How to Choose a Phone Without Reading Forty Reviews

Decide what you do most, set a ceiling and compare three models. Almost every current phone is good enough; the differences that matter are few.

Start with use, not specifications

Write down the three things you do most. Photos, long days away from a charger and reading are different priorities and point to different phones.

The few things worth comparing

• Battery life in real use, from independent tests.
• Update period. How many years of security updates the maker promises.
• Size and weight. Hold it if you can.
• Storage. Buy more than you think; it cannot be added later on most models.

New, last year's or refurbished

Last year's model is often the best value. Refurbished phones from a reputable seller with a warranty are a sensible way to spend less.

Check it is not locked

A phone tied to one network has a SIM lock. Buying unlocked keeps your options open.

Stop at three

Pick three candidates, compare them on the points above and choose. More research rarely changes the answer.

Updated 2026-10-14