Finding the right smartphone can be challenging, given the vast range of brands and models on the market today. Therefore, you must carefully assess your needs and priorities before purchasing. Getting a phone without self-assessment can result in regret, irritation, and financial loss. This post discusses a few mistakes to avoid when buying smartphones. Avoiding these mistakes will help you get a device that fits your needs financially and aesthetically and makes you happy.

Common mistakes to avoid when buying smartphones
Buying a smartphone is a significant investment, and picking the wrong one can prove costly. Many people make the same mistakes when buying a new phone, such as choosing a model only because of the brand and overlooking essential features like battery life and durability. Following are some most common mistakes to avoid when buying smartphones:

Selecting a phone based on the brand only
Selecting a device entirely based on its brand name is one of the biggest mistakes to avoid when buying smartphones. Remember that even though a reputable brand might offer quality assurance, not all of its models are created equal. Furthermore, some lesser-known brands could provide exceptional value for money and competitive features, giving them an edge over well-known names.

Choosing the latest model without assessing your demands
Brands launch smartphones regularly and advertise them everywhere, making it easy to get caught up in the thrill of owning the newest model. However, buying a phone purely for the latest features without considering your requirements is a critical mistake to avoid. Before purchasing a handset, consider your priorities. Do you need the phone for basic calling and texting? Or do you need it for gaming and watching movies? Choosing a phone that meets your needs will ensure you are satisfied.

Disregarding the phone’s dimensions and weight
Consider the smartphone’s size and weight because these parameters can impact your overall experience. For example, a phone that is too small may strain your eyes and make it difficult to operate, while a gadget that is too huge or hefty may be difficult to grasp or carry around. Also, remember that some materials cause the mobile to become heavier, so check what its body is made of.

Ignoring the display’s resolution and quality
Not paying attention to the display’s quality and resolution is another  typical mistake to avoid when buying a smartphone. Check whether the screen is durable enough to fend off scratches and produce quality pictures. A higher-resolution display is better for watching movies and TV shows.

Not checking the camera’s specifications
These days, a phone’s most valuable component is its camera. A good-quality camera can help you click clear pictures and videos, while a low-quality one may generate blurry or pixelated images. A large aperture, picture stabilization, high resolution, and quality lens are a few features to look for in a camera. Checking these specs is especially critical if you frequently use the phone to capture your memories while traveling.

Ignoring the phone’s build quality
Pay attention to the phone’s construction quality to avoid disappointment later. Poorly-built phones break easily on falling and are prone to malfunction, requiring expensive repairs frequently. Look for models made using high-quality materials like glass or metal and those that are water and dust-resistant.

Underestimating the value of the processor and RAM
Your phone’s speed, responsiveness, and ability to run numerous apps simultaneously depend on its processor and RAM. App crashes and laggy performance are possible outcomes of not checking these specs. If you play heavy games or multitask, get a smartphone with an efficient CPU and maximum RAM.

Not setting a budget
You will find hundreds of smartphones in the market, each with a different price tag. Not having a budget can cause you to overspend on the device. This means you will have less money to purchase accessories like a phone case. When shopping, always compare the price and features of several models and brands to find the best deal.

Not checking compatibility with other devices
Not verifying the phone’s compatibility with peripherals is a mistake that can restrict your ability to utilize it to the fullest. Smartphones are frequently used with devices and accessories like chargers, headphones, and external speakers. Technology advances quickly, and older models usually do not connect with the latest wireless peripherals. Trying to connect them forcefully by manipulating their settings can lead to subpar performance or damage to the phone.

Disregarding warranty and customer service
Like any other electronic gadget, smartphones may develop problems with use. For instance, the battery may drain out too quickly, or the speakers may stop working. A warranty and dependable customer service will fix such problems swiftly and effectively. Look for phones with a guarantee that lasts at least a year, and find out what it covers, such as hardware parts, software bugs, and water or accidental damage.

Since a smartphone is a long-term investment, it is crucial to avoid blunders that could negatively impact your experience using it. Steering clear of the errors discussed here will ensure you get a phone that suits your needs and offers outstanding value for money.

Smartphones are one of the most used gadgets on a daily basis. With new and innovative features being introduced with each upgrade, you can practically get anything and everything done as long as you have a stable internet connection. But these features can also lead to many bad habits that can be detrimental to your health and your device’s longevity. Here are four common mistakes people make and should break free from today.

Buying cheap accessories
Never buy cheap knock-offs or first-copy accessories for your phone, including charging and data transfer cables. Experts recommend using the ones that come with the box or switching to a superior make and quality. This is mainly a safety precaution to lower the risk of electrocution or the phone battery overcharging and bursting into flames triggered by cheap materials.

Checking all notifications
Notifications can be really distracting and time-consuming. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself constantly checking the phone for the latest updates. That’s a tough habit to break, especially if you are active on social media. It is only the beginning of smartphone addiction, so you must brace yourself and be mindful of the daily hours spent on the phone. React and respond only to important alerts only and try to ignore the rest of the apps until the end of the day.

Relying heavily on the phone
These days it might seem futile even to remember the numbers of immediate family members and friends, as we always have our phones on us. Without the phone contact list, you are completely lost and don’t know what to do. This isn’t good, and to avoid forming this habit, you must memorize essential numbers and details. Don’t rely heavily on the phone. 

Using the phone alarm
It can be tempting to set the alarm on your phone instead of buying an alarm clock. However, keeping your phone at your bedside is a bad idea as it continuously emits small amounts of radiation. Secondly, once you switch off the alarm the following day, your immediate action will be to check texts and social media notifications, even before getting out of bed. These are the beginning signs of excessive dependency and use.

Multiple manufacturers launch new smartphones daily. The vast availability of smartphones may also compel users to buy the device based on impulse. But this way, as a buyer, you may spend a large sum of your money on an inferior phone. And nobody wants to spend their money on a poorly made product. Therefore, in this article, we have listed ten mistakes you must avoid when buying a new smartphone.

Getting insufficient storage
If you love clicking pictures and recording videos, getting a device with less storage is a bad idea.

Not buying the screen protector
Not using a screen protector or a bumper case for your new smartphone will increase the risk of damage if it falls.

Tying up with a bad carrier service
A carrier may offer the best deal on a device. But always check how good their network coverage is in your region.

Skipping the protection plan
Though a protection plan may seem expensive at the time, you are better off buying it. If your phone breaks in the future, you will pay much less for repairs with a protection plan.

Purchasing the incorrect size
Smartphones with larger screens are not always better, so you must consider the purpose of your device before investing in it.

Trusting in commercials
A TV commercial will always highlight the best functions and features. But if you want to know how good the device truly is, we recommend hands-on testing at the store.

Buying the most expensive device
An expensive smartphone isn’t necessarily the best one. Do your research and find a device suitable for your needs. The same goes for buying a cheap phone that may let you down soon.

Upgrading to the latest device
Before spending your money on an upgrade, compare your older device with the new one. There’s a chance your current smartphone works better than the latest model.

Getting mesmerized by the camera
A device with a good camera may skimp on performance. So check all the specifications before you spend your money.

Not prioritizing the processor
The RAM in a smartphone is not the only factor that complements its performance. Purchasing a device with an up-to-date processor is equally important.

Today’s smartphones offer unmatched features and functionalities that are similar to several entry-level laptops and computing systems. This means you can use it for high-end gaming, making business transactions, and even promoting on social media. Individuals and businesses can also maximize their reach with dedicated smartphone applications designed for various purposes.

A good smartphone must have a great camera, a big screen, long battery life, and be fast enough to load your social media and other apps. Since the upgrade cycle is slowing down, people are holding onto their phones for a longer period. So, they are looking for phones that will last. Most smartphones offer a good user experience, making choosing tough. Here are the top five smartphones of 2022, as per experts.

iPhone 13 Pro Max
Like its predecessor, the iPhone 13 Pro Max offers 5G support. It earns its top spot on this list thanks to its 6.7-inch ProMotion display that scales up to 120Hz. This dynamically adjusting display has proven to be a power drain on other devices but not on this Apple smartphone. Apart from this, it has the A15 Bionic chip for fast performance and up to 12 hours of battery life.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is a top-of-the-line model for Android users. It boasts a vast 6.8-inch screen with a fast refresh rate. There’s a 108MP camera sensor that lets you click better pictures even in low light without using Night mode. However, the battery life is a bit of a setback, but keeping that aside, the S22 Ultra is one of the best 5G cell phones that supports several networks, including T-Mobile.

Google Pixel 6
The Google Pixel 6 supports Android 12. It has its own Tensor chipset, which keeps up with the Snapdragon 888 and powers a learning-driven experience. This makes Google Pixel phones unique. Some of its main features include a 50MP camera lens, photo-editing tools like Magic Eraser for removing people from the background of your shots, and Motion Mode to make action shots look more dynamic.

OnePlus 9 Pro
The OnePlus 9 Pro offers amazing features at an affordable price than its rivals. It has a 6.7-inch, 120 Hz display and fast charging. This smartphone has a 4,500 mAh battery along with 48MP wide and 50MP ultrawide cameras.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
This smartphone with a foldable screen comes with a huge 7.6-inch OLED display and IPX water-resistance rating. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 from Samsung offers a 120Hz refresh rate, an under-display camera, and S Pen support (optional). It’s a bulky phone with an expensive price tag, but one of a kind.

The Samsung Galaxy S22 has been the talk of the town, thanks to its high-end hardware and impressive cameras. It comes with a sleek design and updated operating system, catching everyone’s eye. Considering the sophisticated features, the device comes with a high price tag. Thankfully, Samsung has teamed up with AT&T to offer the best deals on the Galaxy S22. Here’s how you can buy the Samsung S22 basically for free through this deal.

Get $800 off!

You can get your hands on the new Samsung S22 with up to $800 off by going through the AT&T trade-in offer. All one needs to do is:

• Fire up the AT&T and go to the cellphone section
• Select the Samsung S22 and choose the capacity you want to buy (128 GB or 256 GB)
• Scroll down to “trade-in your current device section” and select the model you wish to trade in
• Upon selecting all the details, you will likely receive the same discount offer (about $800 off)
• Once you finalize the payment, you will receive the new Samsung S22 along with a trade-in kit. 

Buyers must send their trade-in device within a month of activating the Samsung S22. Once your trade-in device is verified, you will receive bill credits. The baseline price of the new Samsung S22 is around $800, and if you trade in an old Samsung device, you will receive a discount of $800. This means you will get the S22 for basically free! 

The trade-in offer is for Samsung phones as old as 2010. If you don’t own a Samsung, the trade-in offer is valid on other select brands as well. AT&T is also offering an installment plan that lets you buy the Samsung Galaxy S22 128GB for $22.23 per month.

Trade-in deals by Samsung

There are other trade-in deals by Samsung that let you buy the S22 for as low as $100 or $2.78 per month for three years (in association with Samsung Financing). If you have the money to spend, Samsung is also offering a similar trade-in offer for the S22+. You can buy it for $300 and get a discount of up to $40 through other Samsung discount programs. 

If you have an old smartphone lying around at home, now is an excellent time to start looking for it. But hurry as the offer is only valid till stock lasts.

The Samsung Galaxy S22 series is already creating quite a buzz in the market with its impressive features. From loyal customers to new users, everyone is eyeing Samsung’s flagship series, especially due to its dynamic yet competitive price range. Samsung has joined hands with carriers like AT&T to offer deals on Samsung S22 that you cannot resist. Know how you can buy the latest from Samsung through deals while they are still hot!

Get $800 off!
You read that right! Now you can buy the Samsung Galaxy S22 with discounts of up to $800 through AT&T’s trade-in offer. All you need to do is, go to the AT&T website’s cellphone section and select Samsung S22, select capacity (128GB or 256GB) and select ‘Trade in your current device.’ Upon entering the details of your trade-in phone, you will get an exact offer (which is usually $800).

Upon finalizing the purchase and receiving your new AT&T-powered Samsung S22, you will receive a trade-in kit. Make sure to send the traded device within a month of activating your Samsung S22. Once your trade-in phone has been received and verified, you will receive trade-in credits in your bill.

Say you are looking to buy the baseline Samsung S22, priced around $800. You can trade in your old Samsung device with AT&T for a discount of up to $800. Thus, you get a brand-new Samsung S22 for free! The trade-in offer is eligible on Samsung devices as old as Samsung Galaxy S from 2010. That is not all; AT&T is also offering the new Samsung S22 at a discounted price through a trade-in offer for phones other than Samsung.

And if you are looking for monthly installments, then AT&T’s installment plan can let you buy Samsung Galaxy S22 for $22.23 per month for the 128GB variant.

Trade-in deals by Samsung
Apart from this, you can now buy Samsung Galaxy S22+ at $99.99 with Samsung’s trade-in offer or $2.78 per month for three years using Samsung Financing. And if you are willing to scale up your budget, then Samsung is offering is the S22+ through the same offer for $299.99. You can get additional discounts of up to $40 using other Samsung offer programs.

So, hurry and get your hands on the new Samsung S22 today as offers from AT&T and Samsung are valid till stocks last.

At its recent event, Apple unveiled the stunning iPhone 13 and its models to the world through its virtual event. The new phone comes in 4 different models, namely, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and the all new iPhone 13 Pro Max. Starting September 24th, these models will be available in stores for people to purchase, so the wait is almost over for those who’ve been wanting to get their hands on these latest gadgets. Also, keep a tab on the iPhone 13 cell phones sale to grab your favorite models at the best deal.

Features
These new models come with the A15 Bionic chip, a cinematic mode for videos, a promise of 5G experience, Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion, and longer, much better battery life than the previous models. Thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate, the user experience is much more smooth, fast and responsive. Out of the four models, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max will also have 1TB storage options, making space an absolute non-issue for the user.

Pricing
Here’s the pricing for the models according to their storage options available:

• iPhone 13
  Costing around $799 for 128GB, $999 for 256GB, and around $1,099 for 512GB.
• iPhone 13 Mini
  $699 for 128GB option, $799 for 256GB, $999 for 512GB.
• iPhone 13 Pro
  128GB is priced at $999, 256GB priced at $1,099, 512GB priced at $1,299, and 1TB priced at $1,499.
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
  $1,099 for 128GB, $1199 for 256GB, $1,399 for 512GB and $1,599 for 1TB.

Colors
iPhone 13 and Mini come in starlight (white), blue, pink, midnight (black), and product red, whereas iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max only come in sierra blue, silver, graphite, and gold options.

Pink and sierra blue are two new non-traditional color options available to the consumer.

iPhone 13 cellphone deals
Since the event, there have been several deals available for the purchase of the phone. AT&T is working on some trade-in deals with some new and current customers. This only applies to those who have an unlimited plan and have opted for a 36-month installment option!

Apple itself is allowing trade-in deals with up to $790 off, depending on the trade-in value of your iPhone 8 or any other newer model. However, you can also use some other OS phones.

If you are a Verizon customer, you can get up to $1000 in a trade-in deal with them for the 128GB iPhone 13 Pro. Speak to a customer executive to understand the terms and conditions of the iPhone 13 cellphone deals in detail.

Buying a smartphone has become an expensive ordeal. With each year comes new complicated technology, making these devices more high-end and out of reach. That said, buying a smartphone doesn’t have to burn a hole in your pocket. There are still some cheap smartphones in the market that cater to most people’s needs. Consider buying these if you’re on a budget.

Google pixel 4A
With smart specs and looks, the Google Pixel 4A makes for an excellent purchase for anyone looking for a cheap but good-quality smartphone. It is priced at approximately $350 online. The phone comes with a 12MP dual-pixel camera with features like Live HDR+ and Night Sight to make your pictures look gorgeous. It is powered by Snapdragon 730G8, and the OLED screen and a battery that lasts all day long make this smartphone a great buy.

Motorola Moto G Play
Priced at $170 for 32GB, this smartphone is definitely one of the cheapest you can buy on a budget. It has 3GB RAM that keeps applications running smoothly and comes with a battery that lasts for up to 3 days. Plus, the 13MP camera takes clear pictures. If 32GB is not enough space for your requirements, you can always add up to 512 GB to the storage space using the microSD card slot.

TCL 10 5G UW
A smartphone with a 5G connection and a battery that lasts all day on a single charge? The TCL 10 5G UW is your affordable option in this category. It’s priced at around $300 online, but you can always look for exclusive deals with certain e-commerce websites. And if you like clicking photos, the 48MP camera captures great details, and night mode allows you to take up to 3x brighter photos in low-light conditions.

Apple iPhone SE 64GB
An ioS lover but the high price range keeping you from buying an iPhone? The SE models make it possible for most to buy into the Apple product dream. They are beautifully designed and run on state-of-the-art tech. The Apple iPhone SE comes with a 12MP rear camera and 7MP front camera, and the 4.7-inch display makes it easy to hold in one hand. And no, the quality of the screen has not been tampered with at all. It’s still bright, clear, and vibrant. You can get good deals on this cheap smartphone and buy it online for under $400.

Radio frequency waves and electromagnetic waves have been identified as one of the major health risk factors for humans. With most of the population relying on smart phones and wireless internet for survival, the amount of radiation these devices emit is a cause for concern. But you can invest in a decent anti-radiation cell phone case and prevent such radiation from affecting your health with long-term use. Here are our top three picks:

1. DefenderShield
DefenderShield is one of the best anti-radiation cell phone cases you can buy that is also approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The case manages to block out 99.99 percent of electromagnetic radiation. The product is designed with multiple layers of shielding without it affecting the device’s ability to send and receive a proper signal. Their proprietary DefenderShield technology additionally blocks 5G wireless, WiFi, and Bluetooth radiation. The material also manages to dissipate any heat within the layers. DefenderShield anti-radiation phone cases are designed for popular Apple and Android smartphones.

2. SafeSleeve
SafeSleeve is another popular alternative that is certified by the FCC. The anti-radiation cell phone case is designed to counter 99 percent of direct 5G, WiFi, and cellular radiation. Additionally, the materials are designed to bounce back at least 92 percent of extremely low frequency (ELF) radiation adsorbed form batteries, AC power adapters, and other external devices. Made with durable military grade materials, the cell phone case can survive scratches and drops to protect your expensive phone. SafeSleeve cell phone cases are designed for iPhones, iPads, laptops, and select Android phones.

3. RadiArmor
RadiArmor introduces a range of products that are designed to deflect radiation from your iPhone, iPad and laptops. It offers more products including phone sleeves, EMF-blocking fabric, laptop pads, and even bed canopies that can deflect up to 99 percent of RF waves. Many of the cases include radio-frequency identification (RFID) protection so you can safely store your credit cards and travel without worrying about unauthorized scans. The cases also feature an additional layer of TPU rubber along the edges to protect your phone from dings and dents due to accidental drops.

A virtual private network or VPN is one of the most useful tools for privacy that can be used at its best when using a public network, as it makes data tracking difficult due to encrypted connection. A VPN connection hides one’s IP address, which prevents companies from keeping tabs on your browsing history. So, if you are thinking of ramping up your privacy setting while using the internet, the following VPN services of 2021 can help you stay off the radar.

NordVPN
It is one of the best VPN services of 2021 that offers its services for both mobiles and desktops. The VPN service offers not only AES-256 standard encryption but also a double VPN system that encrypts the internet traffic twice. This ensures stronger network impermeability when using public networks. NordVPN is one of those VPN services with at least 5,000 servers in more than 60 countries, ensuring uninterrupted privacy. Moreover, it allows up to six simultaneous connections. Some of its other features include DNS leak protection, proxy extensions on Firefox and Chrome browsers, and kill switches. It is also one of the few VPN servers that accepts Bitcoin as payment.

CyberGhost
If you are looking for unblocked worldwide access to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and iPlayer, CyberGhost is the VPN service for you. One of the best features of CyberGhost is it has at least 7,000 servers with more than 105 server locations in 91 countries, allowing maximum simultaneous connections of more than 7 devices. CyberGhost runs on almost all operating systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. The VPN service offers a trial period of 45 days with a money-back guarantee.

Surfshark
Like most VPN services, Surfshark offers its services on almost all OS platforms, making it compatible with mobile phones and desktops, thereby ensuring maximum privacy even on public networks. With 24/7 customer support, Surfshark has 3,200 servers in at least 100 locations in 65 countries. While other VPN services offer limited multiple-device connection, Surfshark offers unlimited devices connection. It also has private DNS and double VPN hop that adds an extra layer of security while browsing the internet.

ExpressVPN
It is one of the best VPN services of 2021. ExpressVPN is a trusted name when it comes to online privacy. ExpressVPN has more than 3,000 servers in almost 160 locations across 94 countries, and you can use it even on the go, as it works on both mobile phones and desktops. It can be used on various operating system platforms like Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. ExpressVPN has dedicated extensions for web browsers like Chrome and Firefox.