Smartphone
The smartphone brings communication, photography, payments, navigation and the internet together in a single device; it is the most widespread personal computer of our time.
| In brief | A pocket-sized touchscreen computer bringing communication, the internet, photography and everyday tasks together in one device. |
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| What it does |
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| What to look for |
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| Privacy note | Review location, contacts and microphone permissions application by application; the screen lock and two-step verification are the first line of defence against loss and account takeover. |
| Limits | Security weakens once update support ends; battery life falls over time and may call for a battery replacement. |
The computer in your pocket
A smartphone is technically a computer: it has a processor, memory, storage and an operating system. What makes it a phone is that this computer connects to the cellular network. For most people today it stands in on its own for a camera, a wallet, a map, a newspaper and a bank branch. The two large operating system ecosystems, Android and iOS, differ from one another in their application stores and in the range of devices available.
What to look at when buying
Because the price range is so wide, it helps first to be clear about which functions matter most to you. Camera quality, battery life, screen size and storage capacity are the most common headings for comparison. A less discussed but important measure is the manufacturer's commitment to software updates: a phone whose update support has ended begins to be unprotected against security holes. Repairability and the service network also affect how long the device really lasts.
Privacy and security habits
Your phone is the device holding the most data about your location, your messages, your photographs and your habits. Three basic habits make a large difference: always using the screen lock (a PIN, a fingerprint or face recognition), reviewing regularly the permissions given to applications (location, microphone, contacts) and turning on two-step verification for important accounts. Regular backup stops your memories disappearing along with a lost phone.
Related terms: Operating System, Two-Step Verification, Backup, Smartwatch