KPH tech blog

Recently, I published my thoughts on the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, as well as my thoughts on the Google Pixel and Pixel XL, built by HTC. There’s a reason I chose to look at these new phones, other than the fact that they’ve just been released.

As the title suggests, this new series of blogs will aim to capture the journey I take in choosing my next smartphone, as I start to look around the market and compare and contrast with my current devices.

Being of technological mind and spirit, this also seemed like the perfect opportunity to explore just what it is that I’m looking for in a device, as there is so much choice out there that things can get a little confusing. It’s also a chance for you, dear reader, to learn more about smartphones, and learn things about your own device – for instance, have you ever wondered what is it that makes your phone take great looking photos?

A little bit of context: my current 24 month contract comes to an end just after Christmas, in January 2017, and while that may be a couple of months away, I like to do my research, narrowing down an extensive list of phones to a shortlist of a handful of devices which hit that sweet-spot for one or more reasons.

Also, I want to know what’s available for a given price per month on contract, what devices I can get that beat mine, or should I just stick with my current device and get a new SIM-only deal for the foreseeable future.

Hopefully, all of my considerations will lead me to a decision, but you may be wondering why I am writing this blog?

First, there’s tonnes of consumer advice articles on the web, some that concentrate on the whole Android vs iPhone debate, and some that get so caught up in the finer details (such as specs sheets and detailed reviews) that they often forget to ask why are we buying certain devices?

One thing I’ve noticed is that a reviewer will often say that while a device is good, “for a little more money go for this one” – without realising that we’re not living in an ideal world. Just because the entry-level iPhone or Galaxy device is £50 more to buy and is a better device than the one you’re reviewing, it doesn’t mean I can or am able to spend a few more dollars/pounds to get it. Stop dangling carrots in front of me like I’m an ass!

I also feel that the process of buying a phone is more of a personal journey, and this brings me onto the second reason for writing this blog series: I wanted to record my thoughts and feelings about certain features that either inspired me or drove me to complete confusion.

I also wanted to create this record so that the next time I look around for my ‘next’ device, which will probably be in January 2019, I can look back and consider the same arguments and points that I raised and considered in these blogs.

I shall walk through my considerations in each blog, taking it step-by-step and talking about features I require, things I don’t really need and haven’t even used on my current device, and things I would miss about Android if I moved over to an iOS device and vice versa.

I’ll also share my thoughts on Android and iOS, why I’m deciding not to go with either a Windows Mobile or Blackberry OS device, and what’s important to me whatever device I end up with.

If you ever think there’s something I haven’t considered or missed out, be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below each post, and as ever, thanks for reading!

Chris K.