Phones have got complicated. The sales pitch in the shop usually focuses on cameras, screens, and the latest features. For most people most of the time, the things that really matter are different. Here is a short, honest guide.
Battery life — the most important thing
If your phone does not last a day on one charge, you will notice it every single day. Look for a phone advertised as lasting at least a full day under normal use. In a shop, ask the salesperson what the typical battery life is. If they cannot answer, ask another salesperson.
If you have an old phone where the battery dies by lunchtime, that is usually a worn-out battery, not the phone itself. Sometimes a battery replacement at a phone repair shop fixes the whole problem for under $100.
Screen size and brightness
Bigger screens are easier to read. A 6.5 to 6.7 inch screen is comfortable for most people. Anything smaller can be a strain. Anything bigger can be hard to hold one-handed.
Just as important: how bright the screen gets in sunlight. Test this in the shop by stepping near a window. If you cannot read the screen clearly, you will struggle outdoors.
Loudness and hearing aid compatibility
If you wear hearing aids, check that the phone has the "M3/T3" or "M4/T4" rating (the higher the better). Most modern iPhones and Samsungs are compatible with Bluetooth hearing aids, which is even better — your call audio plays directly in your ear.
If you do not wear hearing aids but want a loud, clear speaker, ask the salesperson to play a video at full volume. Compare two or three phones side by side. The difference is bigger than you might think.
Cameras
Most phones in the last five years have a perfectly good camera. Unless you are taking photos professionally, the difference between a $400 phone camera and a $1,500 phone camera is mostly invisible in everyday photos. The most useful camera feature is usually a "portrait mode" for nice photos of people, and most phones have it.
Storage
Storage is how much you can keep on the phone — photos, videos, apps. 128 GB is plenty for most people. 256 GB if you take a lot of videos. Do not bother paying more than that unless you specifically need it.
If you back up your photos to Google Photos (Android) or iCloud (iPhone) — which we recommend — your storage will fill up much more slowly.
iPhone or Android?
Honestly, it does not matter much. Both work well. Some things to consider:
- If your family mostly uses iPhones, getting one means easier video calls (FaceTime) and easier messaging (iMessage).
- If you are price-conscious, Android phones cover a wider price range — you can get a good one for $400-$500. The cheapest iPhone is around $999.
- If you have used one for years, stick with it. The learning curve of switching is real and not always worth it.
5G
Nearly every new phone from the last few years supports 5G. It is faster than 4G in places that have 5G coverage, but for most everyday use you will not notice the difference. If you are choosing between two phones and one is 5G and one is 4G only, 5G is nicer. But it is not a must-have.
A short checklist for the shop
- Hold the phone — does it feel comfortable in your hand?
- Look at the screen in bright light — can you read it?
- Play a video at full volume — is it loud enough?
- Ask: "What is the battery life?"
- Ask: "What is the warranty?" (Should be at least 12 months in Australia by law, often 24.)
- Do not buy add-ons you do not need. Insurance, screen protectors, and extended warranties have huge markups.
And one last thing: do not let yourself be rushed. The phone will still be there tomorrow if you want to think about it. Trust your gut.