What Is the Best Smartphone?
“What’s the best smartphone” is a question I see being asked all the time, but the truth of the matter is that it’s not that simple.
I will explain why later in this article, first I wanted to talk about how I see smartphones because we all have our views and opinions, right?
To me, a smartphone is a tool I use to keep in touch with people, stay organised and browse social media. I also use my phone to take photos and record videos for my YouTube channel.
That is why I find it important that my phone has a good camera, a reasonable amount of storage space, a good battery life and above all it performs.
But to Jimmy, a smartphone may be far from that, especially if his needs are simple. He may only want a phone with a basic camera that takes reasonable photos and is good enough to browse social media.
The truth of the matter is that each user has distinct needs and preferences that shape their choice of an ideal smartphone.
One size doesn’t fit all!
Whenever I see people asking for the best smartphone online, the answers I often see are blanket statements suggesting that the latest and top-of-the-range Samsung or iPhone is best.
Technically speaking, they are not wrong because it is the best phone that those brands were offering at that time. However, we are forgetting an important aspect, user requirements.
We are all different, and we all use our phones in different ways. To some, a smartphone is a communication device that they use to call and message people.
Others may need a better camera and more storage space to store photos and videos. Some may even need the phone to be more robust due to their day job.
The list goes on, but you get the point.
The Importance of understanding individual requirements
Every user’s smartphone requirements, preferences, and needs are as unique as their fingerprint. That is why we must understand what every user requires before providing advice.
As someone who used to work in a tech store, understanding what the user required was an essential part of my job. This was because there was no point in trying to sell a product that they didn’t want, as it would ruin the customer’s experience and they will likely end up getting a refund.
It’s the same for when recommending a product to someone, you need to understand their requirements before making a recommendation otherwise, they will return the product.
Many people may want a phone that can take spectacular pictures they can post to social media or capture family moments and travel adventures. For that, you require a phone with a decent camera. At the same time, it’s wise to get a phone with more storage space compared to the base model.
Some people may want a phone for its performance, this may be related to gaming, multitasking or just battery life. These needs are very specific but may be significant to that user.
Lastly, the user may have very basic needs which only include calling, messaging and for occasionally taking photos. In this case, a basic smartphone will be perfectly adequate.
The overall user experience
The last thing I wanted to talk about is the user experience, something that can play a significant role in choosing the best smartphone.
In this section, I am going to talk about operating systems as well as brands, starting with Apple, which offers a very specific user experience. If we pair it with the Apple ecosystem, it will mean the world to some people.
Apple has built a great ecosystem which connects extremely well with other Apple devices, and for some people that plays a significant factor in what phone they go with. If you already have a MacBook, an iPad, and AirPods, you are likely to pick an iPhone. But that doesn’t have to be the case, as you may find that an Android phone works better for you.
But you have to remember that you won’t get that same ecosystem experience as you had with your iPhone. However, to some that may not be a problem.
On the other hand, the Android experience may differ depending on the brand you go with. Brands like Samsung, Google, Oppo and others all have their own unique experience which may work better for some, so it’s worth bearing that in mind.
The apps that people use also have an importance in the overall experience, as some apps may only be available on Samsung or iOS and people may not want to migrate to an alternative app.
So What is the best smartphone?
The truth of the matter is that there isn’t one.
People have various requirements, budgets, and preferences and in my opinion, the best smartphone is the one that suits your preferences, needs, and requirements in the best way possible.
That may be the best smartphone in terms of specs under a certain price, the best smartphone you can get for the cheapest price possible or one that does a certain task in the best way.
That is why in my view, there is no such thing as “the best smartphone”, and to anyone who asks me personally, or I see asking online, I always ask what’s important to them so that either me or the community can provide advice.
Final Thoughts
The online world can be a vicious place for people who genuinely want to know what the best smartphone is, or when they ask whether Samsung or Apple are better.
Questions like that online can actually quickly become toxic, with people giving their opinions as to why a brand or model is the best without understanding what the user really wants.
That is why sometimes it’s best to watch and read reviews and actually go into a store to have a look at the product before you buy.