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When it comes to durability, perhaps no question is as pertinent as 'Which smartphone brand lasts the longest?' Investing in a smartphone entails the desire for longevity, stable performance, and years of usability.
However, assessing what makes a smartphone durable requires considering various factors. So, what are those factors? Dive into this article to find out!
According to the latest 2020 findings by Counterpoint Research on the most trusted smartphone brands, HMD Global – owner of Nokia – leads the list.
Counterpoint Research ranks this list based on four factors: software, security, hardware, and device versatility. These factors are evaluated with varying weights and conducted on today's leading Android smartphones.
This marks the second consecutive year that Nokia smartphones top the global rankings by swiftly providing software and security updates. Additionally, Nokia leads in hardware quality by implementing more rigorous tests than the industry average.
Peter Richardson, Counterpoint's VP of Research, states: “The Covid-19 pandemic has propelled the world into increased digital reliance and tech usage. Smartphones seemingly operate in a perpetual state of internet connectivity, inadvertently escalating cyberattacks both in volume and severity”
“These attacks render software updates and security patches for Android smartphones crucial. With the pandemic, there's been a shift towards remote work environments, demanding robust security solutions to safeguard data and thwart malicious software and scams”
Counterpoint also evaluates Nokia phones' performance as a competitive advantage within the Android ecosystem. Up to 98% of Android smartphones lack unified software and security updates, or worse, provide no updates at all, compromising security.
OnePlus stands out as a brand swiftly updating software and security for its devices, followed by Samsung and Realme.
A chart displaying software update speeds across various brands' devicesIn a market saturated with smartphone brands, companies strive to differentiate themselves from competitors. From design and hardware to screen size and camera count, significant efforts are made to carve out this differentiation.
Software running on smartphones is also a crucial factor to consider. Consumers should expect frequent updates to ensure potential security vulnerabilities are addressed and additional utility features are added.
The frequency of software and security updates on devices from different brandsRitesh Bendre, Counterpoint's Global Content Manager, remarks: “Some brands diligently focus on updating their products, while others release software and security updates after significant delays. Regular software and security updates not only enhance the overall device experience but also help maintain device value over time”
“Surprisingly, 10 leading smartphone manufacturers lack a clear strategy to inform customers whether their devices are eligible for software and security updates. We believe this issue will become increasingly important as consumers hold onto their smartphones longer and rely on them more. Nokia and OnePlus devices have performed exceptionally well in this regard”
A comparison chart of Nokia smartphones' criteria against the marketCommenting on phone hardware, Tarun Pathak, Counterpoint's Associate Director, made the following observations: “Hardware factors are evaluated on various criteria including product durability, impact, drop and shock resistance, wear and tear, heat testing, moisture and liquid testing, among others, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative assessments. We found Nokia phones undergo more rigorous testing than the industry average. Hence, when considering factors such as prompt software and security updates, hardware quality, Nokia emerges as the leading brand”
These are the criteria experts use to evaluate smartphone durability. What about you? Which phone brand do you consider the most durable today? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: BUSINESSTECH
