Touchscreen Handset Buying Guide

It may seem like a simple enough task walking into an electronics store and choosing a handset right off the shelf. But these days we’re spoiled for choice. Although there’s really not much choice one has when it comes to overall design schematics of a touchscreen handset as the essential form factor is relatively the same. Well almost the same anyway. There are a few things one should keep in mind while deciding on the purchase of a touchscreen mobile handset in particular.

To consider what exactly you’d require this handset for will essentially help determine what kind of operating system best suits that requirement. So aside from the ‘budget’ factor take a look at these tips that should help make things a little easier for you to choose the right mobile that best fits your requirements and won’t make your wallet scream in total anguish and anxiety.

Display and Input Method:
One of the most important features that one needs to take into consideration is the display size of a touchscreen handset. This will determine how easy the device’s OS and UI function is when it comes to activating and accessing features. It will also tell you how user friendly ‘data input’ is going to be with regards to email or simple SMS. In most handsets of this kind, data entry is via onscreen virtual keyboards that usually offer a variety of options from your average mobile phone alphanumeric keypad, to a full QWERTY onscreen keyboard and even handwriting recognition. Doctors try to avoid this option please.



Your personal preference is the quintessential factor to consider when it comes to entry. Most of the lower end handsets in this range do allow you to enter information sans stylus and simply use your fingers. Some will require you to use one as the primary option for the same activity though. The options should include at least one keypad that allows the use of one-hand typing for when circumstances force the situation, like commuting in crowded public transportation for instance. In these cases, the larger the display, the easier it is to clearly view for reading, watching videos, web surfing and selecting options, but of course the UI should also be conducive for the same.



One should also keep in mind how sensitive the Interface is for activating said features and settings that the handset incorporates. If it employs finger-wipe technology for flicking through pages, menus or images in the gallery, the flow of images should be smooth and lack any sort of lag while changing screens. The level of sensitivity should also be evident when it comes to entering data via the onscreen keyboards – is there a delay from pressing an onscreen key to the letter appearing on the screen and such is what you should look for when it comes to sensitivity.

The presence of a working accelerometer for screen rotation is also a feature to take into account. If present, the rotation should be fluid or at least change orientation without a hiccup or lag in the system.