What to look out for in a phone before you sign the contract

With the recent release of the iPhone XR and the arrival of the Samsung Galaxy S10 just on the horizon, it’s easy to get tempted by big brands and flashy adverts. However, when you are investing in a new phone, it’s important to think about buying one tailored to your own needs. Mobiles are not cheap, and 24 months is a long time to hold a contract, so don’t be too hasty in offering up your signature. Here are four mains factors to consider:

Camera

If you use your phone for photography, there are models on offer – notably from Apple, Samsung and Huawei – that can give you stunning shots in the highest resolution. However, if you are not fussed about this feature, or have a camera with specialist lenses which already does the job, you could consider sacrificing megapixels for more practical functions. Also, don’t forget that to the untrained eye, the upgrades might not even be that noticeable.

Performance and battery life

The more powerful the phone, the more quickly it will run down, and – if previous Apple and Samsung models are anything to go by – the more rapidly your battery performance will begin to decline. A phone might be able to carry out 50 tasks simultaneously, but if you are out and about all day and it doesn’t last an hour, it may not be the one for you. Phones nowadays are used for any kind of purposes: work and personal emails; social media interaction with Instagram, Facebook and Twitter; and online games. Remember, there are some designs featuring removable batteries, meaning you can get yourself a spare.

Size

Though they are getting thinner and thinner, phones have been increasing in screen size for some time – see the new iPhones recently for instance – making them quite the handful. If you find them too clunky for your day to day routine, you might want to consider if a smaller phone like the Galaxy Mini series might be better suited. The specs are lower and the graphics less impressive, but you can still access many of the same features as the market-leading models on a far more manageable scale.

Durability

Are you the kind of person who drops your mobile on a regular basis? Do you have an active lifestyle or work around water? Then it’s worth remembering that some of the most snazzy phones often offer the least protection. When you are buying, check whether the phone is water and dust-proof or has any form of shock resistance or plating. Failing that, invest in a military-grade case and a screen protector – and perhaps a raincoat.

The editorial unit