Theme: Mobile phones
This month’s theme is mobile phones. We’ll go through which models are worth looking at, the best accessories and what you should look out for when you choose a phone.
Text:
Daniel Haaf
Popular mobile phones on PriceSpy
1. Apple iPhone 11
The iPhone 11 was released in September 2019 and is the latest standard model from Apple. This phone has significant upgrades compared to its predecessor the iPhone XR, with longer battery life, better cameras and better performance. With the iPhone 11, you get a brand new and very useable iOS phone with a full six colour choices.
2. Apple iPhone XS
The iPhone XS was released in 2018 and has since been replaced by the greatly improved (and more expensive) iPhone 11 Pro. With the iPhone XS you get a comparatively small but powerful mobile phone with good cameras and an excellent screen. The model is no longer sold by Apple, but is available from other shops and will receive updates to iOS for several more years.
3. Samsung Galaxy S10
The Samsung Galaxy S10 was released in 2019 along with the slightly larger model, the Galaxy S10 +. The model has a large 6.1-inch HDR display with high resolution, good performance and costs a few hundred pounds less than the newer Galaxy S20. If you don't need the latest phone from Samsung, the Galaxy S10 may be worth a closer look.
How to choose the right mobile phone - 6 practical tips
1. Size
Don't be fooled by the screen size, it just gives you a hint of how big the phone itself is. It’s important to hold a mobile phone in your hands before you buy it, as even small differences in screen size or overall size can feel very different. Can you hold the mobile phone and use it with just one hand? How do the edges of the phone feel? If you put a cover on the phone, how does the size and feeling change?
2. Screen
The first thing you notice when the phone is turned on is the screen. Ask yourself what is most important: brightness, sharpness, colours or ’svärta’. Hold two mobile phones that use LCD and OLED displays side by side and compare. The iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro are a good example of how much difference there can be between screen technologies. Also, consider whether a borderless screen like the Huawei Mate 20 Pro is important to you.
3. Performance
All newer mobile phones in the higher price ranges generally have excellent performance. Whether you're browsing the net or watching films, this year's or last year's flagship phones will work equally well. When it comes to mid-range phones and down it differs more, and here we recommend that you try them out in the shop before you buy.
4. The ecosystem
Android or iOS - what to choose? When buying a mobile phone, consider which accessories and apps you want to use with it. If you already have an Apple TV, iPad or Mac at home, an iPhone may be the better choice. If you want more freedom with which apps you can install and don't care about Apple gadgets, an Android phone might be a better choice.
5. Accessories
Want to use a smartwatch, microphone for video recording or wireless headphones? Think about what you want for your mobile phone and what models work with what you have at home. Or do you want to invest in a whole ecosystem of gadgets?
6. Apps
There is an overwhelming amount of apps and services to choose from. Thankfully, many work on most mobile phones, both Android and iOS. But here it’s important to be careful, because not all apps and services are available on all platforms. Also, check if the apps you want to use work with your computer. Write a list of what you need and check out the Google Play Store or Apple App Store before buying your new mobile phone.
New mobile phones on the market
Mobile phones are being released all the time and here are some of the slightly newer models that are worth checking out.
The iPhone SE
With the iPhone SE, Apple have launched a surprisingly good value phone with the same design and screen as the iPhone 8, but with the performance of the latest iPhone 11. This is a great entry-level phone into Apple's ecosystem if you don't need Face ID, OLED display or the excellent camera set from the iPhone 11 series. With a starting price of £419, the iPhone SE is a good first choice.
Here you’ll find the iPhone SE 64GB, 128GB and 256GB on PriceSpy.
The OnePlus 8 & OnePlus 8 Pro
The OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro are two 5G phones that were launched in April 2020. Both have large screens, fast processors and high resolution cameras. The big differences between the OnePlus 8 and the OnePlus 8 Pro are the cameras, the screen and the water resistance, where the Pro model is a tad better on all points.
Here you’ll find the OnePlus 8 128GB / 256GB and OnePlus 8 Pro 128GB on PriceSpy.
The Samsung Galaxy S20, S20 Plus & S20 Ultra
Perhaps the best Android phones on the market right now are from the Samsung S20 series. They are not cheap, but you get all the latest Samsung has to offer. A high-resolution 108-megapixel camera (in the Ultra model), a very good screen and larger batteries than all previous Galaxy S phones.
Here you’ll find the Galaxy S20 4G / S20 5G, Galaxy S20 Plus and Galaxy S20 Ultra on PriceSpy.
The Motorola Moto G8 Power
The Motorola Moto G series is known for its cheap but surprisingly good mobile phones in the budget class. For just a few hundred pounds you’ll get a phone that feels more expensive than it really is, and the Moto G8 Power is no exception. Large screen, great battery life and good design makes the Moto G8 Power an excellent companion even on days with no charging socket or powerbank nearby.
Here you’ll find the Motorola Moto G8 Power on PriceSpy.
The Xiaomi Mi Note 10 & Note 10 Pro
Xiaomi has taken the world by storm with its high-quality but wallet-friendly mobile phones. With the Mi Note 10 and Mi Note 10 Pro, you get a 108 megapixel (!) camera, decent performance, good battery life and a price that is several hundred pounds less than the Samsung Galaxy S20. Xiaomi's mobile phones are very impressive in tests, and are some of the more interesting phones on the market right now.
Here you’ll find the Xiaomi Mi Note 10 and Mi Note 10 Pro on PriceSpy.
PriceSpy’s top tip – the Galaxy S20, S20 Plus & S20 Ultra
Samsung launched three new mobile phones during the Galaxy Unpacked event – the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20 Plus and Galaxy S20 Ultra - three models that are faster, have better cameras and higher battery capacity than last year's models. In our launch article you can read more about each model and see the different variants.
Practical accessories for your mobile phone
1. Screen Protector and phone case
Protect your expensive investment with a screen protector and phone case. A plastic or glass screen protector minimises the risk of scratches and cracks, and the phone case protects both the sides and the back. You can also get cases with extra functionality such as a card holder and a built-in pop socket.
Here are all the screen protectors and phone cases on PriceSpy.
2. Pop socket
As mobile phones gradually get bigger and bigger, it becomes more difficult to use them with just one hand. With a pop socket on the back of your mobile phone, you get an extra grip to help you hold the phone, and you can also use it as support when placed on a table to watch films.
Here are all the pop sockets on PriceSpy.
3. Wireless charger
Tired of all the cables that need to be plugged in and out all the time when charging the phone? Get a wireless charger and you won't have to worry about it. If you’ve got an iPhone and Apple Watch there are dual chargers so you can charge both at the same time. Just bear in mind that wireless chargers are not as fast as one with a cord and if you have a cover on the phone it might not work. Check Before You Buy!
4. Smartwatch
Do you still have an analogue watch on your wrist and want to change to a smartwatch instead? With a smartwatch you get reminders from your calendar, see incoming calls, can answer SMS and much more - and without having to bring out the mobile phone all the time..
Here are all the smartwatches for Android and iOS on PriceSpy.
5. Memory card
If you have an Android phone, there is often room for a small memory card that increases the storage. If you start to run out of internal storage space, you may want to buy a microSD card and save, for example, photographs and videos there instead. Remember to clear unnecessary files and apps from your mobile phone every now and then.
Here are all the memory cards for mobile phones at PriceSpy.
6. Bluetooth tracker
With a Bluetooth tracker, you can track and find your gadgets at home using the mobile phone. The small tracker tag can be placed in your bag, attached to your keys or placed in your wallet if you choose a smaller variant. Activate your tracker through the associated app that you install on your mobile phone and you can find them when you are within range. Smart and practical for anyone who always mislays their car keys or wallet.
How to clean and disinfect your mobile phone
Mobile phones are real bacteria magnets and we use them all the time. Nevertheless, many of us don’t think about cleaning our phones regularly, although they can spread both the flu and the common cold virus.
It’s easy to clean your mobile phone yourself with just a microfibre cloth and some disinfectant wipes. As long as you are careful and do not use chemicals other than the mobile manufacturers recommend, you’ll have a clean mobile phone in no time. Never use more liquid than absolutely necessary when wiping your mobile phone, and don’t use bleach or other chemicals that may affect the materials.
This also applies to any accessories such as leather, which may become discoloured with the wrong detergent. Lastly, avoid using compressed air.
- Turn off the mobile phone and remove the cover if it has one
- Use a dry, clean microfibre cloth to wipe the exterior of the phone
- With a disinfectant wipe, gently clean the entire phone
- Allow the mobile phone to dry for a few minutes and then wipe the phone with the microfibre cloth again
- Repeat the cleaning process with the cover, and don’t forget to use a brand new disinfectant wipe.
PriceSpy’s top tip
All gadgets accumulate dust and dirt over time. Gadgets you use every day - such as your mobile phone and keyboard for your computer - are extra susceptible to bacteria build-up. In our article "How to clean your gadgets" you’ll find tips and advice on how to best clean your technical gadgets.
This article is written by Prisjakt’s editorial staff. No one else has influenced the content of it. There are no paid links or other types of advertising collaborations. Daniel Haaf can be reached at [email protected].