Unless you live under a rock, you may be aware that smartphones are changing in form since 2017. The tech realm is an ever-changing world. Most of the times, technology adapts to human usage patterns and at times we have to adapt to a new perspective of technology. There have been several instances when technology was ready, but humans were not. Thereby, many innovative products failed because they were way ahead of their time.
Smartphones have become a part of our routine lives. If there is something that people are ready to adapt to, it is a new phone. There are few pieces of technology that appeal to the masses, and smartphones are a prime example. As a rule of thumb, most product segments bring innovation to their flagship products which are later carried down their product hierarchy. Smartphones defy this approach as each price segment effects a different set of end users.
Every new phone henceforth will make the phone in your pocket look outdated and leave you with an upgrade itch. Scratching the itch is unnecessary albeit a satisfactory feeling. Here are some things to consider when you or someone you know switch to a newer generation smartphone.
Not all apps support tall/widescreen displays
Most of our phone displays follow the 16:9 aspect ratio. The newer generation of smartphones is about to change this with their 18:9 aspect ratio displays. If that was not enough, both Android and iOS are yet to standardise their tall screen approach. App developers will definitely take some time to figure out the best way to fit their apps to all screen shapes and sizes.
Smartphone manufacturers like Samsung and Huawei offer software solutions to force app scaling. Some apps scale fine, others struggle. Until app developers come out with a solution, app scaling for tall display or widescreen smartphones will be an uncertainty. Also, most video creators still use the 16:9 aspect ratio and it might take some time for content to go widescreen.
One-handed typing and two-handed operations
When the first Samsung Galaxy Note was released, that 5.3″ display was considered too big for normal usage. Today, an average smartphone sports a 5.5″ display. Taller aspect ratio would push the standard display size over 5.7″. Although narrow to hold with one hand, do not expect easy one-handed operations on such a tall display.
You will require some software trickery to use a newer generation phone despite your hand size. Also, two-handed operations are a no-brainer in more instances than one can think of. Nonetheless, the extra screen estate is worth using two hands at times.
Dongles and wireless accessories
Not every move towards a better future has a positive outcome. Today’s smartphones have minimum ports on them for a robust yet minimalist design. These design decisions force us to use dongles for something as simple as listening to music or charging. That said, in a world headed towards a wireless future, investing in wireless accessories makes sense.
Most of the flagship phones have already changed and eliminated old ports. While midrange smartphones have these ports, for now, there is a possibility of them taking the flagship approach. Be ready for a wireless future.
Improved designs and build
Smartphones are the most competitive segments of this era. The race to be the best value for money has improved smartphone build and design. One can find metal unibody smartphones at incredibly low prices. Impressive 2.5D glass displays with metal or glass backs are the design choices of today.
Better cameras and hardware
The smartphone competition has resulted in improved SoC choices and better cameras in most new smartphones. Hardware is no longer a limitation for smartphones across price brackets. If a budget phone camera(s) impresses you, you have won as a consumer through smartphone competitions. Also, most phones can handle every app installed on it.
Henceforth, compare cameras and performance with the top-tier smartphones. The difference between the top and mid-range smartphone performance is diminishing at a rapid rate. A win-win situation for consumers.
More value for money and better update cycle
With smartphones improving at the rate we see, their value for money is much higher today. You can get a good device at an affordable price. Year after year, this value has seen a bump. Not only with better design and hardware but also with swifter and consistent software updates.
Manufacturers are no longer limiting their software updates to the top tier phones in their arsenal. Today, most phones can handle every new feature and OS update. Thereby, their software support and update cycles have improved too. If the manufacturers stop support within a year, it is pure business strategy and not your phone to blame.
Better time to buy a new smartphone
If you are someone who needs to upgrade to a better phone, this is one of the best time of your tech life. Phones have changed and with them comes a learning curve. Remember the time when we migrated from a button input phones to capacitive touch input phones? This is somewhat similar.
Be aware that widescreen content and tall displays will take time to go mainstream. The future is still much closer than you can imagine. We live in the future we once thought was impossible. This is a time when software and hardware developments get you more out of your smartphone. Hop on the advancements, learn and help companies develop their products with your user inputs. It’s 2018 and we have the infrastructure required to shape our smartphone future, our way.
