Whenever a new smartphone hits the market, we are tempted to consider purchasing the new model. Given the fact that there are nearly a dozen smartphone brands that push excellent smartphone models, we have to carefully analyze every aspect and consider even the smallest of details before making a decision.
Furthermore, we can only purchase a new smartphone model every 18 – 24 months, and therefore have to be extremely careful with respect to the device on which we spend our hard-earned cash.
This can make it extremely difficult to be decisive. Most of us window-shop to see a few dozen models, and still cannot zero-in on a smartphone. Others meticulously research and read about the specs of various smartphone devices, and at the end of the day, still cannot decide which smartphone model they should purchase. There is no dearth of options when it comes to smartphones, as different brands offer dozens of phones at a similar price point.
To help you with your decision, here is a handy buying guide with tips about what to look for in a new smartphone within your budget.
Focus on RAM and Processor
When you are purchasing a smartphone, the first two things you should look for are the processor and the RAM. While we all would like to own a swanky new smartphone that comes with the best-in-class cameras, 256GB internal storage, and 8GB – 12GB RAM, if you are shopping within a budget, you need to know what to prioritize, and what you can do without.
Having a decent processor with eight cores (octa-core), and RAM size of 4GB – 6GB should be enough to run most of the games and applications. Furthermore, if you are purchasing a smartphone in the budget segment, it is important to get the most out of these two parameters.
For instance, Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is widely regarded as the best mobile under 12000 INR, and it comes with a 4GB RAM and runs on the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, which is one of the best processors at that price point. If you are thinking about purchasing a smartphone for less than Rs. 12,000, you can either go for Xiaomi Redmi Note 9, or the Realme 5i.
Move Away from the Camera Hype
The adage “less is more” is true when it comes to most of the camera phones. Brands today use “more cameras” as a selling point. However, it is usually a fib; there are hundreds of smartphone models that come with 32MP or 48MP cameras, along with two or three other lenses and sensors at the back, but do not take good pictures.
Google’s Pixel phones serve as the perfect example of how smartphones with just one rear camera with only 12.2 megapixel count can take breathtaking photos, that most other phones that come with 48MP cameras cannot.
It is important not to fall into the “more cameras in a phone” trap. It is crucial to see that the hardware and software of the smartphone are optimized, and when you are shopping within a budget, you have to do some research and see which camera phones are decent in the budget segment. If you ask us, we would recommend Mi A3 or Redmi Note 8.
Don’t Go for 5G Phone Just Yet
The 5G smartphone craze has already taken over the country. However, the fact remains that India is at least 12-18 months away from experiencing the blazing-fast internet speeds, owing to 5G connectivity. With the infrastructure still not in place, and the details pertaining to the 5G spectrum auction still unclear, it might take a while for Indian consumers to experience the true power of 5G. Purchasing a 5G-enabled handset right now would not make much of a difference.
We have the likes of Xiaomi and Realme that are rumoured to be launching budget-friendly 5G handsets in the coming months. If that is true, then customers can purchase 5G phones with excellent specs for less than Rs. 15,000, almost half the price of OnePlus Nord which was launched in mid 2020.
Consumers can either purchase a 5G-enabled handset in mid 2021 or early 2022, whenever telecom operators roll out with 5G network. Until then, splashing the cash for a 5G-enabled handset wouldn’t be any different from purchasing a normal, feature-rich 4G handset.
Alternatively, one can also purchase a flagship model by buying the phone on EMIs, by either using their credit card or the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network Card and repay the amount in convenient monthly installments.
