There will be a slew of questions running through your head while you look for a new smartphone. How long can I expect the battery to last? What is the quality of the screen? Will it be capable of multitasking? Even the most knowledgeable among us might be overwhelmed by the plethora of technical words and jargon used in today’s devices. With the lightning-fast speed of innovation in the mobile arena, new languages appear on a daily basis. Luckily, we’re here to assist you. We’ll go through a variety of smartphone specifications and terminologies in this post, with real-world examples to help you understand everything.
Important Features
A smartphone’s link to an app store is one of its most significant features. An app store is a centralized location where users can look for and download software programs for their mobile devices. Thousands of Mobile apps for productivity, gaming, word processing, note-taking, organizing, social media, and more may be found in a standard app store.
The following are some of the other key features of a smartphone:
A smartphone may also accommodate attachments such as Bluetooth headphones, power charging cords, and additional speakers. Because most smartphones have a flimsy exterior shell, owners frequently purchase screen protectors and more robust cases to safeguard their devices.
Smartphones receive regular software upgrades since they run an operating system and apps. Mobile operating systems are updated a few times a year by vendors. Individual mobile apps in an app store receive regular software upgrades, which customers can choose to accept or reject.
Smartphone Features Explained
Processor
This is the spec you’ll most likely see to indicate performance. Your phone’s processor is the beating heart and soul. Different processors are generally classified according to their speed, which is measured in gigahertz (GHz). Furthermore, contemporary processors include many cores, which are independent processing units that may tackle different tasks. Duties can be distributed among the cores, allowing for parallel processing and quicker output. Because they are generally a combination of many components on a single integrated circuit, such as the device’s radios for calls and data, as well as the graphics processing unit, processors are also known as “system-on-chips” or “chipsets” for smartphones and other mobile devices.
Simply said, the more cores and quicker the CPU, the faster your phone should be. Here are some more detailed definitions of processor-related terminology.
Manufacturers and brands (i.e. Qualcomm, MediaTek, etc.)
Processors for mobile phones are made by a small number of firms. Qualcomm is the largest and is in charge of the Snapdragon series. Snapdragon chipsets are used in the majority of smartphones running Google’s Android operating system, and Qualcomm has divided its products into four categories: 200, 400, 600, and 800. The CPUs get quicker as the numbers go greater under Qualcomm’s naming system. If you see the words “Snapdragon 835” on a phone, you’re looking at Qualcomm’s top-of-the-line CPU. A “435,” on the other hand, is a lower-end chipset.
MediaTek is the world’s second-largest CPU manufacturer for Android phones. Devices using these chipsets are more prevalent in Asia, however you may find them in the Americas and Europe as well. The Helio X series is MediaTek’s high-end CPU line, with the Helio P series following closely behind. The rest of the company’s products have less memorable names, beginning with MT67 and then a series of digits. As you may imagine, the higher the number, the more powerful the CPU – an MT6753, for example, outperforms an MT6738.
Other firms, like as Huawei with its Kirin brand, as well as industry heavyweights like Samsung and Apple, develop CPUs solely for their own products. Samsung’s CPUs are known as “Exynos,” but Apple uses the “A,” followed by a number, naming scheme. While the same concept of higher number = better performance applies to Apple’s CPUs, the A10 is also two years newer than the A8. There’s also the “X” series, which includes the A10X and A9X, although these are only available for iPads and have yet to make an appearance in a smartphone.
Gpu (Graphics Processing Unit)
A graphics processing unit, or GPU, is included with a mobile CPU. The GPU is in charge of a device’s visual output, particularly when it comes to the production of three-dimensional pictures. It’s most commonly used in video games and, more lately, augmented reality apps (in which the device “enhances” the camera feed with computer-drawn objects and effects).
Because the GPU is integrated into the smartphone CPU, there aren’t many direct comparisons across GPUs in different smartphones. Any phone with a Snapdragon system-on-chip, for example, will include one of Qualcomm’s Adreno GPUs. The higher the number, the better, therefore in the case of the Snapdragon 835, the GPU utilized is Qualcomm’s Adreno 540. GFLOPS, or floating point operations per second, are a better measure of performance when it comes to measuring GPU power.
Memory
On a smartphone spec sheet, memory is expressed in two ways, each of which depicts a distinct feature of the device. There are two types of memory: random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM).
Ram (Random Access Memory)
Random access memory (RAM) is a type of memory that stores active operations and programs. The first app is stored in your device’s RAM when you load it, dismiss it, and go to another app. This means that when you return to it, the information will still be loaded, allowing for faster access. More RAM is beneficial for multitasking since it lets you to move between programs and do numerous activities in the background at the same time.
The majority of modern smartphones have at least 2 or 3 gigabytes (GB) of RAM. 3GB is standard in the midrange, and high-end phones generally have at least 6GB or 8GB — though even that number is rapidly increasing. It’s also worth noting that having more RAM doesn’t always imply greater performance for a variety of reasons.
ROM (Read-Only Memory, sometimes known as “internal storage” or “flash memory”) is a type of memory that is used only once.
Read-only memory is more commonly referred to as “storage” because it refers to the amount of space you have to store files and media on your device. This is where you put a music on your phone, download an app, or take a photo. The majority of phones now have at least 16GB of storage, however 32GB is becoming more popular as customers want more capacity.
It’s also worth noting that you’ll never get precisely the amount of ROM you’re promised because the device’s operating system, as well as any later upgrades, will take up a portion of it. In other words, the quantity of data you’re unable to utilize may increase with time, which is why customers regularly look for additional storage elsewhere.
MicroSD cards (sometimes known as “external storage” or “memory cards”) are small flash memory cards that may be used to store data.
MicroSD card slots are found on many Android phones, allowing you to expand the storage capacity of your smartphone beyond what it already has. While you can save and move apps and media to the microSD card when needed, it isn’t the default choice on most phones, so you’ll have to manually send stuff there or direct your phone to save particular media types to external storage whenever possible.
MicroSD cards are available in a range of capacities, and most smartphones accept cards up to 256GB, allowing you to store a lot more material on your phone. Even better, they’ve gotten very affordable over time. With today’s MicroSD cards, you can double the capacity on a 32GB smartphone for less than $10. For additional details, see our article on how to utilize a MicroSD card with an Android phone.
Display
Display technology is always evolving, and the quality of a phone’s screen is influenced by a variety of factors. In marketing, manufacturers frequently emphasize aspects like size, resolution, and color representation. The display gets a lot of attention since it’s the first thing you notice or interact with when you pick up a phone.
Resolution (i.e. 1920 x 1080, 720p, QHD, etc.)
A pixel is one unit of the screen that is lighted to construct a picture, and resolution refers to the number of pixels present in a display. Millions of pixels are used in modern screens, and the amount is usually represented as a “width by height” figure in landscape format, such as 1,920 x 1,080. The greater the display’s resolution, the more pixels it can fit into a given space, and the sharper the visual quality.
720p and 1080p are the abbreviations for common resolutions like 1,280 x 720 and 1,920 x 1,080, respectively. The letter “p” stands for progressive scan, which refers to how each of the display’s lines of pixels is illuminated. However, this isn’t something that directly affects smartphones; instead, it’s more common in televisions and computer monitors.
720p is commonly referred to as “high-definition,” (HD), while 1,080p is referred to as “full high-definition” (FHD). A few years ago, 1,080p was pretty much the maximum resolution on a phone, but several high-end smartphones were lately debuted with “quad high-definition” (QHD) displays, which feature a resolution of 2,160 x 1,440. The term “quad” refers to the fact that they have four times the amount of pixels as a 720p monitor.
4K, or 3,840 x 2,160, is at the top of the food chain, with just a handful phones sporting such a high-resolution display at the time, such as Sony’s Xperia XZ Premium. Other flagship phones, such as the Galaxy S8 and LG G6, are more likely to be in the QHD range, however recent improvements in display design have made matters even more difficult.
Aspect ratio (i.e. 16:9, 18:9)
The ratio between the width and height of a screen is referred to as the aspect ratio. For a long time, phones and high-definition televisions have the same aspect ratio: 16:9. However, there has been a push in the industry towards larger formats, such as 18:9, in the last year. The Galaxy S8 and LG G6 both have displays that are about 18:9 in ratio. If you’re wondering why they don’t just call it 2:1, it’s all down to marketing – 18:9 sounds bigger, right?
The Galaxy S8 features a resolution of 2,960 x 1,440 pixels, which is somewhat higher than the QHD standard, which calls for a screen that is only 2,160 pixels wide. Samsung’s phone has a technical aspect ratio of 18.5:9.
Display Size And Pixel Density (PPI)
The diagonal measurement of a screen is taken from opposing corners. While screen resolution and physical size are key elements in influencing screen visibility and clarity, they don’t provide much information on their own. Because the same number of pixels are crammed into a smaller space, a tiny display at a given resolution will appear sharper than a bigger panel at the same resolution.
This is what the word “pixel density” means, and manufacturers usually refer to density in “pixels-per-inch,” or PPI. This is an excellent metric that, because it considers the device’s display size, may be even more revealing than resolution alone. It’s also handy for sizing up tiny phones: a 5.5-inch display at 720p would look very bad, but the same resolution at an inch smaller will provide a far better visual experience.
Have you ever heard Apple’s devices referred to as having “Retina displays”? While the phrase is purely marketing on Apple’s side, it is based on pixel density and the concept that the human eye cannot discern between individual pixels beyond a specific PPI range. For many years, Apple has stated that the threshold is 300 PPI while holding a phone around 10 inches from your face. Whether or whether that distance is a good real-world average is a point of contention.
Display technologies (LCD and OLED)
Because manufacturers have a range of technologies at their disposal in creating displays, resolution and aspect ratio don’t convey the entire story. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) are the two most prevalent (OLED).
Though there are some technical variations between the two techniques, the most significant distinction is in how pixels are lit in each application. LCD panels have a single backlight that lights the whole screen. That implies that even though the image shown is supposed to be completely dark, the backlight is still on and some light will shine through.
OLED displays, on the other hand, employ an organic substance to power each pixel separately. As a result, pixels may be switched entirely on or off, delivering pure black with no light emitted when turned off. When pictures are very dark, significantly less of the screen must be powered, which improves battery life. As a result, you’ll see a lot more OLED phones with unique features like Moto Display, which uses white text on a black backdrop to display alerts while the phone is locked and has no negative impact on battery life.
Given that major distinction, you may conclude that OLED is clearly superior to LCD, but it falls short in a few important areas. For starters, less light going through the screen results in a reduction in total brightness. There have also been claims of quicker burn-in and deterioration over time, but the primary disadvantage is that OLED panels are still difficult and expensive to manufacture. However, significant progress has been achieved in the previous decade, reducing the cost gap and eroding some of LCD’s benefits, and as a result, an increasing number of manufacturers are switching to OLED to power their displays.
In-plane switching, or IPS, is another word you’ll hear a lot when it comes to LCD screens. LCD displays may be made in a variety of ways, but IPS is by far the most common when it comes to mobile devices due to its wide viewing angles and accurate color reproduction. Twisted Neumatic (TN) is a technology that predates IPS and was utilized more commonly in early LCD panels because to its lower cost of production. However, even the most affordable smartphones now have IPS displays.
Though there are some technical variations between the two techniques, the most significant distinction is in how pixels are illuminated in each application. LCD panels have a single backlight that illuminates the whole screen. That implies that even though the image shown is supposed to be completely dark, the backlight is still on and some light will shine through.
OLED displays, on the other hand, employ an organic substance to power each pixel separately. As a result, pixels may be switched entirely on or off, delivering pure black with no light emitted when turned off. When pictures are very dark, significantly less of the screen must be powered, which improves battery life. As a result, you’ll see a lot more OLED phones with unique features like Moto Display, which uses white text on a black backdrop to display alerts while the phone is locked and has no negative impact on battery life.
Given that major distinction, you may conclude that OLED is clearly superior to LCD, but it falls short in a few important areas. For instance, less light going through the screen results in a reduction in total brightness. There have also been claims of quicker burn-in and deterioration over time, but the primary disadvantage is that OLED panels are still difficult and expensive to manufacture. However, significant progress has been achieved in the previous decade, reducing the cost gap and eroding some of LCD’s benefits, and as a result, an increasing number of manufacturers are switching to OLED to power their displays.
In-plane switching, or IPS, is another word you’ll hear a lot when it comes to LCD screens. LCD displays may be made in a variety of ways, but IPS is by far the most common when it comes to mobile devices due to its wide viewing angles and accurate color reproduction. Twisted Neumatic (TN) is a technology that predates IPS and was utilized more commonly in early LCD panels because to its lower cost of production. However, even the most affordable smartphones now have IPS displays.
Camera
While manufacturers typically emphasize megapixels in their marketing, camera performance is influenced by a variety of variables. Because cameras are already sophisticated devices in and of themselves, we’ll focus on some of the words most closely associated with smartphone photography in this section.
Megapixels (MP)
The resolution of a camera is measured in megapixels, with one megapixel equaling one million pixels. So, if a camera records a 12-megapixel image, you’re looking at 12 million pixels with a width of 4,000 pixels and a height of 3,000 pixels (though those numbers may change depending on the aspect ratio you’re shooting at). The resolution of your camera, like that of your display, determines sharpness and detail. However, it has no effect on color saturation, low-light performance, or aperture, all of which have a major impact on the appearance of your photographs.
Aperture (f/)
The aperture is the size of the opening that determines how much light reaches the lens. F-stop numbers, such as f/1.8 and f/2.2, are used to represent aperture. The smaller the number, the bigger the opening and the more light you allow in.
But here’s the thing: although a good digital camera will allow you to adjust the aperture, most cellphones won’t. As a result, the vast majority of phones’ cameras feature fixed apertures. This has an effect not just on your ability to alter lighting on the fly, but also on how the entire picture is captured. Shallower depth-of-field is created by using lower f-stops, which blurs the background of your photos while keeping the focus clean and clear. They’re also very useful in low-light conditions, a weakness of mobile photography.
Most flagship phones’ aperture values have decreased with time, with the Galaxy S8 having an f/1.7 lens, the iPhone 7 having an f/1.8 lens, and the Google Pixel having an f/2 lens. The general consensus is that all of these devices have excellent cameras, with the larger aperture and image processing playing a part.
Pixel Size (µm)
Each pixel in a picture corresponds to a photodetector site on the camera’s image sensor, and bigger photodetector sites absorb more light. This is the rationale behind HTC’s UltraPixel technology, for example: bigger “pixels” collect more light and hence perform better in low-light settings.
In addition to megapixels and aperture, pixel size is measured in microns (m). Some phones that place a high priority on camera performance may show this information alongside megapixels and aperture. For example, the Galaxy S8 has 1.4µm pixels, whereas the Google Pixel has 1.55µm.
High Dynamic Range (HDR)
High Dynamic Range (HDR) is a photographic technique that has made its way into the cameras of many contemporary phones in recent years. When you turn on HDR, your phone will capture multiple photos — generally three — when you click the shutter button. Each of these images will be shot at a different exposure, so you’ll get an underexposed photo that’s extremely dark, an overexposed one that’s too bright, and one in the center.
The phone will then build a composite from each of these exposures, pulling various portions from each to create a final image that is hopefully more balanced than a regular shot. Because they were obtained from the overexposed image, the areas that would ordinarily be lost to absolute darkness are brighter and hence more apparent. Because they were sourced from the underexposed image, the other portions that would ordinarily be way too bright would be toned down a bit and include more color.
HDR can be highly successful in some situations, but it can also result in an over-saturated or washed-out mess in others. Because every phone, like every photo opportunity, is unique, your results may vary. Fortunately, many phones preserve both a regular and an HDR copy of a photograph, allowing you to pick the finest example in every situation.
Dual Cameras
Dual cameras are becoming more popular in the market, however how each device handles multiple cameras varies. Many phones combine a second lens with extra software and image processing techniques to allow some really cool unique functions.
The iPhone 7 Plus, for example, combines a standard lens with a telephoto lens, which has a smaller field of vision. The iPhone can accomplish 2x optical zoom by using this second lens, which is a rare feat for a phone, as most phones can only perform digital zoom. It may also use the telephoto lens to provide a shallow depth-of-field effect for portrait shots with a blurred background.
The LG G6 is another gadget that utilizes its second lens in a new way, operating in a completely different manner than the iPhone 7 Plus. The second lens on LG’s smartphone, unlike Apple’s, is actually wider-angled than the normal lens. It’s great for large vistas and group photos because of this.
Other Terms
These are the three different sorts of connection ports that you’ll find on current phones, and they’re used for anything from charging to music playing. The newest standard, USB-C (or Type-C), is found on the majority of contemporary Android smartphones. USB-C is reversible, which means it may be plugged in in either direction, and it can transfer power and data more quickly than its predecessor, Micro USB. Apple’s proprietary Lightning connection, on the other hand, is exclusively found in the company’s own mobile devices. It’s also reversible, however keep in mind that none of these connections are interchangeable.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a wireless data transfer technology designed for short-range applications. Bluetooth is included on almost every modern phone, and it is frequently used for wireless communication between a smartphone and a linked accessory, such as a set of wireless headphones, a speaker, or a smartwatch. The most recent version of the technology is Bluetooth 5.
Data (LTE and Wi-Fi)
LTE stands for “Long Term Evolution” and is the most widely used cellular technology for transmitting and receiving data. LTE networks are operated by mobile carriers and allow your device to connect to the internet. Years ago, LTE supplanted many previous technologies, including HSPA+ (now known as 4G) and 3G, and 5G is reportedly the industry’s next move.
Data speeds are measured in megabits per second, or Mbps, and LTE customers in the United States generally get around 13 Mbps, according to current estimates. Furthermore, many users have a Wi-Fi network at their home or workplace, which allows them to access to the internet using a local connection rather than a mobile network’s towers.
You presumably already do this if you have other wireless devices, such as a laptop or a smart TV. Many cellular companies, on the other hand, meter your LTE data, and if you reach your monthly quota, you may be throttled or charged overage penalties. As a result, it’s a good idea to utilize Wi-Fi whenever feasible to prevent exceeding your carrier’s data limitations.
GSM, CDMA, and unlocked smartphones are available in the United States. GSM devices are compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile, but CDMA devices are only compatible with Verizon and Sprint. GSM is considerably more widely used across the world, which is why you should always consider purchasing an unlocked phone to avoid being bound to a certain standard.
NFC stands for Near Field Communication (Near Field Communication)
Near Field Communication, or NFC, is a wireless technology that operates through physical touch or across extremely small distances. As a result, NFC has become a popular mobile payment mechanism. You can store your credit or debit card to your phone and complete a purchase by tapping your device to the payment terminal if you have an NFC-enabled smartphone and a digital wallet software like Apple Pay or Android Pay. Many phones also enable NFC as a means of swiftly transmitting tiny quantities of data, such as pictures, between devices.
Water Resistance (IPXX)
Water resistance — the ability to survive splashes or submersion for a set length of time at a set depth — is becoming more common in phones these days. The IP rating, which refers to the industry-wide “International Protection” standard, encapsulates these characteristics.
IP ratings are numbers that indicate how well a gadget can withstand water, such as IP67 or IP68. The first number refers to dust, dirt, and sand protection, while the second is concerned with water protection. An IP67-rated equipment should be able to survive submersion for up to 30 minutes in water up to 1 meter deep. An IP68-rated gadget, on the other hand, can withstand 1.5 meters of water for the same length of time. The iPhone 7 is waterproof to IP67, whereas the Galaxy S8 is waterproof to IP68. Visit our guide to learn about the finest waterproof phones currently available.
A Long-lasting Battery
Even if your smartphone had a shrink-ray or could convert lead into gold, it would be useless without power. There are a few techniques to extend the battery life of your device, but in the end, a bigger battery will last you longer.
The uncontested king of batteries is the Droid Maxx. You’ll get close to 48 hours of use out of it. Although the Galaxy Note 3 offers a reasonable battery life of 12-16 hours, it still falls short of the Maxx. The iPhone 5S has a battery life of about 10 hours, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S4 has a battery life of around 9 hours.
Warp-speed Processing
In the smartphone arms race, speed remains the ultimate objective. When applications slow or swiping takes a lifetime, you notice.
The iPhone 5s is the world’s fastest smartphone. Its A7 processor is significantly faster than phones like the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the unexpectedly speedy Motorola Moto X. But don’t worry if your phone is running slowly; there are methods to speed it up.
Crystal-clear display
Smartphones are used for both media consumption and communication. On your smartphone screen, you watch movies, play games, and look at photographs, and you want the sharpest display possible.
Plenty of Storage Space
The storage capacity of most smartphones ranges from 16 to 64 gigabytes. Extra storage capacity is a great advantage, but you’ll be storing the majority of your material in the cloud these days.
Multiple Windows
On your PC, you’d never settle with just one window; why would you on your phone? Samsung Galaxy phones, as well as LG’s G2, Optimus and Enact are superb at letting you see multiple apps at once. Other Android phones, as well as the iPhone, only show one app at a time.
Infrared Remote Control
Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could control your TV from your phone? You’ll never have to look for the remote control again. Infrared transmitters and applications are included in phones like the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 to enable you manage your TV. Third-party infrared add-ons for the iPhone and other Android phones are available.
Fingerprint Sensor
The fingerprint sensor was perhaps Apple’s most talked-about feature on the iPhone 5s. Although it isn’t any more secure than standard lockscreen passcodes, it does save time. The HTC One Max Android phone has one as well, although there aren’t many other phones with one at the moment.
Wireless Charging
For those of you who don’t want to plug in your phone, this is a useful function. It’ll start charging as soon as you put it down. Don’t worry, wireless charging is completely secure.
Maximum Mobility With 5G
Adaptability is essential in today’s quickly changing corporate environment. Your midrange smartphone should allow you to work from virtually anywhere. The Galaxy A32 5G, A42 5G, and A52 5G all have high-speed 5G cellular connectivity, so all you need is a cellular signal to be productive while on the go. The Galaxy A42 also supports millimeter wave technology, which allows for download rates of up to 1.8GB per second (dependent on carrier network and other factors).
You may go unlocked if you don’t require a cellular connection, enabling your workers’ cellphones to connect exclusively via Wi-Fi rather than cellular data. This may save you a lot of money while still allowing you to use your mobile applications and processes to their full potential. All of these alternatives can help you reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) while avoiding vendor lock-in, giving you the most budget flexibility possible.
With so many inexpensive business smartphones to choose from, deciding which one best matches your needs may be difficult. You can easily filter out which smartphones won’t suit the bill by focusing on speed, storage, display size, camera quality, security, and flexibility. Once you’ve chosen the appropriate midrange smartphone for your fleet, you can be assured that you’ve made a wise technological investment.
Android vs. iPhone
Many people may misinterpret the term “Android device” to refer to a specific gadget that is comparable to the iPhone. Android devices, on the other hand, cover a wide range of devices that all run on the Android operating system. As a result, comparing device software would be more appropriate. Take, for instance, iOS vs. Android OS.
OS and Android Software
If a buyer wants a smartphone based on software, the two most popular options are iOS and Android. Many individuals may make a purchasing decision based on the software, but which OS they choose is a matter of personal taste, as both OSs work well. All iPhones use the same version of iOS, with differences coming solely in software upgrades. Android smartphones, on the other hand, have a far wider range of experiences. OEMs can add a “skin” on the operating system, allowing them to tailor the user experience.
Both iOS 13 and Android 10 are the most recent versions of their respective operating systems. Android has likewise abandoned the practice of naming OS versions after deserts. Pie, Cupcake, Éclair, Ice Cream Sandwich, and Lollipop were all popular prior Android food upgrades.
Smartphone vs. Cellphone
A cellphone is just a phone that does not require a landline. The user may make and receive phone calls with it. Text messaging is also available on some handsets.
Web surfing, software applications, and a mobile operating system are all available on a smartphone. A smartphone, on the other hand, provides features such as biometric support, video conferencing, digital assistants, and much more.