It is difficult to point out one handset that possesses all the qualities of an ideal handset. Before smartphones, phones were essentially feature based, and were only for calling and texting. However, credit has to be given to Apple for pioneering the age of smartphones with the first iPhone back in 2007. Since then, phones have incorporated various secondary features that now define the smartphone experience more than ever. Despite the increased functionalities, there are five elements that are most essential in considering a device as being the best. Design, Camera, Software, Battery Life, and overall integration of all the features into the device (Ecosystem).
Considering the major phones out there, the iPhone 5S stands the most chance of being an ideal phone. The design is epic, given that it is accentuated with a metallic feel and smoothly rounded edges. The 8-megapixel shooter is among the best in the market currently, and churns out some crisp photos, not to mention the HD video capabilities. Though not the best in comparison to the monster camera in the Lumia 1020, the iPhone’s camera is still pretty decent for day-to-day use. Some even say that the Lumia 1020’s camera was overly powered given that the average user can barely utilize half of its capabilities.
The iPhone’s software is also in a class of its own. iOS 7 is extremely capable, clean and neatly put together. In addition to this, Apple just announced iOS 8 at this year’s WWDC. The functionality and ease of use has been greatly improved with various tweaks here and there. This endears the phone towards the pinnacle of idealism in the smartphone industry. One major factor that has always worked in favour of Apple is the ecosystem that it has nurtured for its products. Apple is the only company that started manufacturing the hardware for its own software. This has enabled it create a system of interoperable devices and this greatly aids in integration.
Despite all these, there are certain flaws. A major concern is the screen. By today’s standards it is rather too small at 4.0 inches. Though Apple counters this through their talk of one-hand operability, the excuse is just not sufficient enough. They need to up the screen a bit to make the phone even better. Another issue is the battery life. Though it will sufficiently take you through one day’s use, pushing the phone a little harder is bound to drain it well before the day is over, and you will have to find a socket.
The market is flooded with other phones worth the title of the Ideal Phone, but most of them fall short due to various shortcomings. Samsung’s S5 lacks in premium build, especially the faux leather back cover that the company is so fond of. The HTC One (M8) has a poor camera due to HTC insisting on Ultra Pixel technology which is not really top-notch. The Note 3 is rather too big and slightly way past the ideal phone size. So is the Lumia 1520 which is quite monstrous at 6 inches, while BlackBerry devices have not really been tugged enough to meet the demands of the modern OS. In all, the choice just boils down to an individual. While this article is subject to personal tastes and preferences, it just tries to point out the various factors to be considered in choosing the ideal smartphone.
