How to Buy a Smartphone
With the wide variety of smartphones available today, choosing the right one can be challenging. This guide is designed to help you navigate the process of buying a smartphone in Nigeria, Africa, or other similar emerging markets. As many individuals in these regions are purchasing their first smartphone, this guide will also assist you in identifying the best smartphone for your needs.
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What is a Smartphone?
A smartphone is essentially a mobile phone that runs on either Android or iOS operating systems, making your iPhone and Android phones prime examples. However, what truly defines a smartphone is its ability to function like a mini-computer. Its key feature is the support for third-party apps, which expand the phone’s capabilities beyond the manufacturer’s offerings. Additionally, smartphones come with various sensors that enable advanced features and functionalities.
Multitasking, or the ability to run multiple applications simultaneously, is another hallmark of a smartphone. For instance, you can browse the internet while receiving emails or social media updates in the background.
The easiest way to identify a smartphone is by its operating system. Generally, phones running the following operating systems are considered smartphones: Android, iOS (for iPhone), Windows 10 Mobile, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, Windows Phone, Asha Touch, Asha Software Platform, Nokia X (a spinoff of Android), Amazon Fire OS (a spinoff of Android), Firefox OS, Symbian, Maemo, Palm, WebOS, MeeGo, Linux, and Bada.
However, most of these operating systems are no longer used in new smartphones. Today, Android and iOS dominate the smartphone market.
Now that we can identify a smartphone, let’s move on to buying one.
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### Performance: Processor and RAM
Performance should be a top priority when choosing a smartphone. You want a device that provides enough power and speed to run smoothly based on your needs. The key components that determine this are the processor (also known as the CPU, chipset, or SoC) and the RAM. Together, they act as the brain of your smartphone.
It’s important to know which processor powers the smartphone you’re considering. Popular processor brands include Mediatek and Qualcomm. Samsung uses Exynos in some models, while Apple and Huawei use Bionic and Kirin chipsets in their smartphones, respectively.
By examining the chipset in your smartphone, you can easily determine whether it’s designed for high-end, mid-range, or entry-level use, as chipmakers create processors tailored to different market segments.
For example, the **Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1** powers top-tier devices. Samsung’s **Exynos 2200** and Huawei’s **Kirin 9000** cater to the high-end, while Apple equips its latest iPhones with the **A13 Bionic**. Mediatek’s flagship is the **Dimensity 9000 5G**.
Don’t be misled by the number of cores advertised. The processor’s grade is a more critical factor in determining smartphone performance. A high-end hexacore chipset can outperform a lower-grade octa-core processor. Factors like clock speed and efficiency also impact overall performance.
Mediatek is widely used in mid-range and entry-level smartphones but is often considered inferior to Qualcomm’s offerings. Mediatek’s **Helio G88** and Qualcomm’s **Snapdragon 695 5G** are popular choices for mid-range devices.
**RAM** (Random Access Memory) is the temporary memory your smartphone uses to run apps and the operating system. The more RAM you have, the better your phone will handle multitasking. More RAM allows you to run several apps simultaneously without slowing down the phone.
However, don’t focus solely on the amount of RAM. Like processors, RAM has different grades. A 6GB RAM in a high-end phone is likely higher-grade than the same amount in a mid-range phone, leading to faster read and write speeds and a smoother user experience.
For most users, **4GB to 8GB RAM** is a good balance. If your budget is tight, **2GB to 3GB** will suffice, though high-end gaming or productivity devices may offer **10GB to 16GB** RAM.
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**What is the Battery Life?**
Battery life is a crucial factor when choosing a smartphone, as it directly affects the overall user experience. Even with top-tier processors and ample RAM, poor battery performance can significantly diminish the usability of a smartphone. This makes battery life something you can’t overlook.
These days, a **4000 mAh** battery is a solid starting point. However, don’t be swayed by the battery capacity alone, as it’s only one aspect of overall battery performance.
A good benchmark is a phone that can deliver **12 to 18 hours of battery life** under average use. Keep in mind, however, that tasks like gaming or video streaming will drain the battery faster than lighter activities like playing music or making voice calls.
What Brand, Operating System, or UI Skin?
In emerging markets, the brand is often the primary factor when choosing a smartphone. Consumers tend to prefer well-established and trusted brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, Apple, Tecno, Infinix, Vivo, Umidigi, Oppo, OnePlus, Google, and Nokia.
While the operating system used to play a significant role in decision-making, this is less important today with fewer choices available. Historically, there were multiple operating systems to consider, but now there are only two: iOS and Android. iOS is exclusive to Apple devices, while all other major brands run Android.
There was a time when manufacturers like Nokia built smartphones for various platforms, such as Symbian, MeeGo, Asha Touch, Windows Phone, and the Android-based Nokia X. Today, the operating system choices are much simpler, with only Android and iOS remaining.
In the Android ecosystem, manufacturers distinguish themselves by creating their own UI skins on top of the Android OS, offering a unique user experience. Brands like Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Oppo customize their Android UI, while others opt for stock Android (pure Android).
In Nigeria and Africa, Android dominates the market with an 82.79% share, while iOS holds 15.53%, according to Statcounter. Android’s popularity in Africa is largely due to its affordability, flexibility, and customization options, particularly with budget-friendly brands like Itel, Infinix, and Tecno.
Although iOS devices, historically seen as aspirational due to their premium pricing, are gaining popularity thanks to the availability of refurbished iPhones at affordable prices, Android remains the go-to for most consumers in emerging markets.
Here are the smartphone operating systems and the brands that build on them:
- Android: Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Umidigi, Motorola, Lenovo, LG, Infinix, Tecno, Nokia, OnePlus, Sony, HTC, Alcatel OneTouch, Itel, Meizu, Gionee
- iOS: Apple (iPhone)
- Windows Phone/Windows 10 Mobile: Microsoft, Samsung, Alcatel OneTouch, Acer
- BlackBerry: RIM (BlackBerry)
- Asha Touch: Nokia
- Asha Software Platform: Nokia
- Symbian: Nokia
- Bada: Samsung
- MeeGo: Nokia
Note that many of these operating systems are no longer available on new smartphones, and are mentioned here for historical reference.
Is it Upgradeable?
Smartphones, like computers, can receive new features through software updates. However, for these updates to work, the phone’s hardware must be compatible.
This is why it’s a good idea to buy recently released smartphones to ensure they can support future updates and the latest features. A phone released two years ago will likely have outdated hardware, limiting its ability to handle new updates.
Always opt for newer models when buying smartphones, as a device released over 24 months ago may not be a good investment unless you’re only seeking a bargain.
That said, some manufacturers are known for not providing software updates even if the hardware supports it. Brands like Infinix and Tecno have been notorious for this, particularly with entry-level phones. However, they are now offering updates for their latest models, especially their flagship devices.
Brands like Nokia, Apple, Samsung, and OnePlus are more consistent in offering updates, though the speed and frequency of these updates may vary.
What Display Type and Size?
These days, a screen size of 6 inches or larger with a 16:9 or 20:9 aspect ratio (or somewhere in between) is ideal. Such screens provide ample real estate for web browsing, streaming, and watching movies on your smartphone.
However, the type of display is just as important as the size. OLED displays (including OLED, AMOLED, and Super AMOLED) offer an excellent viewing experience with superior contrast and deeper blacks. They are also more energy-efficient, leading to less battery drain.
On the other hand, OLED displays are typically found in high-end devices. For entry-level and most mid-range devices, you’ll commonly encounter TFT and IPS LCD displays. TFT is used in the cheapest models, while IPS LCD is more common in entry-level to mid-range smartphones.
Display resolution is another critical factor. You can choose between HD, HD+, Full HD, and Quad HD. Any display with at least 267 pixels per inch (ppi) will look good to the eye, though 320 ppi or higher provides a better visual experience. The higher the ppi, the better the quality, but this also depends on the type of display, color reproduction, and screen brightness. Premium brands like Apple and Samsung typically offer an outstanding viewing experience.
What About the Camera?
Most modern smartphones feature multiple rear cameras, especially high-end models, which often come with three or four lenses. Even budget devices now have dual cameras, with only the lowest-tier phones offering a single rear camera.
However, don’t focus solely on the number of cameras or the raw megapixel count. What really matters is how well the cameras work together to produce high-quality photos and videos, along with the image and video processing software built into the phone.
AI-powered features and filters can further enhance your photography. A good camera setup should cater to beginners who prefer a simple point-and-shoot option, as well as more advanced users who desire fine control over settings.
What is the Storage Space?
A good starting point for internal storage is 64GB, although some entry-level smartphones may only offer 16GB or 32GB due to budget constraints. If your budget allows, you can also find phones with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or even 1TB of storage.
It’s also important to check whether the phone supports expandable storage via a microSD card and, if so, by how much. This will give you an idea of the total potential storage capacity.
If a smartphone doesn’t support microSD cards, opt for the highest storage capacity model that fits your budget. Additionally, external storage options like the SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type C or SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive m3.0 are available for Android phones, while SanDisk iXpand and SanDisk iXpand Mini cater to iPhone users.
5G, 4G, or 3G?
A 4G phone is generally the best starting point today, providing a reliable internet experience. However, if your budget limits you to a 3G phone, it can still be a workable option, though expect occasional frustration with slower browsing and connectivity.
If your budget allows, consider investing in a 5G smartphone. However, 5G rollout is still limited in countries like Nigeria, other parts of Africa, and many emerging markets. Therefore, it might not be worth the extra cost at this time.
Additionally, there’s a risk that the 5G phone you buy may not support the 5G bands used by local networks in your country, leaving you stuck using 4G despite your investment. If you’re determined to buy a 5G phone, make sure it supports at least one of the 5G bands available on local mobile networks.
Manufacturer Support and Repair
Smartphones, like all electronics, can develop faults, so it’s essential to buy from a brand with a physical presence or a strong dealer network in your country. You don’t want a phone that’s difficult to repair or one where replacement parts are hard to find.
Brands like Samsung, Nokia, Infinix, Tecno, itel, Gionee, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo have strong dealership networks and service centers in Nigeria. Repair services and spare parts for these brands are widely available. Ensure that the brand you choose has local service centers in your country to ensure ease of repair when necessary.
Available Apps
One of the main reasons smartphones are so popular is the ability to run third-party apps, adding features and enhancing the user experience. While platforms like iOS and Android offer millions of apps, not all of them are designed with Nigerian or emerging market users in mind. Using a VPN can sometimes help access otherwise unavailable apps.
Android and iOS have a wide range of useful apps, many of which are free and essential for users in emerging markets. However, if there’s a specific app you rely on, it’s a good idea to check if it’s available for the smartphone’s operating system before making a purchase. Also, ensure that the version of the app offers the features you need.
What is your Budget?
In Nigeria today, the price of a decent smartphone starts around 100 USD. Smartphone prices vary based on features, user experience, performance, and design quality.
First, identify the essential features you need. Then, set your budget and look for a smartphone that offers the most features within that price range, focusing on the ones most important to you.
Don’t compare low-budget smartphones with mid-range or high-end models from the same generation—mid-range phones will typically outperform budget phones, and high-end models will outperform both.
Keep in mind that a smartphone that was considered high-end five years ago may no longer be cutting-edge today. To ensure you’re getting good value and performance, aim to buy phones that were released within the past two years.
Touchscreen, QWERTY Key, Slide, Flip, or Fold
Touchscreens have become the standard on virtually all smartphones today. In the early days, there were more options, with some phones featuring only touchscreens, while others included physical keypads, usually in a QWERTY layout. Some smartphones even had no touchscreen at all back then.
The removal of physical keyboards allowed for larger displays, which are great for browsing, reading, watching videos, and gaming. Touchscreens also make interaction more intuitive, which is why most modern smartphones no longer have physical keyboards.
Phones with physical QWERTY keyboards were once popular for faster typing, especially among heavy texters. However, the software-based QWERTY keyboards on touchscreens have evolved to be just as fast and user-friendly, if not more so.
Slide phones, like the old Nokia E7, tried to offer the best of both worlds by combining a large touchscreen with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. However, these phones were often bulkier due to the added hardware. With the improvements in onscreen keyboards, physical keyboards have become obsolete, and devices like the E7 have faded away.
Instead, innovation is shifting toward new flip and fold designs from brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Huawei. These designs feature additional displays, offering a fresh approach to smartphone functionality.
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