5 most important specifications on smartphones

Buying a phone can be overwhelming, with so many options available at so many different price points. You also need to decide which key specifications are important to you. To help you make your decision easier, we’ve broken down the smartphone specs you should look for when buying a new phone.

1. Screen size and refresh rate

5 most important specifications on smartphones
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Screen size is the most important factor to consider when buying a new smartphone. Don’t buy a device with a screen larger than 6.7 inches, as it’s too big and unwieldy for everyday use. This makes phones like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max great options. The Galaxy S24 Plus works well because it has a 6.7-inch screen with rounded corners, making it easy to hold.

But it’s not just about screen size. Refresh rate plays a big role too. Almost all mid-range and flagship phones in the Android world today have screens with refresh rates of 120Hz or higher. Currently, only the iPhone Pro models are equipped with 120Hz screens.

The problem is that once you get used to a phone with a 120Hz screen, you won't be able to go back to a lower speed because of how smooth it is. So while the iPhone 16 may be better than many high-end Android phones, many people will still choose the iPhone because of its higher refresh rate screen.

2. Battery life

There’s no point in owning a phone if its battery can’t last a day. This is even more important when traveling, as people often use Google Maps to help navigate and find places to explore in a new city.

If you're a heavy phone user, you should always prioritize battery life over other important aspects of your phone. But battery life isn't everything. Your phone should also charge quickly.

Here's why people prefer the OnePlus 12 over the Pixel 9 Pro XL. While both phones have great battery life, the former supports 80W fast wired charging, which can charge the battery to 100% in just over 30 minutes.

3. Processor

5 most important specifications on smartphones
A18 Pro Chip

You may not pay much attention to your phone's processor, but in the long run, it makes a big difference. A bad CPU can cause your phone to get hot all the time, drain your battery quickly, or cause performance issues with heavy use.

The SoC also plays a big role in determining how often a phone gets updates. This is even more important now with the advent of AI. You don’t want to buy a phone with an old chipset, even if it’s priced attractively.

For example, the iPhone 15 looks like a complete package when it launches in 2023. While the A16 Bionic will still be one of the most powerful mobile SoCs in 2024, it unfortunately doesn't support Apple Intelligence.

So when buying a new phone or recommending a phone to someone else, always go for the device with a newer processor.

4. Camera hardware

5 most important specifications on smartphones
iPhone 16 Pro Max

If you regularly take photos with your smartphone, you should always prioritize a great camera setup. However, don't just focus on raw specs, as the final image processing also plays a role.

For example, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has a more versatile rear camera setup than the iPhone 16 Pro. However, the iPhone 16 Pro is a more reliable snapper, while Samsung's flagship struggles to capture moving objects due to its slow shutter speed.

The iPhone also shoots better video with more detail and less noise despite not having a large camera sensor like many Chinese competitors. You can even tweak some of the camera settings on the iPhone to improve video quality even more.

Camera specs aside, modern iPhones can take better photos on social media apps like Instagram and Snapchat. If you value image quality more and don’t mind getting into your camera settings yourself, go with a top-tier Android phone, even if their video performance is inferior.

5. Modem

5 most important specifications on smartphones
Google Pixel 8a

You may not pay much attention to the modem or baseband of the phone you're buying. But after years of using phones from different brands and with different chipsets, a good modem is just as important.

The modem handles all network communication on your phone; a bad modem can lead to connectivity issues like dropped calls or spotty coverage. Worse yet, it can lead to excessive battery drain, affecting your phone's overall runtime.

For this reason, avoid buying Google Pixel and Samsung phones that use Exynos chips. These SoCs are paired with Exynos modems and their performance is often worse than Qualcomm's offerings.

You'll see a lot of poor call reception and network connection complaints from Pixel users online, as Android Police reports. The Pixel 9 seems to be better, thanks to the new Exynos 5400 modem.

Depending on your use case, you may prioritize a phone with a long battery life and a larger display over one with a good camera setup. However, as long as you consider the specifications mentioned above, you will be more than satisfied with your smartphone purchase.

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

Stunning pictures of the supermoon from around the world

Stunning pictures of the supermoon from around the world

Beautiful moon pictures are not rare on the Internet. This article will summarize for you the most beautiful moon pictures in the world.

AMD Ryzen Users Should Install This BIOS Update for a Free Performance Boost

AMD Ryzen Users Should Install This BIOS Update for a Free Performance Boost

Now, AMD has responded to the issues with its underperforming flagship CPU line with a new update that could deliver a few more frames per second.

Xs value drops from $44 billion to below $10 billion

Xs value drops from $44 billion to below $10 billion

In October 2022, Elon Musk spent $44 billion to acquire X, but the platform's value has now dropped 78.6% to about $9.4 billion.

How the Orion spacecraft is being protected from extreme radiation

How the Orion spacecraft is being protected from extreme radiation

When NASA's Artemis I mission successfully launches into space and begins its journey around the moon in 2022, there won't be any astronauts on board — instead, there will be two adult-sized mannequins.

How to make cleaning fun

How to make cleaning fun

Cleaning doesn't have to be a chore if you know how to make it fun. Here are some simple ways to make cleaning fun.

What is the Infinity Fortress in Demon Slayer?

What is the Infinity Fortress in Demon Slayer?

Demon Slayer: Infinity Fortress is getting a lot of attention from fans. So what's inside Demon Slayer's Infinity Fortress? Let's find out together!

ChatGPT May Be Running Silently on Your Phone and How to Fix It

ChatGPT May Be Running Silently on Your Phone and How to Fix It

Background Conversations keep a user's conversation with ChatGPT going while using other apps or when the screen is off. This means ChatGPT can listen or monitor a user's phone usage behavior 24/7.

Googles Gemini Responds With Weird, Repeated Nonsense Words to Some Users

Googles Gemini Responds With Weird, Repeated Nonsense Words to Some Users

Recently, some users noticed that Google Gemini has been giving repetitive text, weird characters, and complete nonsense in some responses.

Full code of Luc Tung Tam Quoc latest and instructions to redeem code

Full code of Luc Tung Tam Quoc latest and instructions to redeem code

Code Luc Tung Tam Quoc gives new players everything they need to start their journey.

Code Giang Ho Ngu Tuyet and how to enter code

Code Giang Ho Ngu Tuyet and how to enter code

Giang Ho Ngu Tuyet is an MMORPG game based on the five elements of mutual generation and mutual inhibition. With 5 sects: Shaolin, Minh Giao, Vo Dang, Duong Gia, Thien Nhan based on the five elements of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth.

MIUI 13 Wallpaper, MIUI 13 Wallpaper

MIUI 13 Wallpaper, MIUI 13 Wallpaper

MIUI 13 wallpapers with many different wallpaper themes from abstract to landscape, combined with vivid and attractive colors for users to choose from.

How to fix Your virus & threat protection is managed by your organization error

How to fix Your virus & threat protection is managed by your organization error

What do you need to do to resolve the error Your virus & threat protection is managed by your organization?

How to fix Chromebook not turning on

How to fix Chromebook not turning on

If your Chromebook won't turn on, you're probably feeling frustrated and hopeless. Luckily, many of the reasons why a Chromebook won't turn on are easy to fix.

Why should you always check app permissions before pressing install?

Why should you always check app permissions before pressing install?

Taking a moment to review your app permissions can save you a lot of privacy and security problems later on!

How to play Rengar DTCL season 14, standard items, lineup...

How to play Rengar DTCL season 14, standard items, lineup...

Rengar DTCL season 14 will play the main assassin role, with the ability to jump to the enemy with the lowest health and deal strong physical damage.