Need-To-Know Guide on Choosing the Right Android Phone
Google’s Android platform has blown up the smartphone market because its open source platform means that developers can feel free to create nifty applications for the public without worrying about copyright issues as with Apple phones.
My favourite Android device is the new Samsung Galaxy SII mobile, although the Galaxy range also includes a variety of other mobile devices such as tablets and media players.
Android phones vary, since their open source platform means that they’re produced by many different manufacturers.
The following guide will give you some crucial factors to look out for when shopping for the Android phone that best suits your needs.
Design
Since Android mobiles are made by so many manufacturers, you will have a wide variety to choose from to match your design preferences.
One of the key factors to help you narrow down the list is whether or not the phone includes a full QWERTY keyboard, as with a computer. If you type lots of emails and texts on the fly, this will go a long way in making your life easier. Be aware that many Android phones these days are touch-screen-only, which not everyone finds convenient. Then again, a full QWERTY keyboard will add bulk to the phone, so you have to decide what your preferences are.
Another important design factor is screen size. Increasingly, mobiles are offering super-sized screens of 4-inches to 4.3-inches diagonally (or even bigger). While this will be great if you spend a great deal of time viewing images and video, it will also result in a chunkier phone. Again, the choice will boil down to your individual needs and preferences.
Lastly, screen resolution can be just as important as screen size – generally, the higher the resolution, the crisper the display will look. If this is key to you, the best way forward will be to visit the High Street retail stores to see for yourself what resolution capability different models offer. Also try out different lighting conditions, since this can drastically affect the display quality.
Software
Bear in mind that not all Android phones run the same version of the Android operating system, and not all of them have the capability of updating to the latest OS version as it becomes available. Because of the fractured nature of the Android OS in the marketplace, this is one of its greatest weaknesses, so take care, especially if you’re a tech savvy person who wants the most current software that a phone can offer.
All in all, the general rule of thumb is to make sure the Android mobile you buy today will still make you happy in a year’s time. When doing your research, it’s a good idea to also look at what will soon be available, since if there’s a greatly enhanced model about to be released, you might do best by waiting a little.
4G Speed
Replacing 3G, 4G offers the newest, most high-speed network available to date. Android phones were the first to run on super fast 4G, but not all models support it. So, if sonic speed is important to you, this will be a crucial feature when making your buying decision.
Camera
Factors to consider if your mobile’s camera is crucial to you are the pixel ratio (since this affects the clarity of display), whether the phone has an additional front-facing camera for video conferencing and whether it will record video and photos in HD.
Network Provider
These days, most all of the major network providers offer Android phones, which is a good thing as there’s no point in getting a swish new phone if you can’t get a good deal or decent reception on your service contract.
If you’re not best pleased with your current network provider and are considering switching, it’s a good idea to first ask you friends and family for their opinion, since this will be feedback you can trust. It will also give you a clear indication of which providers offer good reception in your area, since even the major suppliers have ‘dead spots’ in certain locations.
Secondly, there are many comparison websites online which allow you to easily scan the best deals currently available, so take some time to do your research.
Once you’ve narrowed down the network providers that most suit your needs, it’s wise to check whether they offer a trial period when you buy a phone with them. Although most providers will want to tie you into a lengthy contract in return for a good deal, you may be able to negotiate a 30-day trial period as part of that contract, allowing you to cancel it if the phone proves to have poor reception in your particular area.
Conclusion
While I am absolutely thrilled with my new Samsung Galaxy SII, there is a wealth of Android-based mobiles currently on the marketplace. The above information will help you narrow down your search criteria, but the most important thing is to clarify the mobile features that are most essential to you, as this will guarantee the right buy.
About the Author: Michael Dehomme is an electronics repair shop owner and Samsung Galaxy fan.
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