Thoughts From a Clicker
By Tiny Ruisch
Every time I do an About Android Workshop, I’m asked for recommendations of which Android phone someone should buy. My answer is always the same, “I don’t have the slightest idea.” Depending on individual needs, buying the “right” electronic device is a decision that every person has to make for themselves. This is the same advice that I give for buying or using almost anything: computers, cars, software, whiskey, etc.
What I can do is give my opinion on various products. When I do, I usually mention that what is good for me isn’t good for everyone. Apple iPhones are arguably the best that you can buy. They aren’t for me.
If you’re buying an Android phone, the main thing to keep in mind is that Android is Open Source software. This means that any individual or company can modify it to suit their needs. This often results in “fragmentation” of the market. Manufacturers can modify Android to add their own unique programs. Cell carriers can do the same thing. The Android Operating System on two phones of the same make or model can be different from each other.
If you’re in the market for an Android phone, there are several things you can look at before deciding what to buy. There are many hardware decisions to make. How important is it to have a SD card? What is the best screen size? Which processor should you get? How unbreakable is the screen? What sensors are in the phone? Sadly, many people don’t answer these important things. The only thing that concerns them is “How much does the phone cost?”
I can tell you about my personal preferences when I buy a new phone:
1) What is the manufacturer’s position on updates? Google provides security updates on a monthly basis. Some manufacturers don’t provide the updates. Others may update several months later. There have been instances of makers promising updates and then changing their schedules.
2) What is the return policy? It seems like every time a new phone is released, there is some problems. Often, all of the phones aren’t affected. I want to know that if I get a lemon, I can easily replace it
3) An absolute must have in my phones is an NFC sensor. Near Field Communication is what allows you to exchange date without contact. The most common function is using phone for payments. It was available on Android long before Apple Pay. I went without the feature for a couple of years and realized how important it was to me.
4) I’ve also gotten to appreciate a fingerprint sensor. Not all phones have one. I’ve found that it is the easiest method for unlocking a phone.
5) How much memory does the phone have? I used to only buy phones with an SD card slot. I’ve found that it is not a big thing for me anymore. I can easily store and read files on many of the cloud services.
I always buy my phones unlocked. This simply means that they are not tied to any carrier. Not only do I avoid having the provider bloatware installed on my phone, my monthly phone bill also is smaller because I am not paying for a “free” phone.
In conclusion, please remember these are my opinions. I’m making no claim that they are best. If you’re buying a new phone, make a list of what you need it to do. Then research and find the one that’s right for you.
Thanks for reading and keep on clicking.