Remote working (and socialising) means we are using our devices more then ever before. The UK’s communications regulator Ofcom recently found UK adults spend an average of six hours and 25 minutes a day glued to their screens. This means over 45 hours of screen time a week.
We may wince at stats like these, but smartphones are crucial to staying in touch (and on top) in fast-paced industries like (re)insurance.
With the iPhone 12 launching this month, we have pulled together the top five smartphones available for executives looking for the best products this vast market has to offer.
Please note, none of these models apart from the LG V50 have headphone jacks but their USB-C ports allow for adaptors to be used.
Screen size: 6.9 inch
Resolution: 1440 x 3088
Storage: 512GB
Price (from manufacturer): £1,279
The Samsung Note model has always been designed for business owners and has therefore grown to become a favourite in the executive community.
While this is one of the most expensive smartphones on the market, the Note 20 Ultra is bristling with functionality.
On top of all the things we’ve come to expect from smartphones, the Note 20 Ultra has an S-Pen stylus and a good quality camera (with 5x optical zoom and 50x digital zoom) that many in the tech community argue is the best available on the Android platform.
The S-Pen is extremely useful for those with busy schedules, with features that include syncing voice recordings with scribbled-down notes (perfect for greater efficiency).
Screen size: 6.47 inches
Resolution: 1080 x 2340
Storage: 128/256/512GB
Price (typical from retailers): £899
There are obvious concerns about Huawei models with this brand increasingly appearing in press articles about deteriorating US/China relations.
However, it says a lot that this phone still features in our list based on the sheer functionality it offers executives.
On top of great computing speed and an intuitive design (not to mention a sleek, sophisticated look thanks to its curved screen), the Huawei P30 Pro boasts amazing camera technology to give video conferencing top quality clarity.
As well as being easily used with Huawei laptops and charging devices, this phone’s battery life lasts longer and charges a lot faster than most other models.
Screen size: 5.7 inch
Resolution: 1080 x 2280
Storage: 64/128GB
Price (from manufacturer): £439
The Google Pixel line has increasingly become a popular smartphone for executive use and this most recent model features an all-new design for those who want a more stylish accessory with their device.
The back of the phone is a lot cleaner than the previous versions, with the camera bump only sticking out a couple of millimetres over its smooth, glass surface.
However, the Pixel 4 does not have a fingerprint sensor like previous models. To unlock it you need to use the camera’s intuitive facial-recognition feature, and AI functionality is also used here for a real-time transcription feature. This can be very helpful for taking minutes during remote meetings.
Screen size: 6.55 inch
Resolution: 1080 x 2400
Storage: 128/256GB
Price (from manufacturer): £799
Seen as an outside competitor to the smartphone market, OnePlus’s 8 Pro model is being heralded as the manufacturer’s best yet.
Lessons have been learnt from previous models’ failings and the OnePlus 8 Pro comes with a real flagship display and ultra-high refresh rate for smooth scrolling and better graphics.
It is not just about style though.OnePlus has invested in ensuring users get real utility with this model and the 8 Pro’s battery is larger than those offered by Samsung, Huawei and Apple. It easily lasts an entire day despite active use and charges extremely quickly too.
Screen size: Main display: 6.4", Dual Screen: 6.2"
Storage: 128GB
Resolution: 3120 x 1440
Price (typical from retailers): £592
The LG V50 immediately captures the eye with its dual screen design, which obviously opens a world of possibilities when it comes to video conferencing (and the more fun things like streaming boxsets or playing games between meetings).
This works like a folio case, opening to reveal a second display. More people who are working from home are using multiple monitors in their home offices for greater efficiency, so why not utilise the same for your smartphone?
Aside from the eye-catching dual screen feature, the LG V50 holds its own in terms of the functionality and usability smartphone users have now come to expect.
