We live in an amazing time when, thanks to the rapid development of microelectronics, it is becoming increasingly difficult to determine what is the difference between a phone and a smartphone.

Just a dozen years ago this was obvious: a larger color screen indicated that the device belonged to a more advanced class. Accordingly, ordinary mobile phones used displays that displayed black and white images in pseudo-graphic mode. Much has changed since then, and this difference between a smartphone and a mobile phone has lost its relevance. For example, now you can buy a mobile phone with only basic functions, but huge

Smart devices

To answer the question of what is the difference between a smartphone and a telephone, it is necessary to remember what functions were added by the developers to an ordinary mobile phone, which subsequently made it possible to call such an improved model a “smart phone” (from the English smart). At one time, the emergence of new modifications was restrained by the fact that all existing devices were already doing an excellent job with their main task - making calls both in the networks of cellular operators and to landline terminals.

Increasing the transmitter power to increase the “range” was impossible, since it was necessary to meet the requirements for the permissible level of radiation. Something fundamentally new was needed that could attract potential buyers and interest them. So, first a calendar appeared in mobile phones, then a scheduler with a reminder mode, and a converter of the most popular currencies. Soon, in almost every communication device one could find a browser for viewing Internet resources, an email program, a calculator, etc. In other words, the telephone began to turn from a device for making calls into a kind of pocket electronic assistant - a smartphone. This was the beginning.

So, in light of the above, we can formulate the first difference between a smartphone and a telephone - the presence in the device of additional capabilities that are in no way related to the main purpose. Currently, this area is actively developing: smartphones allow you to work with office documents, spreadsheets, watch movies and play games.

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Of course, the difference between a smartphone and a telephone is not limited to the built-in additional programs. Since for ease of use of all features it is more advisable to use a large color display, this has become a standard in most modern mobile communication devices. The graphic component has also undergone a change, becoming much more perfect. To ensure acceptable speed of complex programs and graphics, it was necessary to install sufficiently powerful processors in the devices. Hence the next difference between a smartphone and a telephone - the former contain a high-speed computing unit, and the amount of RAM is hundreds of megabytes. To understand where a “smart” and where a “simple” phone is, it is enough to compare the power of their processors: for example, it can be 1 GHz and 200 MHz, respectively.

Applications

Finally, one of the key differences is the presence of an open operating system, for which a large selection of programs from third-party developers is available, which the user can install at his own discretion. It is worth noting that although most cell phones allow you to install programs for the Java virtual machine, this does not classify them as smartphones. Also, if in a regular mobile phone the operating system is strictly protected and does not provide for updates to new versions, then in smartphones running on Android, Windows Phone, iOS, Belle, and others, the user can install an improved control program.

Modern mobile phones and smartphones provide voice communication over a cellular network, receive and transmit text messages, and perform a number of other design-designed functions: notifications of calls and messages, alarm clock, calendar with notes, simple games, MMS, FM radio, Internet browser . It has become difficult for citizens to understand the difference between a smartphone and a telephone. Meanwhile, these devices, consonant in name and similar in function, are completely different. The main criteria by which it is customary to distinguish these mobile devices are as follows:

• presence/absence of an operating system;
• the ability to install applications yourself;
• design features of the hardware;
• Internet opportunities.

Control of smartphone functions is based on special software called an operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS). This fact allows us to consider a smartphone like a laptop computer. A smart mobile device can work with various applications, allow you to create and edit documents and images, as well as communicate with people via email and social networks. The above functionality is not available to the simple Java firmware of a cell phone. Therefore, for dummies, an important criterion for choosing a mobile device is the presence/absence of an operating system in the device description.

Important! The absence of an OS name in the characteristics of a mobile communication device is a fundamental difference between a phone and a smartphone.

There are several operating software options for smartphones, and the most popular of them are this is IOS, Android, Windows Phone. Depending on the OS used on board the smartphone, smart devices are divided into iPhones, Windows Phones, Android smartphones and devices running other less common OS (BlackBerry OS, Tizen).

Windows Phone Operating System

Android operating system

Operating system IOS

The capabilities of smart gadgets thanks to operating software

The presence of an operating system significantly expands the functionality of a mobile device, and this is the main difference between a “smart” device and a cell phone. A mobile OS, like the operating “brain” of a computer, supports the operation of various programs: Internet browsers, instant messengers, programs for reading, listening to music, viewing photos and videos, various text and graphic editors, and application applications.

As a rule, manufacturers provide smartphones with a number of proprietary applications that provide the following functions:

• Internet access to search for any necessary information;
• playing audio and video recordings;

• creating playlists;
• correspondence by email;
• communication on social networks;
• photo and video shooting;

• creating notes, memos, contact books;
• creating and editing texts, graphs, tables, presentations and other office information;
• GPS navigation, working with maps, fitness capabilities;
• search and installation of third-party applications (app store);

• programs for reading books in electronic format;
• games and other entertainment;
• payment functions.

Important! The set of standard functions of a smartphone depends on the level of equipment of the hardware platform and the version of the operating system.

In addition to the programs provided by the manufacturer, the owner of a smartphone can install and use applications from third-party developers necessary to solve certain problems, search and It is recommended to install them through the application store.

The difference between a phone and a smartphone is hardware

The firmware of a regular phone ensures the interconnection of the device's components. This is a cellular communication module, display, keypad, speaker, microphone, battery, and other additional modules.

A smartphone, unlike a mobile phone, is much more complex. Like a computer, it built on a central processor, which, together with RAM and a graphics controller, forms the productive basis that generates commands for built-in modules. In addition to the basic architecture, including the chipset, RAM and ROM, the main modules of modern smartphones are:

• touchscreen;
• cellular communication module with 2G/3G/LTE modem;
• internal and external speakers and microphones, voice recorder;
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth adapters;
• GPS navigation module and a set of sensors;
• main and front cameras;
• battery.

Depending on the status of the model and manufacturer, mobile smart devices can be equipped with the following functional elements:

• photo flash;
• NFC - chip;
• FM - radio receiver;
• fingerprint sensor;
• iris scanner.

The task of the operating system is management of potential smartphone functions, the provision of which is entrusted to the command-generating computing unit and built-in modules. Control is carried out using 2-3 physical buttons (power/lock, volume control, for example), touch buttons, a virtual keyboard and voice commands.

Access to the World Wide Web

Mobile operators provide users with a variety of tariff plans, most of them provide Internet traffic packages in networks of different generations (EDGE, 2G, 3G or 4G). All smartphones and most models of regular cell phones are equipped with support for networks of one level or another.

Advice! You can determine whether a device supports access to the World Wide Web by the presence of an installed browser.

After purchasing a SIM card with an optimal tariff, the user will not be required to make any special device settings upon first launch. Providers provide semi-automatic installation of cellular network parameters with minimal subscriber participation.

What is better to choose

What is better to choose, a telephone or a smartphone with Internet access? Much depends on the owner himself, his preferences and skills in using mobile devices. Both devices have their advantages and disadvantages.

Smartphones are multifunctional and productive, can replace a whole range of devices: from a voice communication device or Wi-Fi source to an audio and video player, camera or payment device (terminal). And this is the undoubted advantage of smart devices.

Vulnerability to malware and viruses, the energy consumption of smartphones on the one hand, as well as the ability of users to master a wide range of functionality and considerable monthly tariff payments, on the other hand, make one think about the advisability of purchasing a smart device.

Advice! For older people and younger schoolchildren, a simple mobile phone is quite suitable, without unnecessary functionality that you still need to know how to use.

Mobile phones were the first to appear on the market. At first they had very impressive sizes, but as microelectronic technology improved, they became more and more compact and convenient. Nevertheless, their main functions have remained virtually unchanged - the main purpose of cell phones is still making telephone calls, sending and receiving SMS and MMS.

But technology development does not stand still, so phone manufacturers began to endow them with new properties. In particular, they made it possible to use cell phones for games and access to the Internet. This set of functions can now be considered basic; it is present in almost all mobile phone models.

Further improvement of phones confronted manufacturers with a serious problem: the more user programs appeared, the more difficult it was to adapt them to a specific “hardware” - that is, the hardware of the phone. An operating system was needed that would remove such restrictions and allow applications to run on different phone models.

Java became the forerunner of mobile operating systems, but it had significant drawbacks. In particular, it was impossible to run more than one application at the same time. The result of the developers’ efforts was the emergence of mobile devices with a fully functional operating system; such phones began to be called smartphones, which translated from English - from smartphone - means “smart phone”.

How does a smartphone differ from a communicator? A smartphone is a cell phone that has an operating system and is endowed with a large number of different functions. A communicator is, first of all, a pocket computer in which the communication function is additional, but not the main one. In general, we can say that as technology develops, the boundary between smartphones and communicators is gradually blurring.

Speaking of smartphones, one cannot fail to mention the famous iPhones released by Apple. Thanks to their exceptionally high quality and very large capabilities, iPhones have become the flagship of the smartphone market. The name – iPhone – indicates that the device uses the iOS operating system developed by Apple specialists. Other manufacturers typically use Android and Windows Mobile operating systems.

What capabilities do smartphones have? First of all, they are focused on working with the Internet. Their owners can browse websites, communicate on social networks, watch movies and listen to music, play a variety of games, and use thousands of mobile applications.

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

09. 06.2017

Blog of Dmitry Vassiyarov.

What is a smartphone and how does it differ from a mobile phone and a PDA?

Hi all. Just 10 years ago, the process of buying a mobile phone was much simpler, because many new types of gadgets have appeared on the modern market and each can have several names. How to understand them? It's easy if you read this article.

From it you will learn what a smartphone is and how it differs from a mobile phone, communicator and PDA.

Mobile phone VS smartphone

For everything to fall into place, you need to start with what a mobile phone is. This is a radio-based device that allows access to subscriber lines without the use of a cable, as required by a regular landline telephone.

Mobile phones are primarily intended for making calls and sending/receiving SMS. Their functionality can be supplemented with simple options: calendar, alarm clock, calculator, etc.

The concept of “smartphone” is literally translated from English as “smart phone”. This definition explains its difference from a mobile phone. How is he smarter?

• It has a developed operating system, like a computer, which allows you to install third-party applications. This option is not available on mobile phones.
  The most popular operating systems for smartphones now are iOS (only for Apple products), Android (used by many modern brands) and Windows Phone (mainly found on gadgets from Microsoft, Nokia, rarely on others).

• By the way, about applications. Only those developed using Java technology work in mobile phones, and programs in binary code are released for smartphones, just like for computers. As you can imagine, they can do more and look better. Many people use smart phones for games, because the graphics of these devices are much more realistic.
• It is equipped with an expanded set of functions: a high-quality camera, various options for playing clips, can show the weather, operate as a GPS navigator, etc.

• Allows you to fully enjoy high-speed Internet access. If mobile phones used only the mobile network for this, then a smartphone, in addition to it, makes it possible to connect to the World Wide Web via Wi-Fi, 3G and 4G. It can also be used as a modem to surf the Internet
• Has increased RAM. For clarity: the RAM of the first mobile phones was calculated in kilobytes, now smartphones have an average of 2 gigabytes of RAM.
• On your smartphone, you can synchronize your data using your account with other devices.

A little history

The term "smartphone" was first used by Ericsson in 2000 to refer to one of its products, the R380s. By the standards of that time, it had surprisingly small dimensions (130x51x26 mm) and weight (164 g), a touchscreen and a hinged cover (flip).

By calling it a “smartphone,” the manufacturer wanted to emphasize the increased intelligence of its development. However, it is incorrect to classify it as this type of device, since it was closed to third-party applications.

The concept of "iPhone"

There are people, and not only from the older generation, who confuse the concepts of smartphone and iPhone. Let's look at this simple question together.

iPhone is the proper name for smartphones released by Apple. If you see a smartphone with a “bitten apple” logo, you have an iPhone in front of you.

In addition to this symbol, it has the following characteristic features:

• has reliable and high-quality iron;
• equipped with a non-removable battery;
• does not have a slot for a memory card;
• runs exclusively on the iOS operating system developed by the same brand;
• The system is protected from viruses, unlike android.

However, all these benefits come at a price.

Differences between a smartphone and a communicator and PDA

A pocket personal computer (PDA) is the same computer, only in a smaller form. In the era of popularity of these devices, it was important to supplement them with a mobile communication function. This is how the communicator appeared. As you understand, a communicator is the same as the current smartphone, it’s just that the first of these terms appeared earlier to designate a gadget that was new at that time.

Now these two devices are no different, but in the early 2000s the difference was felt more. The communicator and PDA were identical in size, weight and functionality, only the former was supplemented with a GSM module. Smartphones at that time had smaller screens and functionality.

Now, to distinguish between two devices, some experts take into account their “roots”: if the device evolved from a mobile phone, it is a smartphone, if from a PDA, it is a communicator.

For ease of typing on all triche devices, you can use a stylus - a special “stick” for the touch screen.

A little bit of history again

The first attempt to release a smartphone/communicator was made on November 23, 1992 by IBM, which introduced the Simon phone. But only 2 years later the American cellular operator BellSouth began selling it for $1,000.

The gadget worked like a telephone, had an organizer and several games, sent and received faxes, provided access to e-mail, etc. It is noteworthy that it could be controlled using a touch screen rather than buttons.

Why didn't it take root in the market? It was inconvenient to carry around. The weight was more than 1 kg.

The first communicator that enjoyed success was the Nokia 9000 Communicator on the GEOS OS platform, released in 1996. His weight was 397 g.

That's it, the end :).

I hope my article was useful to you.

Tell your friends about it.