A smartphone, a type of cell phone with more advanced features than a conventional telephone, connects to an Internet network over wireless (rather than a cellular) network. It can make and receive calls, send texts, access the Web, and run software programs.
The operating system of the smartphone and the applications it can install to increase its functionality are what determine its capabilities. These may include calendars and organisers, games, reading tools, apps for business, etc.
The fastest smartphones will have fast speeds, a strong display, good cameras, and long battery life. That's what we find in our smartphone ratings, which are based on testing dozens of models each year from top vendors.
Smartphones have become an integral part most people's life. Smartphones allow you to keep in touch with family and friends, share memories, watch TV and movies, play games, read ebooks, and so much more.
It can be very expensive to buy a new smartphone. To get the latest smartphones, many consumers opt for a monthly contract plan to subsidise the cost. This typically lasts 18 to 24 months and can save you a lot of money when purchasing a new smartphone.
How to select the best smartphone for you
It is a difficult decision to make and it takes a lot of research. It is important to understand what features you value most. Are you looking for a camera that has high resolution lenses or a larger display to display photos or videos?
Consider how much storage you require for files and apps. While most phones come with at least 128GB, if there are many files you want to download, you may need more.
Smartphones can be used as touchscreen devices. They can be manipulated with a simple swipe or tap of the screen, so you can use them for everything from email to playing music and video.
As companies such as Samsung and Apple invest heavily in photonic-crystal displays that detect when users press down on the screen, pressure-sensitive touchscreens may be the next big thing for smartphones. This technology will enable gamers to have a more natural experience, especially in games.
The photonics crystal display will require an external light source. But it is expected to cost less than existing OLED or LCD screens and be easier to integrate into smartphones.
A smartphone with a photonic display would have to use a different format than the current LCD or OLED screens. So it's unlikely that they will be on smartphones before 2021. These types of screens will most likely become more popular in the coming years.
Smartphones are a great tool for medical breakthroughs
Smartphones hold the potential to revolutionize medicine. Smartphones can be used to detect cancerous cells and to track diseases.