Demystifying mobile phone specifications

When shopping for a new mobile phone, you’re bombarded with technical jargon – RAM, processors, megapixels, refresh rates and more. If you’ve ever wondered what these terms mean and why they matter, you’re not alone. Let’s break down these specs and show how they translate to real-world use so you can make an informed decision the next time you upgrade your smartphone.

Why mobile phone specs matter

Think of your phone as a recipe. Every specification from the RAM to the processor and display, acts as an ingredient. The right combination ensures your phone runs smoothly, looks great and does what you need it to without a hitch. If any of these parts are subpar, you might end up with a phone that feels slow, drains battery quickly or can’t handle the apps you love.

Below is a list of some key components you should pay attention to.

1. RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM is like your smartphone’s short-term memory. It’s where the phone stores data that’s actively being used or accessed, while it helps your device juggle multiple tasks at once. For example, if you’re switching between a YouTube video and WhatsApp, RAM ensures you don’t lose your place in either app. And more RAM allows you to multitask efficiently, switching between apps without any lag. What’ more, your RAM is important for future-proofing. As apps and operating systems get more demanding over time, a phone with a higher RAM will stay sharp for longer.

How much RAM do you need?

• 4GB or less: good for basic tasks like texting, calling and light app usage.
• 6GB–8GB: this is the sweet spot for most users since you can comfortably multitask, game and use social media.
• 12GB or more: perfect for heavy-duty users who edit videos, game extensively or run multiple apps simultaneously.

To put things into perspective, if your phone has 4GB of RAM, opening more than five apps might slow it down, but with 8GB, you can have Spotify streaming, Instagram open and your camera ready for selfies without a stutter.

2. Processor (CPU)

If RAM is the short-term brain, the processor is the engine that powers it all. It’s responsible for executing all the tasks you perform, from running apps to playing games, while it determines how fast and efficiently your phone runs. Of course, the faster the processor, the smoother your experience since it will ensure your apps launch quickly, animations are smooth and demanding tasks like video editing or gaming don’t feel sluggish. Generally speaking, newer processors are optised for better battery life and heat management.

What are some of the key processor brands?

• Qualcomm Snapdragon: known for power and efficiency, this is great for gaming and multitasking.
• Apple’s A-Series: exclusively in iPhones, it offers top-notch speed and performance.
• MediaTek Dimensity: this is an affordable yet capable processor for mid-range devices.
• Exynos: Samsung’s in-house processor, this is often paired with its Galaxy devices.

3. Storage capacity

Storage, measured in gigabytes (GB), is where all your photos, videos, apps and documents live. This comes in two main forms, internal storage, which is permanent memory within your phone and expandable storage, which is add-on memory via a microSD card, if supported by your device. Modern phones usually come with 64GB, 128GB or 256GB options and some even go up to 1TB.

If you’re looking for a new device, putting some serious thought into your storage is crucial. Running out of space means constantly deleting files or using cloud services, while higher-capacity storage often uses faster technology, making file transfers and app installations quicker.

What should you look out for?

• Light users: 64GB is fine if you primarily stream content and don’t hoard photos or apps.
• Moderate users: 128GB is optimal for most people.
• Heavy users: 256GB or more ensures you never run out of space, especially if your phone doesn’t support expandable storage.

So if you’re someone who downloads Netflix shows for offline viewing and takes endless photos of your cat, 64GB might feel cramped in no time. On the other hand, 128GB or 256GB will give you breathing room for all your digital treasures.

4. Display

Your phone’s display is where all the action happens, from gaming to reading, what you interact with every day, so it’s worth paying attention to specs such as:

• Resolution: this determines clarity so higher resolutions such as Full HD or 4K mean sharper visuals.
• Refresh rate: measured in Hertz (Hz), this affects how smooth animations on your screen look. Higher rates, such as 90HZ or 120Hz refresh rate makes things like scrolling and gaming super smooth compared to 60Hz.
• Panel types: AMOLED screens offer richer colours and deeper blacks compared to LCDs.

5. Cameras

Probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of your device’s camera is megapixels, but these aren’t everything. In fact, aperture size, sensor type, lens quality and software processing play equally crucial roles. This means that a 108MP camera may sound impressive, however, it might struggle in low light without a good sensor and software. A good camera should capture more light, colour and detail, making your photos look professional even if you’re a casual snapper.

What should you look for?

• Casual photographers: a 12MP-48MP camera with a good sensor and software suffices.
• Photography enthusiasts: look for phones with larger sensors, multiple lenses and features like optical image stabilization (OIS).

Other key features to consider include night mode for low-light photography, as well as ultra-wide and macro lenses to expand your creative possibilities.

6. Battery life

A powerful phone is useless if it dies halfway through the day. Battery capacity is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh) and it indicates how long a phone can last on a single charge. Higher numbers generally mean longer battery life, but it also depends on how the phone uses power, so software optimisation and processor efficiency also play a role.

What should you look for?

• Light users: 4000mAh is sufficient if all you do is browse occasionally.
• Heavy users: look for 5000mAh or more, paired with fast charging capabilities, ideal for power users who game, stream or work on the go.

Pro tip: Fast charging can save the day so look for phones supporting 30W or higher charging speeds to juice up in under an hour.

7. Operating System (OS)

Your phone’s operating system shapes your entire experience. There are two types which are as follows:

• iOS (Apple): known for simplicity and seamless integration with other Apple devices, this is ideal if you prefer an out-of-the-box smooth experience.
• Android (Google): this offers customisation so it’s perfect for those who love tinkering and works across a variety of brands, from Samsung to TCL.

8. Connectivity

Your phone’s ability to stay connected affects everything from streaming to using a smartwatch. Modern phones typically boast 5G, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for blazing-fast speeds. While 5G isn’t available everywhere, future-proofing your phone with it is a smart move. Wondering why? Imagine attending a crowded music festival – a phone with 5G and Wi-Fi 6 will handle the traffic far better than older models, ensuring you can still post that Instagram story without delays.

Let’s break down these connectivity features:

• 5G support: faster data speeds for smoother streaming and downloads. Would you like to find out more about 5G? Here is everything you need to know about what it is and here is how it is changing the way we use our phones.
• Wi-Fi 6: the latest standard for better performance on modern routers.
• Bluetooth 5.0 or higher: for seamless connections with headphones and wearables.

9. Build and design

From glass backs to water resistance (IP ratings), build quality affects how your phone withstands daily wear and tear. In fact, a valuable phone not only feels premium, but lasts longer and survives accidental spills and drops. Dropped your phone in the sink? An IP68-rated device can survive that.

10. Special features

Stereo speakers and high-quality codecs (like LDAC) enhance your audio experience so don’t overlook your prospective device’s audio quality, particularly if you love music. In addition, extras like in-display fingerprint scanner, face unlock and stylus support can set your phone apart so consider whether you would like a device with these features. Meanwhile, if you’re a gamer, look for phones with high refresh rate displays, powerful GPUs and of course, large RAM and battery capacity.

Lastly, the ecosystem around your phone like cases, chargers and smartwatches can enhance its functionality. For Android users, brands like Samsung robust accessory ecosystems, while Apple users can seamlessly integrate with AirPods, Apple Watches and more.

When it comes to mobile phones, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best phone for you depends on your needs, budget and lifestyle. A gamer will prioritise a powerful processor and high refresh rate display, while a photographer might focus on camera quality. By understanding these specifications, you can confidently choose a device that fits you like a glove.

Ready to find your next smartphone? Browse our latest lineup of phones and discover the perfect match for your needs.