Buying a smartphone is no longer a casual decision. It affects nearly every part of daily life from how we manage money and stay connected, to how we work, learn, and create. Today’s smartphones are not just for communication. They are cameras, editing tools, business assistants, classrooms, fitness trackers, and content studios.
But in a market flooded with new devices and loud marketing campaigns, it is easy to focus on the wrong things. Many people choose phones based on specs they may never use, only to be disappointed later when the device underperforms or becomes expensive to maintain.
The truth is, the best smartphone is not necessarily the flashiest one. It is the one that holds up over time, supports your lifestyle, and makes your life easier rather than more complicated.
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“That’s how we design at OPPO, and it’s how consumers should be thinking too.”
Here are five simple but powerful questions South Africans should ask before buying their next smartphone in 2025.
How will your smartphone perform after a year or three?
Almost every smartphone performs well when it is new, but over time, performance usually declines. After 12 to 18 months, many users notice their devices become slower, with lagging apps, sluggish functioning, and battery issues becoming common complaints. This can be both frustrating and costly.
When you are considering a new phone, do not just ask about its processor. Ask whether the device will still run smoothly a year from now. Research things like software update cycles, battery health management, and whether the phone is built to support newer app demands. Brands like OPPO, have prioritised this and offer extended software support and AI-powered performance optimisation that keeps your phone feeling new for longer.
What will it cost to repair?
If you have never cracked a screen, bent a charging pin, or dropped your phone in water, consider yourself lucky. Most users face damage at some point. But repairs should not leave you without a phone for weeks or cost more than the device itself.
Before buying, check whether the phone brand has local repair centers, affordable replacement parts, and a clear repair policy. A sleek device might look great, but if it is hard or expensive to fix, it may not be worth the risk. Access to affordable, local aftercare is not just nice to have. It is critical.
Will this phone support the way I live and work?
Are you a content creator? An entrepreneur? A student? A parent juggling a career and kids? Whatever your situation, your phone needs to be able to cover all of your bases. Can it help you shoot decent videos, manage online orders, edit photos, or run a side hustle? Does it handle multitasking smoothly?
Some devices are designed with real work in mind, offering AI-powered tools that simplify photo editing, scheduling and sharing, making it easier to stay productive right out of the box. Shiny, stylish smartphones are all well and good, but remember: you’re buying for function, not fashion.
How much is the phone actually going to cost?
The upfront price of a phone may seem affordable, but the total cost of ownership often goes far beyond that.
For example, a phone’s usable storage may be significantly reduced by pre-installed apps and the operating system. If you take a lot of videos, stream frequently, or play mobile games, you might run out of space sooner than expected.
You should also consider your monthly data usage, especially if the phone is not data-efficient, as well as the costs of app subscriptions and cloud storage. Look at what comes in the box — does the phone include headphones and a charging plug, or only a cable? How much will the missing items cost you?
Some phones come with built-in tools, like AI photo editors or translation features, that reduce the need for extra apps and services, ultimately saving time, data, and money. Remember, a device’s total cost isn’t always what’s on the price tag.
Is your phone helping you grow or just a distraction?
A great phone should be a platform for growth. It should help you learn, earn, connect and create, and not just scroll endlessly.
When considering a purchase, ask yourself: does this device enable productivity? Can I use it to upskill or build something? The best phones are those that support your goals whether that’s launching a business, pursuing a passion project, or staying organised. Choose a device that fits into your life story and not one that derails it.
Rethink what you really need
The smartphone market is changing and so should your decision-making.
By asking these five simple questions, South Africans can cut through the clutter and choose phones that deliver long-term value.
“OPPO is prioritising real-life use over empty hype. Our devices reflect a growing awareness that performance, reliability and creativity matter more than buzzwords,” says Moodley.
Next time you’re due for an upgrade, pause. Think beyond the specs. Ask better questions and choose better tech that sets you up for tomorrow.
