What Is A Smartphone?

Date First Published: 5th November 2023

Topic: Computer Systems

Subtopic: Computer Hardware

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty Level: 2/10

Learn about what a smartphone is in this article.

A smartphone is a mobile phone that includes personal computing functions in addition to making phone calls and sending text messaging. It can be used as a small computer as it has other features associated with personal computers, including an operating system, web browsing, and the ability to run downloaded apps. Smartphones are used by both consumers and businesses and have become essential to everyday life. Most smartphones run on iOS, Android, BlackBerry OS, and Windows Mobile.

Smartphones are handheld devices and include a touchscreen display, allowing users to interact with it by touching it with their fingers or a stylus pen instead of a pointing device. They are often used for sending emails, social media, health and wellness tracking, connecting with other devices, like smartwatches, and mobile payment. Since smartphones are small devices, they are often used for quick tasks and are less suitable for longer tasks, like typing documents.

Smartphone Features

Common features of smartphones are:

• Internet access
• Touchscreen
• Ability to run downloaded apps
• Ability to run multiple apps at the same time
• Gaming
• An on-screen software-based keyboard
• A digital camera
• Wireless synchronisation with other devices
• Access to Wi-Fi
• Ability to run third-party apps
• Ability to display weather and temperature information
• Virtual assistant using Siri, Google Assistant, or Cortana.
• Recording and playing audio and music.

Advantages and Disadvantages Of Smartphones

• Integrated features. Since mobile telephone functions and personal computing functions are combined into one unit, this makes them suitable for performing work-related and personal activities on the phone whilst travelling.
• They are extremely portable. Since they are extremely portable, they can easily be moved from one location to another without the need to set up anything since all the components are integrated.
• They are lightweight and easy to carry around.

• People can easily become addicted to them. Due to their portability, it is easy for people to take them everywhere they go and become addicted. As a result, this can have a negative impact on performance, increase procrastination, and cause people to avoid tasks and responsibilities. For example, it is common to see people on their smartphones while walking on the street, causing people to become less aware of their surroundings. Overall, smartphones are much more distracting than simpler mobile phones that only allow people to call and text.
• Battery life can be a problem. Although the battery life of smartphones has advanced over the years, people can forget to recharge their phones before going out, causing them to run out of battery life when they need to use it.
• They are often expensive due to the added technology. For example, the latest model of an iPhone can cost over £1000.

Difference Between A Smartphone and A Mobile Phone

The main difference between a smartphone and a mobile phone is that a smartphone is a type of mobile phone that has more advanced features, such as web browsing, apps, and a mobile operating system, whilst a mobile phone is simply a portable phone that does not require a landline connection and only allows users to make and receive phone calls, and send and receive text messages over a cellular network. Due to the more advanced functionality, a smartphone has a more powerful CPU and more storage space than a regular mobile phone.

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