Buying the right smartphone for your teen
Are you thinking of buying your teen a smartphone for Christmas? Here’s how to choose the best one in terms of value for money.
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There are many smart reasons why smartphones are a great way to stay in touch with your teenager. If your child has been begging you for a smartphone for some time, and you have decided to make the purchase, there are a few things to first consider.
Reliability and value for money
Smartphone penetration has reached an all-time high in South Africa (91%), which means that the market has become quite competitive, with numerous brands offering excellent handsets at an affordable price. Most phones in the R1 500 to R4 800 price range are of decent quality, with good specs and cameras, and they look good too.
Opt for a high-quality camera
For teens, a great camera is a prerequisite for an awesome selfie or that special Instagram moment. You can assess a camera’s quality on the size of the phone’s screen, the camera’s lenses and zoom functionality, and how well it shoots a video. Having five cameras in one handset, for instance, allows for awesome new angles, excellent light (whether it’s night or day), and an all-round better finish with no blurry edges.
Remember battery life is crucial
Smartphones are notorious for poor-performing batteries, but a long-lasting battery is vital for taking pics and videos, WhatsApping and using various other apps, and browsing social media. A decent battery should offer at least a day’s use before needing recharging. TECNO’s Spark 5 handset offers 16 hours of calling, 8 hours of camera work, or at least 14 hours of continuous video playback.
Yes, size does matter
Capetonian dance sensation Matthew Power, one of South Africa’s biggest TikTok stars with 261 300 followers, says, “I’m continually on the go, creating stuff for both my TikTok and Instagram feeds, so the camera, the size of the smartphone’s screen, and then, of course, its overall style are things that I look out for.” For teens who spend a large portion of their time watching videos on their phones, playing games, and browsing social media feeds, the size of a screen and the phone’s overall appearance matter. A phone that offers a razor-sharp, bright screen display, with a +90% screen-to-body ratio is a winner.
Accessories are a bonus
Dress up your teen’s phone to add to its functionality and aesthetic appeal. Things like a protective case or cover, screen protectors (if you don’t have a case or cover) and a portable charger are the most useful items. And while all phones come with headphones, your teen would love a Bluetooth set: Hipods H2 wireless earphones are water-resistant and can play up to 24 hours of nonstop music.