Below, we will analyze the key features you need to pay attention to when purchasing your next mobile phone.

Software

There are 2 options.

Android: The most common software found in most manufacturers, except Apple. It offers many customization options and excellent compatibility between different devices, such as tablets and smartwatches, that have Android.

iOS: Software used exclusively by Apple, characterized by minimalist design and not particularly customizable. It offers ultimate compatibility between devices of the same company, so choose it if you already have an AppleWatch or Macbook.

Screen

Size: The screen of the phone, as with all devices, is measured in inches. 

The most common size you will find is from 6.5” and above, as it allows you to consume content such as videos & photos or even gaming much more comfortably. 

If you want something small and to handle it with just one hand, opt for something up to 5.9”, although unfortunately the options in this size are limited. 

For a middle solution, you can get something up to 6.4”, which will provide satisfactory clarity and size, allowing you to combine both.

Types of screens

• LCD (TFT & IPS): You will mainly find them in budget devices. They are screens that do not perform particularly well with black, but have great clarity and if you are looking for basic daily use and not gaming, you will not find any negatives at all.
• OLED: A different technology that stands out for its performance in video and gaming, as it renders black excellently.
• AMOLED: Found in expensive devices with several variations in their names (Super AMOLED, Dynamic AMOLED). They are more energy-efficient than OLED as each pixel lights up independently and have very "vivid" colors.
• Retina: Exclusively for Apple devices and characterized by very good resolution and brightness, making them ideal for use outdoors with sunlight.

Resolution: A Full HD (1920 x 1080) screen will be satisfactory for simple use. If you want to watch high-resolution videos or play very demanding games, opt for a QHD (2560 x 1440p).

Refresh rate: It is the rate of image refresh within a second and is measured in Hz. If you want a completely smooth experience in gaming, choose a model that has 90Hz and above. For simple daily use, you will not notice a difference, so it is not worth investing in high Hz.

Camera

Megapixels: This is the resolution of the photo, meaning how many pixels are contained within the image. In theory, the more there are, the clearer and sharper the image is. If you want to take photos just as a hobby, 10 to 20 MP is enough. Remember, the quality of the photo depends on several factors beyond just the number of pixels.

Types of lenses: Many devices feature multiple cameras for different uses. In this table, you will find the main types of lenses and their uses.

If you want to learn more, read the most important features you should pay attention to in a smartphone for photos.

Hardware

The RAM memory and the processor play a very important role in the performance of your mobile, from everyday applications to hardcore gaming.

It is important to get a device that has the necessary hardware, as it will either be annoyingly slow or unable to handle certain tasks at all.

So let's look at the table below for the RAM and the most popular processors that meet each need.

Finally, the capacity is exclusively related to your needs, as it depends on the applications you want to download and the files such as photos and videos you want to store.

In the table below, you can see an indicative amount of memory you need depending on the usage you intend to make.

Skroutz Tip: If you are planning to buy an Android phone for something beyond basic use, we recommend investing in one with 256 GB capacity, as the price difference compared to the 128 GB models is quite small and you might need the extra memory in the future.

Battery

The battery capacity is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh) and while it is an important factor for its endurance, the usage you make and the screen brightness significantly affect the battery life.

In the table below, you can see the indicative battery duration based on average usage.

Skroutz Tip: Extend your battery life with the following simple tips:

• Don’t keep your screen brightness at maximum if it’s not necessary
• Close the apps you’re not using
• Turn off connections like WiFi and Bluetooth when you don’t need them

At the same time, it’s worth knowing that a large number of devices feature fast charging technology, so even if you drain your battery, you won’t have to wait long for it to be ready again! Ideally, look for 45W to 100W+, which can fully charge the battery to 100% in 20-40 minutes!

Finally, you can also find devices that offer wireless charging, so you don’t have to connect a cable to your phone and risk wear and tear on the port over time, as long as you have the appropriate wireless charger.

Connectivity

Before we wrap up this guide, it is worth mentioning some connectivity features that may be useful to you:

NFC: It gives you the ability to pay through your device, which is also quite secure, making card interception very difficult. At the same time, it is used to pair your phone with other devices, such as Bluetooth handsfree headphones. 

5G: Quite simply, an even faster internet connection, with lower latency compared to 4G. Choose it if you want to browse endlessly and spend a lot of time away from WiFi.

Energy label

Before we finish, it is worth mentioning that since June 2025, mobile phones have had an energy label, just like the one you are used to seeing on white goods. You can learn more here.

These were the most important features you need to pay attention to when buying your next mobile phone. If you want to see ready-made options without having to search, check out the best mobile phones for every budget!