The aim of this guide is to help you decide which (smart-)phone is the best for you, based on your needs and budget.
Here are some basic points you should know when buying a smartphone:
1) Operating system (OS) - The user interface which allows common users to use the hardware components (camera, speakers, etc.). The most common operating systems which run on smartphones are:
Note that not all devices can be upgraded to the latest OS version. It's mentioned in the solutions listed below.
2) CPU (Central Processing Unit, or Processor, or the "brain" of a smartphone) - The main component of a smartphone which is a crucial factor for phone speed (how quickly applications open etc.).
There are several types of processors used in smartphones:
Note: You should treat the smartphone as a whole, as unity of all the components in it. It doesn't mean that a device which has an Octa-Core processor is faster than a device which has a Quad-Core processor. For instance, iPhone 6s has a Dual-Core processor, but it doesn't lag as much as some Octa-Core-processor smartphones.
The above-mentioned note also applies to camera quality. It doesn't mean that a 21 megapixel camera will produce higher-quality images than an 8 megapixel one (take iPhones for example. iPhone 6s has a 12 MP camera and produces better images than smartphones with 21 megapixel camera).
3) RAM (Random Access Memory) - The more RAM the more applications you can run in parallel. Usually, the amount of RAM in smartphones varies from 1 GB to 4 GB.
4) Storage size - The space you have to store your pictures, music, videos or other documents. The amount of free memory on smartphones varies from 4 GB - 128 GB of internal memory, plus the ability to add a microSD card (up to 256 GB)
A mid-range phone model focused on making "selfies". Featuring excellent UI, fast CPU and a functional keyboard.
One of its flaws is software problems.
Its key features are:
You can purchase the Dual SIM model of this smartphone, which is rated with 3.1/5 stars, from Amazon.
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Lenovo Vibe X3 is the current Lenovo flagship model on the market, featuring high quality audio, excellent specifications and performance and a very good screen. The only drawback is the average camera quality.
Its key features are:
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Very elegant design and powerful screen are the main features of this phone, however when comparing its specifications with a rival models, it seems rather overpriced.
Its key features are:
You can buy this smartphone, which is rated with 4.0/5 stars, from Amazon.
This smartphone is currently unavailable.
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If you are looking for an Android phone for a very cheap price with decent features, S7560 is the one.
Packed with a solid camera (5 megapixel), running Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, single core 1 GHz processor and 512 MB RAM, this phone is great for Android starters or just the ones that are not willing to spend much yet want a solid phone.
Its key features are:
You can purchase this smartphone, which is rated with 4.1/5 stars by customers, on Amazon.
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Current flagship model from Sony, Xperia Z5 features strong battery, great design and all-round performance. Its downside is the heating problem.
Note: Only the EU model has a fingerprint sensor.
Its key features are:
You can buy this smartphone, which is rated with 4.1/5 stars, from Amazon.
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Ascend G7 is a mid-range smartphone, featuring big screen, good specs and a very long battery life. However, screen resolution is only 720p.
Its key features are:
You can become the owner of this smartphone, which is rated with 4.6/5 stars by customers on Amazon.uk, if you follow this link.
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Mate 8 has a beautiful display, elegant design and a long battery life. Highly recommended for anybody who is looking for a classy phone.
Its key features are:
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Asha 300 is a 3G phone with a very strong and durable design, however even though it is mainly made as a budget phone, its price is somewhat too high.
Its key features are:
You can buy this smartphone, which is rated with 3.8/5 stars, from Amazon.
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This review is part of the Solutionbay product reviews and may contain affiliate links but is committed to being 100% objective. Read more about product reviews on Solutionbay.
Lumia 830 has a solid battery life, bright screen and a great camera. Very good all-round phone recommended for anybody who is looking to try Windows phone OS and have a very nice smartphone at the same time.
Its key features are:
You can buy this smartphone, which is rated with 4.2/5 stars, from Amazon.
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Middle-class Windows phone, great for an average users who would like to try Windows phone and not willing to pay too much for it.
Mostly filling the blanks from its predecessor, Lumia 650 is a solid phone with a beautiful design and interface, however it doesn't support Continuum technology and has a relatively slow processor.
Its key features are:
You can buy this smartphone, which is rated with 2.9/5 stars, from Amazon.
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This review is part of the Solutionbay product reviews and may contain affiliate links but is committed to being 100% objective. Read more about product reviews on Solutionbay.
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