The global smartphone market is maturing fast, with over one billion smartphones and tablets expected to be shipped in 2014, according to the IDC. Because of this, the differentiating quality for manufacturers to sell to consumers is all about features. Smartphone shoppers are increasingly faced with more options, more features, more power, more screen and more of just about everything. And manufacturers continue to bring us these features on the new cells.
In an average good quality smartphone, the features list is amazing: it’s your ultimate communications tool all in one. In your hand resides a:
- telephone
- payment device
- mini-work station
- entertainment console
- communications tool
- medical / emergency alert
- video and music player
Mobile phones are simply the center of many of our lives, and we’re paying for that privilege. Samsung’s sales skyrocketed in 2013’s first quarter, to nearly 70 million smartphones sold, according to Forbes.
Rising to the Challenge
Apple sold over 31 million iPhones in June 2013, another record June for the company. The hardware and software giant appears to be testing some bigger screens to its iPhones and iPads, too, to keep things fresh for consumers, according to The Wall Street Journal. And other smartphone manufacturers like Motorola, and Blackberry (which just released the sweet Blackberry Q10 and Z10) are continually rising to the challenge with new features for smartphone users.
4G Networks Bring Features
Clearly, the wireless industry is innovating at a record pace. Larger displays, faster data networks, sharper user interfaces, top levels in voice quality, an enormous amount of exciting third-party apps, and even hotter mobile gaming. Much of this feature overload comes from the increase in faster data networks across the U.S. AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon all now work with 4G LTE networks, which is increasing users’ speeds over the former 3G networks by 10-15 times more.
Constantly Upgrading
Is all this innovation resulting in features and options overload for some customers? Perhaps. But as new innovations come along to use these smart devices, many people see value in moving with the pack to have the next big thing. If your current phone is poor on video, but you want to start making short clips for your social network, you’ll have to upgrade your phone. If you want faster gaming, you’ll need to get a newer model that has accelerated power. And all these features come at a price.
Test then Buy
Most shoppers find that the Web will get you the best price for a model. Check Wirefly.com, LetsTalk.com, Amazon.com or eBay.com for bargains on new models. The only drawback to buying online is not being able to feel the device in your hand. Because after all, that’s what matters greatly to many phone users, is its touch and feel capacity. Some phones feel heavy in a smaller person’s hand, others need a larger phone with a good screen. Shopping online may get you deals, but it’s important to have already visited a local store and hand test some models you are interested in buying.