SMARTPHONE SPECIAL..... Here’s your checklist before buying the next smartphone

Here’s your checklist before buying the next smartphone

What to look for when you have too many options of mobile handsets with identical specs

For anybody who is looking to buy a handset, the process of what specifications to look for may get a bit overwhelming. Here is a list of essential features that you must look for in the next Android smartphone you plan to buy:

1 Bigger and better display: 18:9 aspect ratio

It’s a feature that is prominent in all smartphones that have been launched since the beginning of 2018. While having an aspect ratio of 18:9 has no real impact on the performance of the device, it certainly adds to the aesthetic appeal of the handset.

2 Camera capabilities: Rear dual camera setup

Having a dual camera is now becoming the basic standard for smartphones. Even though a single rear camera is also enough — if it is powerful — having another secondary camera to assist the primary one is not hurting anyone. Make sure your next handset sports a dual camera.

3 Storage: Minimum 64GB internal storage

Most handsets lack what is called a dedicated microSD card slot and have a hybrid dual-sim card support. Also, you don’t get the complete internal storage at your disposal as some of it is used to run the handset’s operations. Therefore, it is essential to have a handset that has enough storage that doesn’t pop up every week saying you need to free up space.

4 Optimum battery: 3000mAh battery

Since the Samsung Galaxy Note 7’s debacle, smartphone makers have been cautious about not being the flag bearers of phones with massive batteries. However, to sustain one whole day of basic usage, a smartphone should at least be backed by a 3,000mAh battery, as anything below that is just not worth investing in.

5 Display: Full HD or better

The display quality of a smartphone is important as it determines how well your visual experience is going to be. While looking for a handset in a budget category, you can easily find one that comes with a full HD display of 1920X1080p resolution.

6 Ideal RAM: 4GB

The RAM capacity of the handset determines if your smartphone is capable enough to load the apps fast or is able to multi-task. With apps getting heavier, you need a handset with at least 4GB of RAM to help you sustain through the day.

7 Latest OS: Android Nougat with Oreo confirmed

Android Nougat may be the most used OS version today, but it is not the ideal operating system you should be looking for. Android Oreo, which was announced in 2017, is the latest operating system and should be at least confirmed to be making its way to your handset.

8 Processor : Quad-core or more

The number of processor cores in a CPU determines how fast and fluidly the handset is able to multi-task. So, you need to look for an octa-core processor when it comes to your next buy, and not a quad-core processor.

— TOI Tech