The number of over-50s with a smartphone is growing over the years. Switching to a smartphone or choosing a new device can be difficult and confusing. How do you choose one that suits you?
As with many other products, the smartphone market is flooded with providers, all claiming to have the best device for you. This does not make the choice any easier. The choice for a smartphone therefore starts with the question of what you want to use the device for. Do you mainly want to be able to use social media and WhatsApp? Or do you also want to use it to film, photograph and watch videos?
Popular Operating Systems
Currently, there are really only two operating systems that compete with each other: IOS (Apple) and Android (Google). Since most smartphones on the market have one of these operating systems, it is first wise to look at the devices you already have at home. For example, do you have an iPad or a Samsung Tab? Choosing an operating system that you are already familiar with can be very nice. Of course it is possible to choose a different system, but keep in mind that you will have to get used to this in the beginning. It is then wise to ask a family member or friend if you can try out their smartphone. This way you will soon find out whether a ‘new’ operating system is something for you!
Budget or top class?
One of the most determining aspects when choosing a smartphone is the price. For the latest models from the top class you quickly pay the top price. The latest iPhone XS with a storage capacity of 512 GB has a price tag of no less than 1,659 euros. This is a lot of money for a smartphone, but luckily it can also be cheaper. Many manufacturers offer budget models. These often resemble the more expensive models, but have, for example, slightly older or less advanced hardware and are somewhat smaller. For example, the Samsung Galaxy A8 is a model of this year and for a capacity of 32GB you pay around 300 euros.
Unless you play all kinds of high-quality games, do a lot of photo and/or video editing or simply want the best of the best, then you don’t need a top model at all; a budget smartphone is usually excellent for daily use.
Traveling with one device
An expensive camera is no longer necessary, nowadays you only have to go out with your smartphone. Most mobile phones contain a camera that has the quality of a compact camera. But more and more often, the makers are going the extra mile: smartphone cameras with the quality of an SLR camera. The prices vary from €265 to €799.
Too big for the pocket
The dimensions and screen of a smartphone are also not entirely unimportant. In 2018 it is big, bigger, biggest. But is this actually better, a mobile that does not fit in your pocket or that cannot be operated with one hand? A screen does not have to be huge, in the settings you can choose a simple start screen with large icons. This way you have a format that fits in your hand and pocket and contains a font size that you can read well.
The choice for a large screen is especially important if you plan to watch a lot of videos with your device, or if you want to read digital books or magazines with it.
In short, the most important starting point when choosing a (new) smartphone is the intended use. For social media, WhatsApp, internet and photographing/filming without asking for the highest quality, you can easily get by with a smartphone whose price is between 250 and 400 euros. For extensive image editing, video services, high-quality games or just want the latest of the latest, you quickly end up with more expensive models.
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