Author: Richard Munoz

In buying smartphones, one of the major factors to consider is what operating system or user interface to choose – iOS or Android? Well, these two major operating systems have distinct strengths and edges from one another. In terms of functionality and smartness, iOS devices are our personal choice. But if you want a wide selection of choices, including high-end premiums and the others that are within your budget, then opt for Android phones.

In fact, Androids are the most used smartphones in the whole world. According to 2016 figures from Gartner, of the 432 million smartphones sold in the last quarter of 2016, 81.7% of it or 352 million are run by Android OS, whereas only 17.9 percent ran iOS. Impressive, right? Based on statistics, over 100 million Americans own Android phones in 2016, just 10 million ahead of iPhone users.

Indeed, Android phones are popular everywhere in the world. However, most users complain about some certain imperfections in Androids (It’s normal!) One of the common problems they are experiencing is how slow Androids are in terms of speed, performance, response, loading, and processing, among others. Don’t you worry! That is not a problem, actually. The solution to this problem is just inside your smartphone.

Follow these 13 hacks to make your Android smartphones run faster and better than ever:

Delete unused apps

It is very tempting to store more than dozens of apps in your Android because they have a generous storage, in which can be expandable, as well. However, too many apps can affect your phone speed and performance. Now is the right time to discern over all your apps and get rid of the ones that you are not using anymore.

Clear cached app data

Cached data for apps can build up over time and take a lot of space resulting to slow speed and performance. Thus, clear your cached data to remove old data and make the app run smoother. For sure, it will prevent apps from crashing or freezing. This method can be helpful in games, or even in social media apps like Facebook and Instagram.

Clean the system memory

Most Androids now have built-in system memory cleaners which free the RAM of your smartphone and boost the performance. Well, if you are using outdated Androids, don’t worry, you can install free cleaner apps available in Play Store.

Choose apps wisely

It will also help if you consider installing the lighter versions of apps. Popular apps like Facebook, Messenger, and Twitter have lite versions. They are designed for entry-level Androids. But more than that, it can help you reduce your data bill. Moreover, think twice or thrice before you install apps. Some apps are fake, stealing importance data and controlling your device. To avoid this, install apps from trusted and popular software provider.

Update your phone

Androids will prompt you if there are new updates. If there are any, do not hesitate to update your software or your OS. Updates are made to upgrade device, correct previous bugs, and impairments, and overall, boost speed and performance. BUT, check your device storage if it is still capable of updating. Some updates may be too heavy, occupying too much of your storage which will instead lead to poor performance.

Don’t auto-update apps

Most Androids automatically update built-in and installed apps. This happens when your device is connected to a Wi-Fi connection. The updating typically happens in the background. On the other hand, this will potentially slow down your phone performance because of certain processes happening in the background. Well, if you are not that avid of app updates, turn of the auto-updating of apps.

Restart your smartphone

It will also help you if you perform a restart sometimes, probably before you sleep. Restarting is equivalent to rebooting your computer. So, it will delete temporary files and clean up phone memory which will help your Android speed up.

Take advantage of cloud

Androids provide you a cloud storage allowance. Take advantage of it. Upload your files to the cloud to free your internal storage. Definitely, this will help speed up your Android smartphone.

Declutter your home screen

Just like desktop computers, it is important that your home screen is organized and clutter-free. Get rid of apps that are not for everyday use. Putting too much stuff can also put extra load on your Android’s hardware which will affect the device’s performance. Moreover, do not use live wallpapers and dozens of widgets sound as they can really slow your Android down.

Explore other launchers

Apart from the built-in launcher, there are tons of third-party launchers available in Play Store. They have distinct and unique shortcuts, customizations, and other options. Some of them are very simple. Others also can occupy too much space. So, be selective and cautious in choosing the third-party launcher.

Manage developer options

There is so much in your settings that can help your device work faster, just like the developer options. In the developer options, you can set the window and transition animation scales, including the animator duration scale. This will reduce the time wasted on unnecessary visual effects.

Turn-off auto sync

Sometimes, we love to upgrade our smartphones. On the other hand, our Google account remains the same. Most smartphones allow the automatic syncing of data, contacts, apps, and other content. Well, this can potentially reduce the performance and even the battery life of your device. Syncing of content will really take time, and storage, too. Thus, it can help you to turn-off sync if you are patient in manually copying data.

Perform a factory reset

If you do not have any choice and you still do not have a budget to buy a new Android, perform a factory reset. Basically, it will get rid of all the junk data and clean up your device, but it will also delete all the data and settings – back to scratch – fresh from the factory. Before you do this, make sure you back up all your data.

That’s it! We hope this will help your Android smartphone work faster, like brand new.

The smartphone has dramatically evolved from the earliest mobile communication device to a smart, revolutionary technology that it has been today. The reason behind its radical change is the different companies in the mobile communication industry that keep on innovating and redefining the standards of what “smart “phone is. Every year, new models of smartphones emerge with new specs, features, and out-of-this-world technologies.

In this article, let us enumerate some of the most trusted and top-rated smartphone giants that continue to bring the “smartphone” game to new horizons:

Samsung

Samsung is undeniably the frontrunner in smartphone innovation leading the global smartphone market This South Korean giant ships over 300 million units every year. This translates to about 30% of the total mobile phone sales on the market. Samsung is present in over 100 countries across the glove. It continues to capture the market with their wide selection of Android-driven smartphones.

Apple

Apple is one of the most recognized smartphone houses in the world because of their unique and sophisticated iPhone, a breather from the Android-infested smartphone market. According to data, Apple sells over 200 million units annually through their strong presence in over 40 countries worldwide. They even own about 100 exclusive iCenters in about 15 countries. Apple is expected to be still among the biggest smartphone companies in the next decades to come.

Huawei

Huawei’s phones have become popular because of its Apple-like looks with the user-friendliness of the Android interface. This Chinese giant is very strong in Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. It even surpassed Apple in terms of global smartphone sales in June and July of 2017. According to their data, they sell about 100 million units annually. Moreover, they have over 75,000 researchers to improve the quality of their products.

Vivo

Another Smartphone giant, Vivo is one of the new players in the smartphone industry to have gained global trust. According to their data, they sell about 80 million smartphone units every year. They also experienced a 103% growth in their smartphone shipment since 2017.

Oppo

Since its launch in 2001, Oppo has gained widespread popularity all over the world because of their wide variety of affordable and high-end smartphone choices. They have a strong presence in over 20 countries, mostly in Asia. According to their data, over 50 million Oppo units are shipped every day globally.

OnePlus

Another fresh player in the smartphone industry is the Shenzhen based Chinese smartphone manufacturer OnePlus. They are known for their mid-range smartphones. Recently, they opened its experience center in Bengaluru, featuring their “flagship killers”. They have been serving over 30 countries and regions around the world.

Xiaomi

Xiaomi entered the smartphone industry in 2010. It is known for its strong workforce, employing over 8,000 workers and researchers to improve their top-of-the-line smartphone products. Apart from China and India, they have a strong presence in Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, and Brazil, among others. They sell more than 65 million units annually, according to their data.

Lenovo

The Chinese technology company Lenovo is best known for their manufacturing of computers, laptops, and electronic storage devices. In 2013, they started producing smartphones. Now, they have a strong presence in over 60 countries around the world, selling over 70 million every year.

LG

LG is not just established for their smartphones, but they are also known for producing durable smartphones including their most popular G-Series, K-Series, Tribute, G Flex, and Nexus. This Korean company employs over 80,000 employees working in 120 subsidiaries around the world. Based on their data, they sell over 60 million smartphone units a year.

Sony

Sony is a Japan multinational telecommunications company that is formerly known for producing Sony Ericsson mobile phones. In 2012, Sony Mobile ranked fourth in world’s largest smartphone manufacturers. Their current flagship includes e Sony Xperia XZ Premium and other Android-powered smartphones.

HTC

HTC is a Taiwan-based electronics company that started in 1997. They started developing their first smartphones with Windows OS until it co-founded the Open Handset Alliance. In 2008, they launched the T-Mobile which made history as the first smartphone powered by Android. Just last 2017, HTC announced a $1.1 billion deal with Google.

Nokia

Nokia has been the global leaders since the emergence of mobile phones. In the 10 top-selling mobile phones in the history, seven of it is from Nokia, including Nokia 1100, 3210, 1200, 6600, 5230, and 2600. In 2017, it launched its Android-based smartphones, along with the reimagining of the iconic 3310.

BlackBerry

BlackBerry has also been one of the leaders of mobile device innovation. They released some of the first-ever phones that support data connectivity. Thus, they can be considered to define a “smart” phone. In 2013, they gained over 85 million subscribers. They only lost dominance due to the rise of Android phones. In 2015, the focused in producing Android-powered smartphones.

Google

Google is indeed popular, but they become more popular when they entered the smartphone industry. In 2016, they released their Pixel smartphone, followed by Pixel 2 in 2017. These smartphones compete with Samsung and Apple’s top-of-the-line phones.

ASUS

ASUS is a Taiwanese multinational electronics company known for manufacturing laptops, desktops, and smartphones, among others. In 2015, ASUS was hailed as the world’s 4th largest PC manufacturer. On the other hand, ASUS has made waves when they released their ZenFone series, truly capable and functional mobile devices at affordable prices. Their smartphones are strong in India, China, and other Asian countries.

Alcatel

Alcatel is one of the most trusted mobile communications companies with a strong presence in over 170 countries worldwide. Based on their records, Alcatel sells over 50 million units every year. Its popular smartphone products include Pop, Pixi, and Idol.

ZTE

Another player from China is the ZTE. Apart from smartphones, they are also widely known for telecom services. ZTE targets low income to mid-segment classes. However, they also gave premium high-end mobile devices. Based on their data, ZTE sells over 50 million units annually.

Among these smartphone giants, which one is your favorite? Tell us what you think.

Smartphones are everyone’s daily companion. In fact, 77% of the American population owns a personal smartphone, and yes, including children. In this digital era, people have to keep up. Especially today that the demands of life increase – work, learning, and social life, the more reasons to use smartphones. However, everything too much brings no good. Too many sweets cause diabetes. Too much fries and burger lead to obesity and heart problems. Well, too much use of cell phones also increases your risk to various health problems.

In this article, we will discuss the top 15 damaging health effects brought by the everyday use of smartphones:

Smartphone Addiction

An average individual spends at least five hours a day on their smartphone. This dependence on the smartphone can develop into a serious addiction. Based on a study, 72% of people have this so-called “nomophobia” or the fear of having no phones. In fact, 70% of American women admit that they experience phone separation anxiety.

Withdrawal Symptoms

When people become addicted of their symptoms, they will experience withdrawal symptoms. Like drug and alcohol addicts, people with smartphone addiction experience panic, confusion, and physical distress without their phones. Based on a 2011 study among 1,000 students, a ‘clear majority’ of them showed withdrawal symptoms when their smartphones are being confiscated for 24 hours.

Musculoskeletal Problems

The excessive use of a smartphone can lead to the development of back problems. According to the British Chiropractic Association, more young people experience back problems due to smartphone use. Based on a 2015 statistics, 45% of young people between 16 and 24 years suffer from musculoskeletal problems, especially their back. On the other hand, excessive and continuous use of smartphones can cause “text claw” – a pain in the tendons or muscles in your fingers and wrists.

Nerve Damage

A recent study linked the use of a smartphone to the development of “occipital neuralgia”. It is a neurological condition in which nerves that linked your head and your spine are compressed or inflamed. There is no cure for this condition. However, the pain can be managed through medication, massage, and yoga, among others.

Stress & Depression

Stress is the most direct impact of smartphone use. Based on a 2012 research, responding to incoming alerts and notifications can cause stress. Excessive use can also stress the eyes, nerves, and other body parts which affect overall functioning. Moreover, it can also lead to depression. A Northwestern University study revealed that the more you spend time with your phone, the more you are depressed.

Weight Gain

When you spend at least five hours a day on your smartphone, of course, you miss hours or even minutes of doing daily exercise and cooking healthy meals. In short, you become inactive. The stress that the smartphone is causing you also encourages your body to seek for more food. Further, this sedentary lifestyle can lead you to obesity, diabetes, and heart disorders.

Sleep Deprivation

In a 2013 study, three-fourths of the world population sleep with their smartphones. Smartphone emits radiofrequency waves and bright light which contribute to sleep deprivation. According to Harvard researchers, the light that smartphones emit can suppress melatonin production, the hormone that balances your sleep cycle. Based on a 2015 study, smartphone light causes insomnia than drinking a cup of coffee.

Poor Concertation

Studies suggest that smartphones diminish productivity and performance. It reduces your attention span when you are working on detailed and difficult tasks. Moreover, the presence of smartphones in social settings steal your attention. It decreases your concentration in responding to external stimuli because you are focused on your smartphone.

Violent Behavior

Smartphones provide easy access to any type of content – including violence. The more you are exposed to violent-themed news, videos and other forms of content, the more you are likely to develop a violent behavior, especially for children.

Decreased Social Interaction

The use of smartphones has negative effects on your social health. When you connect to the virtual world, you disconnect from the real world. According to a research conducted by the University of Essex, people who are more dependent on their smartphones have a low quality of relationship and less trust to their partners or families. A University of Maryland research also suggests that smartphone use can develop a selfish, antisocial behavior to people.

Prone to Accidents

The use of a smartphone is among the leading causes of car accidents in the world. Moreover, pedestrians who use their smartphones can increase their risk to a road accident. Based on a research, the use of cell phones can reduce brain activity to 37%, losing focus while driving. Thus, keep your eyes on the road, not on your phone.

Vision Problems

The American Macular Degeneration Foundation found out that the use of smartphones can lead to retinal damage or worse, macular degeneration which refers to the loss of central vision. Based on a survey of 2,000 people, 55% of them experienced eye discomfort after continuous use of smartphones. The blue and green light from smartphones also causes dry eye syndrome.

Reduced Hearing

The use of headphones can contribute to loss of hearing. According to the Dangerous Decibels, exposure to above 85-decibel sound or noise can cause hearing loss. Based on the records of National Institute on Deafness, about 26 million Americans suffer from noise-induced hearing loss, and one factor is the use of headphones.

Threat to Stamina

You may think your smartphone is clean, but it is a home to different types of bacteria. According to a study from the University of Arizona, smartphones host around 10 times the amount of bacteria found on your toilet. This can weaken your immune system which leads to various flu and diseases.

Cancer

Smartphones emit radio waves which can be absorbed by our tissues. These radio waves are a form of electromagnetic radiation which can increase a person’s risk to cancer. Researchers found out that exposure to radiation can enhance chemical carcinogens that develop into cancer. Some epidemiological studies found the relationship between smartphone use and the increased risk of different types of tumors.

Smartphones have radically changed people’s lives. Before people have to take extra effort in sending messages or they buy a camera just to take pictures. Today, these functionalities are integrated into one, rectangular – revolutionary technology that keeps getting smarter and smarter every day. Since then, smartphones are never found out of reach from people.

According to statistics, almost half of the population owns a smartphone. In a 2016 survey conducted by the Bank of America, 96% of the millennials aged 18 to 24 years old said that smartphones are very important for them. 93% of them even stated that smartphones are more important than deodorant and toothbrush. The survey also found out that an individual checks his or her smartphone every 6.5 minutes.

Everything has its advantages and disadvantages. In the section, let us know how we can benefit from smartphones and at the same time, what the disadvantages of smartphone technology are.

8 Advantages of Having Smartphones

Instant Communication

Smartphones evolved from the earliest communication devices. Thus, it has been created to primarily improve people’s way of communicating with each other. The advent of smartphone technology modernized communications. It has paved the way to SMS, text messaging, call, video chat, and apps that allow people to instantly communicate to everyone across the globe.

Web Surfing

The smartphones also make it convenient for people to surf the web. These devices are integrated with mobile browsers that enable them to research and access websites anytime and anywhere. According to a study, 10% of the total time spent by people on smartphones is used in opening browsers to surf the internet. With this, people have easy access to information.

Camera

In this “selfie” generation, the camera is so important. It saves people from buying a separate digital camera to take photos and videos. Especially now that the millennials are fond of posting photos in the social media. According to a 2014 Comtech study, the camera ranked third as the most important consideration for consumers in buying a smartphone. With this, smartphone giants make sure their phones are equipped with the best camera.

Entertainment

Smartphones are also viewed as a source of entertainment – games, music, movies, and books. Based on the 2016 statistics, there are more than 63.7 million people in North America use smartphones for gaming. Moreover, users can listen to their favorite music with iTunes and Spotify, among others. Watching movies and reading e-books are also convenient through smartphones.

Education

Smartphones also aid education, especially in children. With easy access to information and helpful content, children can have a more interactive learning through watching education videos and playing education applications. They can also easily surf the internet if they want to search something about a topic.

Productivity Apps

Smartphones can do almost everything with the help of apps. There are over 2 million apps in Google Play Store while over 1.5 million apps in Apple App Store. People spend 90% of their time accessing apps in which an average user install 36 apps on their smartphone. The functionality of apps varies from each other – photo and video editor, ticket booking, online store, payment system, data analysis, personal assistant, etc.

GPS

Most smartphones now are equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS). This technology allows people to locate certain addresses and area all around the world. This helped improved not just communication, but most especially, transportation.

Privacy

With smartphones, you can do whatever you want without anyone knowing it. You can snap photos of yourself and secure your photo library with a password. You can also send messages to your loved ones without the fear of anyone knowing it. Online transactions can also be done through smartphones.

8 Disadvantages of Having Smartphones

Costly

Smartphones can be expensive, especially those high-end phones with great specs and features. Apart from the smartphone itself, some applications require being purchased in order to fully use the other functionalities offered by the app. If you also want data connectivity, you need to maintain a data plan.

Poor Social Interaction

Based on the new data released by analytics firm Flurry, people use smartphones at least 5 hours a day. They also added that people’s usage of apps increases to 69% last 2017. With this, the “real” social interaction degrades. People no longer interact with people outside as they tend to spend more time with their smartphones.

Distraction

Despite the productivity, smartphones can really be distracting. Applications notify you when there are messages, updates, latest offerings, etc. These interrupt the momentum which can potentially affect your productivity. When you attend to these notifications, you’ll find yourself attached to the phone.

Health Issues

Smartphones are also found to have a negative impact on your health. Smartphones emit radiofrequency energy which can be absorbed by the tissues in the body. Sleep deprivation is also one of the common bad effects of using smartphones. Moreover, phones produce HEV light which can damage your eyes’ retina.

Addiction

When you wake up in the morning, do you find yourself checking your phone first than anything else? If you do, this is an early sign of smartphone addiction. This problem may lead to a serious addiction. This may include addiction to games, social media, etc.

Privacy Threats

Even if smartphones are made private, there are still security risks and threats everywhere. Hackers are always present and virtual viruses are potent. Smartphones are vulnerable to these threats when you access the internet. Thus, you need to be extra cautious of opening sites and links.

Extra Work

With high-end smartphone comes…extra work. Smartphones are widely used in business. If you find yourself relying on various apps, then you are working on extra workloads which are not even existent before. Moreover, your boss can instantly call you even in the middle of the night.

Uncensored Content

Lastly, there is a disadvantage in easy access to information and the internet. People, especially children can see, intentionally or not, the uncensored content including violence, pornographic content, etc. If you have children, make sure you regulate their use of smartphones.

iPhone is considered one of the most revolutionary smartphones in the 21st century. It has redefined the standards of mobile phones, integrating advancement and functionality in one. It is so revolutionary, creating competitiveness in the mobile phone industry. It started the game of “the best smartphone in existence”, and no doubt, it is leading the competition.

Despite dozens of new releases from other recognized smartphone giants, Apple’s iPhone remained to be the world’s favorite. Based on the estimate of BMO Capital Markets, there are more than 700 million users of iPhone worldwide. In fact, last July 2016, Apple announced that they sold their one billionth iPhone unit.

Every year, Apple surprises us with new iPhones with new specs, features, technologies. This 2017, they have launched two iPhone models as a celebration of their 10th founding anniversary. Before we talk about them, let us look back how the iPhone evolved for the last ten years:

Original iPhone (June 2007)

“So, three things: a widescreen iPod with touch controls; a revolutionary mobile phone; and a breakthrough internet communications device.”

These were the exact words when the Apple’s former CEO and co-founder Steve Jobs launched in 2007 the “revolutionary product” – iPhone. It is a 3.5-inch screen device with 320 x 480-pixel resolution, the most incredible display during that time. It has a 2MP primary camera and storage up to 8GB. Its entry in the market changed the mobile device landscape forever.

iPhone 3G (July 2008)

The second generation of the iPhone was called the iPhone 3G. Its face is similar to the original, although it replaced the back material for more solidness. The iPhone 3G is considered one of the most iconic mobile devices. It introduced 3G connectivity. In addition, it launched the App Store offering more than 500 apps that aim to improve the functionality of the iPhone.

iPhone 3GS (June 2009)

A year after, Apple introduced the third generation of iPhone – the iPhone 3GS (“S” for ‘Speed”). In this generation, Apple refined the iPhone software and hardware. The camera got upgraded to 3MP and included video recording. It also added voice control and expanded storage to 32GB, the largest during that time.

iPhone 4 (June 2010)

The iPhone was completely redesigned in the fourth generation. It has become larger and the back was made of glass. Apart from the major look revamp, it launched the first high-resolution “Retina” display screen. It also introduced the front camera, which basically gave birth to “selfies”. With this, FaceTime video chat came to the scene.

iPhone 4S (October 2011)

With new CEO Tim Cook, Apple introduced their iPhone 4S. It is slimmer than the fourth generation iPhone. It was also run by a dual-core processor which was used in iPad 2. The camera was also upgraded to 8MP in which can record a video in 1080p. They also unveiled the 64GB storage option. Lastly, Siri was launched on this iPhone.

iPhone 5 (September 2012)

The major change in the iPhone 5 is its 4-inch screen display running at 640 x 1136 pixels. According to Cook, “this is the biggest thing to happen to iPhone”. It was the first iPhone to support LTE connectivity. It was also the first to use Lightning charging port instead of the 30mm-pin connector. Compared to the earliest iPhones, iPhone 5 is 20% lighter.

iPhone 5S/5C (September 2013)

With the rise of Android phones, Apple decided to release more affordable iPhones in the form of iPhone 5C. It doesn’t have major differences from iPhone 5, except that it was made with a plastic back and comes in different vivid colors. On the other hand, the iPhone 5S showed major improvements. It introduced touch ID, dual flash, and slow-mo video. On top of these, iPhone 5S used iOS 7, the most powerful OS during that time.

iPhone 6/6 Plus (September 2014)

The sixth generation iPhone comes in two different models – the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. The major difference of the two is the size. iPhone 6 has 4.7-inch display while the Plus has a 5.5-inch display. The resolutions are also improved with Retina HD Display. They are also powered by A8 processors for more efficiency. These phones are also the first to use Apple Pay.

iPhone 6S/6S Plus (September 2015)

No major physical changes from the eight generation iPhone, however iPhone 6s and 6S Plus offer new features. It is powered by 19 chip. The cameras are also upgraded from8MP to 12MP. It also offered a Live Photo feature. On top of that, Apple introduced their 3D Touch technology. It also introduced its new iPhone color, the rose gold.

iPhone SE (March 2016)

iPhone SE or Special Edition is Apple’s response to consumers looking for more affordable iPhones. It has similar huge features as the iPhone 6Sand 6S Plus including the 12MP camera and iOS 9 software. The only difference, which many fans love, is its size similar to iPhone 5S. So far, it is the cheapest iPhone you can buy today.

iPhone 7/7 Plus (September 2016)

iPhone 7 and 7 Plus did not get some major attention as the two lacks major updates from the preceding iPhones. Among the new things in this iPhone is its telephoto lens which allows users to take 2x lossless optical zoomed photos. It also captures incredible in low light. They also received IP67 ratings which mean that these iPhones are waterproof.

The 2017 iPhones

In September 2017, Apple launched two new models of iPhones – the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus and the iPhone X (read as “ten” not “X”). The current models feature major differences from the preceding models, especially the iPhone X which was produced to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Apple. The iPhone X will have a new look. It introduces Facial ID technology and Animoji. But more than these, it will have an edge-to-edge OLED “Super Retina” display. Both iPhone 8 and X versions support wireless inductive charging. Plus, the iPhone X will be powered by the A11 Bionic chip, the most powerful processor to date.

Smartphones are undeniably people’s everyday companion.  They are like the new watch or handkerchief – “I’m not leaving home without it.” Based on the latest statistics, more than 2.32 billion people own their own smartphone – not just adults but even a large percentage of the world’s children. Mobile phones are basically used for communication. But now, its use has evolved as well. It has been used for entertainment, business, education, and even in health, among others.

In 2017, dozens of world’s renowned phone communications company released their top-of-the-line smartphone models and units. Each smartphone has their unique specs and features that outshine others. This year, let us know the 12 best smartphones that have elevated the phone standards.

Samsung Galaxy S8

Definitely, the best smartphone offering this 2017 is the Samsung Galaxy S8. It is really one of its kind when it comes to the sleekness of design and amazing screen with 5.8″ inch curved display for infinite and more depth vision. It is powered by Android 7 and Exynos 8895 Octa. It comes with an excellent camera – 12 MP f/1.7 rear and 8MP f/1.7 front camera. It also introduces their iris scanner for better smartphone security system.

Google Pixel 2 XL

Google has entered the smartphone industry, not by developing apps and software, but by producing a smartphone that is undeniably both a looker and a performer. The Google Pixel 2 XL has so far the best camera among the competition. It has a 12.2 MP, f/1.8 rear camera packed with features like OIS, laser autofocus, phase detection, and dual-LED flash. This phone is powered by Android 8 Oreo and Qualcomm Snapdragon 835.

iPhone 8 Plus

After their iPhone 7, Apple released their iPhone 8. Its Plus variant is one of the best smartphones to date. As usual, Apple continues to lead in terms of camera quality. It has a Dual 12 MP primary camera with 2x optical zoom, quad-LED (dual tone) flash, check quality, HDR, touch focus, and face detection. It is powered by the latest iOS11 and the most powerful Apple A11 Bionic. On the other hand, the Apple X jam-packed with revolutionary features is due within the year.

LG G6

LG G6 is one of the best bezel-less phones yet still with the large screen display. It has a resolution of 1440 x 2880 pixels. It is run by Android 7.0 (Nougat) and powered by Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821. One edge of LG G6 is its handy Dual 13 MP rear camera equipped with OIS, phase detection AF, dual-LED flash and check quality. It also has a fingerprint security system at the back of the phone.

HTC U11

One of the best offerings from HTC is the U11. It’s a premium smartphone with great camera, battery life, and performance. It is also powered by Android 7.1 (Nougat) and Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835. Apart from its 12 MP, f/1.7 primary camera, it also boasts its 16 MP, f/2.0, 1080p front camera. It is also equipped with a fast battery charging technology.

OnePlus 5

You might not be familiar with this smartphone, but OnePlus 5 is making the rounds for its undeniable functionality. This smartphone offers premium features at a not-so-expensive price. OnePlus 5 features Optic AMOLED capacitive touchscreen. It is also proud of its Dual 16 MP, f/1.7 primary camera, equipped with face detection, autofocus, and deal-LED flash, whereas the front camera is also 16 MP.

Huawei P10

Huawei P10 is the latest offering from the Chinese smartphone giant, Huawei. If you want an Apple-like smartphone with Google software, then choose this unit. It features its IPS-NEO LCD capacitive touchscreen. It is powered by Android 7.0 (Nougat) and Octa-core CPU. It also has a great camera quality with an astounding Dual 20 MP + 12 MP primary camera. Its secondary camera is  8 MP, f/1.9.

Huawei Honor 9

If you want an affordable smartphone with premium features, go for Honor 9. Another offering from Huawei continues to impress with its excellent design and high-end specs. As with P10, it also boasts its Dual 20MP + 12 MP primary camera with 8 MP rear camera. It is also powered by Android 7.0 (Nougat). On the other hand, this smartphone lacks something “new” in terms of software.

Sony Xperia XZ Premium

One of the best smartphones of Sony to date is their Xperia XZ Premium. It is powered by Android 8.0 (Oreo) and Octa-core CPU. It also has an excellent camera quality with 19 MP, f/2.0 while the secondary camera is 13 MP, f/2.0. Its 4K display is also stunning and has a very solid battery life. On the other hand, this smartphone does not have an impressive and sleek design.

iPhone SE

The preceding smartphone choices are indeed huge. Well, if you want a smaller one with great functionality, choose the iPhone SE. It only has a 4-inch screen display, like the previous iPhone 5 models. It is also powerful as it is run by Apple A9 and OS upgradeable to iOS 11. Its camera is great as well with a primary camera of 12 MP, f/2.2 and 1.2 MP, f/2.4 rear camera.

Lenovo P2

If you want a smartphone that lasts you more than a day, check out Lenovo P2. Its battery endurance can last up to 149 hours or roughly 6 days. On the other hand, its camera is not that impressive. Its primary camera is only 13 MP, f/2.0 while the front cam is 5 MP, f/2.2. But this phone is still incredible as you can get other premiums features at an affordable rate.

Motorola Moto X Force

The most durable smartphone among others is the Motorola Moto X Force. Its screen used a thick and toughened AMOLED display material. Moreover, it boasts its 21 MP primary camera, equipped with phase detection autofocus and dual LED flash while the front cam is 5MP. On the other hand, this smartphone lacks premium features and has a noticeable poor speaker performance.

We hope this list helps you in buying a smartphone.

Smartphones are like a daily requirement for most people. It is not just a desire or a want, but it becomes a need for a variety of reasons. Communication is very important in all aspects. Smartphones are the leading communication devices that people use. It is convenient and offers you various means of communicating – SMS, social media, messaging apps, and video conferencing platforms, among others. Because smartphones are “smart”, they are also used in business, education, and entertainment, among others.

There are hundreds of smartphones available in the market. They have unique specs, features, and technologies. Because the choices are very much available, it is now more difficult to choose among these smartphones. To help you, check these top 14 criteria in buying a smartphone:

Build Quality

The build quality of the smartphone is very important. It will determine the durability and the probability of your smartphone lasting for years. Basically, smartphones are either made of plastic or metal. Phones made of metal look more sophisticated and modern. It is basically more durable as well. However, malleable metal like aluminum tends to bend and it is prone to dents. On the other hand, plastic-made covers are less costly and can come in different colors. However, they look cheap and cannot protect your phone 100%.

Screen Size

Screen size also determines the size of the smartphone. Screen sizes are categorized into three major sizes – small, medium, and large. Small screened phones are 5 inches or smaller. It is compact and is easy to hold. However, expect that the interface and display are small. Medium screens measure 5 to 5.5 inches. It is considered by most consumers as perfect in which everything just fits into place. Lastly, large screened-phones, classified as “phablets” measure 5.5 inches or larger. They are great for watching videos, reading e-books, etc.

Display

There are different types of smartphone displays. So far, the best screen displays include Retina Display, LCD, OLED, AMOLED, and Super AMOLED.  For the resolution, the full HD is usually 1920 x 1080 pixels. This is the standard if you want a good and crisp display. Some high-end phones have a quad-HD resolution which can go up to 2560 x 1440 pixels.

Design

The design of the smartphone includes the thickness, the edges, the finish, and the overall aesthetics. These factors are even integrated for more functionality. The good design of the phone is something that is comfortable with the hands. Most smartphones now also feature shatterproof glass display not just to make it look flawless, but for added durability. At least, settle for a phone with Gorilla Glass display material.

Processor

The best processor provides the best smartphone experience. The processor is responsible for the responsiveness of your smartphone. The Snapdragon 835 processor is the leading processor among the Qualcomm CPUs. The iPhone 7 used uses 64-bit A10 chip, the most powerful yet before their release of the latest iPhones.

Operating System

The Operating System/User Interface works along with the processor. The OS manages the apps and the programs in the smartphone while also determining how the whole interface will look like. The most popular operating systems are Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS. Others include Windows, RIM BlackBerry, and Symbian.

RAM

RAM also plays a vital role in the responsiveness of the smartphone. They are responsible for storing temporary data in use. If you love multitasking, go for smartphones with RAM higher than 4GB. Some high-end phones have at least 6GB of RAM. Avoid buying phones with just 1GB of system memory.

Camera

In this “selfie” generation, the camera is one of the major priorities in buying a smartphone. The best camera should have the best aperture, speed, ISO, image quality, and features. Most quality smartphones now have a camera with at least 12 megapixels. Some could go up to Dual-20MP, while others have 2 to 4x zoom capability. So far, iPhones are unbeatable in terms of camera quality.

Battery

The battery spec is a major criterion in choosing a smartphone. It determines the ability of the phone to stay powered. Battery life depends on the use – gaming, watching movies, playing music, or surfing the web. If you are dependent on internet connection, choose a phone that can last up to 9 hours of straight internet surfing. The standard for the best battery of smartphone has at least 3,000 mAh.

Storage

The bigger the storage, the more you can do with your smartphone – install dozens of apps, store songs, and movies, take hundreds of photos, shoot long videos, etc. Most Android phones can go up to 128GB, which can be expandable to another 128GB. On the other hand, iPhones are not expandable and are not only available to 16GB/32GB/64GB/128GB/256GB variants.

Security System

Security systems vary from phone to phone. Basically, smartphones are equipped with lock and unlock features accessed through patterns, passcode, and password. On the other hand, high-end phones have stronger and more reliable security systems. The recent iPhones launched their Face ID system, scanning the facial features for access. Before, they have Touch ID, which also inspired the fingerprint sensors of other smartphones. Others even have iris sensors.

Audio Quality

To round up if the smartphone is the best, check if the audio quality is excellent, both on a loudspeaker mode and on earphones. Most smartphones now are ditching the 3.5mm headphone jacks to make way for micro-USB and USB Type-C ports. Nonetheless, just make sure that smartphones have clear, crispy and surround sound quality.

Network Technology

Check if smartphones support LTE and 4G connectivity. It allows you to surf the web and use network-dependent apps through data connectivity. The smartphone’s capability to connect with Wi-Fi is not enough. Check the cellular network technology supported by the smartphone.

Price

Lastly, considering everything above, evaluate if the price is worth it all. Of course, superb quality and high-end phones can be more expensive. Make sure you consider your budget or how much are willing to spend for your dream smartphone.

Most of the people today cannot live without their phones. It has been the primary device for communication and entertainment for most people. Mobile phones have really come a long way – from telephone handsets to smartphones.

Just a brief background, the history of mobile phones dates back to 1908 when the wireless telephone came into existence. Basically, the very first mobile phones did not depend on network, unlike today. They were just two-way radios that allowed people to communicate. In the 1940s, engineers developed cells as mobile phone base stations. This started the use of “cellular” phones.

The first ever mobile phone invented for practical use was produced by Motorola in 1973. In fact, the Motorola phone unit ‘DynaTac” was the first mobile phone to be approved by the Federal Communications Commission in the United States in 1983.

Today, 44% of the total world population own a smartphone. By 2020, it is expected that the number of smartphone users will balloon to over 2.87 billion.

Mobile phone trends vary each year. Different recognized brands of phone producers are very competitive, releasing models of smartphones with unique features and specs. But of course, there are mobile phones that really started the trend, in which where most phones today are inspired from. Let us get to know the 15 most notable and most iconic mobile phones that started it all:

Nokia 6110 (1997)

The 6110 from Nokia was the first GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) to use an ARM processor. It was extremely popular because of its portability. It was also one of the earliest phones with features like calculator, clock, calendar, and even games like Logic, Memory, and Snake.

Motorola StarTAC (1997)

The Motorola StarTAC is the first ever-flip or clamshell type of mobile phone. It gained widespread popularity since its release, selling over 60 million units. It was also one of the first cellular phones that are integrated with vibrate alert. The PC World listed it as one of the greatest gadgets of the past 50 years.

Nokia 5110 (1998)

One of the most popular phones of the era is the Nokia 5110. It featured monochrome LCD with four LED backlights. It also led the trend of replaceable faceplates to allow users customize their phone. With this, other phone companies created phones with replaceable cases as well.

BlackBerry 850 (1999)

The 850 was the first handset offering from the BlackBerry Company. It deviated from portrait-like mobile phones as it is used in a landscape orientation. This release of this smartphone was a breakthrough as the BB 850 was integrated with email, wireless data network, security system, and the “qwerty” keyboard.

Nokia 3310 (2000)

One of the most successful phones in the entire history was the Nokia 3310. Since its release, the 3310 sold over 126 million units. It was also much known for its durability. It was Nokia’s most iconic device to date. In 2017, the 3310 was re-released with lots of modern features.

Samsung SGH-T100 (2002)

The Samsung SGH-T100 is the first-ever phone that used a thin-film transistor active matrix LCD display, making it one of the earliest colored phones. It also followed a flip design and featured a second external mono display.

BlackBerry 5810 (2003)

Breaking the common trend, BlackBerry released their 5810. It is one of the phones that started the trend of using headsets, as the unit does not have any speakers. It also features personal email access, WAP browsing, and custom enterprise apps.

Motorola Razr V3 (2004)

Razr V3 is the best-selling clamshell phone in the world to date. It is sleek and edgy, perfect for the trend that time. Because of its popularity, newer versions and models proceeded the Razr V3. The phone also featured a mini USB port for data.

BlackBerry 7270 (2005)

The first-ever BlackBerry handset to feature Wi-Fi was the BlackBerry 7270. It is also the first-ever phone to support WLAN and VoIP telephony.

Nokia N95 (2006)

Setting up another trend, Nokia released its two-way sliding phone N95 as part of their Nseries line. It also featured Bluetooth, GPS (Global Positioning System), 5-megapixel camera, portable media player, FM radio tuner, and multi-tasking applications. This phone marked the era of multi-function and multi-purpose phones.

LG Shine (2007)

The sleekest slider-style phone among its contemporaries is the LG Shine. It was one of the first camera phones that introduced auto-focus. It also has an MP3 player, office documents viewer, and its memory is expandable up to 2GB.

Apple iPhone 3G (2008)

The most revolutionary phone of the century is Apple’s iPhone 3G. The original iPhone was a massive success, but the 3G redefined smartphone standards. Apart from the photo and video camera, SMS, touch-friendly OS, and other features found in most phones that time, the iPhone 3G introduced their App Store which makes the iPhone the most functional phone of all time. The App Store which was launched in 2008 offered over 500 apps. In 2009, it reached to over 15,000 apps. The rest is history.

T-Mobile G1 (2008)

The T-Mobile G1 is the first smartphone powered by Android – definitely the original Android phone. Apart from its touchscreen functionality, the T-Mobile G1 did not remove its keyboard to consider those who do not want the touchscreen feature. It featured the popular Google products, including Maps, Gmail, and YouTube.

Samsung Galaxy Note (2011)

The Samsung Galaxy Note created the phablet (phone + tablet) industry. Thus, it started the trend of large-screened smartphones. It also comes with a stylus called as the “S Pen” to navigate the interface. Until now, the Samsung Galaxy Note series remained one of the top-rated and best-selling phones.

Motorola Moto G (2013)

Developed by Lenovo, the Motorola Moto G combined the conventional features of old mobile phones and the modern smartphones. It is still powered by Android. What makes it unique is its removable covers, allowing users to customize. Its 3rd generation is also water resistant through the use of internal rubber gaskets and nano-coating.

Here you go! These are the breakthrough phones throughout the history of mobile phones. To no surprise, our mobile phones will become smarter and smarter in the coming generations.