Let’s be honest—buying a new smartphone today can feel overwhelming. With so many models, specifications, and price points, it’s easy to get lost. You might be wondering: Do I need the latest flagship? Is 5G essential? How much storage is enough? And what about refurbished phones—are they worth it?
At Phone Craft, your trusted local mobile phone shop in Bristol City Centre, we help customers navigate these questions every day. This guide cuts through the confusion. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned tech enthusiast, or simply looking for the best value, we’ll walk you through exactly how to choose the right smartphone in 2026.
Before looking at any specifications, ask yourself three simple questions:
How do you use your phone daily? Photography? Gaming? Work? Social media?
How long do you plan to keep it? A year? Three years? Longer?
What’s your realistic budget? Be honest about what you can comfortably spend.
Your answers will guide every decision that follows. A gamer needs different specs than someone who mainly browses social media. A photography enthusiast prioritises camera quality. And if you plan to keep your phone for years, investing in a higher-spec model makes sense.
This is perhaps the most fundamental choice. Both iOS (Apple) and Android (Samsung, Google, etc.) are excellent, but they offer different experiences.
Choose iOS if you:
Value long-term software updates (iPhones typically get 5-6 years of support).
Are already deep in the Apple ecosystem (Mac, iPad, Apple Watch).
Prioritise simplicity and a consistent experience.
Prefer the App Store’s curated app selection.
Choose Android if you:
Want more choice and customisation.
Prefer a wider range of devices at every price point.
Need features like expandable storage or headphone jacks (available on some models).
Use Google services heavily and want seamless integration.
There’s no wrong answer—only what’s right for you.
When comparing phones, these five specs matter most:
Performance (Processor & RAM)
The processor is your phone’s engine. For most users, mid-range processors (like the Snapdragon 7 series or Apple A-series chips from recent years) offer plenty of speed. Gamers and power users should consider flagship processors (Snapdragon 8 series, Apple Pro models). For RAM, 6-8GB is comfortable for most; 12GB+ is for heavy multitasking.
Camera
Don’t just count megapixels. Look at sensor quality, aperture (lower f-number means better low-light performance), and software processing. Consider what you shoot: portraits? Night scenes? Action shots? Read reviews from sources you trust to see real-world sample photos.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is measured in mAh (milliamp-hours). Higher is generally better, but software optimisation matters too. A phone with a 5000mAh battery and efficient software will easily last a full day. Also check charging speeds—wired and wireless.
Display
Consider size, resolution (Full HD+ is plenty for most), and refresh rate. 90Hz or 120Hz displays feel smoother for scrolling and gaming. OLED screens offer deeper blacks and better contrast than LCD.
Storage
This is one of the most common questions we hear:Â how much storage do I need on my phone?
64-128GB is suitable for light users who stream most content and use cloud storage.
256GB is the sweet spot for most users—enough for apps, photos, videos, and music.
512GB and above is for heavy users, content creators, and those who download lots of media.
Remember, you can’t expand storage on iPhones, so choose wisely. Many Android phones offer microSD card slots for expansion.
This is where you can save significant money—but you need to know the difference between refurbished and new phones.
New phones give you the latest technology, a full manufacturer warranty, a brand new battery, and that satisfying unboxing experience. The trade-off is the highest cost.
Refurbished phones offer significant savings. They are pre-owned but professionally tested, cleaned, and restored to full working condition. They may have minor cosmetic wear or be slightly older models, but at Phone Craft, every refurbished phone comes with a 1-year warranty—giving you peace of mind without the premium price tag.
Used or pre-owned phones are the most affordable option, but they come with risks. There’s usually no warranty, the battery may be degraded, and the phone’s history is often unknown. Hidden issues are possible.
Our advice:Â For the best balance of value and peace of mind, refurbished is often the sweet spot. You get the savings without the risk.
Unlocked phones can be used with any carrier. You can switch networks anytime, which is great for finding better deals or travelling abroad. They also tend to have higher resale value.
Carrier-locked phones are tied to one network, often subsidised through contracts. They’re cheaper upfront but lock you into a specific provider.
For maximum flexibility and value, unlocked phones are almost always the better choice.
Smart buyers think ahead. Some brands hold value better than others. Generally, iPhones have the strongest resale value, followed by Samsung’s Galaxy S series. Google Pixel phones tend to depreciate faster but offer great value when new. Other Android brands vary significantly.
Check websites like eBay or Music Magpie to see what older models of your chosen phone are selling for. This gives you a realistic idea of future trade-in value—especially useful if you upgrade frequently.
If you’re considering a used phone (without professional refurbishment), here’s a things to check before buying used phone checklist:
Physical condition:Â Look for scratches, dents, cracks, and water damage indicators.
Screen:Â Check for dead pixels, discolouration, and touch responsiveness.
Buttons and ports:Â Ensure all buttons click properly and the charging port works.
Battery health:Â iPhones show this in Settings > Battery. For Android, use diagnostic apps.
Cameras:Â Test front and rear cameras, focus, and flash.
Speakers and microphone:Â Make a test call, play music.
Connectivity:Â Check Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile data, and GPS.
IMEI check:Â Verify it’s not reported stolen or blacklisted.
iCloud/Google account lock:Â Ensure it’s fully signed out and reset.
Buying from a trusted source like Phone Craft eliminates these risks—we’ve done all the checks for you.
Timing your purchase can save you money. Generally, the best time to upgrade your phone is around major product launches and sales events.
New iPhone releases in September-October often lead to price drops on previous models. Similarly, new Samsung Galaxy S series launches in January-February mean earlier models get discounted. Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer major sales across the board, and back-to-school season sometimes brings student deals.
Also, if your current phone is slowing down, battery life is poor, or it no longer receives security updates, those are practical signs it’s time to upgrade regardless of the calendar.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, use this simple smartphone buying guide for beginners checklist:
Set a realistic budget.
Choose iOS or Android based on your preferences.
Decide on screen size and weight preference.
Identify your top 3 priorities (camera, battery, performance, etc.).
Research models in your price range—check reviews from trusted sources.
Decide whether new, refurbished, or used is right for you.
Check resale value if you upgrade frequently.
Buy from a trusted source with warranty protection.
Consider accessories: case, screen protector, charger.
At Phone Craft, we make choosing your next smartphone simple and stress-free. Here’s why Bristol shoppers trust us:
We offer a wide selection of new and refurbished phones including iPhone 11-15, Samsung S and A series, Google Pixel 6-9, and more. Every product comes with a 1-year warranty for complete peace of mind.
Our friendly team knows phones inside out and gives honest, pressure-free recommendations. We also offer a trade-in service—bring in your old phone for instant credit toward your new one. And we stock a full range of accessories including cases, screen protectors, and chargers.
Best of all, we’re local and trusted. Visit us at 58A Union Street, Bristol City Centre. We’re your neighbours, not a faceless online warehouse.
What is the difference between refurbished and new phones?
New phones are brand new, factory-sealed, and at full price. Refurbished phones are pre-owned but professionally tested, cleaned, and restored to full working condition. They offer significant savings and at Phone Craft, they come with the same 1-year warranty as new phones.
How much storage do I really need on my phone?
For most users, 128-256GB is the sweet spot. If you take lots of photos and videos, download music and movies for offline use, or play large games, consider 512GB. Light users who stream most content can manage with 64-128GB.
Is it safe to buy a refurbished phone?
Absolutely—when you buy from a trusted source like Phone Craft. We thoroughly test every refurbished phone, replace batteries if needed, and back it with our 1-year warranty. It’s a safe, smart way to get a great phone for less.
How can I check if a used phone is stolen?
Check the IMEI number (dial *#06#) against databases like CheckMEND or the UK’s national mobile property register. At Phone Craft, we handle this for you—every phone we sell is verified clean.
What should I look for when buying a used iPhone?
Check battery health in Settings, ensure Find My iPhone is disabled, verify the IMEI is clean, and test all physical buttons, cameras, and ports. Look for any signs of water damage in the SIM tray.
When is the best time to buy a new smartphone?
Historically, September-October after iPhone launches and January-February after Samsung launches offer great deals on previous models. Black Friday and back-to-school sales are also excellent times to buy.
Ready to find your perfect smartphone? Whether you’re upgrading, buying your first phone, or looking for a great deal on a refurbished model, we’re here to help.
Visit us in Bristol:Â 58A Union Street, Bristol City Centre
Call us: [07780048166]
Browse our selection online: [https://phonecraft.co.uk/shop-2/]
Let’s find the right phone for you—with expert advice you can trust and service that puts you first.
