Smartphones & Tablets | November 23, 2023
The 21st century has undoubtedly been the era of communication transformation. We’ve moved from chatting on Messenger or writing emails to sending messages and audio clips via WhatsApp and private messages on apps like Instagram. This shift has been made possible by the explosion of smartphone usage, with a penetration rate of over 90%.
The first decade witnessed the birth of the iPhone and Android, leading users to transition from brands like Nokia and Siemens to relatively unknown ones at the time, such as Huawei and Samsung. The second decade saw the consolidation of the sector, with annual innovations making phone upgrades much quicker than before. However, in the current third decade, the industry has experienced a significant slowdown, and consumers are changing smartphones less frequently.
Today, users value the durability of their devices over three or four years, even if it means spending a bit more. The average price of phones recently reached 500 euros. Therefore, it’s crucial to know what to look for when buying a smartphone.
However, is still a country that highly values product prices, and smartphones are no exception. That’s why Black Friday is one of the best times of the year to buy a new phone—top models have already been released, and substantial discounts are offered, especially on previous-generation models.
The camera has become a key factor when buying a phone. While some may not prioritize it, most people want a phone that “takes good photos.” This statement means different things in the 200 to 300 euros range than in the 500 to 800 euros range, but there are always models that stand out.
Currently, there are phones in the 300 euros range that can deliver good performance in this regard. However, only the more expensive ones, priced at 800 euros and above (with some exceptions like the Xiaomi 13T), have the expected triple camera setup with a standard, ultra-wide, and telephoto lens with real optical zoom.
Following the camera, the display is the most important aspect for consumers. While panel quality is not always as valued as size, better screens enhance the overall device experience. Chinese brands like OPPO, Vivo, or Xiaomi typically offer more for less money in this regard.
Whenever possible, it’s better to opt for a phone with an OLED screen and a 120 Hz refresh rate. OLED provides more vibrant colors and deeper blacks, improving battery life. While not everyone values it, a higher refresh rate can always be disabled.
What rarely justifies the purchase is a QHD resolution unless it is critical, as the increased energy consumption is often noticeable, and the resolution upgrade may not be particularly appreciable for many users. Opting for a 4K display is even less common.
Buying a large-sized phone in 2023 is not challenging. Almost any device now has a screen size exceeding 6.5 inches with a 16:9 aspect ratio being the most common. The problem arises when searching for a small-sized smartphone, as options are limited.
Finding a small and affordable phone is nearly impossible, and only in the high-end range can interesting models be found. However, users looking for smaller phones are aware that this choice may involve certain sacrifices.
If the goal is to keep a phone for as long as possible, it’s essential that software updates meet expectations—not only for system updates but also for security patches, ensuring the device is less susceptible to external attacks.
In this regard, Samsung has been a reference for Android updates in recent years, although Apple has traditionally offered the most extended update support. However, Google has now decided to provide 7 years of updates for Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. Brands that stand out in this aspect include OPPO and Xiaomi, offering four years of updates for some models.
The best approach when looking for any product is to have a clear budget. This will lead to a more thoughtful search, reducing the chances of overspending. However, if an incredible deal is found for only a bit more than the budget, it might be logical to take advantage of it.
The budget needed to buy a good phone is not as low as it was five years ago when decent models were available for around 200 euros. Currently, cost increases, technological advancements, and a reduced offering in the lower catalog segments have pushed the realistic minimum price to around 300 euros.
Of course, each buyer has different criteria and needs, and recommendations always consider the price. While a 1400 euros phone will always be better than a 400 euros one, the latter may be more than sufficient for the buyer, saving a significant amount of money.
