Smartphones have become must-haves for many Filipinos. According to a 2015 Tech Asia report, the Philippines had become the third-largest market for smartphones in Southeast Asia, just behind Indonesia and Thailand. Today, due to the growth of the middle class and the presence of more affordable yet high-caliber smartphones on the market, more and more Filipinos are able to buy them. It doesn’t matter if it’s for social media, online gaming, or simply email—indeed, the uses of smartphones have gone well beyond just texting and calling
However, like any item, smartphones depreciate with time and will have to be replaced. So if you’re thinking of getting a new phone or buying your first one, there are several kinds of mobile phones being offered in the Philippines market. The minimum requirements you should look for include the ability to connect to the internet, a screen with a resolution of at least 720p, and sufficient storage. If you’re still having a difficult time settling on one phone, here are three important features your next smartphone should have:
Long Battery Life
It doesn’t matter how high-tech or fancy-looking your phone is; if it runs out of battery, you won’t be able to use it. Thus, battery life is a critical aspect you should always check before buying a smartphone. For reference, manufacturers measure battery performance by milliampere-hours (mAh). Phones on the market usually start from 1700 mAh and can reach up to 5000 mAh depending on the brand.
To recommend, the next smartphone you buy should at least have 2000 mAh, which is usually enough to last a whole day. But in real life, the amount of power you need depends on how and how often you use your phone. For example, if you only use your phone for calling and texting, 2000 mAh is more than sufficient for you. On the other hand, if you keep a lot of apps open and play online a lot, a phone with a higher mAh will serve you better.
Sufficient Memory (RAM) and Processing Power
RAM (Random Access Memory) and processing power are crucial in order for all the tasks, features, and functions of a phone to run smoothly. If they don’t meet the minimum requirements, the phone may not operate as efficiently as you want them to, especially if you plan to use the phone for school or work.
To expound, RAM refers to a phone’s short-term memory, and any kind of computer—whether it’s a phone, laptop, or desktop—needs a bit of memory to function properly. More specifically, RAM allows you to multitask and use several different apps at the same time. Thus, if your phone has a higher RAM, the more applications you’ll be able to use. For the average user, 2 GB of RAM is usually enough. If however, you play a lot of games and multitask several apps, you should opt for a higher RAM for a smoother user experience.
Meanwhile, the processor refers to the part of the phone which converts action into visual changes on the screen. To check a phone’s processing power, look for the number of cores and the clock speed. The more cores a phone has, the more processes it can run. Most phones today have a dual-core processor, but higher-end phones can have as many 8 cores. As for clock speed, it determines how fast your phone works. For daily use, the recommended minimum clock speed is 1.84 GHz.
High-Quality Camera
Cameras used to be a bonus feature in mobile phones but today, they’re indispensable. Almost all will pretty much come with two: a main camera in the back and a selfie camera in the front. People constantly use them for different kinds of purposes beyond taking personal pictures. Workers need them to conduct online meetings, students use them for video projects, and overseas workers love them because it allows them to connect with their families. Indeed, you can’t overlook the importance of a high-quality camera.
For reference, the image quality a camera can take is measured in megapixels or simply MP. In the market, there’s a wide range of camera MP. Some cameras have as small as 8 MP while others can take photos up to 20 MP. To take decent pictures, it’s best to buy a phone with at least 12 MP for the main camera. Meanwhile, an 8 MP resolution for the selfie camera may sound basic but will still get the job done.
For business owners and other workers who conduct their businesses online, they should consider buying a phone with more than 12 MP—for both the main and selfie cameras. This is because a high-quality camera is an important asset for the online sector. Starting business owners can take pictures of their products and post them online. Aspiring bloggers, influencers, and YouTubers can also make the most of a high-quality camera to create content and build a following. Indeed, no matter what kind of occupation you’re in, a high-quality can be a significant tool in helping you accomplish your goals.
To conclude, make sure to consider these aspects the next time you go shopping for a new smartphone. Take advantage of online shopping and compare as many brands as you can. Make sure to check the seller and confirm the product’s authenticity as well. This way, you will surely acquire the right phone for you.
