Smartphones

Smartphones have become an essential part of our daily lives and are available in a wide range of prices and features in Nepal. In this buyer’s guide, we will discuss the best budget items, best brands, types of products, features, tips, and a glossary for purchasing smartphones in Nepal.

Best Budget Items:

1. Xiaomi Redmi Note 10: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 is a budget-friendly option that offers great features including a 6.43-inch AMOLED display, a 48 MP quad-camera system, and a long-lasting 5,000 mAh battery.
2. Realme 7i: The Realme 7i is another budget-friendly option that offers features such as a 6.5-inch display, a 64 MP quad-camera system, and a long-lasting 5,000 mAh battery.
3. Samsung Galaxy A12: The Samsung Galaxy A12 is a budget-friendly option that offers features such as a 6.5-inch display, a 48 MP quad-camera system, and a long-lasting 5,000 mAh battery.
4. Xiaomi Redmi 9 Power
5. Realme C11 2021
6. Nokia C3
7. Samsung Galaxy A02s
8. Motorola Moto E7 Plus

Best Brands:

1. Samsung: Samsung is a popular brand that offers a range of smartphones in Nepal with great features and reliable quality.
2. Xiaomi: Xiaomi is a popular brand that offers budget-friendly smartphones with great features and high-end specs.
3. Apple: Apple is a premium brand that offers high-end smartphones with great features and a seamless user experience.
4. OnePlus
5. Huawei

Types of Smartphones:

1. Flagship phones: These are the most high-end smartphones with the latest and greatest features, such as advanced cameras, powerful processors, and 5G connectivity. They are typically the most expensive phones on the market, with prices ranging from NPR 70,000 to NPR 150,000.
   Pros: Top-of-the-line features, premium build quality, cutting-edge technology.
   Cons: Expensive, may be too advanced for some users, may not offer the best value for money.

2. Mid-range phones: These smartphones offer a balance of performance and affordability, with features like good cameras, decent processors, and solid battery life. Prices range from NPR 20,000 to NPR 50,000.
   Pros: Good balance of performance and price, decent features, can be a great value for money.
   Cons: May not have the latest and greatest features, may not be as durable as flagship phones.

3. Budget phones: Budget phonesare the most affordable options, with basic features like average cameras, basic processors, and entry-level storage. Prices range from NPR 10,000 to NPR 20,000.
   Pros: Most affordable option, can still offer basic functionality.
   Cons: Limited features, may not offer the best performance or durability, may need to be replaced sooner than more expensive phones.

Features of Smartphones:

1. Screen size and resolution – A larger screen size and higher resolution can offer a better viewing experience, but can also make the phone more cumbersome to use.
2. Camera quality – The camera is a key feature for many smartphone users, with higher resolution and advanced features like optical zoom and image stabilization offering better photo and video quality.
3. Battery life: Battery life is important to consider, especially if you use your phone frequently. Look for a phone with a long-lasting battery or fast charging capabilities.
4. Processor – The processor determines how fast and responsive the phone will be, with higher-end processors offering better performance.
5. Storage capacity: The amount of internal storage on a phone is important to consider, especially if you plan to store a lot of photos, videos, or music. Look for a phone with at least 64GB of storage, or one that allows for expandable storage with a microSD card.
6. Operating system: The operating system (OS) of a phone can affect the user experience and the availability of certain apps. Android and iOS are the two most popular smartphone operating systems, with their own unique features and app ecosystems.
7. Fingerprint sensor: A fingerprint sensor can provide added security to your phone, allowing you to unlock it quickly and easily with your fingerprint.
8. Water resistance: Look for a phone with some level of water resistance, which can protect your phone from accidental splashes or spills.
9. 5G connectivity: 5G is the latest mobile network technology, offering faster speeds and lower latency than previous generations. If you plan to use your phone for data-heavy tasks like streaming video or online gaming, consider a phone with 5G connectivity.

Tips for Buying Smartphones:

1. Research before purchasing: Look for reviews and compare specs before making a purchase.
2. Consider your needs: Think about what features are important to you and what you will be using your phone for.
3. Check for deals: Look for deals and discounts before making a purchase.
4. Consider the brand: Choose a brand with a good reputation for quality and reliability.
5. Look for deals and discounts: Keep an eye out for promotions, discounts, and deals from retailers and carriers, especially during holiday seasons and events like Dashain and Tihar.
6. Check for carrier compatibility: If you plan to use your phone with a specific carrier, make sure to check if the phone is compatible with their network and supports their preferred frequencies.
7. Read reviews and ratings: Research the phone you’re interested in by reading reviews and ratings from other users and tech experts. This can help you get a better idea of the phone’s pros and cons, performance, and overall quality.
8. Consider the camera: If you plan to take a lot of photos with your phone, pay attention to the camera specs and features, such as resolution, aperture, and image stabilization.
9. Don’t forget about accessories: Consider purchasing accessories such as a screen protector, case, or additional charging cables to protect and enhance the functionality of your smartphone.

Smartphone Glossary:

1. 5G – The latest mobile network technology, offering faster speeds and lower latency than previous generations.
2. Processor – The central processing unit (CPU) is the “brain” of the smartphone, responsible for executing instructions and managing tasks
3. RAM (Random Access Memory): This is the memory used to store data temporarily while the phone is in use. The more RAM a phone has, the faster it will run and the more apps it can handle at once.
4. ROM (Read-Only Memory): This is the permanent storage used to store data and the operating system on a smartphone. It is different from RAM in that it retains data even when the phone is turned off.
5. Processor: This is the chip inside a smartphone that powers the device. The processor determines how fast the phone runs and how quickly it can perform tasks.
6. NFC (Near Field Communication): This is a technology that allows two devices to communicate with each other when they are close together. NFC is used for mobile payments, file sharing, and other types of data exchange.
7. Wireless Charging: This is a feature that allows you to charge your phone without plugging it in. Wireless charging requires a special charging pad or stand that uses electromagnetic fields to transfer power to your phone’s battery.
8. SIM (Subscriber Identity Module): This is a small chip that identifies your phone on a cellular network. A SIM card is required to make calls, send texts, and use mobile data.
9. Fingerprint Scanner: This is a security feature that allows you to unlock your phone using your fingerprint. It is a more secure and convenient alternative to typing in a password or PIN.
10. Face Unlock: This is a security feature that allows you to unlock your phone using facial recognition. It uses the front-facing camera to scan your face and authenticate your identity.
11. Augmented Reality (AR): This is a technology that superimposes computer-generated images onto the real world. AR is used in many smartphone apps, including games, shopping apps, and social media platforms.
12. Virtual Reality (VR): This is a technology that simulates a completely different environment, allowing users to experience a new reality. VR is used in some smartphones with special headsets to create an immersive experience.
13. AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode): This is a type of display technology used in some smartphones that provides high-quality images with deep blacks and vibrant colors.
14. HDR (High Dynamic Range): This is a feature that improves the color and contrast of photos and videos by increasing the range of brightness and darkness that the camera can capture.
15. VoLTE (Voice over LTE): This is a feature that allows phone calls to be made over a 4G LTE network. VoLTE provides higher quality audio and faster call setup times compared to traditional phone calls.
16. Dual-SIM: This is a feature that allows a smartphone to support two SIM cards, allowing users to use two different phone numbers or carrier plans on a single device.
17. IP Rating (Ingress Protection Rating): This is a rating system that measures how resistant a smartphone is to water and dust. The higher the IP rating, the more resistant the phone is to water and dust.
18. OIS (Optical Image Stabilization): This is a feature that reduces blur and shaking in photos and videos by using a physical mechanism to stabilize the camera lens.
19. EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization): This is a feature that reduces blur and shaking in photos and videos by using software to compensate for camera movement.
20. Quick Charge: This is a feature that allows a smartphone to charge its battery quickly, usually within an hour or less. Quick Charge requires a compatible charger and cable.
21. USB Type-C: This is a type of charging and data transfer port that is becoming more common on smartphones. USB Type-C is reversible, meaning it can be plugged in either way, and it supports faster charging and data transfer speeds compared to older USB ports.
22. Wireless Earbuds: These are earbuds that connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing users to listen to music and make phone calls without any wires. Some wireless earbuds also come with features like noise cancellation and touch controls.
23. NFC (Near Field Communication): This is a technology that allows two devices to communicate with each other when they are in close proximity. NFC is commonly used for mobile payments and file transfers.
24. AR (Augmented Reality): This is a technology that overlays digital information onto the real world, allowing users to see virtual objects and information as if they were part of the physical environment.
25. AI (Artificial Intelligence): This is a technology that allows smartphones to perform tasks and make decisions based on data and algorithms, without human intervention. AI is used in smartphones for features like camera enhancements, voice assistants, and predictive text.
26. Fingerprint Scanner: This is a security feature that allows users to unlock their smartphone using their fingerprint. Fingerprint scanners can also be used to authenticate mobile payments and access secure apps.
27. Face Unlock: This is a security feature that allows users to unlock their smartphone using facial recognition. Face unlock is less secure than fingerprint scanning but is more convenient for users.
28. 5G: This is the latest generation of wireless network technology, which provides faster internet speeds and lower latency compared to 4G. However, 5G coverage is currently limited in some areas.
29. In-display Fingerprint Scanner: This is a type of fingerprint scanner that is embedded within the smartphone display. In-display fingerprint scanners are more convenient for users and provide a sleeker design compared to traditional fingerprint scanners.
30. Always-On Display: This is a feature that allows users to see important information like time, date, and notifications on the smartphone display, even when the screen is off. Always-On Display uses very little battery power and is useful for quickly checking information without unlocking the phone.
31. Reverse Wireless Charging: This is a feature that allows a smartphone to charge another device wirelessly, by placing the devices in contact with each other. Reverse wireless charging is useful for charging other smartphones, smartwatches, or wireless earbuds.
32. App Store: This is an online marketplace where users can download and install applications (apps) for their smartphones. The two main app stores are Google Play (for Android) and the App Store (for iOS).