Have you ever wondered, "I chose a smartphone based on price and then regretted it later," or "What kind of smartphone is best for my child?" The key to choosing a smartphone that satisfies you is to find a model that suits your usage.
Generally, the price of a smartphone is proportional to its specs. High-end models can cost over 80,000 yen, but there's no need to choose a high-spec smartphone. Here, we'll explain how to choose a smartphone without making a mistake and the specs of smartphones that are popular in recent years.
Use this article as a reference to find the perfect smartphone for you.
There are major divisions between iPhone and Android, but it can be difficult to find the model that suits you best with the wide range of price ranges and features. We've put together some tips for choosing a smartphone, so let's check what you should look for when choosing one.
It's important to compare and consider various points, but we recommend choosing a smartphone based on four points. When choosing a smartphone, try considering them in the following order.
1. Choose by smartphone OS
2. Choose based on where you purchased your smartphone
3. Choose based on smartphone specs (features)
4. Choose by smartphone price range
Since what makes a smartphone satisfying varies from person to person, it's important to clarify what you want to prioritize. So, choose the smartphone that suits your taste based on the "OS," "where to buy the smartphone," "specs (features)," and "price range."
If you choose a smartphone based on the points you want to focus on, you will be less likely to be disappointed after purchasing it and think, "I should have chosen the other model."
From here, we will introduce the process for choosing a smartphone. Let's take a closer look at how to choose a smartphone based on four points.
There are two main types of smartphone operating systems: iOS and Android. iOS is the operating system for iPhones and iPads developed by Apple, while Android is the operating system for smartphones and tablets developed by Google.
The advantages and disadvantages of iOS and Android are as follows:
| OS type | Merit | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| iOS | ・High compatibility with other Apple products such as Mac and iPad ・Intuitive and smooth operation ・Wide range of accessories such as cases and covers ・Long OS update support |
・Because it is an OS for iPhone and iPad, there are few model options ・There is no low-spec Android price range, so the cost of purchasing a device is a big burden |
| Android | ・A wide range of model options ・Highly customizable ・Low-priced models available ・Some models can use SD cards |
・There are a wide variety of models, functions, and apps, so you can choose the device that suits you best. Knowledge and research are required to purchase and use it effectively |
iOS offers the convenience of Apple accounts and data sharing, so it's recommended for people who already own Apple products like Macs and iPads. On the other hand, Android has a wide lineup of models, making it suitable for people who want to customize their device to their liking or who want to purchase it at the lowest possible price.
Many people purchase a smartphone when signing up for a new contract with a telecommunications carrier or when changing their phone model. Rather than purchasing a smartphone when changing your phone model, you may be able to receive a discount on the phone itself by switching carriers (MNP) or signing up for a new contract using the same number.
You can also purchase a SIM-free device from a smartphone manufacturer. iPhones are sold at the Apple Store, and for Android smartphones, check the manufacturer's official website. Since there is less discount on the device price than with a carrier's bundled sale, the price may seem higher on the manufacturer's direct sales site, even for the same smartphone.
Low-cost SIMs tend to have fewer models available for purchase than major carriers, with some carriers not supporting device bundle sales, and others only offering bundle sales of older models. However, because "povo2.0 (*1)" is an online-only brand from KDDI, you can get a discount on the purchase of a new smartphone at au Online Shop, which is a great deal.
au Online Shop Device Purchase Information
There are many specifications (features) that affect the usability of a smartphone. Here, we will check the following features and specifications as "points to avoid regretting your smartphone selection."
The basic performance of a smartphone is determined by its CPU, memory (RAM), and storage (ROM). These are items that affect the smartphone's processing power and data storage capacity. The higher the memory and storage numbers, the higher the performance and the smoother the operation.
When it comes to screen size, if you want to enjoy videos, games, and e-books, a large screen size of 6 inches or more is appropriate. On the other hand, if you prioritize portability and ease of operation, a smaller screen size of around 3 to 4 inches will fit comfortably in your hand.
Battery capacity is expressed in mAh (milliampere hours), and the higher the number, the more charge the battery can hold. Typical battery capacities are around 3000mAh to 3500mAh, but if you want to enjoy videos and games for longer periods of time, we recommend a smartphone with a capacity of 4000mAh or more. (*)
*Battery life will vary depending on frequency of use.
If you're prioritizing camera functionality, check the number of pixels and whether or not it has image stabilization. The higher the number of pixels, the higher the quality of the photos you can take. With a triple lens camera, each lens has a role to play, such as wide-angle photography, monochrome photography, and zoom photography, so the results will look beautiful in a variety of scenes.
If you often use your phone around water or outdoors, we recommend choosing a smartphone with a waterproof rating of "IPX6" or higher. "IPX8" is the highest rating for waterproof performance, and the higher the number at the end of the rating, the higher the performance. Consider the waterproof rating based on your budget and design preferences.
If you are currently using touch payments on your smartphone or would like to start using your smartphone in the future, please check the specifications of the model you are considering. Be sure to check whether it supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other electronic money payments, as this can lead to regrets after purchasing a smartphone.
Basically, the price of a smartphone is proportional to the features and specs it comes with. Smartphones are broadly divided into three price ranges: "under 30,000 yen," "30,000 to 80,000 yen," and "over 80,000 yen," and the way you choose one will depend on how you usually use it.
Please refer to the following for smartphone price ranges and usage scenarios.
| Smartphone price range | Usage image |
|---|---|
| Under 30,000 yen (Low spec model) |
・SNS is text-based ・Only use for calls and emails ・Many standby screens |
| 30,000 to 80,000 yen (Mid-spec model) |
・I want to enjoy games and videos ・I want to use multiple apps at the same time |
| Over 80,000 yen (High-end model) |
・I want to take beautiful photos ・I want to focus on specs ・I want to use it smoothly and comfortably |
We will introduce popular specs as of March 2023. Smartphone designs and built-in features change according to trends, so be sure to check the trending features before purchasing a smartphone.
The trend in smartphone models is large screens of 6 inches or more. As more and more people enjoy watching videos, playing games, and reading books on their smartphones, smartphone screen sizes are gradually increasing.
If you have the following needs, you should choose a smartphone with a large screen.
・I want to see detailed movements in games
・I want to read the text carefully
・I want to enjoy powerful images
・Want to display a lot of information on the screen
For example, if a smartphone is equipped with an AI camera, even beginners can easily take beautiful photos. Also, if you choose a smartphone with features such as stable optical image stabilization and 4K shooting support, you can conveniently take smooth, beautiful photos and videos.
Smartphones that support fast charging, which allows for faster charging than normal, are also available, making them convenient for sales staff and those who want to charge their phones quickly. Wireless charging, which allows you to charge your phone simply by placing it on the charger, is also gaining attention, and the number of compatible models from each manufacturer is increasing.
This time, we introduced how to choose a smartphone that you won't regret. It's important not to choose based on price alone, but to choose a smartphone based on the points that you think are important to you. Use the points below as a reference when choosing a smartphone to help you choose the perfect one for you.
1. Choose iPhone or Android
2. Consider where to buy your smartphone.
3. Check the smartphone's specs (features)
4. Determine the price range based on the intended use
5. Make sure you need popular features
"povo2.0 (※1)" is a brand offered exclusively online by KDDI, and can be used by either "using your existing smartphone" or "purchasing a new smartphone." First, check here to see if the model you want is compatible with povo2.0.
If you use this article as a reference when purchasing a smartphone, you can get a great deal by using the device discount at au Online Shop. This purchase benefit is available not only to existing povo2.0 users, but also to customers who are planning to apply for povo2.0 in the future.
In addition, povo2.0 regularly holds advantageous campaigns, and smartphone fees are available at reasonable prices. You can create a plan by combining Topping that are perfect for you, so why not try using your smartphone at a discount with povo2.0?
*1: All procedures and support are handled online only. There is no in-store or telephone support. *The names of products and services featured in this article are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. *Apple, Apple Pay, iPad, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. The iPhone trademark is used under license from Aiphone Co., Ltd.
TM and (C) 2023 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. ・Android and Google are trademarks of Google LLC. ・iOS is used under license from Cisco in the U.S.A. ・" au" is a registered trademark of KDDI Corporation.
