By Shiv Nanda
With the number of smartphone users in India expected to rise to 442 million in 2022, and over 46 % of them changing their primary phones every two years, a budget-friendly shift becomes crucial. In addition to being affordable, all the latest smartphones offer a wide variety of features that can make or break your new phone experience.
But we have got your back and are here to present our findings of all the tips that you will need to buy a smartphone under budget. Here we go!
How to choose your new cost-effective smartphone?
- Focus on the RAM and processor
Both these constitute the most basic functioning of your smartphone. The best mobile under 10,000 come with a decent, ideally Octa-core processor and RAM ranging between 4-6 GB. These specifications are enough even for gamers who expect a great viewing experience from their new phones. A processor capably drives your device to function seamlessly, so everything from image processing to smooth navigation comes under the responsibility of your phone’s RAM and processor. In order to ensure that your phone performs well even with repeated heavy usage over time, choosing a suitable RAM and processor should be a priority. Some of the popular processors include Snapdragon, Apple A13 Bionic, Exynos 990, and Kirin 990.
- Steer clear of the camera hype
All the latest smartphones in 2020 come with multi-cameras that consist of a primary lens, a portrait lens, and a wide-angle shooter. But extra cameras do not guarantee better pictures, primarily because an average person buying a new phone does not understand the technicalities of using different cameras. So it usually is a waste to dive into the useless trend of choosing quantity over quality. Choose wisely since higher MP cameras do not promise amazing pictures. It all comes down to the sensors that capture the image.
- Do not go for a 5G phone just yet
Since the announcement of the 5G network coming out soon in India and worldwide, the craze to own a smartphone that supports the 5G network has already started spreading like wildfire. However, India still needs at least 12-18 months before experiencing blazing-fast internet speeds since we have yet to determine the structural facilities and the spectrum auction this rollout needs. Till then, save your big bucks and opt for 4G enabled handsets with similar features.
- Pick the right amount of storage
Who doesn’t want to carry on the data from their previous phones to the new one with the swift sharing apps? Pictures, videos, documents, and songs, constitute the larger part of the storage in your smartphone in addition to the space needed to run the apps and screen smoothly. But you don’t necessarily have to burn a hole in your pocket to get a higher amount of storage in your new smartphone. Analyze your storage needs and then decide whether you want 64 GB or 128 GB.
- Pick a battery that fulfils your daily requirements
Finally, the one aspect of a smartphone that every user expects and demands above all else is long-enough battery life. Almost all budget smartphones nowadays offer a suitable 6+ hours of on-screen time that covers most needs from entertainment and social media to daily calls. Aim for a feature-rich gadget that can run for at least an entire day upon intensive usage.
Likewise, it falls upon you as a customer to carefully analyze each aspect and the smallest of details before deciding to invest in th
e latest gadget. We hope this resource helped you get sufficient clarity about your smartphone shopping.
Shiv Nanda is a financial analyst who currently lives in Bangalore (refusing to acknowledge the name change) and works with MoneyTap, India’s first app-based credit-line. Shiv is a true finance geek, and his friends love that. They always rely on him for advice on their investment choices, budgeting skills, personal financial matters and when they want to get a loan. He has made it his life’s mission to help and educate people on various financial topics, so email him your questions at shiv@moneytap.com.
