Buying a phone? Ignore the spec sheet and check these five things

Every new phone launch comes with a wall of numbers: megapixels, gigahertz, benchmark scores. Most of them make very little difference in daily use. These five things decide whether you will still be happy with your phone in three years.

1. Software support

How many years of operating-system and security updates does the maker promise? Some flagships now offer seven years; some budget phones offer two. An unsupported phone becomes a security risk.

2. Battery life — and battery care

Look at real-world reviews rather than the capacity figure. Then check for features such as charge limits that slow battery ageing.

3. The camera you will actually use

Image processing matters more than sensor size. Compare sample photos in low light and of moving people — the shots most of us take.

4. Repairability

Can the screen and battery be replaced at a reasonable price? Are official parts available? A cheap repair can add years to a phone’s life.

5. Storage

Running out of space is the most common reason people feel their phone has become “slow”.

Buy more storage than you think you need, especially if there is no memory-card slot. It is the one upgrade you cannot make later.