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1 January 2024
Crafts 4.0: Current smartphone models promise craftspeople cutting-edge technology and more efficient work on the go. But what do the latest devices really do? And how capable are rugged devices for harsh environments?
For many tradespeople, the smartphone is an indispensable all-round tool . As a communication hub and online office on the go, it should therefore not only be optimally protected against dust and water , but also meet high technical standards.
For smooth operation, at least 6 GB of RAM and a processor with 6 cores (iOS) or 8 cores (Android) are recommended. Information on the display can be easily read without excessive scrolling on a screen diagonal of 6 inches (15,24 cm) or larger . For maximum future-proofing, the smartphone should also be 5G-enabled.
The new iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple 's most feature-rich model to date , has been available since fall 2023. Thanks to its very fast processor , ample storage , and 5x optical zoom for the 48-megapixel camera, tradespeople have plenty of performance reserves in any situation. The titanium casing not only gives the device a particularly premium look but also makes it lighter and more robust than other iPhones. The display is also protected by a " Ceramic Shield ." Such features come at a price: the cheapest Pro Max models start at over €1.400.
Those looking to spend less on an iPhone can opt for the standard version of the iPhone 15. Starting at around €900, you'll have to forgo some of the new features of the Pro models, but you'll get a significantly better camera and a faster processor compared to its predecessor, the iPhone 14. However, the iPhone 14 isn't obsolete either: If you don't need the higher-resolution camera of the latest generation, you can save up to €140 and still get a solid device for everyday business use.
Operations management
Operations management
Operations management
Even the top-of-the-line Android devices have seen significant improvements in features and performance in recent months. For example, Samsung 's S23 series not only offers more powerful processors and batteries, but the Galaxy S23 Ultra also features the first 200-megapixel camera.
For those who want a particularly large display in a handy device for everyday use, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 or Google Pixel Fold are good options: These smartphones offer an impressive 19,2 cm (7.5") screen diagonal when unfolded . Thanks to the additional external display, the devices can also be used when folded. However, tradespeople will have to do without dust protection on these models, as the manufacturers have not yet managed to adequately protect the folding mechanism.
Anyone who works outdoors a lot or uses their smartphone in particularly harsh conditions should look for certification according to the military standard MIL-STD-810H . These devices are not only dustproof and waterproof to IP68 or higher, but they can also survive drops from several meters and strong shocks without damage . They can also withstand extreme temperatures. Some models also offer an integrated thermal imaging camera , which allows tradespeople to detect temperature differences or heat sources in order to more easily locate leaks or defects.
Thanks to their superior protection, these devices are usually a bit thicker and heavier than standard models. However, this also means you don't have to worry about the smartphone being dropped, getting wet, or exposed to extreme temperatures. In terms of technical specifications, these rugged models have improved significantly in recent months: 16,7-inch displays , up to 256 GB of storage , and cameras with up to 108 megapixels enable fast and high-quality work. To save money, tradespeople should consider in advance which smartphone features they actually need. If it doesn't have to be the top-of-the-line model with maximum storage and the best possible protection, they can often save several hundred euros.
5G
Fifth-generation mobile technology is expected to deliver transmission rates of up to 10 gigabits per second in the future. Currently, however, only speeds of 2 Gbps or less are realistic.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
RAM (Random Access Memory) is used to temporarily store data that is currently being worked on. The more RAM available, the faster the system. The size is measured in gigabytes (GB).
Resolution
The maximum number of horizontal and vertical pixels that can be displayed defines the resolution of a display. Full HD has a resolution of 1.920 × 1.080 pixels.
Gigabytes (GB)
Storage space is measured in gigabytes. One GB is 1.024 megabytes, or approximately one billion bytes.
Processor
The heart of a smartphone, tablet, or PC. Its speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz). Multi-core processors contain several fully functional processor cores in a single package and are significantly more powerful than processors with only one core.
tariff
The screen diagonal of a display is measured in inches. One inch is equivalent to 2,54 cm.
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