More people than ever currently own a smartphone. If you are in the market to replace yours, or if you are planning on transitioning from an older type of cell phone to a smartphone, the task ahead of you can seem overwhelming and quite a challenge. This is perfectly normal, and why shouldn’t it be tricky? After all, you want to find the smartphone that is right for you. There are so many factors to consider when you are choosing a new smartphone, and one that best fits your lifestyle, personality and needs. First, you should think about what you want out of the phone. Many smartphones share many of the same features, yet some of them have certain aspects that you will not find in others, whether by platform or simply by brand.
Image courtesy of NY Times
Consider Your Wireless Provider
One of the first things you should take into consideration is your wireless provider. For instance, if you are a customer of Verizon Wireless, you will have to factor in that the price for a data plan, whatever smartphone you decide to buy, will be pricier at $30 per month. If you are a T-Mobile customer, however, you will have access to data plans as cheap as $10 per month, regardless of which smartphone you purchase. At the same token, the three major wireless companies — Verizon, AT&T and Sprint all offer Apple’s iPhone, but T-Mobile still does not currently carry it.
What Mandatory Features Do You Want?
Think about what types of features are mandatory for you in your new smartphone. If you need a device that is ideal for web browsing because you plan on doing a great deal of it, you might want to consider buying a smartphone that has a larger screen. A touchscreen is also essential if you are set on doing much web browsing on your device. To that end, you might want to opt for a Galaxy Nexus, HTC Sensation, Motorola Droid Bionic or Samsung Galaxy S II, all of which have screens of at least four inches. Taking photos might be a big concern for you, so you will want a great quality camera. Many smartphones come with excellent cameras, and many have a rear-facing as well as a front-facing camera.
Perform Thorough Research
Do your homework before you make your purchase. This is the most important thing you can do when you are seeking the best smartphone for you. Read up on different types of phones on tech websites and blogs, especially on places like Consumer Reports and Test Freaks. Also, visit your wireless provider’s website and read up on all of the specs on phones you may be considering. Read reviews from consumers who have the phone as well, as this is one of the best ways of knowing what other individuals just like you think of it and what type of experiences they have had owning a particular smartphone.
Get a Hands-On Experience
Visit a store that sells smartphones, whether it is for your wireless provider’s or an electronics establishment like Best Buy. Take a look at smartphones that are sold at the store and get a good feel for the choices that are available. If you can, pick up several phones and literally get a good feel for them in your hand. If you are a big texter, play around a bit and press the buttons or around the screen if there are no physical buttons. Speak to a qualified salesperson and ask questions about the operating system of each of the smartphones available as well. After doing your research at home, you will probably have an idea of which OS you prefer, whether it is iOS, Android, Windows, BlackBerry or anything else. Following all of the most essential steps toward finding the best smartphone for you will pay off in the end. You will know what to expect and will certainly be pleased with your purchase, whether you got your phone for $100 in a deal with your wireless company or if you bought it $500 from a different store.
Author Bio: Stephanie is a single Mom that enjoys, in her precious spare time, technology research, and car insurance comparison. For relaxation, Stephanie enjoys long walks on the beach, and teaching her children.
