Do you usually need a new mobile phone soon?
You’ve come to the right place for the mobile phone decision guide!
Let’s get started!
Bad reasons for a new mobile phone
Hippy factor – no longer the latest thing
Many mobile phone manufacturers launch several models on the market every year because the horde buys everything that’s hip. However, not much has been happening in terms of smartphone technology for years. A hardware update just to have an update is not sustainable. Instead, try a new smartphone case, a new mobile phone background or different apps . Such changes often feel like a new smartphone because the feel and operation change.
Platform war – Apple / Android is better
If you’re thinking about switching platforms because everyone else is using the same platform, you’re on the wrong track. Peer pressure should not influence your purchase decision, but you should use the device that suits you best.
The price and lifestyle factor are poor indicators of a good device; for many devices you pay a lifestyle tax and not for the hardware.
Repair necessary, but under warranty
Many mobile phones are still under warranty. Smartphones contain standard components that are not reliable and robust. Send in your mobile phone at the manufacturer’s repair costs and receive a new or repaired mobile phone.
Spider-Man app installed
Cosmetic defects are not the end of the world. After a week you will have got used to the mishap and the break in the glass will no longer be noticeable.
Many smartphone manufacturers have to offer a repair programme that is cheaper than the purchase price of a new phone. This is more sustainable because the electronics under the display can continue to be used for a few more years.
Errors and bugs
You can fix many software errors with a software reset and your mobile phone is not responsible for many other errors: faulty apps.
Apple and Google do not check apps for functionality. Errors in the operating system(Android or iOS) are much rarer because the manufacturers test the systems intensively before they are published for millions of end devices. A single app from the App Store can be published by a single developer in one evening in a terrible state. A 3000 Euro Pro mobile phone cannot solve these bugs even with better hardware.
Good reasons to get a new phone
- No more security updates: Smartphones are so universal that many sensitive areas take place there: Banking, insurance and private pictures. As the manufacturers develop the firmware, they have to provide updates according to hardware release. In contrast to classic Windows computers (x86), there is rarely the option of switching to alternatives such as Linux (Smartphone Graphene OS), as banks irrationally demand the Google Play Service and Apple mandatory account. Google Play Service is a collection of background services designed to make banking apps “more secure”. Banks want to build the supposed “extra security” into the app.
- App not available on device: Profane reasons, such as a missing app, are decisive for the choice of device. Customers or employees have no choice, but must always use the end device that is prescribed. The manufacturers decide whether to offer the app on Android or iOS.
- Technical defect after warranty: Smartphones are not infinitely durable and are exposed to a lot of everyday hazards such as falls, water and dirt, compared to a desktop PC, which can often run for 20 years without a hitch.
Critical topic “better camera”
For many, the camera is the top criterion for choosing a new mobile phone. The problem is that the camera hardware has not improved significantly for years (in the TOP models). The limits of physics have been exhausted
Manufacturers have to come up with new refinements in the software to produce better images. A smartphone camera sensor is tiny compared to a full-frame camera. This means that less light per millisecond falls on the sensor. An iPhone 12 Pro has a sensor of only 1/3.4 inches for the telephoto camera and 1/3.6 inches for the ultra-wide-angle camera (small fingernail), while full-frame cameras have 24 × 36 mm sensors.
As manufacturers cannot outsmart physics, they try to “improve” the images with machine learning. The results are good, but do not correspond to reality (incorrect colours, oversaturation, contrasts where there were none).
If you want to take good pictures, you should try decelerated photography with a compact or DSLR camera. These devices can last a good 20 years and deliver images that correspond to reality.
Which camera should I buy? Compact cameras are suitable for beginners (thick smartphones). If you want even better quality and features, go for APS-C or full-frame sensors. Pictures become a conscious ritual and not a snapshot.
What to look out for in a new mobile phone
No alternative – security updates
Manufacturers should provide updates for their devices for 5 years from the date of release. Make sure that the seller does not sell you a device that is too old, as security updates are essential and necessary for many apps. Around 6 months after release is ideal, as the price drops the most during this time.
Accident – repairability
Since the new EU regulation, manufacturers must specify a repair index. If you have needed a new screen more often in the past, you should pay attention to these values.
I’m not talking to everyone – compatibility
Certain devices (Apple golden cage) and apps are only available for certain operating systems. Think about which devices you have at home and whether they are compatible. Many app providers offer an app for both ecosystems or provide a web application that you can use via your smartphone browser.
Nobody needs this- bloatware
Android comes in many flavours. Every manufacturer wants to add their own flavour. Some apps and functions load alongside the standard Android on the smartphone. Many functions are unnecessary, or you could install them via the App Store. On the other hand, there are smartphone manufacturers who pre-install extra apps as adverts to enable a lower sales price.
Green or pink – personal preference
In addition to all these aspects, personal preference is decisive in aspects such as colour, size or design. A large smartphone is not safer or better and does not necessarily have the longest battery life.
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