A guide to today’s smartphones

In the market for a new smartphone but quite frankly confused by all the different models that are available? Well, look no further. This handy guide to today’s smartphones will explain the difference between your Apple and Android devices, plus what factors to consider when you’re at the stage where you’re looking to make a purchase.

But why buy your next device? iPhone rentals and Samsung phone rentals are soaring in popularity and for good reason. Do away with a large upfront payment and instead enjoy the latest in technology on a convenient payment plan.

The smartphone is not as young as you might expect. The first smartphone was actually invented all the way back in 1992 when IBM released the ‘Simon Personal Computer’. If you saw the SPC today, you would hardly describe it as being a ‘smartphone’. However, the device had several of the features that we commonly associate with smart technology, including a touch screen and the ability to send and receive emails. The SPC was expensive but not excessively so, costing around $1100 USD (approx $2100 USD in today’s money).

By 2001, the world’s first 3G network had been launched, opening up an array of exciting possibilities for the world of smartphones. However, it wasn’t until Steve Jobs unveiled the iPhone in 2007 that consumers really understood the potential of this technology.

The first generation iPhone completely revolutionised the world of mobile phones. Gone was the standard numerical keyboard, replaced with a few side buttons and a touch screen. It also featured a 2 megapixel external camera (a far cry from the 12 megapixel front and back lenses available in the most recent iPhone 12) and a generous 3.5 inch screen.

Steve Jobs inspired a revolution and Apple’s rivals moved quickly to keep up with the competition. In 2008, Google released their first Android phone, setting up an intense rivalry between the Apple and Android brands. The first Samsung Galaxy S, revealed in 2010, made a small dent in the sale numbers of Apple’s iPhone 4 but it wasn’t until the Galaxy S7 (2016) that Samsung emerged as a real competitor. 

These days, both Apple and Samsung release upgraded smartphones on a regular basis, continually pushing the boundaries of what was previously thought technologically possible.

So what are the differences (if any) between Apple and Android devices? There is certainly a fierce rivalry between the two, and passionate fans swear by one brand over the other.

Choosing between the two comes down to understanding what features are important to you. Regardless of your final decision, opting for one of the major smartphone brands means you will have made a good choice.

Many people opt for Apple simply for the brand name. However, there are a wide range of benefits to using an iPhone beyond the Apple logo.

Apple is an entire ecosystem, meaning that you can connect your smartphone to your laptop, tablet, television, watch, and virtual assistant to streamline your life. Apple products are also notoriously user friendly, with beautiful design and interface that makes browsing, messaging, and streaming an engaging experience.

Apple products are very secure. It is a widely held belief that Android systems are more susceptible to malware and are more frequently targeted by hackers. Android systems also operate via an ‘open source platform’, which is designed to encourage creativity amongst developers but also presents as a security risk.

 

Finally, Apple has comprehensive customer support available to customers. Should you run into any difficulties with your device, simply pop into the nearest Apple store and you will be presented with a wide range of repair and replacement options. Depending on which Android device you purchase, it may be more difficult to access the support you need.

Contrary to popular belief, the term ‘Android’ does not simply refer to Samsung devices. There are a wide range of tech companies that produce Android smartphones, which means that there are phones available at every price point. 

Generally speaking, there is also more variety when it comes to the size, shape, and feature set of Android devices. You want a phone that folds? No worries, Android has got you covered.

Android phones tend to be more customisable in terms of the homescreen and widget display options, which many consumers love. 

Using an Apple phone means you are limited to apps available on the App Store, but Android software can be downloaded from anywhere on the internet. Just be sure that you’re downloading a legitimate application and not one riddled with malware.

Still not sure which brand is right for you? No worries — just consider these key questions next time you step into a phone store or are browsing online.

Are you looking for a new work phone that will let you video conference, email, and browse with ease? Or, are you a keen photographer wanting to take photos on the go? Working out what you are using your phone for will help you narrow down what features are important to you.

If you’ve never used a smartphone before, many experts recommend opting for an Apple device. They are simple, intuitive, and have all the features you will need. Android phones, on the other hand, may be a little more complex but often have specs that are better appreciated by those familiar with the world of smartphones.

The ‘G’ in 4G and 5G stands for ‘generation’ and refers to the cellular network that you are connecting to. The higher the number, the faster the connection speed. Most smartphones these days connect via 4G but 5G is considered the next frontier. If network speed is important to you, look for a 5G compatible phone.

The main question you should ask yourself? Why purchase a phone when you can rent! Consumers are increasingly opting to rent mobile phones as it provides the opportunity to get your hands on the latest in technology without the large upfront cost.

Next time you’re in the market for a new mobile phone — be it an Apple or Android device — consider signing up to a convenient rental plan. 

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