How to choose your smartphone? We will share some basic tips to choose the best smartphone if you want to change your phone now follow our tips. Over 30 different brands and prices ranging from 50 to 2,000 €: choosing a smartphone has become a real headache! Android or iOS operating system, screen size, power, internal memory size, camera quality, fingerprint reader… Here are the criteria to take into account when choosing a smartphone suited to your needs.
Table of Contents
IPHONE, THE PIONEER
In 2007, with its iPhone, the first phone offering a large touch screen and an intuitive interface, Apple defined the contours of the smartphone (see also our article 2007-2017: the smartphone revolution ). Today’s iPhone, however, has little to do with one of the days. Apple offers several models, with different screen sizes, but it has stuck to its original line of selling premium devices at a high price.
SAMSUNG: SMARTPHONES AT ALL COSTS
It must be said that the Korean manufacturer is multiplying the models to offer smartphones at all prices.
GOOGLE PIXEL, A TOP-OF-THE-RANGE ENTRY
After several generations of Nexus smartphones, developed by partner manufacturers, Google launched its Pixel range in 2016, now taking care of designing the devices entirely.
How To Choose Your Smartphone
Google pixel 4 and 4XL
HUAWEI, XIAOMI, ONEPLUS, THE NEW CHALLENGERS
In recent years, several Chinese manufacturers have entered the market with smartphones offering good value for money. With advanced models sold around € 400, such as the Huawei P10 Plus , the Xiaomi Pocophone F1 or the OnePlus 6 , these new manufacturers have been able to respond to the heart of the market. They then gradually broadened their offer with entry-level models and are now playing in the “star smartphones” court with very high-end models (for example the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro at 600 € or the Huawei Mate 20 Pro to 1,000 €).
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A LARGE SCREEN FOR MORE COMFORT
Diagonal
Restricted to screen diagonals of less than 5 inches a few years ago, the smartphone market has gradually shifted towards models offering a more generous screen, between 5 and 6 inches. But beware, from one model to another, the definition of the screen is not always the same (depending on the price of the smartphone). A panel of 1440 × 3040 pixels will be more comfortable than one of 1080 × 1620 pixels.
OLED and LCD
The high-end models now offer OLED screens instead of the traditional LCD. The difference between these two technologies comes from the illumination of the panel: the LCD is based on liquid crystals, the OLED on light-emitting diodes. Consequence: OLED screens are thinner, brighter and better contrast.
Definition How To Choose Your Smartphone? | Choose The Best Smartphones
Smartphones adopt different screen definitions. The higher the definition, the more comfortable the display is for navigation, photos and videos. The definition represents the total number of pixels displayed on the screen. The definition of a screen of 1280 × 720 pixels is 921,600 pixels. Resolution is the pixel density, measured in pixels per inch (ppi). The higher the resolution, the finer the display.
- “Real” 4K is a 4096-pixel cinematic format.
ANDROID, KING OF OPERATING SYSTEMS
Today, 75% of smartphones run on Android, Google’s operating system. Its only competitor is iOS, the Apple system, integrated into the iPhone, which represents the remaining 25% (source: Kantar, March 2019). Both offer an app store (Google Play Store and App Store, respectively).
Android
High-end smartphones integrate the most recent version (Android 9) as soon as they are released or are updated soon after. On entry-level models, manufacturers are content with an older version and don’t bother to develop updates . Users therefore do not benefit from software improvements or security updates that protect smartphones against viruses.
To distinguish themselves from each other, manufacturers add a “house” software layer that allows them to offer a graphical interface and some exclusive functions.
It is important to properly configure your Android smartphone to keep control of your personal data . Much of Google’s business relies on the sale of targeted advertising; the more he knows about you, the more his business flourishes.
ios
The latest iPhones (iPhone XR, iPhone XS) run on iOS 12. As always, this new version of the system is available for the five previous iPhone generations (the iPhone 5S, released in 2013, is the last to be released in 2013). enjoy). Just download it for free and install it from your iPhone.
How To Choose Your Smartphone
FROM 50 TO… 2,000 €: SMARTPHONES FOR EVERYONE
Less than 200 €
Many manufacturers offer models at fair prices, around 200 €, and the performances are there. Obviously, these smartphones do not incorporate all the latest technologies. No ultra high definition screen either, nor large storage capacities, but they largely cover daily needs. Note that these smartphones are not references when it comes to photos and videos. Our buying guide dedicated to cheap smartphones will help you to see more clearly.
From 250 to 400 €
According to our survey carried out in April 2018 , the average budget spent on a smartphone is € 326. This is more than enough to afford a good smartphone. Between 250 and 400 €, you will find smartphones properly equipped (processor, connectivity, screen quality), offering good audio quality in calls and correct photos and videos. But more often than not, you will not take advantage of the latest technological innovations, initially reserved for high-end smartphones. For example, if the smartphone incorporates a fingerprint sensor, it will be an average quality sensor, far from the ultrasonic sensor built into the Galaxy S10 screen.
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From 400 to 600 €
This budget allows you to afford a very good quality smartphone, equipped with a very good touch screen, offering sufficient storage (below 64 GB, make sure there is a memory card port), equipped a good camera. In this price range, you will also benefit, a priori , from regular updates of the operating system of the device (the key to enjoying a smartphone protected against viruses for a long time). This budget also makes it possible to consider a version of iPhone or Samsung Galaxy a little old (but nevertheless very powerful!), Or even a reconditioned smartphone (that is to say reconditioned by a professional before being relisted).
Between 700 and 1,200 €
Very comfortable budget, very high-end smartphone! Beyond 700 €, you will enjoy a device equipped with a large high-definition screen, sufficient storage (128 GB most often) and a good camera, probably equipped with several sensors (with ultra-large angle and telephoto to accompany the main sensor). The materials will be chosen (glass and aluminum) and the finishes meticulous. The internal components will be the most efficient at the moment (processor and graphics chip), which will allow you to play games, even resource-intensive.
Note that the battery life and the strength of the phone vary greatly from one model to another, regardless of the price. These two criteria are of course systematically evaluated during our laboratory tests.
How To Choose Your Smartphone
CHARACTERISTICS: FROM ESSENTIAL TO SECONDARY
Screen size and resolution
A large smartphone is certainly a little bulky, but it offers undeniable ease of use for checking mail or writing text from the virtual keyboard.
Storage
Install applications, take pictures, store videos, music… You are going to need internal storage! Opt for a smartphone with at least 64 GB. A memory card reader will allow you to increase the storage capacity as needed. Note that on some models offering two SIM card slots (read below), the memory card reader and the second SIM card slot are sometimes located in the same place: you will have to choose!
Camera
Good cameras are reserved for smartphones at a minimum of € 400. On some models, manufacturers have incorporated technologies specific to photography, such as optical stabilization, and software processing has improved significantly. Several smartphones are even equipped with a double lens, wide angle and telephoto (Huawei P9, iPhone 7 Plus, Samsung Galaxy Note 8, iPhone X, etc.) or even a triple lens (Samsung Galaxy S10 and S10 +, Samsung Galaxy A7 2018).
Video
Many smartphones now allow you to shoot in 4K (UHD 3840 × 2160 pixels). If the device integrates a good processor and a powerful graphics chip, the quality of the capture, fluid, is appreciable. But 4K videos are heavy to store (at least 200MB for 30 seconds of video). Of course, you can choose another resolution in the settings.
Dual SIM (or dual-SIM) How To Choose Your Smartphone?
If you need two phone lines, opt for a smartphone that can accommodate two SIM cards . You will easily switch from one to the other and you won’t have to carry two phones! Apple has already integrated a second “new generation” SIM card into its latest iPhones: it is in fact an e-SIM directly integrated into the telephone’s electronic circuit, which makes it possible to change plans in a few clicks. Curiously, this feature is not yet operational in France: the operators Bouygues, SFR, Orange and Free would not see it favorably… Weird!
Waterproofing
Less than a quarter of the smartphones we have tested in the lab to date are waterproof; however, this characteristic is very appreciable.
Drums
The battery life of the smartphone of course depends on the use made of it. The larger the screen, the more it consumes. Manufacturers compensate by integrating larger capacity batteries (around 4000 mAh) in their large-screen models. In our tests, we subject all smartphones to the same duty cycle. Result: at the same capacity, not all smartphones offer the same autonomy. Note that the battery of some models is compatible with fast charging, which significantly reduces charging time. For example, we charged the 3000 mAh battery of the Samsung Galaxy S9 in 1 hour 45 minutes.
GPS
Manufacturers of GPS boxes felt the tide a long time ago. On iOS as on Android, whether free or paid, the vast majority of navigation applications are well suited for occasional use. This is also the case for the one integrated by default in your smartphone (Google Maps or Maps). But these resource-intensive applications require high-performance smartphones (for our last tests, we installed them on iPhone 7 and Samsung Galaxy S7). Note that in our tests, we check the compatibility of smartphones with systems competing with GPS (American), namely Galileo (European), Beidu (Chinese) and Glonass (Russian); we have also found thatsmartphones compatible with Galileo are more precise than others .
How To Choose Your Smartphone
Facial recognition, fingerprint
These features are alternatives to the secret code to unlock your smartphone. They are quite practical, but not essential. Especially since reliability varies from one smartphone to another: we managed to fool the facial recognition system of half of the smartphones tested . As for the fingerprint reader, it is not always ideally placed on the device (on the back, for example) and sometimes lacks responsiveness.
ZOOM ON THE CAMERA How To Choose Your Smartphone? | Choose The Best Smartphones
Between 2006 and 2016, the digital camera market collapsed (–65.7%, source: GfK, November 2017). And for good reason: at the same time, smartphone photography has made spectacular progress.
Multiple sensors
After improving autofocus, manufacturers have massively adopted the dual rear camera to integrate a wide angle, a telephoto lens or play on the depth of field. The time has even come for the bidding: Samsung has integrated three sensors in its Galaxy S10, four in its Galaxy A9; Nokia even launched a smartphone equipped with five rear sensors!
The Google Play Store and the App Store offer many free photo apps that make it easy to enhance, personalize or share your photos from a smartphone (Lightroom, Snapseed, etc.). But not all are created equal .
REFURBISHED SMARTPHONES, A GOOD OPPORTUNITY
Refurbished smartphones already represent 10 to 15% of total smartphone sales in France. It must be said that the promise is enticing. These models are guaranteed to be 100% functional and sold 30 to 50% cheaper than new devices. There are mostly iPhones, but also products from other brands. We tested them , our results are rather reassuring but we must avoid certain pitfalls ( read our buying guide ).
How To Choose Your Smartphone
HULL, SCREEN PROTECTION, CONNECTED OBJECTS… DEAR ACCESSORIES!
Case and screen protector
Do not hesitate to spend a few tens of euros on protective accessories, including a shell and glass protectors for the screen. The manufacturers, in particular Apple and Samsung, offer very beautiful models (in leather, with LED lights…), but they cost 60 € minimum!
Earphones
All smartphones come with headphones, most of them wired. By launching its Airpods at the end of 2016, Apple once again set the tone for other manufacturers. These small wireless headphones, recognized by iPhones without the slightest pairing procedure being necessary, were a hit despite their price of 179 € (the Airpods 2, released in March 2019, almost only provide wireless charging. for any novelty and even cost 229 €!). This success is measured by the number of fake Airpods sold for a few tens of euros on the Internet! As a good follower, Samsung has launched its own headphones, the Earbuds, on the same principle (150 €).
Smartwatches How To Choose Your Smartphone? | Choose The Best Smartphones
In the continuity, the two giants also propose to supplement your equipment with a connected watch (Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch). These devices allow you to consult your messages (SMS, social networks), various applications (bank, weather forecast, etc.), to measure your physical activity (number of steps, swimming, running, etc.), to control your music, and sometimes even answer a call. Nice gadgets that are not essential, but quite fun! If you have a crush, our buying guide will help you make a choice.
BUYING: TIPS AND PITFALLS TO AVOID
Grant
In 2012, the arrival of the fourth operator, Free Mobile, freed up the “naked” smartphone market, ie sold outside of operator subsidies (therefore without associated subscription).
Refund offer How To Choose Your Smartphone? | Choose The Best Smartphones
Manufacturers very often resort to Money Back Offers (ODRs) when launching a new smartphone. This offer promises to refund some of the proceeds to you after the fact. It is based on the proof of your purchase, which must be sent by mail or on the Internet according to very precise terms. Be sure to complete your file very carefully , because at the slightest pretext, the refund will be refused.
TOMORROW, FOLDING SMARTPHONES AND 5G NETWORKS
In recent years, smartphones have improved without much major development. According to the announcements of some manufacturers, the next revolution will come from screens. In May 2019, Samsung will market the first smartphone with a folding screen, the Galaxy Fold (screen unfolded, the diagonal will reach 7.7 ”, or more than 19.5 cm). But innovation comes at a cost: € 2,020! Huawei also presented its first smartphone with a folding screen, the Mate X. Announced for the course of 2019 at a price of € 2,299, it will also be the manufacturer’s first 5G smartphone.
The second expected revolution comes precisely from this new generation of mobile network. 5G, the deployment of which has already started for a network announced to be operational in 2020, will be 100 times faster than the current 4G. Several manufacturers have already announced that they are working on compatible smartphones, such as Samsung, OnePlus, Sony or Oppo. But don’t rush! This compatibility will (again) increase the price of the smartphone!
