{"version":"1.0","provider_name":"Citizens Utility Board","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org","title":"Smartphone Buying Guide | Citizens Utility Board","type":"rich","width":600,"height":338,"html":"<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"9JbG1UJ9IL\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/smartphonebuying\/\">Smartphone Buying Guide<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" src=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/smartphonebuying\/embed\/#?secret=9JbG1UJ9IL\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" title=\"&#8220;Smartphone Buying Guide&#8221; &#8212; Citizens Utility Board\" data-secret=\"9JbG1UJ9IL\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\"><\/iframe><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n\/* <![CDATA[ *\/\n\/*! This file is auto-generated *\/\n!function(d,l){\"use strict\";l.querySelector&&d.addEventListener&&\"undefined\"!=typeof URL&&(d.wp=d.wp||{},d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage||(d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage=function(e){var t=e.data;if((t||t.secret||t.message||t.value)&&!\/[^a-zA-Z0-9]\/.test(t.secret)){for(var s,r,n,a=l.querySelectorAll('iframe[data-secret=\"'+t.secret+'\"]'),o=l.querySelectorAll('blockquote[data-secret=\"'+t.secret+'\"]'),c=new RegExp(\"^https?:$\",\"i\"),i=0;i<o.length;i++)o[i].style.display=\"none\";for(i=0;i<a.length;i++)s=a[i],e.source===s.contentWindow&&(s.removeAttribute(\"style\"),\"height\"===t.message?(1e3<(r=parseInt(t.value,10))?r=1e3:~~r<200&&(r=200),s.height=r):\"link\"===t.message&&(r=new URL(s.getAttribute(\"src\")),n=new URL(t.value),c.test(n.protocol))&&n.host===r.host&&l.activeElement===s&&(d.top.location.href=t.value))}},d.addEventListener(\"message\",d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage,!1),l.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",function(){for(var e,t,s=l.querySelectorAll(\"iframe.wp-embedded-content\"),r=0;r<s.length;r++)(t=(e=s[r]).getAttribute(\"data-secret\"))||(t=Math.random().toString(36).substring(2,12),e.src+=\"#?secret=\"+t,e.setAttribute(\"data-secret\",t)),e.contentWindow.postMessage({message:\"ready\",secret:t},\"*\")},!1)))}(window,document);\n\/* ]]> *\/\n<\/script>\n","description":"[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Smartphone Buying Guide&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|font_size:24|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;5\/6&#8243;][vc_column_text] [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Most Americans now own a smartphone, according to Pew Research Center. But all the jargon and features can be confusing if you\u2019ve never owned one before. This guide will explain what you need to know before you purchase the newest iPhone, Samsung, or LG.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;5\/6&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;What Is a &#8220;Smartphone&#8220;?&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|font_size:24|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column_text]Unlike traditional mobile phones, smartphones have a mobile operating system (OS), which means the inside of the phone contains technology similar to that of a home computer. So smartphones have more innovative features and allow you to perform more sophisticated tasks faster, such as streaming music and video, surfing the Internet, using GPS navigation, and playing games. They also support downloadable software applications, or \u201capps,\u201d that can be used for organization, communication, and\u00a0entertainment. The downside? Generally smartphones and accompanying plans cost more money than a traditional cellphone. So if you only plan to use your phone for calling, texting and basic web features, you are probably better off keeping a traditional\u00a0cellphone.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=&#8221;custom&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1475699797969{background-color: #0f4b91 !important;}&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;What Should I Consider When Buying a Smartphone?&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|font_size:24|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;5\/6&#8243;][vc_column_text]Not all smart phones are created equal. One model might have a better camera, but a low battery life. One might have special voice features, but less memory for storage. Before purchasing your first smartphone, try to prioritize which options matter most to you, and which you can live without. Consider these\u00a0features: Screen size For years, smartphone screens didn\u2019t exceed 4.3 inches. However, as tablet and Kindle use increased, so has smartphone screen size. Devices now have screens as big as 6 inches. Larger screens can be especially helpful for watching movies or reading on your phone. However, larger phones can be less comfortable to hold or fit in your\u00a0pocket. Resolution Just as important as the size of the screen, is how clearly you can see it. A phone\u2019s resolution is measured in pixels. The more pixels, the crisper your images and text will be. The sharpest displays are 2,960 x 1,440 pixels (Samsung Galaxy S8 and LG G6 have this resolution). Even if you don\u2019t need the highest resolution, make sure the display has a resolution of at least 2,880 x 1,440 pixels. Camera Consider whether you need a phone with a high-resolution camera. Since so many smart phones nowadays come with high-pixel cameras, you should read reviews and look at sample test photos online before determining the best. Check how the camera performs in low-lighting, as well. Operating system Smartphones essentially function like a small computer, with their own operating systems. Similar to choosing between a Mac and Windows for your home computer, you will have to make a choice regarding which operating system you prefer. Mobile operating systems include the Apple iOS, Android OS (owned by Google), and Windows Phone. Each operating system has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, iOS tends to get the newest games and apps before other operating systems. Androids, however, tend to be more customizeable and designers can create more apps and widgets because of its &#8220;open&#8221; operating system. Battery life Battery performance is usually listed in [&hellip;]","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/CUB_IL_LogoBadgeRGBAdminLogo.png","thumbnail_width":254,"thumbnail_height":254}