Unlocked Mobile Phones

When upgrading to a new phone there are generally two options available. A phone on a plan means the service provider will give you the phone and allow paying it off in instalments as a part of regular billing. The costs and terms of this plan vary depending on the service provider, but generally this provides financial flexibility in exchange for paying more overall for the phone. When a phone is purchased on a contract with a provider, the phone will be locked so that only a SIM card from that provider can be used.

An Unlocked Smart Phone is purchased with upfront payment from a retailer and gives the freedom to use any service provider. If a SIM card is already in use then an Unlocked Smart Phone will allow continued use of that SIM to import contacts, files and data saved on it. SIM Cards come in different sizes, so check which type is compatible to start using a new Smart Phone right away.

A Smart Phone is a portable rechargeable phone that can connect to a mobile network and the internet. Smart Phones have internal storage and can run software applications (aka apps) that can let users browse the internet, pay bills, edit photos, use social media, stream videos and more. Many Smart Phones include a front and rear facing camera that allow the making of video calls and taking photos.

Most modern Smart Phones use Google’s Android operating system, which can be found in a wide variety of other Smart devices including Tablets, TVs, Smart Watches and more. Android Smart Phones and other devices generally have access to the Google Play Store to download apps and purchase eBooks, music and more.

Another big company in the Smart Phone space is Apple whose range of iPhone models run on their iOS operating system. The iPhone works exceptionally well with other Apple products like iPads, MacBooks and Apple Watches, as well as Apple services like iTunes and the App Store.

Tablets and Smart Phones are both internet enabled smart devices that have become fixtures in many people’s everyday lives. Both include touch screen interfaces although it is common for people to use keyboard and stylus Accessories for tablets. Tablets and Phones may both have the same operating system and use the same apps as many run off either Android or iOS.

The main difference between a Tablet and a Smart Phone is in the screen size. Smart Phones usually comfortably fit inside pockets and are designed to go everywhere as a form of communication and contact. The larger screen size and interface of a Tablet makes them great for study or an entertainment platform for streaming media, playing games and reading eBooks. Whilst Phones are treated as personal devices, it is common for Tablets to be treated as a shared computer with multiple users.

Before deciding on a new Smart Phone it's worth thinking about all other smart devices at home. If you own other Apple products you may find an iPhone works best, especially if you own an Apple Watch which will only work with an iPhone. Android Smart Phones are made by multiple manufacturers at a much wider range of price points, so if a good budget or midrange phone is needed there's lots of great options there.

If Photos are important, consider not just resolution and megapixels when comparing Smart Phones. Many models have a dedicated camera button to quickly snap a photo without scrolling through apps first and each Phone's lens type, brand and photo taking software can be well worth researching.

The battery life of a phone can vary considerably among different models and is affected by screen size, resolution, brightness and how the phone is used through the day. Larger screens use more power so it’s best to compare battery capacity across similar sized models. Bigger isn't necessarily better and consider the charging speed along with any existing charger and its fast charging capability.