First of all, you should decide on the operating system – it will depend on whether you should buy an iPhone or an Android smartphone. Yes, today the market is divided between only two systems: Android from Google and iOS from Apple. Despite the fact that in recent years the line between these operating systems is gradually blurring, and developers are increasingly borrowing various functions and features from each other, operating systems still remain different.
Let’s start with iOS. Its advantages include the high quality of optimization, thanks to which the system works stably even on four-year-old smartphones. The next plus follows from this – long support. Buying the latest iPhone, the user can be absolutely sure that within 4-5 years his smartphone will receive updates. Apple’s OS is so stable that only a desire to buy a more powerful device or a failure of components, such as battery wear, can prompt you to replace a gadget.
The main disadvantage of iOS is a completely ill-conceived file system. In recent years, Apple has been trying to solve this problem, but so far it has not been able to achieve the same file workflow as on a computer.
But Android is the opposite. Working with files and documents in this OS is on top. Smartphones on Android can be called mini- computers, because if there is an urgent need, it is easy to make any interaction with files on them. Another plus is the ability to freely customize the appearance of the OS.
But with the stability of the OS, not everything is so smooth here. The fact is that Google is developing the system, and the manufacturers themselves are adapting it for smartphones. From time to time, companies “score” on fixing all the errors in their shells – which is why among Android users you can so often hear the phrase “After the update, the smartphone started to work slowly.” In addition, the support period for Android smartphones is two years, and some companies stop updating their gadgets altogether a year after the release – especially budget ones.
But this is not typical for all companies and not for all price segments. A-brands represented by Samsung and Huawei try to support their devices according to the behests of Google – at least two years.
Therefore, it is important to immediately decide which operating system is right for you. In summary, on the iOS side there is excellent optimization and stability, and on the Android side there is a convenient file system and great customization options.
If your choice falls on iOS, then it remains to choose the appropriate iPhone. We advise you to pay attention to the models of the last three generations. They differ in cameras, processor power and, of course, price. In general, you should proceed from your budget, but we do not recommend buying the iPhone SE 2020. At the moment, this is the most budget Apple smartphone, but it has a too small and uncomfortable display, as well as not the best camera and low autonomy.
Let’s talk about Android smartphones later.
Selection of Chinese brand
The largest smartphone manufacturers, such as Apple, Samsung and Huawei, invest a lot in advertising their devices, which is why they are always heard and trusted by users.
However, it is worth paying attention not only to smartphones of these brands. In recent years, Chinese manufacturers have been actively storming the market, offering users flagship devices at a more attractive price than A-brands. Perhaps the leader among the “Chinese” can be called Xiaomi, which has been on the market for 10 years and is gaining more and more popularity among users every year.
Xiaomi covers all price segments, from ultra-budget models to expensive flagships. But it is in the middle price segment (15,000-30,000 rubles) that the Chinese company has maximum success. Xiaomi is trying to stuff its devices with as many features as possible and the best hardware available for the money.
By the way, recently Xiaomi has been playing in a very adult way. In the summer, the company introduced an update to its proprietary shell MIUI 12, which borrowed the best chips from its competitors, and its appearance is made in the best traditions of Apple.
I would also like to note the young realme brand, which entered the Russian market two years ago can be bought from smartphone festival offers. It is owned by BBK Electronics, the same company that owns OPPO, OnePlus, and vivo. Realme is dumping even more than Xiaomi, offering users gadgets with excellent technical characteristics in any price segment. But the manufacturer has little problems with OS optimization and the speed of updates.
Another Chinese company whose smartphones are no worse than those of the largest brands is OnePlus. The main feature of these gadgets is the proprietary Oxygen OS shell, which combines the aesthetics of “pure” Android and the functionality of third-party developments. For several years, OnePlus has only played in the “flagship” category, but this year the company has returned to the mid-range segment with a range of inexpensive but interesting smartphones.
In general, the power of brands now plays only a marketing role, so you should not be afraid of little-known companies – their devices can turn out to be no worse than well-known brands.
