With so many phones to choose from, shopping for a new mobile isn’t easy. Getting the right phone for you is important, after all it’s going to cost you a fair amount of money. Today we’re answering all the questions that you have about mobile phone shopping, to make the process that much easier for you. So if you’re in the market for a new mobile, read on to find all the info you need…
What Features Do I Really Need?
Mobile phones come with long spec sheets detailing all the features of a phone. And a high end phone is going to have so pretty neat features. But truthfully, few people need all the features that are contained in an expensive device. If you’re an average user there are some specs that you need to look for though. A decent phone will have a screen of at least 4.5 inches, and processing power of around 1.5 GHz (or 1500 MHz). Beyond that you want to look for around 16 GB of internal memory, about 1 GB of RAM and an 8 MP camera. The phone should have 3G connectivity, but nearly all phones nowadays do. Larger specs than this just aren’t necessary for average users.
How Much Should I Spend?
To get a decent, mid-range smart phone you should be looking at paying around two hundred to two hundred and fifty pounds. Price depends a lot on features and manufacturers, but you should be looking at paying about that much.
What are the Best Mid-Range Phones?
There are plenty of options in the middle of the market, and a lot of your choice will come down to personal preference. However, a Samsung Galaxy S II, some of the mid-range Sony Xperias (the Xperia T, for example), or the HTC Desire range are all good, solid choices that will give you lots of features for not too much money. If you can spend a little more you might want to look at the LG Nexus 4, which has a lot of high end features but retails at the upper end of the middle market price range.
What are the Best iPhone Deals in the UK?
If iPhones are your thing then you are going to be spending a little more. The best iPhone deals in the UK are going to be on the iPhone 4S. This is an older model, but it’s extremely similar to the top end iPhone 5, you get the same build, same camera and same software. The iPhone 5 does have a bigger screen and a little more processing power, but it’s a lot more expensive. The best iPhone deals in the UK aren’t going to be on the newest model, unfortunately. But the iPhone 4S is still a great phone.
Which Operating System Should I Choose?
A lot of your operating system choice comes down to your personal preference. If you want an iPhone, you have to have iOS. Both iOS and Android are easy to use, fast and very popular. This popularity means that you’ll have plenty of choice when it comes to downloading new software or games for your phone. Windows is not such a popular choice, but it is a good system for business users, since it’s compatible with a computer Windows operating system. If you want a Blackberry, then again you have no choice; you need the RIM operating system. Unless you’re going with an iPhone, then Android is going to be your best bet, there are lots of Android phones and you’re more likely to get what you’re looking for.
How Do I Get the Cheapest Prices?
Online shopping is the best way to get the cheapest prices on mobiles nowadays. Not only are you better able to compare models and prices, meaning that you’re sure to get the cheapest deal you can get, but most retailers also give discounts to online shoppers. Buying online is going to save you money.
What About Buying from a Mobile Operator?
All mobile operators sell phones, but their prices do tend to be a little above average, so it’s generally better to go with a phone from another source. You can get some good deals on phones if you’re willing and able to sign a contract with a mobile provider, but that does really depend on the operator and which kind of phone you’re looking for. Generally though, you’re better off going with a phone from a normal electronics shop.
What about Budget Options?
The budget smart phone market is one of the fastest growing segments in the mobile phone world. If you can’t afford to spend a couple of hundred pounds on a smart phone, there are some pretty good budget options nowadays. Probably the best choice right now is the new Huawei Ascend W1. It has a larger screen than most budget smart phones, and is more than adequate for everyday use. It also retails for around a hundred pounds, so it’s cheap. You aren’t going to get fast internet speeds or high end gaming on the Huawei, but if you want the best smart phone you can buy for a budget price, then the Ascend W1 is an excellent deal.
Do I Need to Worry About Extras?
When you buy a smart phone it will come with everything you need, including the battery, charger, and generally head phones as well. However, there are a few added extras that you might want to consider buying as well. A screen protector is always a good idea for a touch screen phone; they’re cheap and will stop the screen from getting scratched. A case for your phone will also protect you from scratching the phone’s cover, not to mention giving you a little protection just in case you drop your device. Finally, depending on how much you spend you really might want to consider getting some mobile insurance. For just a few pounds a month you won’t have to worry about your phone getting lost or stolen, or even broken, so insurance is worth thinking about.
Friends of Sam Jones needed to find out about the best iPhone deals UK companies offered. Online comparison sites such as uSwitch were their first port of call to make sure that they saved both time and money
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