When you know the end of your contract is arriving and that exciting email about your contract upgrade enters your inbox, the fun truly begins. Why? Getting to unbox a brand-new, shiny phone — that you’ve had your eye on for months — is like the grown-up version of Christmas. The sleek edges, the seamless display, the advanced hardware and the crystal-clear graphics…
But, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Before you get your hands on your new phone — you need to decide which one is best for you. Ready to get started? Mobile Store compares contracts across iPhone, Samsung and Huawei models to answer all your burning questions about what new phone is the best to unbox.
iPhone or Android: Which phone is best contract deal
The age-old debacle of iPhone vs Android is something that’ll never die. Why? Well, as these tech giants continue to develop and release new smartphone models — the competition gets stiffer and thicker, and their supporters become more and more loyal. If you’re still deciding which phone is best for you, see our handy side-by-side comparison below to help make your decision. After all, choosing a phone should be fun and exciting but most of all — you should know what you’re paying for.
Virtual assistants
When it comes to Google Assistant vs Siri, there’s no question of the winner: Google Assistant by a long shot, because of its seamless integration with other Google apps. If you use Google applications, such as Google Calendar and Google Maps, Google Assistant can make life simpler. Say you’re meeting someone for lunch downtown and traffic is awful. Google Assistant will work out that you need to leave early to make your appointment, and it will notify you beforehand.
Siri may have been first to market, but it hasn’t really changed since. It’s ideal for answering questions, or setting a countdown while cooking or checking the weather, but it’s not really that much of an AI “assistant”. If you're looking for a clear reason to choose one OS over another, though, Google Assistant isn’t the be-all-and-end-all, because it’s also available for iPhones.
Software updates
When it comes to software updates, that’s where Apple beats Android hands down.
When Apple releases a new update, all phones — those that are still supported, anyway — will get it. With Android phones, this isn’t the case. That’s because, unlike with the iPhone, where every detail is under Apple’s control — Google supplies the base operating system and some bundled programs, and it’s up to the phone manufacturer to deliver the upgrades.
Security
Generally speaking, iPhones are inherently more secure. While Google gets a lot of grief for not being trustworthy with personal data, not everyone finds Apple trustworthy either.
For instance, Apple recently admitted that iOS 15 recorded users' Siri conversations in some cases. When it comes to security, it’s not so much that Android has problems, it’s that Google is more lax than Apple about what applications it allows into its app store.
The best way to keep malware off your Android gadget? Only get apps from the Google Play store. Even so, Google reports that 0.16% of all apps contain malware.
Camera features
The main reason people go for one phone over another? The camera. Smartphone brands spend a lot of time, money and resources on camera features, with new tools being released with each new model. Three things you should look out for being megapixels, pixel and sensor size, and aperture:
• Megapixels: Look for a minimum of 12 MP for the selfie and main camera. But, don’t assume the highest number of megapixels is best. Getting a phone with a 108 MP camera doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to get a pro-level camera. This is where the other features count…
• Pixel and sensor size: Pixel and sensor size is just as important as megapixel count. In short, the size of each individual pixel (measured in um) determines the quality of the image. And, bigger is better when it comes to pixel and sensor size.
Got a big camera sensor? More information can be gathered, resulting in better dynamic range and reduced visual noise — while a bigger pixel size lets more light in, performing better in low-light.
• Aperture: A number listed with an “f/” in front of it might look a little confusing at first glance — but it says a lot about the camera you’re holding. An f/1.4 aperture is wider than an aperture of f/2.0 for instance, which means that the camera will let in a lot more light and give greater potential for detail.
Battery life
When it comes to battery, both iPhones and Androids have quality battery life — especially in their high-end range of devices. For example, the iPhone 13 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra recorded 12 hours of battery life before needing to recharge.
But the iPhone SE 2022 disappoints with only 7 and a half hours of battery life, while a similar mid-range Samsung phone, like the Galaxy S21 FE, recorded 9 hours of battery life.
Find your dream phone with Mobile Store
Ultimately, you can read all the reviews and comparisons you like, but at the end of the day, your new smartphone should be something to enjoy and get excited about. Your phone should add value to your daily life, instead of frustrating you. And, because it’s with you more often than your friends or family — be sure you’re choosing something that’s just right for you!