Buying mobile phones

Help with choosing the right mobile phone

There’s a wider range of mobiles than ever before. Are you finding it hard to keep track? Then use our selection guide. Here, we’ve put together carefully curated lists to help you easily find your next mobile.

Would you rather compare them yourself? Then first decide what you’ll be using the phone for. Are you looking for a powerful smartphone, or do you just want to stay in touch?

Which type of phone suits you best?

These days, most people opt for a smartphone. This gives you constant access to the internet, WhatsApp, sat-nav and a high-spec camera.

If you don’t need to be online all the time, or are you looking for a handset that lasts for weeks on a single charge? Then a dumbphone or a simple feature phone is the best choice. For older people who want extra ease of use, there are special senior phones with large buttons and an emergency button.

Operating system: iOS or Android?

When choosing a smartphone, the operating system largely determines your user experience. Although there are smaller alternatives, the market is dominated by two giants:

• iOS (Apple): This system is found exclusively on the Apple iPhone. iOS is known for its simplicity, security and seamless integration with other Apple products such as the iPad and Watch. A major advantage is the update policy: iPhones are often provided with the latest software for 5 to 7 years, meaning they retain their value for a long time.
• Android (Google): This is the most widely used operating system in the world and offers the greatest freedom of choice. As brands such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Google and Motorola all use Android, there is a device to suit every budget. From affordable entry-level models to innovative foldable phones; the choice is entirely yours.

Key specifications to look out for

Specification lists are long and technical. To stop your head spinning, we’ve highlighted the three most important aspects you should be looking out for right now:

• Battery – The Silicon-Carbon revolution: Battery technology has taken a huge leap forward recently. Thanks to new Silicon-Carbon (Si-C) batteries, we’re increasingly seeing capacities of 6,000 to as much as 7,000 mAh or more, without the phones becoming any thicker. This easily gets you through two days of intensive use. Also, look out for fast charging: ideal for fully recharging your phone in 20 minutes.
• Display – Brightness (nits) makes all the difference: As most modern phones now have a smooth 90Hz or 120Hz display, you need to look at something else: brightness. This is measured in nits. The higher this figure, the easier it is to read the screen in bright sunlight. Whereas 1,000 nits used to be considered high, we now see peaks of 3,000 to as much as 5,000 nits. Do you spend a lot of time outdoors? If so, pay particular attention to this peak brightness.
• Camera – More than just megapixels: Don’t just look at the number of megapixels. A 200-megapixel camera isn’t necessarily better than one with 50. Do you want really good photos? Then look out for Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS); this ensures sharp images, even if your hands are shaking or in low light. Do you want to zoom in a long way without losing quality? Then choose a model with a separate telephoto lens.

Budget: from entry-level to flagship

The price of a mobile phone ranges from just under a hundred euros to well over a thousand euros. What can you expect in each price range? And are you mainly looking to snap up a great deal? Then check out our mobile phone deals.

• Budget (up to €150): Are you looking for the absolute lowest price? In this category, you’ll find basic mobile phones designed purely for making calls (dumbphones), as well as entry-level smartphones for WhatsApp. Don’t expect high speeds, but you can often count on extremely long battery life.
• Entry-level (€150 – €250): Just a step up. In this segment, you’ll find phones that feel a bit more responsive, often have more storage (128GB or more) and sometimes even feature a faster 90Hz display. A safe choice if you don’t want to spend too much.
• Mid-range (€250 – €500): This is the ‘sweet spot’. You get lots of features that used to be exclusive to expensive models, such as a waterproof body, a bright AMOLED screen and a good main camera. The Samsung Galaxy A series has reigned supreme here for years.
• High-end (from €500): Do you want the best of the best? Flagship models stand out with superior zoom cameras, the fastest processors for gaming and premium materials. Here you’ll find the top-of-the-range models from Apple, Samsung and Google.

Phones for specific needs: gaming, construction, seniors and children

Not everyone is looking for a standard smartphone. Sometimes you need a phone that excels at one specific thing.

• Gaming phones: For the avid gamer, a standard phone just isn’t enough. Gaming smartphones (such as the Asus ROG or RedMagic) feature specialised cooling systems, extra shoulder buttons and screens with an extremely high refresh rate (144Hz or more) for the ultimate response time.
• Rugged phones: Do you work in construction or are you an outdoor enthusiast? Then opt for a ‘rugged’ phone. Models from brands such as Sonim or Samsung Xcover are drop-proof, waterproof and can often be operated whilst wearing gloves or with wet fingers.
• Phones for the elderly: Modern smartphones can sometimes be overwhelming. Phones for the elderly focus on accessibility: physical buttons, extra-loud volume, a simple menu and often a special emergency button for safety.
• Phones for children: Your child’s first phone doesn’t have to be expensive. Choose an affordable model with good parental control features and a sturdy case, or start with a simple feature phone so your child can be reached without distractions.
• Feature phones (without internet): Do you want to go completely offline (‘digital detox’) or simply stay in touch without distractions? A feature phone goes back to basics: making calls and sending text messages. The big advantage is the battery life; these phones often last for weeks on a single charge.

Current trends: AI and foldable phones

Technology never stands still. Whilst 5G is now standard in every device, we’re currently focusing on two other major developments that are shaping how we use our phones.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): The ‘smart’ phone is finally living up to its name. AI is no longer just an assistant in the cloud, but runs directly on the chips of new phones (such as the Galaxy S series and the iPhone). Think of live translation of phone calls, removing people from photos at the touch of a button, or automatically summarising long notes. AI makes your phone faster, more personalised and more helpful.
• Foldable phones (Foldables): For years they were an expensive niche product, but now they’ve come of age and are within reach: the ‘foldables’. The teething problems have been ironed out; the hinges are stronger, the crease in the screen is virtually invisible and they are finally dust- and water-resistant. There are broadly two types: the Flip models (compact clamshell phones that fit in any trouser pocket) and the Fold models (which unfold into a mini-tablet for productivity and video).

Phone with a contract, pay-as-you-go or refurbished?

The best way to buy your phone depends on your situation. If you buy it outright, you pay for the handset in full upfront and are free to choose your provider with a SIM-only contract. This gives you maximum flexibility.

Would you like a different phone, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be new? Then consider a refurbished phone. You’ll get a checked device with a warranty for considerably less. It’s the sustainable choice!

Don’t want to pay the full amount upfront? Then a phone on a contract might be the right choice for you. This can be particularly handy for smartphones. You spread the cost and get bundles for calls and data. We compare each purchase option separately, so you can see the lowest price for each one.

Comparing brands: more than just Apple and Samsung

Although Apple and Samsung dominate the market, there are many more manufacturers offering top quality, often at a more competitive price. What does each brand excel at?

• Apple iPhone: The gold standard for ease of use, retaining its value and seamless integration with other Apple products. Runs on the secure iOS.
• Samsung: The market leader with the widest range. From the affordable Galaxy A series to the high-end Galaxy S and innovative foldable phones. Renowned for its stunning AMOLED screens.
• Google Pixel: The smartest choice for Android purists. Renowned for its ‘clean’ software, lightning-fast updates and unrivalled AI-powered camera software.
• Xiaomi: The king of value for money. You often get high-end specifications (such as super-fast charging) at a mid-range price.
• Oppo: Focuses heavily on design and innovative camera features, particularly for portrait photography. Their SuperVOOC fast-charging technology is also industry-leading.
• OnePlus: Originally launched as a ‘flagship killer’, it is now an established brand known for speed, powerful performance and a loyal community.
• Motorola: A rock-solid player in the budget and mid-range segments. Their phones often feature a ‘clean’ version of Android, excellent battery life and an attractive design.
• Sony: For the connoisseur. Sony phones are aimed at multimedia enthusiasts and creators, incorporating features from their professional cameras, TVs and audio products.
• HMD: The makers behind the recent Nokia phones are now charting their own course. There’s a strong focus on repairability (“Human Mobile Devices”): phones that you can easily open yourself to replace a battery or screen. What’s more, it’s European.

If, despite all the help, you’re still stuck, you can always have another look at telefoon.nl. Perhaps they can help you further.