A smartphone, a type of cell phone with more advanced features than a conventional telephone, connects to an Internet network over wireless (rather than a cellular) network. It can make and take calls, send SMS messages, access the Web, run software applications, and even make and receive phone calls.
The smartphone's functionality is largely determined by the operating system it runs and any applications that can be added to it. These applications could include calendars, organisers or reading tools.
The best smartphones will be fast, have a good display and strong cameras, and offer long battery life. This is what we found in our smartphone rankings, which are based off testing dozens more models from top vendors every year.
Smartphones are an integral part many people's everyday lives. They allow you to stay in touch with your family, keep memories alive, watch movies and TV, play games and read e-books.
Buying a new smartphone can be expensive. To get the latest smartphones, many consumers opt for a monthly contract plan to subsidise the cost. This is a great way of saving money on new devices and usually lasts for 18-24 months.
How to choose the right smartphone for you
It is a big decision that requires a lot research. It is also important to determine which features are most important for you. Do you require a high-resolution lens camera or a big screen for video and photos?
Consider how much storage you require for files and apps. The majority of phones have a minimum 128GB memory, but you will need more if you plan to download large files.
Smartphones are touchscreen devices that make them very easy to use. Smartphones can be controlled with a swipe or tap of their screen. You can use them to access email and play music and videos.
Pressure-sensitive touchscreens could be the next big thing in smartphones, as companies such as Apple and Samsung are investing heavily in photonic crystal displays that can detect when a user presses down on the screen. This technology will enable gamers to have a more natural experience, especially in games.
Although the photonic crystal display must be placed in an external light source it is expected to be less expensive than OLED or LCD displays. It will also be easier to integrate into a smartphone's body.
Smartphones that use photonic crystal displays will need to have a different form factor from the LCD or OLED screens. It's unlikely they'll be available in smartphones before 2021. They will be more widely available in the future, however, if they become popular.
Smartphones are a great tool for medical breakthroughs
Smartphones are a potential game-changer within the medical field. Smartphones are being used to monitor cancer cells and malaria, but they can also track outbreaks of infections or disease in just hours or minutes.