A phone uses a battery for power. It also has input mechanisms, such as a keypad for feature phones and touch screens for smartphones.
Smartphones Phone
A smartphone combines a personal digital assistant (PDA) and a cellular phone into a single device. It offers more features than a regular cellphone, including the ability to browse the Internet and run applications like a computer. Smartphones use a touch screen to display and interact with more than 7 million apps (as of 2023), which offer functionality such as productivity, gaming, word processing, note-taking, organization and social media.
The key to smartphones’ impressive capabilities is their small, powerful microchips. These tiny computers convert the up-and-down patterns of your voice into a sequence of binary code, which is then packed into a radio wave and beamed from the phone’s antenna toward the nearest cellphone mast. Once there, it connects to the cellular network and transmits your call, text or data to its destination.
Cellphone technology has sped up considerably over the years. The first cellphones could only make and receive calls, but as solid-state memory and integrated circuits became cheaper in the 1990s, they began to behave more like computers. A phone’s software programs, which are called applications or apps, allow it to perform a variety of functions, including email and Web browsing, music and video playback and GPS navigation.
As the technology behind the phones continued to improve, they became thinner and more compact. They also started to be able to handle higher volumes of data. In 2007, Apple introduced its iPhone, which revolutionized the phone industry by packing what was essentially a pocket-sized computer into a gadget the size of a traditional cellular phone.
In order for a cell phone to work, it needs to be connected to both voice and data networks at any given moment. To do this, the phone has to constantly hop back and forth between ordinary voice and cellular networks and Wi-Fi (wireless local area network) networks as conditions require. This requires an internal power source, a battery that lasts at least several hours and the ability to access networks with sufficient signal strength to operate reliably.
In addition, smartphones need to be as efficient as possible because they’re often used while moving and need to be able to run for a long time on just one charge. This is why the latest models contain mostly metals—copper, silver and gold—because they have the greatest conductivity, which allows them to transfer power and data at high speed.
Basic Phone
If you’re sick of the deluge of notifications on your smartphone, and want a break from social media or TikTok, you might consider switching to a basic phone. Also known as dumb phones, they’re a throwback to the days when cell phones were just that – phones that made calls and texts (but not cameras, personal assistants, GPS systems, gaming devices, fitness trackers, debit cards, shopping websites or other apps).
A basic phone can cost less than a smartphone, require a much simpler cellular service plan and use older networks like 2G and 3G. They have bigger buttons, a keypad, and often a simple user interface. Most are designed to be durable and easy to use for older users. Some offer features like a digital clock, calendar, alarm, calculator, notepad and voice recorder, FM radio and an Opera web browser. Many have a camera to snap photos and video.
They have a limited number of built-in apps and no app store, so they don’t collect or transmit as much data about you as your smartphone does. This gives you a bit more privacy from Big Brother. Basic phones aren’t always easy to monitor by parents, though, so you may want to get one that has a password-protected settings page.
Some basic phones have a flip design that allows them to be closed or snapped shut for better call quality and more privacy. They’re also pocket-friendly and can easily slip into a purse, cupholder or handbag. Some even have a stylized ‘power off’ button that snaps open and shut to turn the phone on or off and to lock the keypad.
The Punkt MP02 is a premium basic phone that’s designed to be distraction-free. It has a minimalist, flat design and a replaceable battery that lasts five days or more on standby. It comes with a set of earbuds and wired headphones, and can be used as a 4G hotspot to connect your laptop or tablet. It’s also a great option for those who need to cut back on screen time, as it has a customizable ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode.
Budget Phone
For someone getting their first smartphone, a budget phone offers an inexpensive entry point. A budget model can also serve as an excellent backup or secondary device for those who don’t need a high-powered flagship but may lose or break a more expensive smartphone.
When it comes to budget phones, manufacturers cut costs in a few places. For example, they might use plastic instead of metal and LCD panels rather than OLED. They might also limit the amount of memory or reduce the quality of cameras. Generally, though, the best cheap smartphones offer more value than their price tags would suggest.
One big thing that sets a budget phone apart from a mid-range one is how it handles software updates. Because they typically have a shorter lifespan than premium models, it’s important for low-cost phones to receive software patches in a timely manner. That’s why we prefer phones with a reputation for keeping up to date. Google’s Pixel 8a, for instance, is set to get Android OS updates for seven years, a record for this price range.
A good budget phone should also feature fast Wi-Fi and 5G, and it’s worth paying extra for a fingerprint sensor that can unlock the phone without a passcode. Finally, look for a screen that’s bright and colorful enough to enjoy movies and TV shows, as well as an audio output that can fill your home with sound.
ZDNET’s mobile team spends upward of a year testing phones, assessing their day-to-day performance and evaluating special features. We’ve found the following cheap smartphones to be exceptional buys:
For under $300, this Motorola phone from 2024 delivers a solid Android experience. It has a large 6.7-inch 120 Hz display, a long-lasting battery, and a powerful processor. Its camera is especially impressive, with a versatile main shooter, wide-angle, and macro lenses. It also adds NFC for wireless payments and supports quick charging with USB-C.
The best Phone
The best phones have the latest processors, plenty of RAM, and large enough storage capacities for smooth multitasking and fast app loading. A good battery and high-quality cameras are also a must. It’s important to avoid phones that use outdated software or have a history of security flaws. A smartphone contains a lot of personal data and can be vulnerable to attacks.
The latest flagships offer the best balance of performance, features, and user experience, but you’ll need to set a budget before deciding. Those who want a top-notch Android device should look to the Pixel 8a or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for a pocket-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on power, camera quality, or long-lasting performance.
Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max builds on its previous triumph with a stunning screen, a camera that feels more like a’real’ SLR, and some seriously impressive battery life. It also boasts a welcome return of the much-maligned headphone jack and Apple’s yet-to-launch Apple Intelligence.
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra is a superlative phone in all respects, from its elegant design and dazzling display to its stellar battery life and brisk performance. Add in a cavalcade of S Pen smarts for productivity fiends and a host of top-notch AI additions, and the S24 Ultra is one of the most feature-packed smartphones on the market.
Wrapping It Up
For a more traditional phone that doesn’t rely on fancy AI tricks, the Sony Xperia XZ2 is a great choice. It ploughs its own slightly eccentric furrow in the mobile market, with a focus on serious photography and a distinctive look, but has backed this up with a premium build, solid camera performance, and a powerful A18 Pro chipset.
For a less expensive option, the Moto G5 Plus offers excellent battery life and a bright screen in a compact package. It’s also packed with Google Assistant smarts, including on-screen instant translation and photo editing. Alternatively, you can go for a more futuristic take on the foldable phone with Huawei’s Mate 20 Pro. It has a massive screen that folds into a compact chassis, offering a larger viewing area than a tablet while keeping a slim and compact footprint.