Page 219 - CITS - Electronic Mechanic - TT - 2024

ELECTRONICS MECHANIC - CITS

collectively called smartphones. The simpler phones that were more common over a decade ago are now called
feature phones.

Before the launch of 4G networks, a few enhancements like HSPA (High-Speed Packet Access) were added
to the mobile networks, which improved the quality of mobile data (internet). As mobile internet became more
common, we were able to browse the web and stream videos in good quality directly from our mobile phones. The
demand for ‘staying connected’ increased lots of people started using mobile phones for online communication,
including emails. In 2007 with the iPhone launch, the industry changed in favour of mobile phones that allowed
people to do more online activities than just voice calls and SMS (Short Message Service).
Both smartphones and feature phones are types of mobile phones where feature phones only provide basic
phone features, whereas smartphones offer all the features that feature phones offer plus advanced features
through apps, browsers and sensors.

Smartphone work:
Smartphones, like computers, have a microprocessor, RAM, internal and external storage, web browsers,
superior OS and a vast number of applications (apps) available from the app marketplace. Mobile apps use
device hardware and software capabilities to perform a range of tasks for the user.
Many business applications, including security apps, can run on these phones also. Smartphones are pretty
common nowadays, and there are many phone manufacturers out there. Nearly all smartphones have touch-
screen capability. Smartphone users can make and receive regular voice calls and send and receive text
messages (SMS). In addition, the users can also access advanced applications and browse the web just like on a
computer. Through the use of specific apps, smartphones make it easier for users to access internet-based voice
calling and messaging services such as WhatsApp. Email and satellite navigation are among the other services
that smartphones enable in an easy to use way.

A smartphone user, just like any mobile phone user, requires a connection that they can get from a mobile operator
or service provider. Once the service is enabled (through a plastic SIM or eSIM), the smartphone can connect
to the mobile network and get access to all the services, including phone calls, text messages, and the internet.

Smartphones can use multiple technologies for getting access to web services. The packet-switched part of the
mobile network enables internet connectivity through 2G, 3G and 4G technologies like GPRS, EDGE, HSPA and
LTE. But smartphones are also Wi-Fi capable so they can connect to any available hotspots. Most smartphones
nowadays have embedded GPS capability (Global Positioning System), which enables satellite navigation for the
users. It is worth highlighting that the packet-switched technology GPRS and the satellite technology GPS are
two completely different technologies and it is important not to get confused between the two. Smartphones also
have specific applications for email services with the ability to send push notifications to the users so they know
when they receive emails.
You may have different mobile operating systems (OS) depending on the phone manufacturer. The two most
prominent operating systems are Android and iOS, which make up most of the mobile OS market share. Other
operating systems include but are not limited to Windows, Series 40, Symbian and Blackberry. iOS is from Apple
for iPhones, while Android is from Google and is used by a number of manufacturers, including Google themselves
(Google Pixel), Samsung, Huawei, Honor and a few others. The mobile apps for any operating system can be
downloaded directly from their respective app stores.

Feature phone work:
Feature phones are simpler mobile phones that offer basic phone services, including traditional voice calls, text
messages and web connectivity. They are less heavy on the internet side of things; however, some feature
phones include a basic browser and a limited number of pre-installed mobile apps.
While smartphones are the norm nowadays, there are still people who prefer to use simpler mobile phones, also
known as feature phones. Feature phones provide essential features such as voice calls, text messages, and
possibly limited web services. Typically, a customer can make and receive phone calls by using buttons instead
of having to swipe somewhere on the screen. In addition, they can also send and receive text messages through
the traditional SMS service (Short Message Service).
Feature phones also include built-in mobile applications and a web browser. All the mobile applications are
installed on the feature phones directly by the manufacturer, and the users are not required (or able) to download
or install any apps.

204

CITS : E & H - Electronics Mechanic - Lesson 130 - 145