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7 Things to Consider When Buying a New Phone

Unlike the iPhone, which has only one new model released each year and is made by a single brand, Android offers a myriad of phones with various specifications, features, and prices from numerous brands. Each brand has its own characteristics, such as offering high specifications at low prices or premium build quality at higher prices.

Price

The first thing to consider is the price. Price often reflects the quality of the phone. In 2025, Android phones are categorised into three price ranges: entry-level ($150–$300), mid-range ($400–$700), and flagship ($900–$1,500+). Entry-level phones handle basic tasks, mid-range phones offer better cameras and performance, while flagship phones feature cutting-edge technology like foldable displays and AI-enhanced chipsets.

Screen Size

Modern smartphones now average 6.5–7.2 inches, with foldables offering even larger displays. Consider ergonomics—larger screens are great for media but harder for one-handed use. Look for adaptive refresh rates (60Hz–144Hz) and OLED panels for better visuals.

Extra Features

Beyond basics, 2025 phones offer features like under-display cameras, AI-powered photography, and eco-friendly materials. Evaluate whether these add real value or are marketing gimmicks. For example, Samsung’s S Pen or Xiaomi’s liquid cooling can be game-changers for specific users.

Brand

Reputation matters. Samsung, Google, and OnePlus lead in software updates, while brands like Xiaomi and Realme offer budget flagships. Research bloatware—Samsung’s One UI now allows more app removals, while stock Android (Pixel/Nokia) remains cleanest.

Performance

Key specs in 2025:
  • Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 or Dimensity 9400 for flagships; mid-range options like Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3.
  • RAM: 8GB minimum for multitasking; 12GB+ for gaming.
  • Storage: 128GB baseline; UFS 4.0 ensures faster speeds.

Battery

Battery tech has improved, but efficiency varies. Flagships now use graphene batteries for faster charging (e.g., 200W). Look for:
Phone Type Typical Capacity Expected Lifespan
Entry-level 4,500–5,000mAh 1–1.5 days
Flagship 5,000–6,000mAh 1 day (heavy use)

Software Updates

Android 15 promises 5+ years of security patches for Pixels and select brands. Mid-range phones often get 2–3 OS updates. Avoid obscure brands with poor update histories.

Conclusion

Always test phones in-store and watch/read reviews. In 2025, balancing specs, brand trust, and future-proofing is key to a wise purchase.

FAQs

What’s the best budget phone in 2025? The Pixel 7a (around $450) offers flagship-like cameras and 5 years of updates, while the Redmi Note 14 Pro ($300) excels in performance.
How important is 5G in 2025? Critical—most carriers have phased out 3G, and 5G coverage is nearly universal. Ensure your phone supports your country’s bands.
Are foldable phones worth it? Yes, if you prioritise multitasking. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 and OnePlus Open V2 offer durable designs and improved software.
Which brand has the best cameras? Google Pixel (AI processing), Samsung (versatility), and iPhone (video) lead, but Xiaomi and Vivo compete strongly in mid-range.
How much RAM do I need? 8GB for casual use, 12GB+ for gaming/creative apps. RAM management software (e.g., ColorOS) also affects performance.
Should I buy a phone with removable batteries? Rare in 2025—most phones are sealed. Consider Fairphone 5 if repairability is a priority.
What’s the average phone lifespan? 3–4 years for flagships with updates; 2–3 years for budget models. Battery replacement can extend this.
Is wireless charging necessary? Convenient but not essential. New Qi2 standards (15W) make it faster, but wired charging still dominates (100W+).
How do I avoid bloatware? Buy Pixel/Nokia or international models (e.g., Xiaomi EU ROMs). Samsung now lets you uninstall more preloaded apps.
What’s the next big phone trend? AI integration (on-device LLMs), AR glasses compatibility, and eco-friendly materials (recycled aluminium, bio-resins).
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