Smartphone technology is rapidly advancing, with better cameras for photography and faster processors for entertainment. They’ve been quietly improving in other areas, too. For frequent travellers, phones have been making strides with eSim functionality, better batteries, network support, and more.
Nowadays, smartphones are a must-have, essential travel accessory. They’ve changed how we travel, navigate, capture memories, and interact with others. Twenty years ago, people would’ve thought booking flights from a handheld computer would’ve been impossible, but now it’s the norm, and phones can even be used to store boarding pass information.
Key Features To Look For In A Phone For A Frequent Traveller
When purchasing a phone for travel, you want to look for reliability, durability, and functionality. Below, we've outlined the key features you want while on the move.
Network support
When looking for a phone for travel, it’s essential that the phone supports multiple coverage network bands. It’s also beneficial if the phone supports either eSim functionality or Dual Sim support, that way wherever you are you’ll be able to access reliable data and messaging capabilities.
When you’re shopping for a new phone for travelling, it’s also important to ensure the phone isn’t locked to a specific carrier. So, you want to always get an ‘unlocked’ phone, that way you can use it with any carrier and network, even international.
Camera quality
For travellers who want to capture high-quality photos and footage of their journey without spending money on a professional camera, smartphones can be a fantastic alternative. A few of the latest Android and iPhone devices are packed with technology that rivals professional cameras.
When you’re looking for a camera, it’s important to consider the megapixel count, the higher the better. You should also consider extra features, like multiple lenses, optical image stabilisation, and night mode.
Storage capacity
Naturally, capturing photos of your journey can take up so much space. So, you’ll want a device that can store all your high-quality photos and videos. Consider smartphones that have at least 128GB storage or more. It’s possible to also find phones that support expandable storage, like a few of Samsung’s flagship devices.
Battery life
The last thing you want is your phone dying on you in the airport or when travelling. Look for a phone that scores well on battery life tests from renowned reviewers, like Tom’s Guide. You want to keep an eye out for the battery’s capacity, which is measured in mAh. Anything above 4,800 mAh battery capacity is ideal.
Durability
Durability is important when travelling and on the road, especially if you’re a huge fan of hiking. Make sure your phone is water and dust-resistant. Also, make sure it has a wide array of accessories available, like high-durability phone cases.
Which Phones Are The Best For Frequent Travellers?
When you’re looking for a phone to take travelling, there are a few devices that shine over others. Below, we’ve outlined a few of our top picks for devices to suit frequent travellers.
Google Pixel 8a
Google’s latest budget-friendly model, the Pixel 8a, is a fantastic option for people who are looking for a mid-range device to take travelling. The Pixel range of devices wins awards almost every year for its AI-powered camera, making it perfect for taking photos and videos of your journey.
The Pixel 8a is also pretty close to the performance of the Pixel 8, featuring a Tensor G3 chip, the same chip that powers the Pixel 8 Pro. So, the device can easily tackle entertainment, whether you want to stream or play an intensive game whilst travelling.
The phone is also designed with longevity in mind. According to Google, its 4,492 mAh battery capacity can last beyond 24 hours.
iPhone 15
The iPhone 15 is a fantastic phone for travelling if you’re already in the iOS ecosystem. The change to USB-C allows for more convenient charging compared to previous iPhone generations, and it features an upgraded camera with better multi-lens for higher resolution and zoom.
The iPhone 15 is also available in two sizes, so if you want a more compact travel option, there is the 6.1-inch iPhone 15. If you don’t mind the phone taking up more bag space, there’s also the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus.
The iPhone 15 series of devices also outperforms the 14 series in battery life. They run on the A16 Bionic chip, which is the best-performing chip in Apple’s iPhones.
Why Buying A Refurbished Phone Is A Good Idea?
The refurbished phone market is growing every year as keeping up with the latest technology becomes more expensive. Buying refurbished is a fantastic way to shave the cost off a device, even for the latest models.
Buying refurbished is also different from buying used or second-hand. Firstly, not all refurbished phones are preowned; they could be ex-demo stock. Unlike buying used, refurbished phones should also undergo a comprehensive evaluation from a qualified professional.
During this evaluation, the phone should be extensively checked, and every component should be tested. If it isn’t fully functional, components are repaired or replaced with genuine components.
So, when you buy a refurbished phone, you’re getting a device that has been tested to run optimally. It can also catch any potential manufacturing defects, which is an advantage over buying brand-new ones.
If you’re an eco-conscious shopper, reports and data have shown that buying refurbished is also better for the environment. Buying refurbished devices helps to combat consumerism culture, a key component of climate change.
Refurbished smartphones can help reduce up to 91% of the smartphone industry's environmental impact every year. They do this by avoiding the extraction of new resources to manufacture a new device, lowering the gas emissions that occur in the supply process, and reducing e-waste.
Buy Reliable Refurbished Phones at OzMobiles
If you’re looking for a reliable phone to take travelling, OzMobiles stocks a large range of refurbished smartphones, including the latest iPhone and Samsung Galaxy devices. If you happen to find a better deal elsewhere, we’ll also beat it by $10 (terms and conditions apply).
Our stock includes phones for all price ranges, whether you want the latest Samsung flagship device or Google’s budget-friendly Pixel range. All the devices we stock go through a comprehensive refurbishment process in our Melbourne headquarters to ensure they are fully functional and running optimally.
The phones we sell also come with a free 12-month warranty and a 30-day risk-free return period. So, if you have any concerns or have a change of heart, you can contact our team for assistance.
If you’re planning a trip and need help picking out a phone or have any questions about our refurbishment process, reach out and contact us. We’d love to answer any queries you may have and connect you with the perfect device.
