Buying guide· Consumer Electronics
Smartphone buying guide
Software support, screen, storage, battery and cameras explained — plus what to check when buying outright, on contract or refurbished.
- HotWhatHow editorial team
- Last reviewed
- 4 min read
A smartphone is the device most people use more than any other, so the right choice depends on what you do with it every day: photos, messaging, maps, games, work email or simply calls. This guide explains which specifications are worth comparing, why software support matters as much as hardware, and the questions to ask before you buy — whether you buy outright or on a contract.
Operating system and software support
Most phones run either iOS (iPhone) or Android. Switching between them means learning a new system and possibly re-buying apps, so many people stay with what they know.
Software support is one of the most important and most overlooked specifications. Manufacturers now publish how many years of operating system and security updates a phone will receive. Longer support means the phone stays secure and compatible with apps for longer, which can make a more expensive phone better value over its life. Check the support period from the phone's launch date, not from the day you buy it — an older model bought cheaply may have fewer years left.
The specs that matter
Screen
Size and shape decide how the phone feels in your hand and pocket. OLED panels offer deep blacks and are common across many price points. A higher refresh rate (for example 120 Hz) makes scrolling smoother but can use more battery; many phones adjust it automatically. Brightness, quoted in nits, matters for use outdoors.
Processor and memory
The chip affects how quickly apps open, how well demanding games run and how long the phone stays responsive. Memory (RAM) helps keep apps open in the background. For everyday use, most current mid-range phones are quick enough; heavy gaming and on-device features benefit from flagship chips.
Storage
Storage cannot be upgraded on most phones, and few now have a memory card slot. Photos, videos, apps and offline maps add up quickly, so choose more than you think you need, or plan to use cloud storage.
Battery and charging
Battery capacity is listed in milliampere-hours (mAh), but efficiency varies, so capacity alone does not predict battery life. Check the charging speed, whether a charger is included in the box and whether the phone supports wireless charging.
Cameras
Megapixel counts are a poor guide to photo quality. Sensor size, lens quality, image processing and stabilisation matter more. Think about which lenses you will use: an ultra-wide for landscapes and interiors, a telephoto for zoom without cropping. Independent camera reviews with sample photos are the best way to compare.
Durability, connectivity and extras
- Water and dust resistance, listed as an IP rating such as IP67 or IP68.
- 5G support and the bands your network uses, particularly for imported phones.
- eSIM and dual-SIM support, useful for travel or separate work and personal numbers.
- Repairability: availability of official screen and battery replacements.
- Biometric unlock: face or fingerprint.
Buying outright, on contract or refurbished
Buying a phone outright and pairing it with a SIM-only plan can be cheaper over the term than a contract that bundles the handset, but it depends on the deal. Compare the total cost over the whole contract, including any upfront payment. Refurbished phones can offer good value; check the grade, the battery condition, the warranty and who provides it.
Key specs explained
| Spec | What it tells you | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Software support (years) | How long updates are promised | Long support, counted from launch |
| Screen size and type | Size, OLED or LCD, refresh rate, brightness | Comfortable to hold; bright enough outdoors |
| Processor | Speed and on-device capabilities | Matched to how demanding your apps and games are |
| Storage (GB) | Space for photos, video and apps | More than you think you need — rarely upgradeable |
| Battery (mAh) and charging | Capacity, charging speed, wireless charging | Capacity is only a rough guide; check charger included |
| Cameras | Lenses, sensors, stabilisation | The lenses you will use; sample photos from independent reviews |
| IP rating | Water and dust resistance | IP67 or IP68 if you want protection against splashes and dust |
| Connectivity | 5G bands, eSIM, dual SIM | Works with your network, especially for imported models |
Questions to ask before you buy
- Do I want to stay with iOS or Android?
- How many years of updates are left on this model?
- Is the storage enough for my photos, videos and apps?
- Which camera lenses will I actually use?
- Is the listing a UK model with the right network bands and plug?
- Is it new, refurbished or open-box, and what warranty comes with it?
Frequently asked questions
How many years of updates should I look for?
As many as you can reasonably get, counted from the phone's launch. Longer support keeps the phone secure and compatible with apps for longer.
Do more megapixels mean better photos?
Not necessarily. Sensor size, lens quality and processing have a larger effect. Compare sample photos in independent reviews rather than megapixel counts.
Is a refurbished phone a good idea?
It can be, if it comes from a reputable seller with a clear grading system, a battery health guarantee and a warranty. Check how many years of software updates remain.
Does a bigger battery mean longer battery life?
Not always. Efficiency of the processor and screen matters too, so two phones with similar battery capacity can last very different times.
Prices & links
HotWhatHow compares live prices from retailers as they are connected to the site. When offers are available, we rank them by the total landed price — the item price plus standard delivery — and show when each price was last checked. Some retailer links are affiliate links; we may earn a commission, which never changes which offer we label as the cheapest. This guide is based on manufacturer specifications and general product information, not on our own use of the products.
Written by the HotWhatHow editorial team with AI assistance, from manufacturer specifications and general product information. We do not test products ourselves, invent ratings or quote prices in guides.