In this digital era, having a reliable phone for entertainment, from playing the latest games to streaming the newest shows, is a must-have for enjoyment. If you want to get the most out of it, it’s important not only to have a phone capable of running the apps but also powered by strong tech and a great screen.
Statistics show that over 90% of Australians aged between 15 and 65 own a smartphone, and around 70% of Australians use their phones to watch videos online. The number of people using smartphones to stream shows and movies is on the rise, growing every year.
Smartphone technology is also rapidly advancing every year, with improved screens, higher resolution, 5G connectivity, and better speakers—allowing for a high-quality streaming experience.
Not only is screen quality improving, but manufacturers are also offering bigger screen options, too. We’ve seen iPhones get bigger and bigger, and now every generation includes a Pro Max option that has screens close to tablet sizes.
Samsung also has a phone-tablet hybrid range, the Samsung Galaxy Note series and the Galaxy Fold devices, which offer large screens for entertainment while also being portable. However, we understand that staying up to date with the latest devices for the best streaming devices can be costly, so buying refurbished can be a great, cost-effective alternative.
What Features To Look For In A Video Streaming Phone
When choosing a phone for video streaming, it’s important to focus on a few key factors for the best possible viewing experience. These include looking for high-resolution displays, robust battery life, good performance, and quality audio speakers.
Screen
The screen and resolution are paramount when searching for a phone to watch shows and movies. It’s where you’ll be watching the content, so it is key to ensure the screen is large enough and offers high-resolution options with vibrant colours. The factors you should consider include:
- Resolution: When shopping for a video streaming phone, the resolution the device supports is one of the first features to keep an eye out for. At the very least, you want a device that supports Full HD (1080p) or 4k. The higher the resolution, the higher the quality and detailed images/videos the device offers.
- Refresh rate: Although a device's refresh rate isn’t as important for video streaming, it is for other entertainment, like gaming. A higher refresh rate, like 90Hz or 120Hz, is better for smoother gameplay.
- Screen type: When it comes to colour and contrast, AMOLED or OLED screens are better than LCD screens for the best video streaming experience. Even if a phone supports a high resolution and refresh rate, the screen type can result in a poor viewing experience.
- Size: If you want a smartphone for immersive video streaming, we recommend a bigger size. Most manufacturers, including Samsung, Google, and Apple, sell models with larger-than-average screens.
To optimise the viewing experience, we also recommend getting a phone that supports HDR (High Dynamic Range). This feature enhances the colour range and contrast options on the screen, allowing for a broader range of colours to be displayed and better detail as more subtle details, like shadows and highlights, are more visible.
Performance
When searching for a phone for streaming, there is more to consider than just the screen—although that’s equally important. It’s also crucial to consider the performance, particularly the RAM.
The RAM component in a device allows smartphones to multitask efficiently and keeps video streaming smooth. When looking for a device, you want to ensure it has at least 4 GB of RAM, although 6 GB or more is ideal, especially if you want to multitask when streaming.
Processors
The processor, as well as the graphics processing unit (GPU), is important for your phone when streaming videos. The processor plays a critical role in handling high-definition video playback, so always keep an eye out for high-performance chipsets.
A strong GPU is also crucial for video rendering and ensuring high-quality playback. The integrated GPUs in high-end processors perform well, like the Adreno in the latest Snapdragon chipsets and Apple’s custom GPUs.
Even if a phone has a large AMOLED screen that supports high resolution and HDR, if it lacks power, it can lead to choppy video rendering and playback. So, along with researching a phone’s screen, it’s also essential to consider the chipset (processor and GPU).
Connectivity
A phone that supports fast and reliable network connectivity is crucial when streaming videos—the last thing you want to deal with is buffering or quality dropping. Keep an eye out for phones that support at least 4G LTE and preferably 5G networks. Without a stable and fast connection, even high-spec devices can have laggy video playback when streaming.
Which Refurbished Models Are Best For Video Streaming & Entertainment?
If you want to find the perfect device for video streaming and entertainment, refurbished models are a great budget-friendly option for later phone models. Below, we’ve listed a few phones that cover all the key factors you should look out for.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold
For one of the most immersive watching experiences available, we recommend Samsung’s new foldable Galaxy Z Fold line. The latest model is the Z Fold5; however, even the previous models are great options for video streaming.
The Galaxy Z Fold phones can ‘fold’ out to reveal a bigger, tablet-sized screen while still having the compact and portability of a phone. The latest Z Fold5 features a massive 7.6-inch screen powered by AMOLED technology and supports high-resolution video streaming and HDR.
iPhone Pro Max
Apple has been releasing a ‘Pro Max’ model for its iPhone range for the last few generations. The Pro Max devices feature a larger screen than the average smartphone, with the latest Pro Max featuring a 6.69-inch screen diagonally.
The Pro Max models are a great option if you’re part of Apple’s iOS ecosystem and want to optimise your video streaming. They are also always powered by the best technology Apple has at the time, including large battery capacities, powerful processors, HDR support, and a strong GPU.
Galaxy S23 Ultra
If you’re part of the Android ecosystem but don’t want a device closer to a phone-tablet hybrid, Samsung’s ‘Ultra’ range, particularly the S23 Ultra, is a fantastic choice. As the device has been out since 2023, it’s easy to find refurbished S23 Ultra models, too.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O display with a resolution of 3088 x 1440, providing sharp images, vibrant colours, and great detail. Its 4855mAh battery offers one of the best battery life for Android devices and excellent performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
Buy Refurbished Video Streaming Phones at OzMobiles
For fantastic deals on the best phone for video streaming and gaming, buying a used or secondhand device is a great way to save money. Here at OzMobiles, we stock a large range of refurbished iPhones, Samsung Galaxy refurbished phones and other Android devices that are perfect for all entertainment.
At OzMobiles, you get a guarantee that all of our phones are fully functional and running optimally. This is because all the devices we sell undergo extensive inspections and testing by certified technicians at our Melbourne headquarters.
During this process, every component of the phone, from the hardware to the software, is checked to ensure optimal operation. Any faulty or defective parts are repaired or replaced with genuine components, and the software is updated.
All our devices also come with a free 12-month warranty and a 30-day risk-free return. So, if you run into any issues or you have a change of heart, you can reach out to the OzMobiles team for assistance.
If you have any questions about our range of refurbished devices, our refurbishment process, or need help finding the phone for streaming and games, contact us today. Our team would love to help connect you with the perfect phone and answer any queries.
