Shopping for the right smartphone got you stressed? Master the art of selection with these six key factors.
Never be overwhelmed again while choosing the right smartphone for you! Here’s our guide to help you learn how to pick the best choice that matches your needs, lifestyle, and budget.
1. Your Phone’s Purpose
Your phone’s purpose defines how much you will spend and how long the device will last.
Purpose | What Phone Type You May Need |
Basic phone functions | From basic phones to flagship models. |
Browsing and social media | Easy for budget phones. |
Gaming | Mid-range or flagship model is required. |
Photography and video recording | Mid-range or flagship model is required. Flagships for better results. |
Business and productivity | Large screens with good memory capacity and processors. Tablets are highly recommended. |
Secondary driver | A tanky battery is useful here, particularly if the device is for mobile hotspot. |
2. Your Lifestyle
Your lifestyle reflects your smartphone’s personality. For instance, an active lifestyle is better matched by a rugged smartphone than a gaming device.
Lifestyle | Related Key Specs |
Active/Outdoor | IP65 or higher, military standard compliance, resistances against scratches, drops, and bumps |
Travel | Multi-SIM support (Dual-nano, eSIM), multi-band support for 4G and 5G, NFC, big battery capacity, fast charging |
Entertainment | 1.5K or higher resolution, stereo speakers, audiovisual enhancements, excellent wireless connectivity |
Health and Wellness | Excellent processor, hardware support for detecting health-related metrics, seamless integration with health-centric wearables |
3. Your Budget
With a better idea about your phone’s purpose and your lifestyle, we’re inching closer to the right smartphone for you. But before you make that purchase, set a budget because even high-end models don’t cater to the same consumer base.
Our Smartphone Tier List is divided into three budget ranges and each range has an identity.
Tier | What to Expect |
Entry-level (10K and below) | Good enough for casual use720p, 90Hz displayBudget processor8GB RAM or lower128GB storage or lower18W charging or lowerLimited durability |
Mid-range (21K to 29K) | Good enough for casual and moderate intensive use1080p, 120Hz displayMid-range processor8GB RAM or higher128GB storage or higher18W charging or higherAverage durability |
High-end (30K and higher) | Good enough for almost everything1080p, 1.5K, or higher, 120Hz or higher displayUpper mid-range or flagship processor12GB RAM or higher256GB storage or higher25W charging or higherSuperior durability |
The details in “What to Expect” are no longer constant because some brands have introduced perks and features, which are normally found on higher end models. This is their way of designing the “right smartphone” for their audience.
Here are some of these perks:
- Bypass charging
- Dolby Atmos, JBL, Hi-Res audio
- LTPO display, variable refresh rate
- AI features for imaging, text, and digital assistance
- Color tone adjuster for the camera app
- Low ingress protection (e.g. IP54 dust and splash resistance)
- Basic display protection (Corning Gorilla Glass 5 or lower)
- Memory and storage optimizer
4. Your Preferred Ecosystem
Of course, you need to choose between three major ecosystems for smartphones: Android OS, iOS, and HarmonyOS. Android is the most common and essentially free, which is why many budget phones are running this OS.
iOS is premium but has significantly longer software support than most Android phones. You’re basically investing into the future of your iPhone. Many Android apps, even Google apps, are also available on the App Store. iOS is exclusive to the Apple iPhone.
HarmonyOS has its own separate environment wherein many popular apps aren’t available by default, such as Google and Facebook. The current global version of this OS still supports sideloading those apps via Android APK. But that’s a bit complicated for some people. HarmonyOS is exclusive to HUAWEI devices.
Some rough distinguishing description about these three:
Android | iOS | HarmonyOS | |
Ecosystem | Open-source, freeware, semi-unified via Play Services | Closed-source with some open components, unified | Closed-source with some open components, unified |
Cross-device | Requires Google app and services or brand’s proprietary services for PC and other devices | Supported on all Apple devices via cross-platform integration | Supported on all devices running HarmonyOS |
Customization | Yes with root access and bootloader unlock support | Root access not supported by default; certain privilege levels are allowed for app development | Root access not supported by default; certain privilege levels are allowed for app development |
Personalization | Yes, wide personalization options | Yes, limited personalization options | Yes, limited personalization options |
5. Network Compatibility
This section depends on your phone’s purpose and your lifestyle. Travelers should choose the right smartphone with a wider bandwidth support for 4G and 5G to support foreign SIM cards.
If you’re using 5G more than often, you should pick a model with dual 5G SIM support so you can easily switch between two 5G SIM cards.
Another factor that may be overlooked is the network lock. It isn’t a problem for those who have a preferred network provider, giving them access to excellent connectivity and paid plans. But you should take note of this when buying a smartphone via unofficial channels.
6. The Specs
Let’s get into the mix and match of user types and key specs.
Active | Traveler | Gamer | Photographer | |
Processor | Mid-range | Mid-range | Flagship | Flagship |
Display | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p or higher | 1.5K or higher |
Memory | 8GB | 8GB | 12GB or higher | 12GB or higher |
Storage | 256GB | 128GB or higher | 512GB or higher | 512GB or higher |
Battery | 5000mAh or higher | 5000mAh or higher | 5000mAh or higher | 5000mAh or higher |
Charging | 18W or higher | 18W or higher | 45W or higher; bypass charging preferred | 33W or higher |
Cooling | Passive | Passive | Active | Active or passive |
Durability | IP69K, MIL-STD 810H compliant | IP65 or higher | IP54 or negligible | IP65 or higher |
Utility | Infrared, night vision lens, very bright flashlight | Translation, navigation, compass | Performance modes, touch controls, gyroscope | Bright LED flash, imaging tools, video editing tools |
Connectivity | 5G, satellite, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.4 | Dual 5G, satellite, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC | Dual 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | 5G, satellite, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4 |
While all users deserve the best version of wireless connectivity, some users and their potential scenarios fit better. For instance, travelers need satellite communication in case mobile networks go down and NFC for wireless payments. Gamers and photographers tend to use more internet bandwidth for low ping and high data transfer.
Some Popular Choices
Lost in brands? We suggest these series to consider:
- Entry-level series:
- Infinix SMART
- POCO M
- realme Note
- Samsung Galaxy A
- TECNO SPARK
- vivo Y
- Mid-range series:
- HUAWEI nova
- Infinix GT, Infinix NOTE
- POCO X
- Redmi Note
- Samsung Galaxy A
- TECNO CAMON
- vivo V
- High-end series:
- Apple iPhone
- HUAWEI P
- POCO F
- realme GT
- REDMAGIC main series (9, 9 Pro)
- Samsung Galaxy S
- vivo X
- Xiaomi main series (e.g. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
The right smartphone is defined by you. No matter the price, as long as it meets your needs and expectations, it’s a great buy!
Confused about specifications? Get yourself familiar with our Beginner’s Guide.