if you have a business and private number, or a regular and data SIM.

If you are serious about security lightly, take a look through our phones with fingerprint scanners.

Smartphone — Other Functions and Features

Smartphones can have a variety of other functions and gadgets to make them easier, more fun or more efficient to use. Which of them are the most interesting for you?

• LiDAR-enabled smartphones deliver fantastic portrait photography.
• Waterproof smartphones are designed for use in rain or underwater.
• Phones with fast charging can noticeably recharge the battery in a few minutes.
• A smartphone with memory card support offers the possibility of expanding internal storage.
• You can power up fast-charging phones by placing them on a charging pad—no more cables.
• A smartphone with facial recognition adds the additional security feature of facial scanning.
• If you want to connect wired headphones or a microphone, get a smart phone with a 3.5mm jack.
• Smartphones with NFC enable quick pairing of wireless devices such as speakers, headphones and more.

Get the Right Accessories for Your Smartphone

Mobile phone accessories is a rich category that contains everything you need for your mobile phone. You'll find covers, cases, protective glasses, spare cables, car holders and much more.

The best way to get the most of your smartphone and never miss a notification is to get yourself a smartwatch.