Life & Technology – 2GB 26th October 2024

Twelve essential Android smartphone buying tips (2024)

Twelve essential Android smartphone buying tips gives you the power to get what you, not the salesperson, want. Most people buy a smartphone with little knowledge of what they really need.

When you walk into a store, the salesperson asks two questions to profile you. Are you an iPhone user (in which case, stop reading now as you will take whatever has its logo on it), and what do you want to spend?

Then, as salespersons are wont to do, they will show you the easy sell. They invariably trot out Samsung or the brands/models with the largest sales incentives.

We usually update this guide annually. But the thing that struck us was the overwhelming change in the last twelve months.

It is hard to go wrong with Samsung, OPPO and Motorola. Other brands like ASUS, Nothing, Xiaomi (Poco and Redmi), and HMD exist, and you can often get better specifications and value from them. If you are tech-savvy, this may be the way to go.

Here is Cybershack’s proven way to buy a smartphone. Models usually change every six months, so we look at what you get and refer to our Best Android Phones July 2024 – some gems there (to be updated in December).

 

Read the full guide here. 

Guests and Topics on the Show
This week, we had the chance to review the Philips Homerun 9000, and we were amazed by its innovative technology. We’re joined by Libby Redmond, Shopper Marketing Lead at Philips, to dive deeper into this cutting-edge product and explore how it’s transforming the world of home cleaning.
 
 
Philips’ new HomeRun 9000 robot vacuum combines vacuuming and mopping for versatile, hands-free cleaning across all floor types. Equipped with PowerCyclone Aqua technology, advanced navigation, strong suction, and HEPA filtration, it ensures a thorough clean and fresher air. Controlled via an app, users can set room-specific cleaning and monitor progress. The base station automates maintenance for up to three weeks, making it an effortless solution for keeping floors spotless.
 
We’ve also invited Glenn Yee, Managing Director at Robot My Life, who discussed new Moebot Acre Eater, an advanced tool for large-scale land management and maintenance. I was hesitant at first to test a robot lawnmower. Historically, the models I had seen required a metal cable to be installed around the edge of the lawn. This would act as the boundary fence and the grass would be cut within. The problem for my place is that I live on half an acre, so I was looking for a solution that would cut small areas of backyard all the way up to large acreages. Moebot claims the Acre Eater is designed for just that, so I thought I’d put to the test.  Read my full review here.  

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