Budget and premium devices have their advantages and disadvantages. In this review, you will learn about their differences and the best option to purchase. The differences help with understanding which phone is better in terms of value for your money and features.
Processor
In a mobile phone, the processor plays an integral part in the performance of the phone. The mobile phone processor aids multitasking since they have the capacity of performing lots of tasks in a single instance. Budget and premium processors perform differently, and each can handle a different number of tasks.
In smartphones, there are few processor offerings. The most popular being the A chips from Apple, Snapdragon that powers most Android devices, Exynos that’s found in some Samsung phones, MediaTek that’s found in most budget devices and Huawei’s Kirin lineup.
Premium phones have up to eight cores and a higher clock speed to boost performance. Some budget offerings can have between four and eight cores but lower clock speeds to boost the efficiency of the chip. Most of the premium processors also have better GPUs to enhance their graphical output.
Camera
A phone requires a good camera and processor to produce the best photos. Budget phones are at a disadvantage because they don’t get either. The subpar cameras and budget processors try their best to create unique looking photos.
However, their premium counterparts produce better photos that can challenge some DSLR offerings. In most premium devices, there are more cameras to enhance how you take photos. Some of them might have an ultra-wide camera for a wider field of view and a telephoto camera to zoom in better.
Both these cameras can be found in some budget offerings; however, their cameras aren’t as good. That’s because different brands manufacture these lenses. A premium offering won’t compete with the budget offering even with software trickery.
Another camera option that’s present in some budget and premium devices is the macro camera. It is not as essential as the other options since you can use the available cameras in capturing some macro pictures.
Features
There are additional features like NFC and wireless charging that differentiate budget and premium devices. Rarely will you find a budget phone offering wireless charging or NFC. Other premium devices have IR blaster to aid with all your TV remote needs.
Water-resistance is another feature that few budget devices will have. Such a feature ensures that you can enjoy taking your premium phone with you to a swimming pool. It provides you with some peace of mind since you can take some videos and pictures underwater.
One feature that makes budget devices a bit preferable is the 3.5mm headphone jack. Most premium devices don’t have the 3.5mm jack nowadays. They support and encourage the use of wireless headphones. In some cases, the absence of this feature helps with a bigger battery and better water resistance.
Build quality
Most premium phones have the best build quality. The same cannot be said for most budget devices. Glass is prevalent in most premium devices to enhance its build quality and feel. Most budget and premium devices use Gorilla Glass to ensure that the phone doesn’t crack and scratch easily.
However, the best versions of Gorilla Glass are found in the premium devices. Most of these phones will use this glass on both sides of the phone. Glass allows the phone to support wireless charging. It also assists in making the phone have a premium feel.
The body of the phones is made from metal with some phones using either steel or aluminium. Steel offerings are stronger than aluminium. However, with the advancement in technology, both offerings are rigid enough for both budget and premium devices.
Price
Budget devices are cheap, while premium devices are expensive. Most budget offerings range from £100 to £400 while their premium counterparts range between £700 to £1,500. For the premium devices, you might want to get mobile phone insurance.
Phone insurance helps when you lose the phone or break it. Most companies provide mobile insurance options for their premium devices. You can insure a budget phone, but you have to calculate whether it’s worth paying for the insurance or buying a new phone.
The pricing of the phone varies depending on the features. That is the processor quality, cameras, battery and any other additional feature. Other features like better cooling for enhanced performance will also impact the price of the device.
Premium or budget?
Buying a phone can be arduous; however, you need to know what you want from the phone. Some have 5G connectivity, while others have water-resistant features. There may be features that aren’t yet available in your location like 5G.
You should invest in a phone that provides you with some value for your money. The aforementioned differences can help you narrow down the best option. They will ensure that you can easily pick a durable device.
Photograph by Denny Ryanto