Choosing the right smartphone to go on a trip
25 July 2024
Are you ready for your next trip, but you haven’t yet chosen the device that will immortalize your most memorable moments? No need to carry around a bulky camera anymore! Today, a smartphone is enough to take beautiful photos. But you still have to know how to choose it! Whether for its autonomy, its photo sensor, its screen quality or even its price, it is crucial to choose the right smartphone for traveling. This is where we come in to guide you!
Which camera for your smartphone?
The key element for a photo enthusiast is obviously the photo sensor from his smartphone. When choosing your phone, don’t just rely on the megapixel (mpx) resolution. A high number of mpx does not necessarily guarantee better image quality. It is also important to consider the sensor size, lens aperture and the quality of the image processing software.
Among popular smartphones, theiPhone is renowned for its excellent image quality, while Xiaomi offers phones with a very good quality/price ratio. Other brands like Samsung or Google also offer smartphones with good cameras.
What autonomy for your smartphone?
Another key criterion in choosing your smartphone is its autonomy. There’s nothing more frustrating than seeing your phone go off just as you’re about to capture the perfect sunset! Many smartphones now offer a full day’s battery life or more.
To check the battery life of a phone, don’t just rely on the battery capacity, expressed in milliampere-hours (mAh). It is also important to take into account processor efficiency and screen consumption.
What screen quality for your smartphone?
There screen quality is another element that should not be overlooked. After all, it is on this screen that you will view your photos and browse your favorite apps. Here too, don’t just rely on the screen resolution. Also remember to check the type of screen (LCD, OLED, AMOLED, etc.), the color quality and the brightness level.
What price for your smartphone?
THE price is obviously an important selection criterion. Know that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good smartphone. Many brands offer affordable models with good performance.
Choose a phone that fits your budget, but keep in mind that you may have to compromise on some features. For example, a cheaper smartphone may have poorer camera quality or less battery life.
What compatibility for your smartphone?
Finally, don’t forget to check the compatibility of your smartphone with the networks of the countries in which you plan to travel. Some phones are not compatible with all frequencies used around the world.
To do this, you can find out about the frequency bands and telecommunications standards used in your destination country. You can also opt for a smartphone with a slot for a second card SIM which we also call smartphone with dual SIM card. This will allow you to use a local SIM card while keeping your usual number.
Choosing the right smartphone for traveling is not an easy task. However, by taking these criteria into account, you will be able to find the phone that suits you best and that will accompany you on all your journeys!
What resistance for your smartphone?
When we travel, some incidents can happen to our smartphone. A cell phone slipping out of your pocket, an unexpected downpour, or moving from a hot climate to a cold climate are all common situations that can damage our phone. Hence the importance of choosing a unbreakable smartphone or at least, resistant.
To do this, several criteria must be checked. First, impact resistance. Some smartphones have a reinforced chassis and a tempered glass screen to resist drops. Models like Xiaomi’s Redmi Note or the Samsung Galaxy Active are known for their robustness.
Second, water and dust resistance. This characteristic is expressed by the IP protection index (Ingress Protection). A smartphone with an IP68 rating, for example, is fully protected against dust and can be submerged in water.
Third, resistance to temperature variations. If you plan to travel to areas with extreme temperatures, it is important to choose a smartphone that can withstand these changes. Some manufacturers, like Samsung or Google with its Pixels, provide this information in the technical specifications of their devices.
The best smartphones for travel
Now that we have reviewed the criteria to take into account when choosing your travel smartphone, let’s take a look at the best smartphones available on the market.
Among them, the Google Pixel is a solid option. Renowned for its exceptional photo performance, thanks in particular to an optimal focal length and advanced image processing software, it also offers good battery life and water resistance.
THE Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is another smart choice for travel. Equipped with a huge 108 Mpx photo sensor, an impressive optical zoom and a 5000 mAh battery, it also offers a very high resolution AMOLED screen.
THE Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro is a great choice for those looking for value for money. It offers decent photo quality, good battery life and compatibility with many frequency bands.
Finally, for travelers on a tighter budget, the Realme 6 is an option to consider. It offers more than respectable photo quality, a 4300 mAh battery and compatibility with two SIM cards.
Conclusion & Opinion
Choose the right one smartphone for traveling is not a decision to be taken lightly. More than a simple communication tool, it becomes a true travel companion, which immortalizes our most beautiful discoveries, guides us through unknown cities, and allows us to stay connected with our loved ones. So remember to check the different criteria cited in this article or go and consult a specialist guide to smartphones to make the choice best suited to your needs and budget. Whether you opt for a Google Pixel, a Samsung Galaxy, a Xiaomi Redmi Note or another model, the main thing is to choose a smartphone that will live up to your expectations and that will give a new dimension to your travels.
