Hardware

Tips for your Purchase Decision

How to find the best Device


What is important when choosing a Smartphone

  1. Software Updates quickly & regularly?
    Reputable smartphone manufacturers offer long-term updates for the operating system and timely security updates.
  2. Full Encryption of the Phone Memory?
    Apple's smartphone operating system iOS offers full encryption of the phone memory since version 8. However, customer data from the iCloud, including the key to iMessage, are handed over to the investigating authorities after a court order. Apple has the master key!
    Google made full encryption compulsory for hardware manufacturers from Android version 6 onwards, with the exception of low-performance devices with too little memory. Devices without full encryption continued to be offered until around Android version 8/9.
  3. Very good Radio Characteristics
    But: “only bad with GSM” or “only bad with UMTS” are not useful in an emergency! UMTS and GSM have already been switched off in many European countries in 2021/2022! GSM will be switched off later in Germany, but UMTS in favour of LTE and 5G already now!
  4. Good Acoustics for Telephony + Music Playback
    Telephone calls can be exhausting if the acoustics are not right (you cannot hear the sound quality at the other party's end).
  5. Perfect Workmanship for long Durability and Enjoyment of the Device
    There are also high-quality plastic enclosures – but metal enclosures do not have to be expensive and are easier to recycle.
  6. Large, well-labelled Keys with clean Pressure Point
    As few buttons as possible, but of good quality, because these are wearing parts.
  7. High-quality touch-sensitive Screen
    with sufficiently large software keyboard.
  8. Software Keyboard adaptive without Cloud (Data Protection!)
  9. High-resolution Display with easy-to-read Font
    Cheap devices have lower resolution; however, 4K does not have to be (needs more energy).
  10. Battery Operating Time approx. 14 h mixed Operation
    Typical working day, without streaming at least 8 h continuous use possible.
  11. At least 128 GB internal Memory … if expandable via microSDXC card!
    Otherwise, choose at least 256 GB, better 512 GB or even 1 TB internal memory.
    Some software updates also require a lot of space for intermediate storage.
    It is easy to underestimate the future demand (photos, videos etc.) …
  12. Connection for data cable and power supply via USB
    Version 3.1 or higher, of course with Type C connector.
  13. Bluetooth with all transmission protocols (profiles)
    It depends on this whether, for example, a Bluetooth headset/hands-free car kit is compatible with the smartphone.
  14. Wireless Battery Charging is convenient
    Wireless charging is not a purchase criterion, as it could require more charging time and energy and fast charging generates a lot of heat, which is detrimental to the life of the battery!
  15. Easily exchangeable Battery without tinkering
    Not available for top models or tablets, only for entry-level and mid-range smartphones.
  16. Local data backup possible?
    No backup – no mercy! Nowadays, a smartphone is a computer with which many of us do everything that could previously only be done with a stationary computer. That's why some smartphones have more important personal data on them than on the local computer. These need to be regularly backed up locally (!) on MacBook/notebook/Mac/PC. For Linux there is no synchronisation solution like iMazing or iTunes, so an iPhone is out of the question for Linux users.
    For security reasons, a USB stick is a good alternative as a backup medium.
    A USB card reader is more sustainable and flexible. This allows you to use various memory cards for backups. Backup rule #1: create frequent backups on different media!

Reference

Android was only secure with version 8 or newer (earlier versions allow keyloggers – in German): heise Security. Then the next big security issue came around:
Security researchers found approximately 400 security risks in Qualcomm's Snapdragon chip. Qualcomm itself confirmed the vulnerabilities. DEF CON
https://blog.checkpoint.com/2021/05/06/android-users-privacy-at-risk-as-check-point-research-identifies-vulnerability-on-qualcomms-mobile-station-modems/

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