How to choose a cell phone according to your usage profile? Understand model specifications

Are you looking for a smartphone, but are short on funds? The first task to find a good value for money is to know your consumption profile. There is no ideal device for everyone, but devices that meet each person’s needs.

To help those who want to buy their smartphone, EXTRA brings, this Sunday, a guide with tips according to usage profiles, explanations about the technical specifications that appear in sales advertisements, and guidelines for a safe choice on the internet.

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— The purchase of a cell phone must be made based on the consumption profile combined with the cost-benefit ratio. Today, there is a huge range of models and manufacturers that offer the most varied devices — says André Gildin, Director of RKKG Consulting: — We can divide the devices into basically three groups: the simplest, with low resolution and medium performance, cheaper; intermediate ones, which range from R$1,500 to R$3,000, which have good performance for all uses; and the most sophisticated, normally above R$5,000.

According to your profile

Thinking about four different profiles of cell phone users, EXTRA listened to technology experts who put together device tips for each need that interested parties may have on a daily basis. From application delivery people to administrative assistants, the cell phones recommended are suitable for everyday demands.

Understand the specifications

The tips were put together by cell phone and computing experts Giordanno Martins, professor of Information Security in Technology and Victor Dalton, specialist in Information Technology.

Application deliverers

• Long battery life

The order is to look for cell phones with a battery of at least 4,000 mAh or more. Models with a 5,000 mAh battery are ideal, as they can last more than a day with intense use.

• Robustness

Models with IP certification for water and dust resistance, and ideally with some impact resistance.

• Screen visible in sunlight

A screen with good brightness and decent resolution (at least Full HD) will help with visibility outdoors.

E-commerce seller

• Good camera

Rear camera with good resolution (12 MP or higher) and features such as optical stabilization and good performance in low light conditions are essential.

• Performance for networks

A mid- to high-performance processor (such as Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 or 700 series) and at least 4 GB of RAM.

• Connectivity

Support 4G and, if possible, 5G to ensure efficient and fast communication.

Gamer

• Powerful processor

Phones with Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 series or equivalent for Android, or Apple’s latest A chips.

• Screen

Screens with a refresh rate of 90 Hz or higher provide a smoother gaming experience.

• Cooling

Some cell phones have advanced cooling systems to maintain performance under load.

Administrative Assistant

• Memory and storage

At least 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, ideally with microSD card support for expansion.

• Efficient multitasking

A good processor (any recent Snapdragon 600 series or higher, or equivalent).

• Long-lasting battery

Battery with a capacity of 4,000 mAh or higher to support long hours of use.

Tips for good shopping

Read reviews – A tip that everyone should have before making the outlay is to look for reviews of the device made by other consumers. Many online stores maintain a field for comments on each product page. But websites such as “Consumidor.gov.br” and “Reclame Aqui” can also be consulted.

Don’t be guided by the name – The way we know a cell phone is often reduced. Therefore, read all the specifications before purchasing, as there may be different versions with different memories or other specifications.

Consider colors – Many cell phone promotions are restricted to a specific color for the device. Especially when the cell phone is old and there is only one color left in stock. On the one hand, staying open to color can be a good thing. But if that’s not an option, be careful when you see a sale.

Payment method – The payment method can also influence the total price paid for the product. If you have a reservation, ask for a discount on Pix.

Service plan – According to André Gildin, before buying a cell phone, you also need to think about the service plan contracted with the operator – 4G or 5G and the amount of data contracted. More sophisticated devices make more intensive use of the data package and there is often the risk of purchasing an expensive device that the user will not be able to use to its full capacity, as they will need to review their plan.

Search and alert – On the internet, it is possible to find a wide variety of prices for the same cell phone. Use search engines to search for the best cost and, if you can wait, create alerts for the desired price. “Zoom”, for example, offers this service and also offers product price history, to find out whether the current label is good or not.