Larger than a phone, but smaller than a tablet, the average phablet features a screen around 6” large and is an ideal solution for busy business people and social media addicts alike. It’s still small enough to fit in a pocket, but the extra screen size makes for a much better experience when using media apps or getting work done. Keep reading this article to see if replacing your phone with a phablet is the right move for you, and some tips for finding the best one to buy.

Shopping for a Cheap Phablet

When you’re shopping for high-tech devices, it’s all about matching your unique application to available features. You’ll use it in a unique way, so make sure you pay for what will really be valuable to you.

What Will You Use It For?

Why are you considering this phone?

The original purpose for these devices were to offer consumers a compromise between a laptop and a phone. Perhaps you don’t want to carry two devices or you can’t afford both. In this situation it makes sense to get one.

However, there are other circumstances where they also come in handy:

• Older individuals who want larger screens to compensate for diminishing eye sight.
• People frustrated with small buttons on touch screens of standard-sized phones.
• If photographs are central to your work and you need a quick and easy way to showcase them to clients; A slightly larger screen can make a huge difference when compared to regular phones

If you know this is the most appropriate device for your application, you know you’re not wasting time and money in reviewing these items. Let’s delve deeper.

Do you know which features you want? Don’t settle for the most basic features if you’re using this for work. Advanced apps can benefit you and a long battery life keeps you connected all day. Therefore, it makes sense to spend a little more.

However, if you’re getting this for your grandmother who only wants to make a call or text a message you don’t have to splurge on a state of the art camera or battery life.

See how you have to narrow down your priorities? Now let’s browse through the specs you’ll need to match to how you’ll use these phablets.

The Specs That Really Matter

It’s easy to get derailed by marketing jargon, so we’re going to list the main features you need to consider when purchasing a phablet. When you understand what they’re about, you’ll easily match them to how you’ll use your device. Knowing about the tech makes it easy to only pay for what’s really necessary.

Storage

This is about how much data, files, images and documents your device will hold. Remember if you use too much of the space it will start affecting the phablet’s functionality, so purchasing one with enough memory is vital.

Of course, it’s ideal if you can add additional storage such as inserting a memory card.

If you know you’ll often be using your phablet for graphic design, it’s smart to get ample space. These phablets start with internal storage as low as 1GB, but you can increase it to as much as 128GB if there’s a SIM slot or a microSD expansion option.

Camera

This closely relates to storage as high-quality images will require more space.

Cameras are often located in two locations on most phablets:

• The front camera which is handy to take selfies. This will be a prerequisite for most of the young generation.
• The camera at the back that’s often of a better quality than the front camera.

You need to gauge these cameras’ quality and pick ones that won’t disappoint when you look at your images.

You can also look at the different camera features. If you’re shopping on a budget, you may find low end phablets that don’t have panorama shots as an option. But if that’s not a priority, it could be the bargain you’re looking for.

Size

Here’s one of the prime reasons you’re considering this, right?

When defining a phablet, its screen should be at least 5.1”. And yes it’s probably safe to say the bigger the better. However, don’t get carried away because you’ll still have to keep your large phablet somewhere. If you’re used to carrying it in your shirt pocket, you should make sure it will still fit in there.

An important consideration here is your hand. Do you want a larger unit that still allows for one-handed operation? Then it should fit snug into your palm while allowing your fingers to reach the screen.

Alternatively, you’ll use both hands and maybe a stylus. Since many older individuals are used to using two hands compact design, it is a less important consideration. The bigger screen means it’s easier to see details.

Size also refers to the thickness of the phablet. Society is continually looking for sleek and thin devices. If this is important to you, you may have to spend a little more as it takes some smart engineering to fit high tech features inside such a slim case.

Weight

A large device doesn’t have to be heavy since it’s all about the materials the manufacturer decides to use.

This shouldn’t be a deal breaker unless you’ll be carrying your phone in your hand all day and you don’t want it to get uncomfortable. However, in this regard most problems have been solved by engineers as you can see that none of the devices on this list weigh over 200g.

Once again, it’s good to consider, but it’s not a deal-breaker in our book.

Operating System

Now we’re getting technical.

The operating system determines how your phablet will work and the layout of programs and apps.

It’s safe to say most people have a preferred operating system, picking from one of these:

• Android
• iOS (Apple)
• Windows

In this type of phone, you’ll also come across lesser-known operating systems such as OxygenOS.

We would suggest sticking with what you know unless you’re willing to go through the learning process. You may not find a new OS as intuitive.

On the flip side, you may experience enhanced functionality if you try something new. Certain operating systems favor working with images—editing them for example—so stay open-minded when shopping for your phablet.

It’s also important to check which version of the operating system the phablet is manufactured with:

• Older versions aren’t as impressive
• You’ll spend time and data on downloading new ones

Processor

Along with your storage space, this is what determines how fast your phone will work and respond to your actions. If speed isn’t high on your priority list—it’s not for many older generations—you can settle for something other than the fast CPUs such as the SnapDragon many consumers love.

Battery

It’s safe to say this matters to most people unless you don’t travel much during the day and you’re close to a power outlet. If you’re out snapping images for a living, you don’t want to quickly run out of battery power.

Of course, it matters how you operate your phablet. Keeping the screen brightness at its peak all day will eat up your battery life quick. Be prepared to have a slightly larger phone if you want an impressive battery.

If you only use basic features you can have your phablet’s battery last up to 10 or 20 hours which is more than acceptable. Remember, this depends on your usage of it. On standby mode, some of these items can last you more than 600 hours. 

Final Words

Made your decision yet? We’ve given you insight into the leading items on the market in different price ranges. All you need to do is match your preferences to one of these phablets. With today’s technology, companies can cater to almost any unique application. Don’t miss out on what a phablet can do for you at work or for play.