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

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

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

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

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.