First Smartphone Purchase

Many people have asked me lately about picking up that very first “smartphone”.  Between the advertising campaigns, the conflicting online reviews, and the hearsay of those who have them, selecting a first smartphone can seem like a daunting and off-putting task.   The goal of this blog is to hopefully remove some of the apprehension about launching yourself into modern times with the purchase of your first smartphone.

First let’s look at price point and purchase process.  Do not go out and buy the cheapest smartphone you can find.  A true smartphone is a tool.  It may not be a tool you understand right now, but you will.  What I recommend is targeting a top level device (which we will discuss further on).   They are expensive, but like most things you get what you pay for.  If money is a concern, look into obtaining top tier smartphone models from the previous year.  Very little of relevance changes from year to year but you can normally obtain a “last year’s model” at a significant discount.  In many cases, if you are prepared to sign a 2 year agreement with a phone provider, they can be had for either nothing or a small token fee.

What I can’t stress enough is to have your model picked out conclusively before you get a shop, carrier, or salesperson involved.  Please go into shops and physically check out the phones but don’t let a pushy salesman sell you something you may not want (they are all 100% commission salespeople and really pushy).   In many cases dealers are very interested in parting with devices they are either having trouble getting rid of, or devices at the top of their price point.  Again don’t be afraid to ask about previous year’s models and if they have stock.  Be very clear on the model as well.  Companies can release different models to different carriers.  Make sure you are getting the model you are looking for.  Also; ensure you have a warranty, and ensure that warranty covers everything including battery (the most common problem on any mobile device).    Also try to get a trial period with the device (most companies will give you at least 14 days).   Also, and it seems like common sense, READ YOUR CONTRACT!  Don’t sign without reading.  Make sure you can alter the plan if necessary.  Be aware as well that you will require a “data plan”.  The smartphone uses the internet for most of its features.  I recommend starting with at least 1 Gigabyte of monthly data.  You may not use it at first, but once you realize you can watch videos/movies on your device that data disappears fast, and overage charges are expensive.  

Now let’s look at smartphone models (very basically).  As with a computer (which is exactly what a smartphone is) there are two things to look at.  The first is the hardware and the second is the software.  The most confusing of the major software systems is the “Android” operating system.  Android comes on a myriad of phones in an equally confusing array of configurations.  Most really cheap smartphones run inadequate antiquated Android versions and should be avoided for purchase.  Consideration of an Android phone requires some homework on the part of the buyer.  In my experience the best Android phones are the “Nexus” line from LG (which is actually put out in conjunction with Google), the Samsung “Galaxy S” series phones, or the top tier Motorola (owned by Google) or Sony devices.   Again I will warn that you can buy the wrong Android.  A good Android phone works well, runs fast, and will be a great phone.  Many people who bash Android have experienced lower quality devices running the system.  Android requires a good processor and a good amount of memory.  The smartphones listed above have these attributes.

The other three major brands and smartphone lines; Apple iPhone, Nokia Lumia, and Blackberry Q/Z 10 phones are a little less confusing to deal with.  Each of these companies run proprietary hardware designed specifically to work with the software.  This is unlike Android which can be operated on several different hardware units.  Apple and Blackberry run their own proprietary software on their proprietary hardware.  Nokia Lumia smartphone hardware (the only Nokia’s worth looking at as a smartphone at the time of this writing) operates using Microsoft Windows.  These smartphones are optimized to run their software and all do so well. 

So which is better?

The answer is really none of them.  All of the above listed smartphones work well, are user friendly, and will make many aspects of your life easier.  Most will run the same third party “apps” (which is really the heart of a smartphone) and provide similar functionality; from their camera, to their screen appearance.  There are features that some systems have others don’t, but really for a first purchase any of the above will serve their purpose phenomenally.

So which do I buy? (Conclusion)

I recommend simply getting what your circle of friends use.  Smartphones are complex tools at first and there is a definite learning curve.  Support from current users is important, and let’s not forget that communication with your network of friends, family, co-workers, etc. is most of the point of a smartphone. Having the same smartphone as your circle of friends will save the hassle of trying to agree on third party communication “apps” which you may not be quite comfortable with yet (you will get there).   Phones of the same type communicate best with one another.

See You out There!