What to look for when you’re choosing your new, upgraded contract device.
Vodacom offers dozens of mobile phones at multiple price points. The question is, which one should you choose when you’re upgrading or renewing your contract? Here are some key factors to consider.
Which Operating System Is Best For You?
The “for you” part is what’s most important, because – no matter what the fanboys tell you – neither Apple’s iOS nor Google’s Android are “better” than the other. iOS on your iPhone offers a seamless experience if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, and you can tweak almost anything to make it feel uniquely yours. Another advantage of Android: you can choose from multiple manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, HONOR, Oppo, the list goes on…), with phones at multiple price points.
What’s the On-Board Storage?
The storage you need (64GB, 128GB, or 256GB) depends on how you use your phone and how many photos and videos you want stored on your device. Truthfully, though, the Cloud has killed physical storage – so this is one area in which you don’t need to be too fussy.
What’s the Connectivity?
This is important, especially if you’re using wireless speakers or earbuds. Wi-Fi 6/6E and Bluetooth 5.2+ are fast and stable, so look for a phone that ticks these boxes.
What’s The Phone’s Battery Performance?
A phone with a strong battery beats a premium model with a dead one. Aim for at least 5000 mAh and 30W fast charging. Make sure you’re not killing the battery with your own bad habits.
Which Camera Do You Want?
There’s more to your phone camera than just megapixels (although… the more the better). The trick to choosing the right phone is knowing which specs matter. Look for a 1/1.3″ or 1/1.5″ (or larger) sensor for better low-light performance, reduced noise, and natural depth-of-field control. Find one with Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) to reduce blur. If the main camera only has EIS (electronic stabilisation), your photos will lose quality.
How Does It Feel?
This matters more than you might think. How big are your hands? If you have a petite palm, choose a compact phone that doesn’t feel bulky or oversized. If you have bigger mitts, consider a bigger phone. Ergonomics are important because if you type a lot on your phone, comfort counts.
Will Your Phone Match Your Lifestyle?
This is the most important factor. If your phone is your life/business hub, you’ll need a heavy multitasker with a fast processor, 8GB to 12GB of RAM, and good heat management. If you’re an active, outdoorsy person, look for a durable phone with a rugged case.
And finally, check your budget. Be honest about what you’re willing to spend, and whether you absolutely, positively have to have that top-of-the-range premium smartphone, or if you can live with something more affordable, like an entry-level to mid-tier device.
Check out the latest phone deals to pick your next upgrade.
