Which smartphone is right for you?
07 Jan 2014
With so many different mobile phones available, it can be hard to choose the right one to suit your needs.
There are lots of things to consider – is it more important to you that your phone has a great camera and lots of storage space so that you can take as many photos and videos of the grandkids as you like?
Or you might only use your phone once or twice a day so you may not be concerned with a long battery life. It is also likely that screen size will play a big part in choosing which phone is right for you as a larger screen may be easier to use.
There are a lot of phone brands out there but we will be looking at three of the top brands in the smartphone category – Apple, Samsung and Nokia.
Apple
Apple products are easy to use, and the iPhone is generally very simple to come to grips with. Apple also offers great customer service, just in case you find yourself needing help
Pros
- Applications are available to make the buttons and icons larger and easier to see.
- Simple to use.
- Fits in your pocket or bag with ease.
- Easy to use with your Mac computers.
- Only just fits comfortably in one hand without needing a second hand to operate.
Cons
- You can only use applications and music through the iTunes store.
- Shorter battery life than other smartphones – this can be due to extended use or if you take a lot of photos and videos.
- Battery not removable (in case it needs replacing).
- Screen is on the smaller side for smartphones.
Cost
The latest iPhone 5S has an RRP for approximately $869 - $1129 if you are buying it outright. More cost effective options come on 24-month phone plans with monthly instalment prices varying depending on the provider.
Samsung
Samsung phones can be a little more technical as they have added features that Apple do not use that you may not need. Despite this, the displays on these phones are much larger, improving visibility.
Pros
- Great camera.
- Large screen display.
- Long battery life (also removable, in case it needs replacing).
- Lightweight.
Cons
- Need to use two hands to operate.
- You need a PC, or compatibility software to plug into your Mac computer (this is needed to add music to your smartphone, or to transfer files such as photos from your phone to your computer).
Cost
The latest Samsung Galaxy S4 has an RRP of approximately $699 if you are buying it outright. More cost effective options come on 24-month phone plans with monthly instalment prices varying depending on the provider.
Nokia
Nokia once led the charge with its mobile phones as the brand of choice. However as technology has advanced, it has struggled to keep up with the innovations produced by Apple and Samsung. These phones are still great if you are looking for a smartphone with a large screen and good quality camera within a smaller handset than the Samsung.
Pros
- Large screen/display.
- Built-in AM/FM radio.
- Very good quality built-in camera.
- Windows 8 software (the latest Windows software to be released).
- Heaps of storage space plus a memory card slot where you can add extra storage space – basically you should never run out of space for things like music, photos, videos and contacts.
Cons
- Although it uses Windows 8 software, this is still behind some of the software used in other smartphones.
- Battery not removable (in case it needs replacing).
- Most memory card slots have to be opened with a special tool, which can be fiddly.
- Need to use two hands to operate.
Cost
The latest Nokia Lumia 1520 has an RRP of approximately $769 if you are buying it outright. More cost effective options come on 24-month phone plans with monthly instalment prices varying depending on the provider.
You may find that one brand is better suited to your needs depending on its different features. The best thing to do is compare each brand before making a decision and weigh up the benefits of each to and decide which one matches what you are looking for in a smartphone. If in doubt, most companies are happy to answer any questions you may
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