What does smartphone mean? What is a smartphone and how is it different from a telephone? Useful features of Mojo smart lenses

What is a smartphone? There are many answers to this question, but they all boil down to one fundamental difference from conventional mobile phones - the presence of an operating system that combines the functions of a telephone and a pocket computer in the device. So, let’s look in detail at what types of smartphones there are, how they differ, and what to look for when choosing.

Functionality

You can understand what a smartphone is as soon as you pick up a regular mobile phone and a device with advanced functions for comparison. The presence of an operating system opens up new opportunities for mobile devices. In addition to regular calls or sending short messages, the smartphone is capable of receiving email, accessing the Internet, and is increasingly installing text editors for viewing the most popular file formats. Another distinctive feature was the ability to install third-party software on the device, including audio players, video players, and various games. Experienced programmers can create programs themselves and subsequently install them on their smartphone. However, it is worth noting that with the development of technology, mobile phones are increasingly equipped with some of the functions that were once unique to smartphones.

operating system

The choice of a smartphone is usually determined by the tasks that the device must cope with. Everyone's requirements may be individual; some need reliability and speed of operation, others need a large number of applications and the ability to install third-party software. In general, operating systems can be divided into open ones, such as Android, and closed ones, such as Apple smartphones running iOS.

Appearance

What is a smartphone in terms of appearance? If earlier the first devices with the functionality of a pocket computer were large in size, today size is not of decisive importance. A cell phone and a smartphone may be practically the same in appearance, but still, due to the use of a smartphone more and more to solve problems that require displaying a large amount of information on the screen, modern devices stand out with a large screen size. And with the development of touch control technology on smartphones, it is almost impossible to find familiar buttons; they have been replaced by a virtual keyboard. The camera on the back of the case is also not a priority for smartphones; even the most budget phone models are equipped with a camera, the only difference is the quality of the pictures and the camera’s capabilities.

Additional features

In addition to the above-mentioned distinctive features, the smartphone can be supplemented with the functionality of a GPS navigator, and Wi-Fi technology allows you to access the Internet with high data transfer speeds. The presence of these and other features can also play an important role in answering the question: “Which smartphone should I choose?” In any case, having made the choice in favor of a smartphone once, the user will definitely appreciate all its advantages. After all, this is the only way to understand once and for all what a smartphone is.

In this article we will tell you about five basic facts and how a smartphone differs from a telephone.

Almost everyone knows what a cell phone is. It is a small device that you can hold in your hands that allows you to make calls from anywhere in the world. However, adding the word “smartphone” can lead to confusion for an inexperienced user. In fact, distinguishing the two terms does not make much difference if we call the Galaxy S9 a mobile phone and the iPhone X a smartphone.

However, below are tips to help you understand why some people use the word "cell phones" while others use "smartphones," and why a smartphone is sometimes called a cell phone, but not vice versa.

What to choose: phone or smartphone?

Mobile device technology is one of the fastest growing areas in consumer electronics, making terms like cell phone and smartphone difficult to define. However, most people use mobile phones primarily for phone calls, while smartphones are considered Internet devices and are used less for voice calls.

Choosing between a standard cell phone or a smartphone comes down to whether calls or convenient Internet access and access to multimedia files are important to you.

The functions of a smartphone are part of the capabilities of a computer.

You can think of a smartphone as a miniature computer that can also make and receive calls. Most smartphones have a virtual store of thousands of applications that turn your phone into something much smarter than a regular cell phone.

Applications for smartphones include graphic editors, navigation maps and many other useful options. Some smartphones take this a step further and provide you with a built-in virtual assistant, such as Siri from the Apple iPhone, which everyone can agree makes the phone much smarter and more technologically advanced.

A smartphone is capable of functioning like a cell phone, but not all cell phones can replicate this. In other words, the smartphone can make calls like a mobile phone, which in turn does not have the same add-ons and applications, such as Apple's Siri assistant or Google's voice assistant.

5 basic facts: What is the difference between a smartphone and a telephone?

operating system

The operating system on smartphones is in many ways similar to what is installed on your personal computer at home or at work. For example, your computer is most likely running Windows or MacOS, or perhaps Linux or some other desktop OS. However, the mobile operating system may be, for example, iOS, Android, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry OS or WebOS.

The difference in a cell phone operating system versus a smartphone operating system is again determined by the ease of use of the software. iPhone and Android phones are generally perceived by the masses as being relatively easy to use by most users.

When it comes to a mobile phone (which is not a smart phone), the operating system is usually very light and simple, with minimal menus and virtually no additional options or applications.

Microprocessor and memory

Mobile phones, compared to smartphones, have incredible processing power, usually faster, more efficient microprocessors and large amounts of memory. Demanding applications such as photography, video and games require more powerful and faster processors.

Some models have tens of gigabytes of memory for storing large music and video libraries, as well as databases and applications. On the other hand, mobile phone processors are simpler and suitable for smaller requirements such as phone calls and basic applications.

Programs

Cell phones and smartphones have apps—programs that make the phone more useful. Cell phone applications include games, contact managers, and text messaging programs. Apps on smartphones are much more sophisticated as they take advantage of the phone's faster processor, larger memory, and Internet connection.

There are over a million smartphone apps ranging from basic to advanced. In addition to more complex versions of applications, smartphones already have a number of useful applications installed along with the operating system, a music player, a photo editor, an advanced calculator, social networks and other programs too numerous to mention.

Dimensions and screen size

Smartphones usually have larger displays than their older brothers. The larger screen gives apps more graphics space and lets you enjoy movies, videos, and other media. The smartphone is controlled via a touch screen.

The screen on a mobile phone is used primarily for viewing phone numbers and text messages, although many can play simple games, open appointment calendars and contact lists.

Internet and network connections

A cell phone's primary network connection is for voice calls, although many have short-range Bluetooth data and hands-free calling support.

The smartphone has these network connections, plus 3G/4G data and Wi-Fi. Some have a technology called Near-Field Communications that allows you to use your phone as a smart credit card. Internet access is provided using cellular data where the cell tower is located. Internet access via Wi-Fi is usually free, although the range of services is limited to the homes and businesses that provide it.

Quick facts about the history of mobile phones

IBM developed the first smartphone in 1992 called Simon. The smartphone was unveiled as a concept device in Las Vegas at the computer industry trade show known as COMDEX.

What are the most significant differences for you, do you use older phone models in your daily activities and why? Write your answers in the comments and share this article on social networks.

Video: Five advantages of a push-button telephone from a smartphone

The era of regular phones is coming to an end, and in their place 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 who cannot even go to Wikipedia and inquire about this product and where they can buy it. Let's look together at the main differences from the previous “generation”.

Smartphone

What does smartphone mean? 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 to a conventional 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 the operating system. Today we can highlight the following:

1. Android.
2. 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 a large number of 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 make calls 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 that you soberly evaluate the disadvantages of such devices.

Cons of new gadgets

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

Typically, virus software (software) takes the form of a necessary program that 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, an updated version of the phone was released with a new version of the OS, which also created a sensation in the community of that 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 a simple cell phone? 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-lasting operation. Comparing an iPhone with a budget phone, you can feel the difference immediately.
• Application optimization. On iOS, operating problems are much less likely to occur, as millions of users have tested 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.

If you feel like you can’t handle such a gadget, choose one for yourself.

Many people use the word “smartphone” in their speech, but not everyone knows what exactly it means, often meaning simply a cellular device. However, there are differences between a smartphone and a regular mobile phone.

A smartphone is like a phone: it can also make phone calls, just like a regular phone. But besides this, you can add advanced features and additional functions to your smartphone, for example, various melodies and ringtones, which can be found in a personal digital assistant (PDA) or on a computer.

Smartphones usually allow you to send and receive email, edit documents or view pages, social networks and much more.

How did smartphones come about?

When technology began to change, people began to think seriously about communication, they had mobile phones to make phone calls, as well as (PDA) devices such as the Palm Pilot. PDAs were used as personal organizers or day planners that could always be carried with you. People could synchronize their PDA with and save their contact information, calendars, and to-do lists.

PDA technologies have evolved, and over time they have new functions and capabilities. One of them was wireless communication, with which it was possible to send and receive letters.

Meanwhile, cell phones were also developing. With their help it was also possible to exchange short messages (SMS). Subsequently, the pocket personal computer received the functions of a cell phone, and functions similar to those already found in PDAs and desktop computers were added to mobile phones.

This is how the smartphone appeared, as a consequence of the development of the functions of mobile phones and the capabilities of pocket personal computers.

What is a smartphone and what are its main functions?

There is no standard definition of the term “smartphone”. The name comes from the English smartphone, which can be translated literally and means “smart phone”.

A smartphone is a smart phone that has an operating system.

What one consumer thinks should be in a smartphone may be outdated or unnecessary for another. However, there are some features that are common to most well-known smartphones, just as most cell phones have their own set of “standard” options.

The main functions of the smartphone include:

• mobile telephony (calls using one SIM card or 2 SIM cards, and sometimes four),
• receiving and sending SMS messages,
• Internet access using one browser or your choice,
• e-mail,
• for access to the Internet in addition to similar access using the services of the cellular operator that provided the SIM card,
• Wi-Fi distribution when the smartphone turns into,
• etc.

The main difference between a smartphone and a mobile phone

Mostly,

a smartphone differs from a mobile phone in the presence of an operating system,

allowing you to run applications with performance that is clearly superior to that of a cell phone.

Depending on the manufacturer, there may be many different types of operating systems on different smartphone models.

Android smartphone is a smart phone running the Android operating system, which is widely used due to its open source code based on Linux. The system is being developed by the OHA group of companies led by Google. The presence of open source allows numerous Android programmers to develop their own applications for smartphones.

Smartphone iPhone(iPhone) is an Apple smart phone with the iOS operating system.

BlackBerry smartphones run the BlackBerry OS operating system.

Other smartphones use Palm OS or Windows Mobile. Many operating systems are simple versions of desktop Linux systems that are available not only on computers but also on smartphones.

Flagship smartphone – what is it?

The term "flagship" comes from the navy, in which the flagship is the ship where the commander and headquarters are located and from where the fleet is controlled.

Similar to the fleet

the flagship smartphone is the best device from any major manufacturer,

with the most advanced characteristics and the best capabilities (working speed, video playback quality and other advanced features).

True, all this quickly becomes outdated, but, as they say, it will come later...

Smartphone application - what is it?

A smartphone application (English: “Mobile app” is a mobile application) is software designed to work on smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices.

The application can be games, applications for social networks, for email, a flashlight, etc.

Many mobile applications are pre-installed on smartphones by the manufacturers themselves, which is why they are called pre-installed or built-in. For example, a new Android smartphone is usually filled to capacity with applications from, and a new iPhone - with applications from Apple.

An important feature of the smartphone is the ability to download additional necessary applications for free or for a fee at the user’s request from online application stores, such as the App Store (for iPhones), BlackBerry App World, Google Play (for), 1mobile market, Windows Phone Store, Yandex.store and others.

The presence of an operating system allows you to arbitrarily expand the number of applications installed on your smartphone. Such “luxury” was not available in ordinary mobile phones. Here, the number of additional applications is limited only by the size of the smartphone’s available memory, its performance and a number of other technical and software parameters. A smartphone allows its owner, with virtually no serious restrictions, to expand the possibilities of using his gadget.

The operating system on a smartphone also provides the ability to constantly install new updates both to the operating system itself and to installed applications, which makes the smartphone truly “smart,” keeping the system and applications up to date.

About the safety of mobile phones and smartphones

Although they are inferior to modern smartphones, they are still often indispensable assistants in a number of cases. For example, many bank-client systems running on desktop computers and laptops use SMS notifications and SMS confirmation codes to identify a bank client and his transactions. Of course, these are just ordinary SMS messages that can be received by both simple mobile phones and modern smart smartphones.

However, the lack of an open operating system in a mobile phone does not provide the opportunity for fraudsters as “easy” (relatively, of course, easily) as in a smartphone. Simple mobile phones are much better protected from various types of fraud inherent in open systems, with which smartphones are “friendly” and simple old and reliable “hardware” mobile phones are not at all friendly.

What is a pocket personal computer and what is its use?

A pocket personal computer (English term: Personal Digital Assistant, abbreviated PDA - “personal digital secretary”) is a small device with wide functionality.

Due to its small size, the PDA is often called a handheld. PDAs were originally intended to be used as electronic organizers. You cannot make calls from a “classic” PDA; it is not a mobile phone.

Now classic pocket personal computers are almost completely replaced

• communicators are PDAs with a cellular communication module and
• smartphones.

At one time, pocket PCs were convenient for distributing to employees of companies who were involved, say, in sales. Mobile applications were installed on the PDA, working in conjunction with the information systems of companies selling their goods and services. And employees could, holding in their hand a small, essentially computer, see the remaining goods in the warehouse, the work schedule of employees providing services, and so on, in order to resolve sales issues on the spot with the client. Convenient, nothing to say. Nowadays, tablets or smartphones are mainly used for this kind of action.

Replacing PDAs with smartphones hasn't actually changed anything. It became possible to install the same mobile applications on communicators and smartphones, which gradually replaced PDAs. But…

If old PDAs only allowed you to work with the Internet, with mobile applications using a SIM card, then smartphones began to allow you to do a lot more: make calls, exchange SMS, use browsers, send and receive email, etc. But all these “pleasures” use SIM card resources, for which the employer must pay! It turns out that the replacement of PDAs with smartphones “doomed” employers to strictly control the work of “field” employees using smartphones. The use of PDAs in the past did not cause such problems and did not lead to inflated costs in a particular company for the use of mobile communications.

You can find many similar examples, when old gadgets, old mobile phones, communicators, PDAs, worked more reliably (in some cases) than modern smart smartphones.

Results

However, progress cannot be stopped. The ease of working with smartphones, the openness of the operating system, the ability to receive updates, expand functions at the request of users, independently write new applications and other conveniences have gradually replaced previous gadgets that were not flexible enough in nature and functions.

Now you can do almost the same things on your smartphone as you can on your computer, and sometimes more. And we have to live and work in new realities, sometimes adapting to them, but how could it be otherwise?!

Articles and Lifehacks

Most users who are tech savvy probably know the difference between a phone and a PDA.

However, time passes, manufacturers are constantly improving their devices, simplifying the process, and therefore many today find it difficult to say what a smartphone is and what it is needed for. Let's try to answer these questions.

What kind of device is this?

• Externally, the described device looks like a mobile phone. It has exactly the same standard set of functions, but its interface and versatility can be compared to a desktop computer.
• At the same time, while having the functions of a PDA, it differs from it in the body and display size.
• Most modern smartphones are equipped with a touch screen. The user enters the necessary data using the QWERTY keyboard, which pops up when you press your finger on the empty text field.
• All smartphones run some operating system (for example, Windows Phone, Android, Symbian, iOS).
• The very first smartphone is considered to be the 7650 from Nokia.
• And today this manufacturer produces high-tech mobile devices of appropriate quality - take, for example, the Nokia Lumia line of devices, which is popular among buyers.
• The demand for smartphones is constantly increasing, and they are gradually replacing regular cell phones.

What is such a device used for?

• Many users, accustomed to the simplest push-button phones, are sincerely perplexed about whether it is worth overpaying when buying a device such as a smartphone.
• At this stage, we’ll figure out whether we need our device only for communication, and how often we suffer in the absence of a desktop computer.
  Most often, a buyer purchases a smartphone to perform several tasks at the same time.
• For example, he uses it not only for communication and exchanging SMS messages, but also for communicating via Skype, on social networks, as a calculator, player, camera, video camera, notebook, etc.
• In other words, in most cases the device is supposed to be used as a mini-computer. As a result, the user acquires a portable device with a huge range of functions. If desired, it can be used as a web camera, modem, etc.
• If comfortable browsing the Internet is one of the priorities when choosing a device, it is recommended to give preference to smartphones with a large screen diagonal and support for all the most important modules, including 3G and Wi-Fi.
• It is also desirable to have a high battery capacity. It is very convenient to access the network from an Android device.