Smartphone - what is it? What is a smartphone for and how does it differ from a mobile phone?

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Mobile phones and smartphones are experiencing a peak in popularity today. To modern man it's hard to imagine your daily life without these smart devices allowing you to contact us at any time the right person. But ordinary mobile phones are gradually giving way to smartphones. Let's figure it out who needs a smartphone and why? and what is it Unlike mobile phone .

So, a smartphone is essentially smart phone, which, in addition to calls and SMS, is nearby additional functions. Unlike phones, smartphones have an operating system that allows them to perform tasks that regular cell phones cannot.

However, many today use a smartphone not as a multifunctional device that greatly facilitates life and solving pressing problems, but as a kind of image attribute indicating the status of the owner.

What is a smartphone for?

So, why buy a smartphone and what functionality do modern models of these smart devices offer?

Calls and SMS

Like mobile phones, smartphones make calls to GSM networks and send SMS. Today this is their main difference from netbooks, tablets and other portable devices.

Ability to play music and video files

Perhaps this is the most significant difference between smartphones and simple mobile phones.

We all remember the first multimedia Samsung models, Nokia, supporting audio files and videos in “.3gp” format. Today, the limitations and minimalism of these models have already relegated them to the background in the popularity rankings. Modern smartphone models support almost any audio and video formats. A high resolution screens, large diagonal latest models smartphones are ideal for watching videos. As for listening to music, smartphone owners are not limited, as before, by 500 megabytes of a memory card. Some modern smartphones allow you to store up to 64 gigabytes of different media files.

Photo and video shooting

Resolution of photo and video cameras that was once available in older models cell phones, today can only be found at front camera smartphones used for video communication. Modern smartphones allow you to shoot more high quality video and take photos than video cameras and cameras. In addition, smartphones have undeniable advantage: They are almost always at hand. This means that you can capture the best moments of both business and friendly meetings.

Internet access

For what exactly need a smartphone for business people, it is the ability to connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi or mobile communications.

Regardless of the installed operating system, each smartphone model is equipped with a mobile browser that allows you to connect to the Internet.

In terms of ease of use, new smartphone models are not inferior to personal computers. In addition, their portability and mobility, and the absence of being tied to a specific place, make these smart devices a godsend for a business person.

Smartphone for business

Let's take a closer look at the Internet tools that turn a smartphone into a reliable assistant for a business person.

Email

Using a smartphone, you can send letters, documents, photos to business partners, colleagues or just friends. To do this, you only need mobile Internet or Wi-Fi.

Video calling

Skype, FaceTime, Google Talk and many other services are designed for easy communication with partners not only through voice communication And text messages, but also with the use of a front video camera, which allows you to see the interlocutor, and the interlocutor to see you.

Messengers for business

To quickly communicate with business partners, you can use the services instant messages ICQ, Jabber, IRC. But in first place in terms of ease of use and popularity is the mobile messenger WhatsApp.

All types of instant messengers and video communications are completely free. You will only need to pay for using the Internet. Considering the cost of calls and SMS made through channels mobile operators, this is a great option for saving money.

Using social networks

Today it is impossible to imagine business promotion without social networks. From smartphones, social networks can be used both through mobile browser, and with the help of client applications specially developed for these purposes, in which the functionality of social networks is perfectly optimized for mobile devices with a touch screen.

Mobile applications for smartphones

Applications are special mini-programs designed for mobile operating systems and providing truly unlimited possibilities. These are different databases, organizers, navigators, guides, games, programs. They can be downloaded and installed using application stores - special Internet services for smartphone operating systems. Almost all popular apps free or distributed at minimal prices.

With the release of the next generation mobile devices The line separating smartphones from regular mobile phones is becoming less and less noticeable. Sometimes it’s simply impossible to figure it out on your own what is the difference between a smartphone and a telephone. And yet we will try to do it.

The main differences between a smartphone and a mobile phone

Availability of an operating system. Smartphones have a processor, which makes it possible to install an operating system on these devices. Today, the most popular operating systems for smartphones are Android, iOS, PalmOS, Bada, SymbianOS, WindowsMobile. Many people mistakenly consider the ability to download Java applications to a phone as having an operating system, which is not true. Java technology- this is not an operating system, but virtual machine, running under the phone's operating system. It is in almost all cases closed (that is, it cannot be changed).

Multifunctionality. The set of functions that cell phones are equipped with usually includes regular voice conversations, the ability to send SMS messages, use photo and video cameras, and play music tracks. To be fair, it should be noted that in modern cell phone models the functionality has been significantly expanded. So, you can watch videos, play different games, connect to the Internet, including using Wi-Fi.

All of the above functions are available in smartphones, but the capabilities of these devices are significantly expanded by the presence file manager, organizer, archiver, programs for reading and editing files of any format, GPS module, the ability to download programs from other developers and a number of other functions.

Important difference between a smartphone and a mobile phone is multitasking, or the ability to use several programs simultaneously. In regular cell phones they are launched one after the other.

Why do you need a smartphone? for business? The answer to the question is obvious: this is a real personal computer in your pocket.

External characteristics. Dimensions are usually the main parameter, distinguishing a smartphone from a mobile phone. As a rule, smartphones are always larger than mobile phones. However rapid development technology has contributed to the fact that the difference between these devices is this parameter is becoming less and less obvious.

On smartphones large display, and modern models it is almost always sensory. The dimensions of the screen make it very convenient for work in terms of clarity of the displayed information.

Working with documents, searching or communicating on the Internet, watching videos and listening to audio files - everything becomes much more convenient if you have a high-quality screen with a large diagonal.

Reliability in operation. How more difference between a smartphone and a telephone? Less reliable in operation. This is perhaps the only parameter in which ordinary mobile phones are clearly superior to smartphones. If you drop your cell phone on the floor or flood it with water, it will not stop working. As for smartphones, they can be damaged even by the slightest physical impact. In addition, repairing a smartphone is much more expensive than repairing a mobile phone. Therefore, purchasing smartphone for business or just for personal use, please note: they must be handled with great care.

The era of regular phones is coming to an end, and instead of them, modern smartphones are appearing on the market. Many users are very interested in the topic: smartphone - what is it (for dummies), since there are still people who are not familiar with modern mobile technologies. Let's look together at the main differences from the previous “generation”.

Smartphone

Such a device is a familiar mobile phone that has a very powerful OS (operating system). It is capable of working with several applications at once. In other words, a smartphone is an alternative familiar computer. It is able to cope with all those tasks for which a simple PC (personal computer) is used.

How do such devices differ from each other? The most important difference is an operating system. Today we can highlight the following:

Android.
WP ( Windows Phone).

Of course, there are many other operating systems, but these are the most popular. We would also like to draw your attention to the fact that there are a small number of mobile devices that can run on different OSes, but we will not dwell on any exceptions.

Smartphones can significantly simplify the life of their owner by performing large number diverse tasks. Today's arms race among smartphone manufacturers has made the word “phone” not the most relevant, since now everyone has a pocket computer in their pocket:

With the help of such smart gadgets You can always call and send SMS, but let’s also not forget about checking email, watching movies, listening to music and just surfing social networks.
Such devices are very good precisely because they never had a specific functionality, because it is regulated by installed applications.
Today, anyone can access the Internet from almost anywhere in the world and transmit a huge amount of information.

Smartphone - what is it? For dummies, the whole idea has already been formed, so we recommend soberly assessing the disadvantages of such devices.

Cons of new gadgets

Perhaps the only significant drawback in open operating systems is the vulnerability computer viruses. Yes, yes, your phone can get infected too.

Typically, virus software (software) takes the form necessary program, which you want to install. Unfortunately, what awaits you at the end is not a program, but a complete “headache”, which is sometimes very difficult to get rid of.

You should always monitor the condition of your mobile device and use anti-virus software. But this will not be a problem for you if you use ours.

Important! If you need a device for calls and simple operations, choose one for yourself. For businessmen or young people, it is recommended to purchase expensive functional equipment.

Apple appliances

If you understand the terminology a little, then you can immediately get acquainted with the iPhone. This device is the most expensive and popular, but what is all this for?

I would like to start with the fact that a caring developer always equips his equipment with the best current capabilities, which simply revolutionize the entire market.

Important! If we go into the whole history, then the iPhone is a series of mobile devices that run the aforementioned iOS. The first model was released back in 2007. The device was on sale from June 29 of the same year. When it entered the market, it immediately won all the laurels in the United States.

A year later it came out updated version phone from new version OS, which also created a sensation in the community at the time. Well, then a wonderful conveyor belt started working, releasing new products every year that amaze fans with their magnificence.

But what is the main difference from simple smartphone? Typically, Apple equipment is more expensive, but has slightly worse characteristics. Many people are mistaken that the high cost is the merit of only one high-profile brand, but do not forget about the following advantages:

Very high quality display. The touchscreen has always pleased me with its comfortable and long work. Comparing iPhone with budget phone, this difference can be felt immediately.
Application optimization. On iOS where malfunctions occur less frequently, as millions of users have experienced the hard way.
Constant support for new versions of operating systems. The developer tries to release updates for its outdated models for the longest time.
The quality of assembly materials is also excellent.

If you want to understand Apple technology in more detail and find out what disadvantages it has, we recommend that you read our article.

Important! Many people do not want to purchase such phones because they are put off by the monolithic battery, the lack of a memory slot and the high price.

Modern mobile phones and smartphones provide voice communication via cellular network, receiving and transmitting text messages, perform a number of other, structurally provided functions: notifications of calls and messages, alarm clock, calendar with notes, simple games, MMS, FM radio, Internet browser. It has become difficult for citizens to understand the difference between a smartphone and a telephone. Meanwhile, these devices, consonant in name and similar in function, are completely different. The main criteria by which it is customary to distinguish these mobile devices are as follows:

presence/absence of an operating system;
opportunity self-installation applications;
design features of the hardware;
Internet opportunities.

Control of smartphone functions is based on a special software, called the operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS). This fact allows us to consider a smartphone How laptop . A smart mobile device can work with various applications, allow you to create and edit documents and images, as well as communicate with people via email and social networks. The above functionality is not available to the simple Java firmware of a cell phone. Therefore, for dummies, an important criterion for choosing a mobile device is the presence/absence of an operating system in the device description.

Important! Lack of OS name in the characteristics of a mobile communication device - fundamental difference phone from a smartphone.

There are several options operating software for smartphones, and the most popular of them are this is IOS, Android, Windows Phone. Depending on the OS used on board the smartphone, smart devices are divided into iPhones, Windows Phones, Android smartphones and devices running other less common OS (BlackBerry OS, Tizen).

operating room Windows system Phone

operating room Android system

Operating system IOS

The capabilities of smart gadgets thanks to operating software

The presence of an operating system significantly expands the functionality of a mobile device, and this is the main difference between a “smart” device and a cell phone. Mobile OS, like the operating “brain” of a computer, supports the operation of various programs: Internet browsers, instant messengers, programs for reading, listening to music, viewing photos and videos, various text and graphic editors, applied applications.

As a rule, manufacturers provide smartphones with a number of proprietary applications that provide the following functions:

Internet access to search for any necessary information;
playing audio and video recordings;

creating playlists;
correspondence by email;
communication in in social networks;
photo and video shooting;

creating notes, memos, contact books;
creating and editing texts, graphs, tables, presentations and other office information;
GPS navigation, working with maps, fitness capabilities;
search and installation third party applications(app store);

programs for reading books in electronic format;
games and other entertainment;
payment functions.

Important! Kit regular functions smartphone depends on the level of equipment of the hardware platform and version of the operating system.

In addition to the programs provided by the manufacturer, the owner of the smartphone can install and use applications from third party developers, search and It is recommended to install them through the application store.

The difference between a phone and a smartphone is hardware

The firmware of a regular phone ensures the interconnection of the device's components. This is a cellular communication module, display, keypad, speaker, microphone, battery, other additional modules.

A smartphone, unlike a mobile phone, is much more complex. Like a computer, it built on a central processor, which together with RAM and a graphics controller forms the productive basis that generates commands for built-in modules. Besides basic architecture, including a chipset, RAM and ROM, the main modules of modern smartphones are:

touchscreen;
module cellular connection with 2G/3G/LTE modem;
internal and external speakers and microphones, voice recorder;
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth adapters;
module GPS navigation and a set of sensors;
main and front cameras;
battery.

Depending on the status of the model and manufacturer, mobile smart devices can be equipped with the following functional elements:

photo flash;
NFC - chip;
FM - radio receiver;
fingerprint sensor;
iris scanner.

The task of the operating system is management potentially possible functions smartphone, the provision of which is entrusted to the command-generating computing unit and built-in modules. Management is carried out through 2-3 physical buttons(turn on/lock, volume control, for example), touch buttons, virtual keyboard and voice commands.

Access to the World Wide Web

Mobile operators provide users with a variety of tariff plans, most of them provide Internet traffic packages in networks different generations(EDGE, 2G, 3G or 4G). All smartphones and most models of regular cell phones are equipped with support for networks of one level or another.

Advice! You can determine whether a device supports access to the World Wide Web by the presence of an installed browser.

After purchasing a SIM card with an optimal tariff, the user will not be required to make any special device settings upon first launch. Providers provide semi-automatic installation of cellular network parameters with minimal subscriber participation.

What is better to choose

What is better to choose, a telephone or a smartphone with Internet access? Much depends on the owner himself, his preferences and skills in using mobile devices. Both devices have their advantages and disadvantages.

Smartphones are multifunctional and productive, can replace a whole range of devices: from a voice communication device or Wi-Fi source to an audio and video player, camera or payment device (terminal). And this is the undoubted advantage of smart devices.

Vulnerability to malware and viruses, the energy consumption of smartphones on the one hand, as well as the ability of users to master a wide range of functionality and considerable monthly tariff payments, on the other hand, make one think about the advisability of purchasing a smart device.

Advice! For older people and younger schoolchildren, a simple mobile phone is quite suitable, without unnecessary functionality that you still need to know how to use.

We constantly talk about some features of smartphones, try to solve the problems that arise with them, but there are people who don’t even know what it is. Therefore, today we will tell you what a smartphone is and why you need it.

A smartphone (from the English Smartphone - smart phone) is a mobile phone that is supplemented with the capabilities of a personal computer. And this is true - today smartphones have replaced computers for many users, as they provide almost all the same functions. In the future, smartphones are predicted to become even more popular as a replacement for personal computers and laptops. This is also confirmed by the fact that users are increasingly using smartphones to access the Internet.

The main difference between a smartphone and a regular mobile phone is the presence of an operating system. However, if you consider the fact that some phones are equipped with an operating system, there should be much more differences. And so it is. For example, this is a large touch screen.

This is what a regular smartphone looks like.

iPhone 6s

Samsung Galaxy S7

Above are flagship smartphones, however, there are also budget models. In general, today the cost of smartphones has dropped significantly. So, you can become the owner of such a device for just a couple of thousand rubles. Of course, this will be a simple device, but a fact is a fact.

The very first smartphone in our familiar form with a touch screen, where control was carried out only by hands, was the first iPhone - this happened in 2007. Then the smartphone became a real sensation, because before that no one had offered anything like this on the market. It is not surprising that in a matter of months the iPhone became the top seller.

It is worth noting that the functionality of the first iPhone was limited. For example, it did not have the ability to transmit MMS messages, which, however, did not in any way affect the sales of the device.

OS

Most often, there are smartphones on sale that run on one of three operating systems: Android, iOS and Windows Mobile. The most popular operating system is Android. Most smartphones are based on it. The second OS is iOS, only Apple devices run on it. Third place - for Windows Mobile.

Why do you need a smartphone?

If you suddenly don’t know what a smartphone is for, then here’s your answer.

Surfing the Internet and social networks.

Multimedia center. You can watch movies, listen to music, and watch online broadcasts on your smartphone screen.

Games. In official online stores today you will find great amount all kinds of games. Among them there are those that, according to the schedule, can give a head start computer games. Moreover, many games are free.

Cameras. Cameras allow you not only to take great photos, including selfies, but also to conduct online broadcasts or video chat with friends.

Wireless modules significantly expand the possibilities. For example, you can use mobile communications to access the Internet, and now such technologies are used when the speed mobile internet may be higher than on a home computer.

Applications. There are a huge number of applications, as well as games, in online stores for every taste and budget.

Generally speaking, a “smart phone” fully lives up to its name - it really is a phone and a computer in one device.

The first smartphones (communicators) appeared in the world more than 15 years ago. They made it possible to decide simple tasks related to opening and editing documents, were able to send faxes and email. However, the market was dominated by regular phones and small Palm handheld computers. At the end of the 2000s, devices running on Android began to appear on the market. What is Android, and what capabilities does this operating system provide to modern mobile devices?

Features of a simple phone

For a long time, mobile phones have been a means of voice calls and a tool for sending/receiving SMS. With the development of technology, phones with J2ME support began to appear on the market - this made it possible to expand functionality using additional applications. But they were very, very far from a full-fledged pocket computer.

Regular mobile phones (not smartphones) can make and receive calls, have functions for working with SMS and MMS, and can access the Internet and send email. To access the Internet here is simple browsers. All these features are built into the phone’s memory, so replacing an inconvenient dialer won’t work here.. Don't like the built-in audio player or don't have enough codecs to play video? You'll have to grind your teeth and endure.

Some of the market for smarter devices has long been occupied by smartphones/communicators based on Windows based Mobile and Symbian. There was already multitasking here, it was possible to find and install various programs. Users were happy with decent functionality, but it was all a little different - there was not the freedom of action that is provided to modern users of Android smartphones.

What is Android

The massive distribution of Android devices occurred at the end of the 2000s, when Windows Mobile (of all kinds of versions, often incompatible with each other) and Symbian dominated the market. In parallel with them, Apple products developed - its smartphones were an icon of functionality. The advent of Android was a real sensation. This operating system has taken over the market for smart devices, becoming the clear leader.

At the end of 2015, more than 80% of mobile devices were based on it - Apple with its iOS was left far behind. Android is a multitasking operating system for mobile devices, built on Linux based. Hence the high productivity and open source. The first version appeared at the end of 2008, followed by numerous updates. Latest version considered Android 8.0 Oreo, which appeared in August 2017.

Each new development– new opportunities, increased efficiency and increased productivity. Android is an operating system that made it possible to create full-fledged pocket computers, which are all modern smartphones and tablets. Android OS devices can:

Make and receive calls;
Work with email;
Work with any wireless modules(3G, 4G, GPS/GLONASS, Wi-Fi, NFC, etc.);
Interact with users through touch screens, keyboards, mice, touchpads and gamepads;
Access the Internet via wireless networks;
Make video calls;
Take high-quality photographs and videos;
Verify users using numerous security measures, including using a fingerprint scanner;
Work with printers, external cameras and other devices.

But the most important advantage, limitlessly expanding Android capabilities, is the possibility of installation various applications. With their help, smartphones and tablets become faithful assistants to users. Applications allow you to receive information about discounts, make purchases in stores, listen to music, watch videos, read news, surf the Internet and solve business problems. Users can also choose from service applications, sports apps, online magazines and much more.

Android features

Android is an extremely user-friendly operating system. A few minutes are enough for initial acquaintance, and after a couple of days even the youngest beginners become quite experienced users. Most operations in Android are performed using simple gestures, and for installing applications in the system there is special store Playmarket– here all the software is structured and presented in the form of a convenient catalog.

Easy installation of applications from own store very convenient for novice users - no need to scour the Internet and look for software in search engines.

Android is a very flexible operating system. It is easily customizable to suit users' own needs, and the abundance of applications allows you to get additional functionality or replace some basic functions. Don't like the standard dialer? No problem - download another application, replace the shortcuts on your desktop and use the new application. Don't like the built-in player? Just download another one from the Playmarket. You can also download here:

Clients of popular social networks;
Messengers for instant messaging;
Bank clients;
Mail programs;
Wallets of electronic payment systems;
News applications;
Clients of online publications;
Offline and online games;
Cooking apps and more.

Android is very user-friendly, which means you can completely customize it for yourself.

You can get information without launching applications - for this, the system provides widgets that are located on the desktop and display useful information. These could be headings latest news, weather forecasts, exchange rates, last action people on social networks, etc.

Android is the operating system that runs the most different devices. These included smartphones, tablet PCs, some desktop PCs, smart TVs, gaming consoles, satellite and digital receivers, mini PC, multimedia players, e-books, smartbooks and even wrist watch. And every day the capabilities of the operating system and devices. Buy an Android smartphone or tablet and try out the system’s capabilities for yourself – you’ll definitely like them!