Get the right SpecsProcessor:
The crux of the entire smartphone experience is the range of specs that make it possible. The processor on your phone impacts the response speed. Quad core processors are ruling the market these days to deliver a cutting edge experience in multitasking gaming and more. Dual core processors are still around but in phones that are priced more economically. Phones to watch out for are ones with the Qualcomm quad core processor and Nvidia’s Tegra 4 processor.
RAM:
The standard memory quotient in high end smartphones today is 2GB of RAM along with 16 GB storage. . Most phones come with a microSD slot to enable storage expansion. If you intend on storing a lot of HD videos and loading up on 3D games, opt for 32 GB of extra space.
Camera:
The key to recognizing a good phone camera is to not judge it by its pixel range. What boosts the quality of an image is the lens and the sensor size. For instance the camera on the HTC One captures images with 4MP but delivers pictures that are 300% brighter. Special features like having the extra front cam enables you to have video calls with friends too! Or being able to simultaneously shoot from both the front and back cameras (Samsung Galaxy S4). Most smartphones feature a front cam these days ranging from a VGA capable one to 2 MP.
Functional featuresKeyboard Type:
Smartphones may either have a touch screen feature, a qwerty keyboard or both. It is easy typing quick emails and messages with Qwerty however Touch screens make for larger screens and user experience.
Internet browser:
Smartphones that support Mobile Web 2.0 allow you to surf pages designed to be viewed on cell phones, while other smartphones support full Internet browsing capabilities.
Multimedia playback:
Bring music and video to your smartphone with an integrated MP3 player, video player, or multimedia player that supports both music and video.
Global Positioning System (GPS):
If your service provider offers turn-by-turn directions, consider a GPS smartphone with navigation software.
Network Connections3G/4G:
For more seamless email, messaging, browsing and downloads, look for 3G or 4G smartphones. 3G technologies are significantly faster than previous 2.5G data services.
Wi-Fi:
Tap into wireless 802.11b or 802.11g networks with a Wi-Fi-enabled smartphone so you can share files with computers on a network or access the Internet.
USB:
Look for smartphones that use USB to transfer data to and from your computer. Some smartphones can also charge over USB.
Find the Right Operating System (OS)iOS:
Apple fans will swear by the superior performance the iOS brings to you. The latest version is the iOS 7. The iOS may not be an open source system but this allows the makers to build an intuitive interface. Not to mention access to the widest range of third party apps exclusively built for iPhone and an environment that is immune to malware. The downside of Apple OS is that it's only available on Apple's iPhones.
Android:
The Linux-based Android OS makes for the highest selling smartphone range. Android-powered phones are quickly making up ground against Apple where apps are concerned, and the Android operating system is available on a range of phones, making it easier to find one that fits your life exactly. It allows customization too. Android OS is the most widely used OS across countless gadgets. The Android versions are struck by the sweet tooth having been named Jelly Beans, Ice cream sandwich, Honeycomb, Gingerbread and Froyo. Watch out for the latest Android OS 4.4 Kitkat.
Windows:
A great choice for business users, the windows OS brings Microsoft Exchange to sync your work emails and easy access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Windows Media. In short, it brings your PC experience to the mobile. So if you plan on getting a lot of work done on your phone, a windows phone will prove to be perfect for you. The OS versions being Windows 8 and Windows RT.
RIM Blackberry:
This one’s great for multitasking and the app store has caught up as well with 10,000 plus apps. If you plan on using a lot of apps on your smartphone, you might want to avoid getting a Blackberry. The Blackberry OS is great for using e-mail and Web browsing, but it doesn't have as many apps as other browsers. The latest OS version is 7.1.
Get the Right Screen Size
With the onset of the touch screen revolution, the size of a smartphone screen seems to keep challenging that of our pockets! , So what screen size is just right for you? To make the most of the smartphone experience, set 4 inches as your lower limit. Phones like the 4-inch iPhone 5 and 4.2-inch BlackBerry Z10 can be used comfortably with one hand without compromising on the world of apps. The bigger phones out there or phablets as they have been termed bring a two hand experience along with the optimal use of a pen-like stylus. The Samsung Galaxy Note II with its 5.5-inch screen is a popular phone in this category. Phablets are great for for Web surfing, watching videos, gaming etc.
So if you are not overwhelmed by larger phone screens, explore the 4.5 to 5-inch range with phones like the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One. Despite the big size, they are still portable while giving you the extra size to enhance your browsing and keyboard experience. However, you may find yourself stretching your thumbs a tad bit more to access the entire screen. So we suggest you hold that smartphone once and gauge your comfort before you buy it.
Battery Life
To identify a phone with good battery life, check the mAh rating. A short lived battery life can kill the smartphone experience. Power Saving features on phones help boost the battery life as well.
Your budget
Now that you’ve decided on what functional features you wish to have on your phone, key down on your budget. Today, smartphone prices start as low as Rs. 6,000 while providing you a world of features. Our browsing experience enables you to find the perfect phone that's just right for you.
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