Understanding the Components of a Smartphone, Part 2

In part one of this multi-part blog series, we went over some of the basics to be aware of when it comes to your software options for a smartphone. There are several major operating systems out there, led by Android and Apple but also including a few others that some clients consider depending on their needs and budget.

At FixIT Mobile, we’re proud to offer phone repairs from professionals who understand the precise anatomy of your smartphone no matter which type you’re using. In today’s part two of our series, we’re going to begin digging into the hardware components that make up standard smartphones and their common repair needs, starting with a quick note on phone hardware and how it evolves with time.

Hardware and Evolution

Smartphones are really just smaller computers, and like their laptop and desktop counterparts, they’re constantly being upgraded in areas like processing power, memory and others. This is the primary reason there are over a dozen different versions of the iPhone out there, for instance – each new generation involves various upgrades to components or features based on new technology and innovation.

Naturally, this means older hardware is not only prone to breakdown or damage more easily, but also will not offer all the same benefits as newer options. Our subsequent sections will go over several of the hardware components that are most commonly found in smartphones, including a few that are mostly unique to these phone types.

Touchscreen

One of the first key components that set the smartphone apart from previous phone iterations and really brought it into the modern world was the touchscreen, and this remains a major area for smartphones today. There are two primary themes to consider when it comes to smartphone touchscreens:

• Sensitivity: There are a couple different touchscreen types out there to be aware of. The resistive screen is a type involving two layers with a gap between them for resistance; the capacitive screen uses a layer of glass covered by a conductor that can sense breaks in the electrical field when a finger touches it; the haptic screen provides tactile feedback to users; the AMOLED (Active-Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode) screen has touch sensors on the display.

• Resolution quality: There are also several options for screen type in terms of resolution – our pros will explain these to you if needed.

GPS Tech

Another major feature of nearly all smartphones is GPS, or Global Positioning System technology. This will be found in nearly all major smartphones, allowing the device to pinpoint location data for several apps and purposes. From searching for nearby food or retail options to planning a route for a road trip, GPS is a vital component of smartphones.

For more on the various pieces of equipment found in a smartphone, or to learn about any of our phone repair, tablet repair, laptop repair or other services, speak to the staff at FixIT Mobile today.