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How to find the right smartphone for you
Smartphones may have started out as the preserve of an elite few – but with the price of handsets dropping and contracts becoming correspondingly more affordable, it seems nowadays as though everybody has one. Defined as cellphones with the functions of a pocket PC, smartphones range from basic email-accessing devices to models such as the iPhone or BlackBerry Storm, which boast a staggering range of features and innovative applications. All smartphones come with their own plusses and minuses - the question is, which type is right for your needs?
Getting your priorities straight: The first question to ask yourself when choosing a smartphone is how you intend to use it. Are you a devoted caller and texter who needs an email function just for occasional use, or will you be emailing and surfing the web more often than making calls? Is it important that your phone is multi-functional, with a range of applications and slick features, or do you prefer simple over complex? All these considerations, and more, will affect the smartphone model that will suit you best.
Picking an operating system: The major operating systems include Symbian OS, iPhone OS, Palm WebOS, Samsung bada, Windows Mobile, Android, Maemo, Binary Runtime, Environment for Windows and BlackBerry OS. Which you choose is really a matter of personal preference, so be sure to do your research before buying.
Look at functionality: It’s all very well having an all-singing, all-dancing smartphone with a huge range of fabulous features – but if your mobile functions poorly on a day to day basis then an abundance of features will soon begin to seem unimportant. Make sure you also consider functional attributes such as memory, hardiness, battery life and speed when choosing a smartphone.
Features and applications: One of the great advantages that smartphones offer over standard mobiles is access to great applications libraries. This means that, in addition to the features which come built into the phone, it should also be possible to download plenty of system-enhancing tools to improve you handset’s performance. Apple has the greatest range of applications at the present, but Nokia’s Ovi Store and BlackBerry’s App World are quickly catching up with the market leader. Built-in features to look out for include Bluetooth, an MP3 player, a high resolution camera and an infrared port.
Choosing a contract: Last but not least, picking a good contract is almost as important as choosing the right phone. When you know which handset you want, shop around to discover which mobile provider if offering the best deal on that model. You shouldn’t have to pay the earth for a cutting-edge smartphone – Vodafone is offering the BlackBerry Storm 2 free on £30 pay monthly contracts. You may also be able to negotiate a handset upgrade with your current provider.
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