Buying a smartphone is a big decision, as top-notch phones cost hundreds of dollars. Additionally, there are so many factors like the brand, model, key features, and ultimate cost of owning the phone that you need to consider before making a decision. You must also avoid the following mistakes when buying a phone, as a hasty decision can result in getting a product that adds little or no value or utility. Buying mistakes to avoid Not knowing your exact needs Smartphones come with a ton of features, more than what you probably end up utilizing. Some phones boast a fast processor for gaming and others come with a better camera setup. Some phones are just designed for pure multimedia purposes with 4K HDR support and Dolby Atmos Surround sound. The bottom line is you need to understand and list your daily requirement to buy a phone with the right hardware and software specifications that can be useful. Choosing the wrong carrier and plans Buying an unsuitable phone is something you would want to avoid, but what is arguably worse is paying hundreds of dollars to a carrier network and being bound to an unfavorable contract. It is cheaper to get a bundled plan where four to six users can access unlimited talk time, texts, and data on the same network.

Smartphones have undoubtedly made lives simpler in the digital age. These gadgets help us organize our schedules, safeguard important documents, and connect with loved ones miles apart. Individuals and businesses rely on these devices extensively to carry out daily activities. However, certain unhealthy smartphone habits can interfere with the proper functioning of one’s device and shorten its lifespan. Avoid the poor smartphone habits listed below to ensure your gadget functions smoothly and for longer periods. Not restarting the device enough Just like humans, even technological devices requires a break from time to time. Restarting your smartphone once a week can help prevent crashes, update its software, prolong battery life, and ensure your device’s smooth functioning. Restarting can also bring down charging problems by closing battery-draining programs and fixing defects. Not purchasing a protective cover or case Shattered screens and spilled drinks are common problems that bother most smartphone users. A strong case, preferably waterproof, will come in handy. Such protective coverings ensure all the ports of your device are safe and functional. Using incompatible cables and chargers Affordable, off-brand chargers may appear appealing initially, mainly if you are away from home and on a budget. However, such chargers or cables might be subject to different testing protocols.

For many mobile users, there comes a time when they turn off their Wi-Fi and forget to turn it back on. They continue using their phone for various activities, such as watching videos, browsing the internet, or chatting with friends and family, without realizing they are using their mobile data. When the bill arrives, they discover the extra fees charged for the data usage. Most phone plans offer unlimited text and talk minutes, but not all include an unlimited data plan. There are ways to prevent exceeding one’s monthly data usage limit and avoid overage charges. 1. Pick the right phone plans In today’s world, everything seems to be expensive, and one must try to cut costs wherever possible. This often leads one to opt for cheaper internet phone plans. However, this shouldn’t be the only consideration while choosing a plan. One must consider the household’s internet usage requirements, compare the plans offered by AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, T-Mobile, and others, and then make an informed decision. It is always better to choose a package that offers the required data instead of paying overage charges for crossing the limit cap. Thus, before picking plans for smartphones, assess how many users require the plan, the type of internet activities they indulge in, and the number of devices connected.

Samsung recently came out with a new entry in the Z Fold series, the Galaxy Z Fold 5. It is the latest foldable phone that opens to work like a tablet. However, at first glance, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 looks identical to last year’s Galaxy Z Fold 4. The specification sheet is also practically the same. Hence, deciding between the two can be somewhat confusing. However, for the Z Fold 5, Samsung pointed out a few changes, such as the processor upgrade and a new hinge that lets the phone close. But what more has been updated? Read below to find out. Here are a few things to know about the two phones: 1. General specifications There are a few nuanced differences between the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and the Galaxy Z Fold 5. The starting price for both models is $1,799, but we expect a price drop in the Galaxy Z Fold 4 with the launch of the newest model. Both have identical inner and outer Dynamic AMOLED displays with a 6.2-inch HD+ external display, 7.6-inch QXGA+ resolution, and a 120Hz refresh rate. While Fold 5 has a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, one will find Gen 1 in Fold 4.

Samsung Galaxy S23 has long been leading in taking home the crown of the best Android phone of the year. As noted every year, Samsung includes many extra features into its flagship offerings than what one can shake a stick at. So, we will share some tips and tricks to help one make the most of the Samsung Galaxy S23 lineup – the S23 base model, Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. 1. Power off menu It has been a while since Samsung adopted the right button press for Bixby activation by default on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. It can be irksome when uninterested in the assistant, as one may only want to restart or shut down the phone. To access the power menu, press and hold the button with the volume-down key, ensuring a lengthy hold to avoid clicking screenshots. 2. Streamline info access via widget stacks Widgets have regained popularity on phones, especially with Samsung’s Widget Stacks. It groups widgets and saves space, swiping left/right to cycle through. Samsung One’s UI launcher prioritizes vital data by placing widgets on top. For a widget stack on the Galaxy, follow the instructions: Press the home screen> Select Widgets > Pick a Widget.