Is your old mobile phone no longer as fast and responsive as it used to be and have you decided it’s time to change your smartphone? Or maybe you are no longer satisfied with the features of your device and are looking for a phone that is better in terms of photo quality, battery life or performance? Well, then you’ve come to the right place: I’ll help you understand how to choose and buy the best Android smartphones that suit your needs.
If you feel overwhelmed by the impressive offering of Android smartphones, don’t worry: it’s perfectly normal. There are many models on the market and it is not always easy to choose the best high-, medium- or low-end Android smartphone. Spending the right amount for the best Android smartphone may seem like an impossible task: that’s why I want to make the task easier for you.
But first I want to give you some “tips” on which aspects to evaluate when purchasing: each Android smartphone has peculiar characteristics, which however are often obscure and difficult to understand. I don’t want to scare you, on the contrary: after you finish reading this guide you will become a true expert in purchasing an Android smartphone.
Index
Best quality-price Android smartphone
Samsung Galaxy A14See on AmazonSamsung Galaxy A34 5GSee on AmazonXiaomi Redmi Note 11SSee on AmazonXiaomi Redmi Note 12 ProSee on AmazonXiaomi Redmi Note 12See on AmazonSamsung Galaxy A33 5GSee on AmazonXiaomi Redmi 12CSee on AmazonSamsung Galaxy A23 5GSee on AmazonSamsung Galaxy A53 5GSee on AmazonXiaomi Redmi Note 11See on Amazon
Samsung Galaxy A14
The Samsung Galaxy A14 is a smartphone that stands out for its exceptional performance and elegant design. The device features a 6.6″ FHD+ LCD display, offering an ultra-vivid viewing experience thanks to its Infinity-V screen. The image quality is sharp and detailed, making every visual content a real pleasure for the eyes.
The design of the Galaxy A14 is minimalist and elegant, with fresh touches of color that make it unique and distinctive. Its thin and light body, with dimensions of 50 x 50 x 28 cm and a weight of only 201 grams, makes it comfortable to hold in the hand and easy to carry.
One of the strong points of this smartphone is its triple camera. The 50MP main camera captures crisp, crystal-clear images, allowing you to capture your best moments in stunning quality. The other two cameras offer additional shooting options, allowing you to take creative photos or capture images in low light.
The Samsung Galaxy A14 is powered by a 5,000 mAh battery, which guarantees long-lasting battery life. This allows you to use your smartphone all day without worrying about having to recharge it. Furthermore, the device supports fast charging, so you can get back to full charge in no time.
The beating heart of this smartphone is its Octa-core processor, which offers powerful and fast performance. Whether you’re gaming, browsing the web or using complex apps, you can count on immediate and smooth response from your device. With 4GB of RAM, the Galaxy A14 handles multitasking easily, letting you switch between apps without slowdowns.
Finally, the smartphone has 128GB of internal memory, expandable via microSD, offering ample space to store photos, videos, music and apps.Samsung Galaxy A14 Android Smartphone, 6.6″ FHD+ LCD Display, 4GB RAM, …See offer on Amazon
Samsung Galaxy A34 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G is a smartphone that combines high performance with an elegant and modern design. This device, equipped with the Android operating system, offers unprecedented connectivity thanks to 5G technology, making internet browsing, video streaming and online gaming incredibly smooth and fast experiences.
One of the strong points of the Samsung Galaxy A34 5G is certainly its 6.6-inch Super AMOLED FHD+ display . This high-quality screen offers sharp, detailed images, with vivid colors and deep contrasts. Furthermore, the 120Hz refresh rate guarantees exceptional fluidity when scrolling pages and using applications.
The aesthetic appearance of the smartphone is no different. The design is simple yet refined, with clean lines and a slim, lightweight body. The camera is seamlessly integrated into the body of the device, helping to create a minimalist and sophisticated look. The black color gives a further touch of elegance, making this smartphone a true design jewel.
The 48 MP main camera allows you to capture high-quality images at any time of the day. Thanks to this powerful camera, you will be able to capture your most important moments with sharp details and lifelike colours.
One of the features most appreciated by users is certainly the 5,000 mAh battery . This long-lasting battery allows you to use your smartphone for hours without having to recharge it, ideal for those who like to watch streaming films, play games or surf the internet for long periods.
Finally, the Samsung Galaxy A34 5G offers an internal memory of 128GB, expandable to store all your files, photos and videos. Furthermore, with 6GB of RAM, this smartphone guarantees smooth and fast operation, even when using heavy applications or performing multiple tasks at the same time.Samsung Galaxy A34 5G Android Smartphone, FHD+ Super AMOLED 6 Display….See offer on Amazon
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is a high-quality smartphone that offers an exceptional user experience thanks to its many advanced features. One of the main attractions of this device is its 108MP professional camera , which allows you to take stunning photos and videos with vibrant colors and high resolution. Additionally, the 8MP ultra-wide camera, 2MP macro camera and 2MP depth sensor offer a wide range of creative options for photography enthusiasts.
The Redmi Note 11S also boasts a 6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a DCI-P3 color gamut and a maximum brightness of 1000nit, ensuring sharp and detailed images even in bright light conditions. To complete the multimedia experience, the phone features two linear speakers that deliver immersive stereo sound, ideal for watching movies or playing games.
Another strong point of the Redmi Note 11S is its display refresh rate of 90Hz and touch sampling rate of up to 180Hz, which ensure smooth animations and lag-free transitions, significantly improving the user experience. This smartphone is powered by a 5,000 mAh battery , which offers high battery life to last all day on a single charge. Furthermore, 33W fast charging allows you to fully charge the battery in just 58 minutes.
The design of the Redmi Note 11S is elegant and modern, with an excellent feel to the touch. Despite its large battery, the phone is only 8.09 mm thick and weighs 179 grams, ensuring a firm and comfortable grip. The device is compatible with all wireless carriers and supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity technologies.Xiaomi Note 11S Smartphone (6+128GB, Gray)See offer on Amazon
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G Midnight Black is a high-quality mobile device manufactured by Xiaomi, one of the leading brands in the technology industry. This smartphone stands out with its superior performance and elegant black design.
The heart of the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G is represented by its powerful processor, which guarantees smooth and fast navigation. Thanks to its 8GB of RAM , the device handles even the most demanding applications without problems, allowing you to switch between apps with ease. The 256GB internal memory offers ample space to store photos, videos, apps and various files, avoiding the need to resort to external memories.
The standout feature of this model is its 5G connectivity . This technology allows significantly higher internet browsing speeds than 4G, making the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G perfect for streaming high-definition multimedia content or online gaming.
The screen of the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G is another strong point. With its large diagonal and high resolution, it offers sharp images and vivid colors, ensuring a high-level viewing experience for both movies and games.
The camera of the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G deserves a special mention. Equipped with several sensors, it allows you to take high-quality photos in any light condition. Advanced features, such as night mode and facial recognition, further enrich the photography experience.
The design of the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G is elegant and modern. The Midnight Black color gives a touch of class to the device, while the clean lines and refined finishes enhance its aesthetics.
Despite its high performance, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G also stands out for its energy efficiency. The long-lasting battery allows you to use your smartphone all day without worrying about charging it.Redmi Xiaomi Note 12 Pro 5G Midnight Black 8GB RAM 256GB ROM [Version…See offer on Amazon
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is a mid-range device that stands out for its exceptional performance and excellent build quality. With its large 6.67-inch screen, it offers a clear and detailed view of multimedia content, making it ideal for video streaming, gaming and everyday use.
The internal memory capacity of 128 GB provides ample space to store photos, videos, applications and files. This smartphone also supports advanced connectivity technology, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB and NFC, allowing users to always stay connected and exchange data quickly and easily.
One of the most impressive features of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is its Android 12 operating system. This operating system offers a smooth and intuitive user experience, with access to a wide assortment of applications and features. Furthermore, thanks to compatibility with all wireless carriers, this smartphone can be used practically anywhere.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is powered by a 5000 mAh battery , which ensures long battery life. This means you can use your smartphone all day without worrying about having to charge it.
The sleek and modern design of this smartphone is further accentuated by its gray color. Despite its generous dimensions, it weighs only 180 grams, making it comfortable to hold and carry.
In terms of camera, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 does not disappoint. Its powerful front and rear cameras capture sharp, detailed images, allowing you to capture your favorite moments with ease.
Although the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is a mid-range device, its performance and technical features are comparable to those of many high-end smartphones. Its combination of powerful hardware, intuitive software, and attractive design make it a great choice for those looking for a reliable, high-quality device.Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 16.9 cm (6.67″) Dual SIM Android 12 4G USB type…See offer on Amazon
Samsung Galaxy A33 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G is a latest generation smartphone that offers an excellent user experience thanks to its numerous advanced features. Equipped with a large 6.4-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED Infinity-U display , this device guarantees a clear and realistic view of content, with vivid colors and impeccable details.
One of the main attractions of the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G is its quadruple camera , which allows you to take high-quality photos in any situation. The 40MP OIS main camera captures sharp, detailed images, while the Ultra-Wide camera lets you widen the viewing angle to include more in the scene. Furthermore, the Macro Camera and Depth Camera offer further creative possibilities for your shots.
The Galaxy A33 5G is powered by a powerful 5nm Octa-core processor which, together with 6GB of RAM and the RAM Plus function, ensures smooth and fast performance even when using several apps simultaneously. Thanks to its 128GB of expandable internal memory , you will have all the space you need to store photos, videos, music and documents.
The connectivity of this smartphone is guaranteed by the presence of technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and NFC , which allow you to easily connect to wireless devices and networks. Additionally, the Galaxy A33 5G supports 5G technology , offering faster browsing and download speeds than previous models.
One of the most appreciated aspects of the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G is its 5,000 mAh battery , which guarantees extended battery life throughout the day, allowing you to use your smartphone without worrying about having to recharge it frequently.
Finally, the Galaxy A33 5G boasts an IP67 certification for water and dust resistance, making it an ideal device for those looking for a robust and reliable smartphone even in difficult environmental conditions.Samsung Galaxy A33 5G SM-A336B 16.3 cm (6.4 ) Hybrid Dual SIM Android …See offer on Amazon
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is a high-quality mobile device, with an internal memory capacity of 128GB and 4GB RAM. This graphite gray smartphone stands out for its elegance and refined design.
One of the strong points of the Xiaomi Redmi 12C is certainly the screen, which measures 6.71 inches. The size of the screen allows for optimal viewing of multimedia content, making the user experience truly engaging.
Connectivity is another important aspect to consider. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, thus ensuring a wide range of options to always stay connected. Furthermore, this smartphone is compatible with all wireless carriers, thus offering great flexibility.
The operating system on which the Xiaomi Redmi 12C is based is Android, one of the most widespread and appreciated in the world of smartphones. This operating system offers an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, as well as a large assortment of applications available for download.
As for the battery, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C uses a lithium-polymer battery. This type of battery is known for its long life and its ability to maintain an efficient charge over time.
The device also includes a MicroSD card reader, which allows you to further expand the storage capacity. This feature is particularly useful for those who like to take photos or record videos in high definition.
Finally, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C weighs only 200 grams, making it a light and comfortable device to carry with you. Despite its low weight, this smartphone does not give up high performance, thanks to the high-quality processor that powers it.Xiaomi Redmi 12C 4GB+128GB graphite gray unlocked without brandingSee offer on Amazon
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is a smartphone that offers a high-quality user experience thanks to its many advanced features. The device stands out for its 6.6-inch Infinity-V PLS LCD display , which guarantees sharp and well-defined images, making viewing content a real pleasure.
The design of the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is minimalist and refined, with a camera perfectly integrated into the back of the device. This detail not only adds a touch of elegance to the phone but also allows for a seamless using experience.
One of the most notable features of this smartphone is its Quad Camera system . The 50MP main camera allows you to capture high-quality images at all times. Plus, the ultra-wide camera expands your viewing angle, while the depth and macro cameras enrich your shots with stunning detail.
Another strong point of the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is its 5000 mAh battery . This long-lasting battery accompanies you throughout the day and beyond, guaranteeing extended use without having to resort to frequent recharging.
From a performance point of view, the smartphone does not disappoint. Thanks to the Octa-core processor and 4GB of RAM, the Galaxy A23 5G offers impressive processing power, ensuring fast and efficient performance. Plus, the 128GB of internal storage provides ample space to store photos, videos, apps and files. If necessary, the storage can be expanded up to 1TB with a microSD card.
In terms of connectivity, the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G supports 5G technology, ensuring faster browsing and download speeds than previous generations. Furthermore, the device has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectors for quick and easy connection with other devices.
Finally, the smartphone runs on the Android 12.0 operating system, which offers an intuitive user interface and a wide range of apps and services.Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Smartphone Android 12, 6.6” Infinity-V Display, …See offer on Amazon
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is a latest generation Android smartphone that offers a borderless user experience thanks to its 6.5″ FHD+ Super AMOLED Infinity-O Display . With a brightness of 800 nits, this device guarantees extraordinary visibility even outdoors and protects your eyes with the Eye Comfort Shield function.
The photography performance of the Galaxy A53 5G is excellent, thanks to its 64MP OIS main camera. Plus, you can experience different perspectives with the Ultra-Wide camera, customize focus with the Depth camera, and capture minute details with the Macro camera.
The beating heart of this smartphone is a powerful 5nm Octa-core processor, which ensures excellent performance for multitasking. The RAM Plus feature intelligently detects device usage and provides additional virtual RAM, allowing you to run apps smoothly and handle multiple tasks at once. With 6GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable internal memory, you’ll have all the space you need for your applications and files.
The 5,000 mAh battery lets you use your Galaxy A53 5G for long streaming, sharing and gaming sessions. Furthermore, thanks to ultra-fast charging up to 25W, you can quickly recharge your smartphone and get back into action immediately.
Another noteworthy aspect is the water and dust resistance of the Galaxy A53 5G, certified to the IP67 standard. This feature allows you to use your device without worries even in difficult environmental conditions.Samsung Galaxy A53 5G Android Smartphone, Infinity-O Display FHD+ Super…See offer on Amazon
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is a latest generation smartphone that offers an exceptional user experience thanks to its many advanced features and functionalities. The device stands out for its powerful 6nm Snapdragon 680 processor , which guarantees high performance and notable energy savings.
The smartphone features a large 6.43-inch FHD AMOLED display with DCI-P3 color gamut, offering vibrant colors and crisp details. The maximum brightness of 1000nit allows perfect visibility of the screen even in strong sunlight. Additionally, the two linear speakers positioned at the top and bottom of the device deliver immersive stereo sound, ideal for gaming and watching videos.
The Redmi Note 11 boasts a display refresh rate of 90Hz and a touch sampling rate of up to 180Hz, enhancing the user experience with smooth animations and lag-free transitions. With hands-free Alexa integration , you can use your voice to search, shop on Amazon, listen to music, and more by simply asking Alexa.
The camera on the Redmi Note 11 consists of a 50MP quad setup , which allows you to take high-quality photos and videos. The 8MP ultra wide-angle camera, 2MP macro camera and 2MP depth sensor offer a wide range of creative possibilities for photography enthusiasts.
The design of the Redmi Note 11 is elegant and modern, with a great feel to the touch. Despite its large 5,000 mAh battery , the smartphone features a thin 8.09 mm frame and weighs just 179g, ensuring a firm and comfortable grip.Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 – Smartphone 4+128GB, AMOLED FHD+ 6.43″ 9…See offer on Amazon
How to choose an Android smartphone
In the next paragraphs you will find all the information you need to know to consciously purchase the best Android smartphone that suits you and your use. That’s why, before starting, I would like you to spend a few minutes reading the features that distinguish the different models to find the best Android phone for you. This way you will be more informed before finalizing the purchase and you will be able to consider yourself a satisfied user once you have made your purchase.
Processor and RAM
We can draw a comparison between the smartphone and the human body: in this case, the processor could be the brain, while the RAM is the memory. The processor, also called Central Processing Unit (CPU) or System on Chip (SoC) , is, as just mentioned, the beating heart of every Android smartphone: it is thanks to its calculation capacity that we can do any operation with our device, and from Its performance depends on the overall performance of the terminal.
A processor is usually composed of multiple physical components, called cores : these small units are designed for pure calculation. In addition, the processor is made up of other parts such as the Image Signal Processing (ISP) which comes into action when taking photos or recording videos, to improve the performance, and the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) , which manages the graphics calculations , such as those needed to display the user interface and play Android games .
The power of a processor is given by its ability to complete calculations more or less quickly and is measured in Gigahertz (GHz) : the higher the speed expressed in GHz, the more calculations it will be able to complete in less time. There are many companies that produce processors for Android smartphones but the best known ones are Qualcomm , which often supplies CPUs for mid-to-high range devices, MediaTek , Exynos and Kirin .
Without a processor the phone cannot complete any operation, but RAM memory is equally important . The latter allows the system to store and exchange information very quickly, both with the processor and with the physical memory of the device. The larger the size of the RAM memory, the more data the smartphone can always keep on hand for ready use: this is why it is important to have a good amount of RAM memory if you intend to use many applications at the same time.
The capacity of the RAM memory is expressed in Gigabytes (GB) and nowadays the minimum quantity to be able to operate with a smartphone and a good number of apps is at least 4 GB , even better if the phone incorporates at least 6 GB of memory .
Display
The technology used for the display of a device is an important selection criterion during the purchase phase. Ask yourself the following question: what will I use my Android smartphone for most? If the answer is to watch a lot of multimedia content, especially in the evening or when you are in bed or on the sofa, then you should lean towards choosing a display with AMOLED technology .
AMOLED screens are characterized by absolute contrast, deep blacks (as the black pixels are effectively turned off) and vivid colors: ideal for enjoying content, but they cost more than the more popular IPS LCD displays , which do not have absolute blacks but they can still be of excellent quality.
The resolution of the display , i.e. the quantity of elements present on the screen, is also important. Each screen is in fact made up of many small pixels and the resolution defines the quantity of these “little lights” on the vertical or horizontal axis. A good resolution to have more than sufficient image quality for viewing content is Full-HD (FHD) , where there are at least 1080 x 1920 pixels: in fact, it is easy to find acronyms such as Quad-HD and Ultra-HD , where the density is two or even four times higher than Full-HD. There is also HD resolution , with 720 x 1280 pixels, the lowest of all. Sometimes you may find the + symbol next to the resolution indication: it means that the aspect ratio used includes a greater number of pixels than the resolutions just mentioned. However, remember that a more robust screen negatively affects battery life.
In recent years it is easy to find the display refresh rate indicated in medium-high range phones . Smartphones normally operate at 60 Hz : this means that the image on the screen is updated 60 times per second. A higher refresh rate, such as 120 Hz or 144 Hz , results in smoother use of the interface and viewing of apps and, above all, games.
Finally, the size of the display : a mostly subjective question, but which also has technical implications. The display size is measured in inches taking the diagonal of the screen, and has grown on average over the years: today it is not difficult to find smartphones with a size of 6.8 inches or more, which until a few years ago would have been considered phablets if not even tablets.
When buying a low-end Android smartphone, pay attention to the screen resolution relative to the size . While a Full-HD or Full-HD+ resolution is more than fine on a 6.5-inch screen, an HD or HD+ resolution on the same diagonal would result in content that is poorly defined and even grainy to your eyes.
Cameras
One of the qualities most advertised by Android smartphone manufacturers is that relating to the photographic sector , but you must be careful. It is not always possible to understand the photographic capabilities of a phone by looking at simple numbers. Let me explain better: data regarding smartphone photographic sensors are often measured in Megapixels (MP or MPX).
A greater number of Megapixels corresponds to a more resolved and detailed photo, but the final result of a shot is dictated by other factors: post-production software algorithms, optical image stabilization mechanisms (both software and hardware), image quality lenses used and so on.
Then there are other factors to consider: the opening of the diaphragm of the main sensor, which indicates the ability to capture a greater quantity of light; the presence of wide-angle or telescopic lenses, so as to offer greater variety when capturing shots; the software on smartphones and the advanced options it offers, such as the ability to capture photos in High Dynamic Range (HDR) . You can always fix it later by using the best photo editing apps , but if the initial shot is already of excellent quality the final result will be even more surprising.
The only certain way to know the photographic performance of a specific smartphone model is to form your own opinion by looking at the reviews of other users, for example if you buy on Amazon , or with the help of scrupulous and detailed reviews, such as those created by DxOMark Mobile .
Dual SIM connectivity and support
Mobile communication technologies evolve over the years: currently the most advanced connectivity available on the market is that which uses 5G networks . When purchasing, it is best to consider the network technology on which the Android smartphone relies: a phone with support for 5G networks is certainly preferable to the old 4G/LTE standard .
This doesn’t mean that a phone with only 4G/LTE support should be discarded a priori, far from it. At present, 4G/LTE network technology is perfectly capable of meeting your needs. Many wonder why have a 5G smartphone ? One of the answers could be: when 5G technology reaches the same diffusion as the current one, you will be able to fully exploit its potential without having to change your phone.
If for work you need to have two SIM cards operational on your Android phone then I recommend you check whether the model you have chosen has dual SIM support . Some Android smartphones also offer e-SIM support and allow, in theory, to be able to change operator easily without the need to have the physical card inserted into the smartphone housing. However, you cannot use two e-SIMs on an Android phone, at least for the moment.
In addition to mobile connectivity you should also take a look at the spec sheet and understand how Wi-Fi technology is supported. The new Wi-Fi 6 standard , which is not supported by everyone, offers several advantages such as lower latency and lower battery consumption. To make the most of your Android smartphone with Wi-Fi 6 you will also need to equip yourself with a Wi-Fi router equipped with the same technology: just take a look at this guide to find out which model to choose.
If you want to listen to music with wireless headphones, also check the Bluetooth version of your phone, in particular if it says Bluetooth LE . This technology saves battery when you connect your phone to other devices that support it, such as smartwatches , fitness trackers and Bluetooth headphones . The most recent versions with better performance are Bluetooth 5.0 and Bluetooth 5.2, so make sure that the technical data sheet of the smartphone you want to buy is equipped with it.
Contactless electronic payments are only possible if your phone is equipped with Near Field Communication (NFC) , a wireless technology that allows you to use Samsung Pay or Google Pay to pay at automatic checkouts and POS. If you want to know how NFC technology works , read the guide I just linked, but make sure your smartphone is equipped with it.
Software updates and security updates
An updated phone is safer and offers better features over time: depending on the model you choose, the price range and the brand chosen, the update policy changes, however.
When I talk about software updates I mean those relating to the basic operating system: Google develops that and every year it is updated with a new version: if you want to know the version of your smartphone, follow this guide . Individual smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung , Xiaomi and HUAWEI then customize it: this is why the graphic interfaces and features are not the same for all phones.
Top of the range Android smartphones are those that are usually updated the most over time: they are usually supported by companies for up to two or three subsequent versions of the Android operating system. There is no defined rule and each manufacturer is different.
Google, for example, produces the Google Pixel line of smartphones and promises software support for three consecutive updates, or three years. Samsung, on the other hand, offers four years of security updates, which are different from software updates. Security updates are intended to fix security flaws that could be exploited by attackers, but they do not add new features or change the appearance of the user interface.
Each brand that produces smartphones has its own user interface: Xiaomi has MIUI , OPPO and OnePlus have ColorOS , Samsung has One UI and HUAWEI has EMUI . User interfaces, or User Interfaces (UI) , are a bit like clothes: each hardware manufacturer creates one so that it can fit perfectly on the smartphones it produces. This is why often some features that are present on a Samsung smartphone with One UI are not found on another Xiaomi or HUAWEI phone.
Furthermore, manufacturers such as Xiaomi and OnePlus tend to include important software innovations without updating the version of the operating system. Generally speaking, a top-of-the-range terminal is still updated more often and for longer than a medium-low range one. Evaluating the exclusive functions offered by individual user interfaces is essential, especially for those who use Android smartphones for work .
Other characteristics
Then there are additional features that can tip the scales for one model over another, one of which is Ingress Protection (IP) certification . This certification certifies the degree of resistance of the phone to the ingress of fine dust and water with a two-digit identification code, on a scale of 0 to 7 (9 for water ingress). Here you will find more information on the topic.
For example, if an Android smartphone has an IP67 certification, it will mean that it offers total protection against the ingress of dust, as grade 6 is the highest for protection from solid particles; while the number 7 indicates the smartphone’s ability to be temporarily immersed up to 1 meter deep or more in water for a maximum of 30 minutes.
There are smartphones defined as “rugged” which are particularly resistant to falls and the entry of external agents: in this case you could find a value of up to IP69K for the entry of water, or the MIL-STD-810G certification , in which the smartphones are put to the test. A MIL-STD-810G certified smartphone is drop- and shock-proof, waterproof and vibration-resistant, withstands extreme temperatures and does not allow moisture ingress.
Also pay attention to the battery capacity of your smartphone: a greater capacity corresponds, in principle, to a greater autonomy. This is because the battery life of an Android phone depends on several factors: screen size and resolution, processor, user interface, usage mode, environmental factors such as ambient temperature during use and signal strength for the 4G or 5G connection. The capacity of a battery is measured in mAh or milliampere hours : despite the various factors that I have just mentioned, with a value equal to or greater than 3,500/4,000 mAh you usually get excellent results on the autonomy front.
Of course, if you are a “power user”, one of those who really uses the phone in a thousand ways, taking advantage of all the technologies included within it, perhaps you could opt for a phone with a greater capacity: there are excellent smartphones with batteries on the market from 5000 mAh and above.
Speaking of autonomy, we cannot fail to mention the methods for wired and wireless fast charging . Imagine having to leave the house and only having a few minutes to recharge your phone: well, there are smartphones that can recharge almost half of the battery in less than 15 minutes. If having fast charging is important to you, then pay attention to this detail when purchasing; ditto for wireless fast charging, which allows you to quickly charge the phone using wireless induction technology.
Still remaining in the context of those who use the phone properly, also check that USB On-The-Go (USB OTG) support is present . This allows you to connect USB peripherals to your smartphone such as external hard drives, sticks, keyboards, mice and joypads: if you want more information you can find it here .
The highest performing phones also support the USB Type-C 3.0 standard or higher: this not only enables faster transfer speeds, for example when we try to download photos to the computer from Android smartphones , but allows us to do things that would not be possible otherwise.
High-end Android smartphones such as Samsung and HUAWEI offer the possibility of connecting monitors or USB hubs, so you can use them as if they were real computers. In particular, the DeX mode of Samsung smartphones is one of the most popular for those who want to have their personal office always at hand.
Many smartphones no longer have the headphone jack , that small circular 3.5 mm input that allows you to use wired earphones or headphones. Models with a headphone jack are still produced, but these are rare and this standard is being abandoned in favor of wireless solutions or with a USB Type-C connection.
Finally, there is a new category of foldable Android smartphones that has now reached a certain maturity: if the first models were more immature and prohibitively priced, now there are some models that could represent a tempting opportunity, particularly if you take advantage of particular promotions like those put in place by Samsung. A smartphone equipped with a foldable display is certainly very beautiful from an aesthetic point of view, but the larger size of the display once opened could also attract you. Remember, however, there is a price to pay for this innovation and a foldable display significantly affects the final selling price.
