Public Wi-Fi is very convenient for individuals who don’t have an unlimited data plan on their phones or need to use their laptops in a hotel. However, using public networks is much different than using the Wi-Fi in your home. Therefore, safely using the public internet on your devices is essential for protecting and securing your data. Read on to learn what public Wi-Fi is, the types of public networks, and how to safely use them on your devices.

What Is Public Wi-Fi?

Public Wi-Fi is a free hot spot in a public place. For example, when you connect to the internet at the airport, you’re using public Wi-Fi. You can also find these hot spots in restaurants, hotels, parks, etc. Anyone can connect to public Wi-Fi at any given time if they have a device capable of using the internet.

The Two Types of Public Wi-Fi

When you’re wandering around in public, you can come across Wi-Fi in two forms. These forms are secured and unsecured networks.

On a secured Wi-Fi network, the user will need to provide additional security measures, such as agreeing to terms and conditions, typing in a password, or creating an account. Unsecured Wi-Fi forgoes those obligations, and anyone can connect to the network without a security measure.

Take the airport example from before. Generally, when you connect to the internet at your local airport, you must check a box that says you know and understand their terms and conditions when using their Wi-Fi. This means their network is secure.

On the other hand, the hot spot at your favorite coffee shop might not ask you to register or check a terms and conditions box. Instead, the network will automatically connect once you click on it. This means their network is unsecured.

Is Public Wi-Fi Safe?

Many individuals connect their phones to free Wi-Fi without much second thought. Connecting to a free public hot spot is usually safe when encryption is in use. However, in some instances, this Wi-Fi isn’t always the safest because hackers, viruses, and malware could lurk around the corner.

Luckily, there are ways to safely use the public internet on your devices. Continue reading for the best tips when connecting to these hot spots, and learn how to protect your privacy.

Which Public Network Should You Connect To?

Now that you know the two types of public networks, which one do you believe you should use? The answer is in the type of public Wi-Fi! If the network is secure, you’re good to go. But if the Wi-Fi is unsecured, there is a chance you could run into security and privacy issues.

As a rule of thumb, only ever connect your devices to a secured public Wi-Fi. This will ensure the encryption of your information and prevent a data leak. If you do enter an unsecured public hot spot, please note that your information could be at risk.

Do Not Use Auto-Connect

Without realizing it, your phone is probably automatically connecting to Wi-Fi—or it’s at least auto-connecting to networks you’ve already been on. This is true of most of your devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets.

While it’s nice to have your phone instantly connect to your friend’s Wi-Fi when you walk through the front door, it’s not so nice in a coffee shop. Networks can change. If your phone recognizes a network it used before, it will think it is the Wi-Fi you would like to use—even if the network became unsecured.

Therefore, it’s best to turn the auto-connect feature off in public spaces to better protect your information. This allows you to pick and choose when and where to use public Wi-Fi. Plus, you’ll know exactly which hot spots your devices are connecting to at all times.

Be Mindful of Who Contacts You on Public Wi-Fi

When you access public Wi-Fi, you can generally know a website is secure with an “https” and a lock icon next to the website name. However, some cyber criminals can fake these websites and lure unsuspecting users.

If you get a message or email from an unknown sender on public Wi-Fi, you must be mindful of it. Never trust the name that pops up with the message because it could be a hacker phishing for information. Ensure you know exactly who the message is from, check for misspellings or grammar mistakes, and do not click on any embedded links.

Never Access Sensitive Information on Public Networks

No matter what type of public network you’re on, you should never access any sensitive information. The best example of this is your bank account. Typing in your username and password for your bank on a public hot spot, even if it’s secure, is never a good idea. We know it’s relatively safe to use secured networks, but it’s best to play it safe when it comes to your money and banking information.

Keep Your Firewall Enabled on Laptops

A firewall is a security measure you can implement on your laptop that filters and monitors outgoing and incoming traffic from a network/Wi-Fi. In other words, a firewall is a barrier that protects your personal data and prevents malware attacks. Enable this on your laptop if you’re working out of a public space to better secure your information.

Consider Using a VPN

While you can use a firewall on your laptop, what should you use for your smartphone? You can create a barrier between your information and the internet using a VPN (virtual private network). Like a firewall, a VPN will encrypt your data, making it more difficult for other users to find you and see what you’re doing on the public network.

Please note that not all VPNs are reliable. Free options are available, but you should consider purchasing a VPN for the most security.

Limit File Sharing and AirDrop

Users on the same public Wi-Fi can share files and AirDrop photos. This is great when you’re with a bunch of coworkers in the office or sending photos to your group of friends after a vacation. However, it’s not great when a stranger sends you a random file with weird links.

Limit file sharing and AirDrop whenever you’re using a public network. Turning this off will hide your username from other people so they cannot send any files or photos to your device.

No matter what Wi-Fi network you’re using, internet safety is a must. Whether you have a pre-owned electronic or a new device, double-check your settings when you’re in public to ensure you’re being as safe as possible. Remember your online safety tips, and you should be fine using secured public Wi-Fi.

You likely go about your day without even realizing how often you view blue light. You’ve probably also heard that too much blue light isn’t good for you. This brief overview explains blue light and how it affects your health. We’ll also provide tips for protecting yourself from its effects.

What Is Blue Light?

Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum. It has the shortest wavelength and the highest energy—making up one-third of all visible light. Sunlight is the greatest source of blue light, but you can find it in artificial light sources, such as your smartphone, laptop, TV, and fluorescent bulbs.

How Does Blue Light Affect Your Eyes and Health?

Sunlight is great for your health, but too much artificial blue light can negatively affect your health. Human eyes don’t filter blue light well, so nearly all blue light passes through the cornea and to the retina.

Overexposure to blue light can damage your retina and cause vision problems, cataracts, and even eye cancer. You don’t blink as much when sitting in front of a screen, which causes eye strain and dry eyes. Children are more vulnerable to blue light than adults because their eyes absorb more blue light.

Note that you will be exposed to more blue light through sunlight, but constantly sitting in front of a screen can also have negative long-term effects.

How Does Blue Light Affect Your Sleep?

Because blue light has the shortest wavelength and highest energy, it has the strongest impact on your health. Blue light disrupts your circadian rhythm by preventing your body from producing melatonin.

A disruption to your sleep patterns can affect your health. When you don’t get sufficient sleep, you’re at risk for diabetes, sleep disorders, cardiovascular disease, and much more. You might not notice a difference right away, but the longer you stare at your used smartphone at night, the harder it will be to fall asleep.

How To Protect Yourself From Blue Light

You can protect yourself against blue light in many ways. First and foremost, cut down your screen time and avoid screens before bed. Consider setting aside a specific time of day for personal screen time, and get into the habit of putting your devices away at least one hour before bed.

If you need to use a computer or tablet for work, purchase blue light glasses. These glasses can filter the blue light so it doesn’t cause eyestrain. Many devices have built-in features that lower blue light on the screen, so take advantage of that option.

As for protecting your skin, sunscreen fights against UVA and UVB rays. Apply this every day, regardless of your plans to go outside.

Now that you know why too much blue light isn’t good for you, you can protect yourself against its effects. Be mindful in front of artificial light, and use our suggestions to protect your well-being!

It’s almost impossible to find someone who doesn’t have a smartphone. Most younger generations carry these devices everywhere they go, making them an integral part of our society. However, just because numerous individuals carry a smartphone doesn’t mean they are all the same. Who are the top smartphone manufacturers in 2023? While there are plenty of manufacturers worldwide, here is our list of the top brands for US users.

Lenovo

You might have heard of Lenovo because of their laptops, but did you know they make mobile devices too? The company was incorporated in Hong Kong and operates in 60 countries, including a global headquarters in North Carolina. With many types of smartphones at affordable prices, this company has gained popularity in recent years.

Motorola

Motorola brought the United States their first commercial portable phone; yes, we’re talking about those classic flip phones! Established in the United States, the company took its original cellular device to new heights by integrating smartphones. Using Android operating systems, Motorola provides a great alternative to users who can’t budget for larger smartphone manufacturers.

LG

LG is a brand you can find throughout your home. LG has innovative technology for every aspect of your life, from TVs to washing machines. However, LG smartphones have great specs and capabilities that compete well with other manufacturers. So even if you don’t purchase from industry-leading manufacturers like Apple, you still gain a spectacular smart device.

Samsung

This wouldn’t be a list of top smartphone manufacturers in 2023 without including Samsung. This tech giant has been providing technology since 1969. With a wide range of affordable to high-end smartphones, you can easily find a device suitable for your needs. These smartphones are user-friendly, innovative, and one of the brands you see smartphone users using the most.

Apple

Did you think we forgot about Apple? Unlike Android’s operating system, which many brands use, Apple has its own unique iOS only available on iPhones. As one of the world’s most lucrative companies, these smartphones pack a punch with their many features and capabilities. With its ever-changing specs, Apple is here to stay for the long run in the smartphone industry.

Which of these top smartphone manufacturers do you purchase your device from? If you’re looking for a new smart device, consider buying and selling used cell phones with Wamatek. We offer our customers new versions of their favorite phones at an affordable price. Consider us the next time you’re shopping around for a new smartphone.

Android phones are popular for several reasons. One of the biggest factors users gravitate toward is that these devices are relatively simple to set up and use. However, there are mistakes you should avoid when using your Android phone to prevent damage, malware, and other potential harm. Keep reading to learn what you should and shouldn’t be doing on your Android smartphone so you can use the device to its maximum potential.

Not Protecting the Android From Physical Damage

The first thing any smartphone owner should do immediately after they purchase a new Android is find useful accessories to protect the device. When we say accessories for protecting the device, we mean screen protectors and phone cases.

Screen protectors will help prevent the glass on your screen from shattering. For instance, when you have a glass screen protector and accidentally drop the phone, the protector should break instead of the actual screen. It’s much more affordable to replace a broken screen protector than the entire screen on your phone.

Likewise, phone cases can help minimize damage to your phone’s internal and external components. The more times you drop your phone without a case, the more likely it will sustain damage and become unusable. We recommend a silicon or drop-proof case that protects against scratches, dings, scuffs, and other damage.

Using Poor Charging Habits

How do you charge your phone every day? Most users believe it’s as simple as plugging in your phone overnight and leaving it on the charger until it’s fully charged. However, if you use this charging method, you’re actually causing damage to the battery.

Each phone’s battery has a specific number of complete charges. You can minimize the number of charges with poor charging habits. The best way to charge your Android is to plug it in before it hits below 30 percent and take it off the charger before it hits above 80 percent. This allows for the maximum number of charges without prematurely draining or damaging the battery.

Downloading Unknown Apps From Third-Party Sources

We all have a phone app that we really want to download on our Android, but it isn’t available in the Google Play store. You might be tempted to download an APK file from a third-party website to utilize the app. However, these applications from third-party sources are not verified and could potentially expose your device to malicious viruses and malware.

Use your better judgment when deciding what to download onto your device. Avoid unknown apps from third-party sources and stick to what is available on the Google Play store. You never know what you could download from these websites, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.

Using RAM-Boosting or Fake Cleaning Apps

Speaking of downloading apps from third-party sources, never download RAM-boosting or fake cleaning applications. Many users download these apps to increase their battery or RAM health or clean up their devices’ unnecessary files.

Most of these apps are phony and don’t help your Android smartphone at all. In fact, your Android has a system that manages RAM and battery boosting by itself, so an additional app is entirely unnecessary. If you believe your phone is losing storage or you need to clear some files, take it to a professional instead of entrusting an unknown application.

Ignoring Operating System Updates

Every year, Android and Samsung release a new version of their operating system. They also make smaller updates throughout the year to fix bugs, patch security flaws, protect your data, improve performance, and add new features. Ignoring these updates could leave your device vulnerable to hackers and malware because your phone no longer runs on a secure operating system.

Therefore, remember to download these updates as soon as you receive them. Most users believe these updates will slow down their smartphones, but that isn’t true, and they are necessary if you plan on using the same device for several years. These updates are easy to download and only take a few minutes to complete.

Not Using or Setting Up Google Assistant

Google Assistant is a virtual assistant or artificial intelligence (AI) that users can use to help them operate their devices or find information on the internet. For example, if you’re driving in your car, you can say, “Hey, Google, where is the nearest gas station to me?” And the virtual assistant will give you a list of gas stations in your vicinity.

If you forget to set up this assistant, you cannot use it. The AI needs to recognize your voice to activate a response. So remember to set up Google Assistant after taking your Android device home from the store. The process of setting up this feature is simple and easy.

Forgetting To Set Up Find My Device

Find My Device is a feature linked to your Google account that allows you to locate your device, lock it, or erase it. For instance, if you accidentally leave your phone somewhere, you can use Find My Device to locate the lost electronic. You can also use this feature to erase the content on your phone if you believe an ill-intentioned stranger is using your lost phone.

Usually, if you add your Google account to your Android device, the Find My Device feature will automatically turn on. However, it’s best to double-check this in your settings to verify. You never want to be in a situation where you thought this feature was working only to find it wasn’t. This is a mistake you should avoid when using your Android phone because it can be the difference between finding your lost device or purchasing a new one.

Never Backing Up the Phone

Backing up your phone is saving a file of your data onto a cloud service or another computer or hard drive. You use these backups if someone steals your phone, you purchase a new device, or your data somehow disappears. Instead of starting completely over, you can redownload the backup to recover old files, songs, pictures, etc.

Setting this feature up is very simple, and there is even an automatic-backup option. We recommend setting up automatic daily backups so you always have one available, just in case. After all, you will lose the pictures and personal information the most recent backup didn’t include.

Avoiding the mistakes above will allow your Android to perform better and prevent malicious malware. Following our advice helps you use your phone to its maximum potential. Now that you know how to best use an Android phone, if you need an affordable, used Samsung phone for sale, consider purchasing through Wamatek! We have a wide range of Android phones to suit all our customers’ needs.

What kind of applications do you download on your iPhone? Do you prefer to use travel, social media, banking, photography, or fitness apps? While taking the time to decide which apps to download and use on your smartphone, you could miss out on getting ones that are valuable and useful. Here is our ultimate list of the essential apps you need to have on your iPhone in 2023.

Structured: Productivity App

Keeping a planner is a great way to stay on task and be productive throughout the day. In Structured, you can create a timeline for your day and list important tasks and reminders. While the app is technically free, you can make an in-app purchase to access every function. This daily planner app makes planning your day and tackling chores simple and fun!

Weather Underground: Weather App

We know what you might be thinking: the iPhone already has a built-in weather app. However, most prefer a different app because the weather predictions can be off in Apple’s version.

Weather Underground provides:

• High-res radar and satellite images
• Daily weather forecasts
• Heat maps
• Over 250,000 personal weather stations
• A 10-day forecast

Waze: Navigation App

Another essential app to have on your iPhone in 2023 that you might already have is a navigation app. While Apple Maps is improving with multi-route stops, Waze can provide real-time alerts from other drivers regarding traffic, accidents, and more. Waze will even show you the most affordable gas stations on your route, so you can get the most bang for your buck when it comes to fueling your vehicle.

JustFit: Fitness App

Finding the motivation to work out can be difficult when you don’t want to go to the gym. Plus, it can be intimidating for beginners when you don’t understand what exercises you should be doing. JustFit will provide you with personalized at-home workouts. You don’t even need to have equipment because the app will have activities that don’t require any! You can also monitor your problem areas and progress for an overall well-rounded fitness routine.

Unroll Me: Email Clean Up App

It might not sound like an essential app to have, but how many emails do you currently subscribe to? Your email can quickly and easily clutter due to unwanted emails and spam from subscriptions. Unroll Me will help you clean up your email, so you don’t need to sift through the hundreds of unread emails yourself.

Don’t miss out on these valuable applications! Purchase a used iPhone for sale from Wamatek if you’re looking for a new Apple smartphone. Once you have your new phone from us, you can take advantage of our list of essential apps above. Which one of these apps will be most helpful to your life?

Considering that it’s among the biggest debates in technology, you likely have an opinion on your preferences for an Android or Apple smartphone. Whether you favor one or the other, both offer users a wide range of features and capabilities. However, each year, both tech giants release a new update to their operating systems (OS) that alters the user’s experience with their phones.

You might not have been fond of Apple’s operating system last year, but you might change your mind with the new updates! So, what did Android and Apple put in their new OS updates? Keep reading to compare the two most popular OS: Android 13 vs. iOS 16.

When Did Android 13 Come Out?

It’s important to note that while each tech giant updates their OS every year, it isn’t necessarily at the same time or all at once. Android and Apple make the initial drop of the operating system with smaller releases and updates throughout the year.

Android 13 originally came out in August 2022 but launched a smaller release in March 2023. The smaller release is not a new OS but rather one that accompanies and adds to Android 13.

When Did iOS 16 Come Out?

iOS 16 originally came out in September 2022 when Apple released its new smartphone version. To counteract the small Android OS release in March 2023, Apple introduced an update with iOS 16.4. This larger update doesn’t cover the minor updates they make throughout the year as well.

What Did Android 13 Add?

Android 13 added a ton of new features and capabilities to your Android smartphones. From personal updates to privacy and beyond, Google ensured its users had every update they needed to get more out of their devices. Let’s take a look at what’s new with Android 13.

New Personal Features

Themed App Icons

With more customization, you can determine the style and aesthetic of your Android device. Themed app icons are one of the most significant additions here. And we’re not only talking about Google’s apps. Personalize several different apps to match the colors or wallpaper of your phone!

New Visuals for Music

Additionally, introducing new media controls brings users a new music player on their device’s home/lock screen. This music player features the album’s artwork and a dancing playback bar that wiggles and dances as your song progresses.

Language Preferences

Lastly, you can assign different language preferences to individual apps. For example, keep your email or messaging apps in English but switch your maps app to Spanish. This ability serves many purposes, but one of the coolest ways to use it is to build your language learning skills. Easily read your messages in English, but listen to GPS directions in Spanish to help you learn.

New Privacy Features

Secure Photo Management

Do you remember in previous years when apps would connect with your photo library to post pictures? Apps would have access to your complete photo library with no exceptions. With the Android 13 update, you can keep the contents of your phone more private by choosing specific videos or photos that can interact with certain apps.

Notification Management

After downloading several apps, your notifications might be going through the roof. Limit your distractions and choose which apps send you push notifications by stopping them in the first place. Keep your email notifications on while turning off Facebook. The control is yours!

Clipboard Privacy

The clipboard on your phone is what you may copy and paste into different apps. Android 13 will notify you when any information on your clipboard is used in an application to ensure your privacy. Additionally, the clipboard will clear its history after a specific time to prevent unwanted access to information.

Additional New Android 13 Features

One feature that Apple users have been taking advantage of is the seamless integration between different devices. For example, you could receive a text message on your Apple smartphone and respond on your MacBook. Android now offers this with their Chromebooks. Send and receive messages through your Chromebook, even if your phone is out of reach.

Other elements may include a smoother handoff between devices, such as tablets, laptops, and smartphones made by Google. You may also enjoy enhanced audio and an update to the taskbar for tablets.

What Did iOS 16 Add?

In the iOS 16 update, Apple also enhanced their user’s personal and private experience. As with Android, they made many updates to the operating system. Let’s take a look at the most prominent features.

New Personal Features

A New Lock Screen

The lock screen on Apple devices looks like they’ve never had before. With plenty of custom options, you can curate a lock screen that meets your needs. Alter the date and time style, add widgets, shuffle through photos, make multiple lock screens, and more.

Productivity Modes

Limiting distractions on our mobile devices is necessary, especially with so many of us now working from home. Apple introduced enhancements to focus mode. Create several modes that block access to specific apps, set boundaries, and limit your phone usage at certain times throughout the day to help you focus on productivity.

With many more personal features, Apple now allows you to share an iCloud photo library with up to five individuals, edit or undo messages, and add push notifications for web apps.

New Privacy Features

Passkeys

With privacy and private data at the center of many conversations, Apple took this feature and made sure users kept their information secure. Passkeys is a new feature that replaces passwords with a safer and easier sign-in method. Something passkeys can do that normal passwords cannot is keep your device safe from phishing and website leaks.

Pasteboard and Album Privacy

Much like the Android clipboard, apps on your Apple device will need permission before accessing the pasteboard to transfer content to another app. Your device will also automatically lock recently deleted albums in photos.

With many security improvements, Apple made it easier for users to access these improvements. Automatically download these security features between standard software updates at a faster rate. This feature allows you to take advantage of privacy and security immediately.

Additional New iOS 16 Features

Other notable features of iOS 16 include an update to Siri, multi-stop routing in maps, and new tracking capabilities in the health log.

With plenty of other updates to both operating systems, the above features are the most prominent. Both Android and Apple are still updating these systems. Until the new OS for both comes out later this year, the tech giants will continue to add minor updates.

After comparing the two most popular OS, Android 13 and iOS 16, you can enjoy both with Wamatek’s available unlocked used phones. Take advantage of the new features and updates in this article. Browse through our selection of both Apple and Samsung/Android phones. Which one of these operating systems do you prefer?

Did you know that in most states, throwing away old electronics in the trash is illegal? So, if that isn’t an option, what are the best ways to recycle old electronics? Even though the garbage and landfills are not an appropriate option, there are still plenty of other routes you can take to recycle electronic devices safely. Next time you need to dispose of an old computer or smartphone, consider the methods discussed here.

Why Can’t You Throw Away Electronics?

In most cases, throwing away electronics in a landfill is illegal because these devices contain harmful materials. Chromium, lead, mercury, and other heavy metals from the electronic will leach into our water and soil, causing pollution.

Therefore, to keep these harmful contaminants away from our soil and water, disposing of electronics in the trash is never the route you should take. Instead, try our other methods.

Give the Electronic a Second Home

When the device you are trying to recycle is still functioning, why not give it a second home? Someone in your life might be searching for an affordable option to replace their broken device. You can make a little cash on the side and provide your friend or neighbor with a new (to them) device!

Sell Back to a Refurbishing Company

Is your device still working, but you can’t find a second home for it? Wamatek will give your old device a second life! We buy your old devices, refurbish them, and sell them as used electronics at an affordable price. Consider selling us your old phone or tablet to make some extra cash. Plus, you’ll know your device will continue to get used.

Drop Off the Electronic at a Recycling Center

For broken devices that no longer function, you can always drop off the electronics at a recycling center. However, not all recycling facilities can dispose of electronic devices. So, you must ensure the place you’re dropping the device off can recycle them. You can typically find non-profit organizations within your community, or perform a quick internet search to find the right place.

Take the Device Back to the Tech Manufacturer

Where did you purchase this electronic? Was it from Best Buy, Sprint, Apple, or a different tech manufacturer? Many of these companies offer programs for customers as a way to recycle their old electronics. Some tech companies might purchase your device back from you or provide store credit or rewards for recycling with them.

There are several options you can choose from when you don’t know what to do with an old device. Make a little money selling your phone back to a refurbishing company or tech manufacturer, or do your due diligence by finding a recycling facility. Remember, anything is better than the landfill!

When you ask any smartphone user their opinion on the best device, you will probably get mixed answers. Apple users believe every myth about Android devices and vice versa. These misconceptions are utterly untrue and shed a negative light on these smartphones that mislead consumers. Keep reading to break down the most common myths about Android phones so you can understand what these devices really offer.

Every Android Is the Same

No two Android smartphone models are the same. Hardware manufacturers utilize Google’s Android when customizing operating systems. For example, the Samsung Galaxy performs differently than the Google Pixel, yet both are Android devices. How you interact with each model will vary drastically because each phone uses a different operating system.

Androids Are Challenging To Figure Out

Many people looking for new phones shy away from Androids because they believe they’re challenging to understand and complement tech-savvy individuals. Any new smartphone can be complicated for beginners to understand. It isn’t fair to assume all Androids are difficult to use because each uses various operating systems. The Samsung Galaxy might be intricate, but the Google Pixel is easy to use!

Malware Is Waiting Everywhere

One of the oldest and most common myths about Android phones is that malware is waiting everywhere. The same people believe iPhones are incapable of receiving viruses. In reality, everyone should be mindful of contracting malware or viruses on their smartphones. While this issue can be more common on Android smartphones due to a high number of users, using common sense and best practices when operating the device can help you avoid malware. It’s not waiting for you around every corner of your Android.

Androids Aren’t as Aesthetically Pleasing as iPhones

iPhone users are notorious for claiming their phone’s operating system is more aesthetically pleasing than any Android device. The same users have been continuously using the same OS for years—talk about boring! Android phones are much more personable because you can customize the phone with many features. You can create an aesthetically pleasing Android tailored to your needs and interests.

Google Apps Are Poor Quality

When Apple or Google adds new apps to their stores, Apple generally receives access first. However, most developers prefer to create their apps with Google and Android devices in mind because of the number of users. Believing that Google apps are poor quality is unwise when the evidence from developers suggests otherwise.

Don’t write off Android devices just because you believe every myth and misconception you hear. Android devices are great smartphones. If you’re looking for an affordable pre-owned Samsung phone, consider shopping with Wamatek!

Nothing is more annoying than a phone battery that doesn’t seem to hold a charge or constantly dies. You can expect a brand-new smartphone to have a working battery, but the longer you use the device, the more the battery will deteriorate. But why does your phone battery wear down over time? There are several reasons why this could be happening to your device.

You’re Using Improper Charging Practices

Most people think they should let their phone completely die, then plug it into the outlet until it reaches 100 percent. In fact, many people leave their phones to charge all night while they’re asleep, no matter what percentage the battery is at. This practice will minimize the number of full chargers you can receive from your battery, causing it to wear down faster.

Never let your phone go below 20 percent or above 80 percent for optimal charging practices. In either case, charging the battery will cause it to degrade over time. Battery degradation is unavoidable, but you can prolong the battery’s life by using the best charging practices.

Your Brightness Is Turned Up

The brighter your screen display is, the more energy your phone uses to power the device. This is primarily an issue for individuals who are not using their devices. For example, if you don’t set auto-lock on your phone, you could set it down and forget about it with the screen lit up for several minutes. Make sure to lock your phone when it’s not in use and turn down the brightness to conserve energy.

Background App Refresh Is On

Background app refresh is a feature on your phone that allows apps to update and check for new content, even when you’re not using the app. As you can imagine, when your apps constantly refresh, it takes a toll on your battery. Turn off your background app refresh if you want to save battery life.

Try To Only Use Wi-Fi

You can use the internet on your phone in two ways: Wi-Fi or data. When you use data, your phone will constantly search for connections in nearby cell towers so you can continue using the internet no matter where you are. This will severely drain the battery. Try to use Wi-Fi as much as possible because it will use less energy.

Your Device Is Old

Unfortunately, your phone battery will wear down with age. In the case that your smartphone is outdated, you will need to purchase an upgrade to take advantage of a new battery. We recommend buying refurbished phones because they are affordable, and it keeps that phone out of a landfill. Wamatek has several options for refurbished phones to choose from on our website.

Before you decide you need a new phone because the battery is subpar, investigate the above instances to ensure they are not the issue for poor battery life. Try better charging practices, lowering screen brightness, turning off background app refresh, and only using Wi-Fi to prevent premature wear on the battery. Remember to shop with Wamatek if you need a new device!

Your iPhone camera has the potential to take professional-looking photos and videos. However, to get the most out of your iPhone camera, you must understand how to take advantage of the settings that Apple includes on the device. Use the following advice to capture high-quality photos and videos that impress your friends and family. Who knows, you might even use your smartphone to create professional work!

Keep Your Subject in Focus

The point of focusing your camera is to create a greater depth of field between your subject and the background. Without focus, your photo can come out blurry or poor quality. Luckily for the iPhone user, focusing on your subject is amazingly simple.

After framing your subject with the camera, tap the object or person on the phone’s screen to keep them in focus. You will know the focus is set because a small yellow box will appear with a sunshine icon next to it. Feel free to tap anywhere on your screen to set the focus; it doesn’t always need to be the subject.

Use the Camera Grid for Better Composition

Did you know you can add a grid to your camera to help frame and compose your shots? This is a valuable tool for beginners because it helps them place their subject in the frame with better composition or to keep the camera straight by aligning the grid lines with something parallel within the shot.

For example, the rule of thirds is a technique many photographers and videographers use to better compose a photo. The rule of thirds states that your subject is better-placed off-center instead of in the middle because it leads to a more compelling image. Turning on the camera’s grid lines can help you learn this technique!

To switch on the grid lines, navigate to your phone’s settings. Scroll down and click on “Camera.” Under composition, toggle the grid on. Now the grid will permanently appear when you open the camera; if you need to remove this setting, follow the same steps and toggle the function off.

Take Advantage of the Photographic Styles Setting

The iPhone SE, 13, and 14 have the same photographic style setting, allowing you to select a preset of photo customizations, including tone and warmth. Selecting these presets will alter the settings in your camera to take better photos. The presets include standard photos, rich contrast, vibrant, warm, and cool. Choosing a different style will create different types of images.

This is an excellent setting because your photos will appear more professional, and the camera settings are already perfectly preset. So, if you’re unfamiliar with adjusting a photo’s brightness, tone, and warmth, the preset has you covered!

To turn this feature on, navigate to your phone’s settings and the “Camera” subheading. Scroll down, and under “Photo Capture,” there should be “Photographic Styles.” Click on this and scroll through the presets. After selecting one, your camera will now be in that specific mode. To switch presets, follow the same steps.

Manually Adjust the Exposure To Manipulate Brightness

Another setting you can manually adjust, like tapping for focus, is the exposure to alter the brightness of the photo. While you can edit the exposure of photos during the editing process, it’s worth knowing how to adjust it before you take the image to save you time. Too much exposure can minimize the detail of a photo because the shadows will be overly bright, while too little exposure will make an image appear dark with little contrast.

Fortunately for you again, adjusting the exposure is another super simple trick. Do you remember how to focus on a subject in a photo? Follow those steps so the small yellow box appears. Then, swipe up or down anywhere on the screen to lighten or darken the frame. Your goal is to capture as much detail as possible without over-exposing details and under-exposing shadows.

Don’t Forget About Night Mode

Night mode is a fairly new setting first introduced in the iPhone 11. So far, all versions of the iPhone after this model include the night mode setting. Ensure your unlocked used iPhone is an iPhone 11 and beyond to utilize night mode.

Most people take photos at night with the flash, but this can over-expose the image and wash out your subject. Night mode lets you capture more color and detail in low light without using the flash.

Night mode should automatically turn on when the phone detects you’re in a low-light environment. The round moon icon in the top left of the camera screen will be in yellow to verify that this mode is in use. You can always manually toggle this setting on, too, by tapping on the icon.

Shoot Professional Videos in 4K

Are you more interested in videography than photography? Capturing photos isn’t the only impressive thing iPhones can do. They can also shoot immaculate and professional-looking videos. However, to shoot a perfect video, you need to adjust the setting of your camera.

Consider altering your “Record Video” settings to 4K at 60 fps (frames per second) for the best quality videos. However, if you want to follow the standard in Hollywood, you should use a frame rate of 24 fps. Regardless of the fps setting, keep your phone’s camera in a 4K resolution for higher-quality images.

To change this setting, go back to your camera settings. Here, click on “Record Video.” Now you can preselect your video recordings’ resolution and frame rate to get the most out of your iPhone camera.

Activate Burst Mode for Action Shots

Burst mode is when cameras take multiple photos in quick succession to capture an object in motion. Without using this setting, action shots will look blurry. For example, if you’re taking a photo of a basketball player dunking without activating burst mode, the image will not be clean, and you’ll likely capture the picture at the wrong moment.

Activating burst mode can take a cleaner image of the basketball player because you’ll get several action shots to choose from. On the iPhone, it takes about 10 photos per second in burst mode, so you hopefully get one image that has your subject in the perfect position.

To ensure this setting is on, go back to your camera settings. Under this menu, there should be a subheading titled “Use Volume Up for Burst.” Make sure this toggle is on. When you’re taking a photo of the basketball player, hold down the top volume button on the side of your phone to take several images at once.

Apple loves to give you the best smartphone cameras, but you can’t get the most out of your device unless you know all the secrets and tricks. Manipulating the camera settings is a must when taking high-quality, professional photos with a smartphone camera. Remember the above tricks to ensure your photos and videos are immaculate.