TEST HOUSE

We test smartphones

BUYER’S GUIDE

• The screen is the most fragile but most integral element. Make sure it’s responsive to touch and large enough without being difficult to hold. • The thinner the bezel (sides), the more comfortable the hold and grip. • Android vs iOS: Switching between the two can be tricky – Apple’s software interacts only with iTunes; it has less file sharing/exchange and file type support. • Android: The processor is key, as is RAM. More RAM means faster/better app switching and multitasking without slowing down or screen freeze. • Know what you want most from your phone, and focus on its next iteration (ie. better camera vs better graphics) • If you want a killer camera, the phone needs good on-board storage or the option of an SD card for expandable memory. You’ll need this for 4k resolution. • Extra processors aren’t always better. Fewer processor ‘cores’ at a higher speed work for a faster phone, especially for graphics processing. • High megapixels don’t mean better photos. Consider image quality, aperture, speed, lens quality, performance in low light and autofocusing and processing. • Battery: If it isn’t sizeable, ensure it has fast charging (some devices without this feature take up to four hours to charge). A larger screen means shorter battery life. • Size: A large screen is great for watching films and web browsing, but the phone is more awkward to operate. For portability, choose a smaller screen size. • Display quality: Assess resolution, colour quality and viewing angles. A bright panel helps with reading outdoors or in direct sunlight. • Storage: Lots is needed for gaming and downloading. For more storage, choose a phone with a micro SD-card slot.