Many of us who use smartphones often lack an understanding of how they function or the underlying science behind their capabilities. Consequently, we can easily become susceptible to misinformation regarding smartphones, which may range from misleading to outright hazardous. It’s possible that you’ve encountered some of these falsehoods from acquaintances or online sources. Regardless of their origin, these falsehoods remain untrue. Here are ten debunked myths about smartphones that you might have come across.
1. The Higher The Megapixel, The Better The Pictures
FACT: The correlation between the number of megapixels in your phone’s camera and the quality of your selfies and landscape shots isn’t as straightforward as users might think. Numerous other factors contribute to achieving the perfect picture, even if your phone boasts a high-resolution camera. Some phones excel in capturing vibrant colors, while certain camera lenses are more adept at capturing light. Ultimately, while megapixels play a significant role, they are not the only determining factor. The true impact of megapixels is most evident when zooming in to capture an image.
2. The Higher The RAM, The Faster Your Phone
FACT: The speed and smooth processing of your phone, particularly when engaging in resource-intensive activities like gaming or running heavy applications, cannot be solely attributed to the RAM capacity. Other crucial factors must be taken into consideration to ensure a lag-free experience when pushing your device to its limits. The type of processor, whether it is Dual, Quad-core, or Octa-core, significantly influences performance. Additionally, the availability of high-quality processors such as Snapdragon, as well as efficient graphics chips, are equally vital considerations alongside the RAM specifications. Simply focusing on the numerical value of the RAM is insufficient in guaranteeing optimal performance.
3. A Larger Battery Means More Battery Life
FACT: Whether it’s a cellphone, laptop, or any battery-powered device, the duration of the battery life is primarily determined by the power consumption of the device. Therefore, when comparing two similar cellphones, the one that exhibits a longer battery life on a single charge is typically the device equipped with a more efficient screen and electronics. The efficiency of these components plays a significant role in minimizing power consumption and maximizing the overall battery performance.
4. Private Browsing On Your Cellphone is Private
FACT: incognito mode is a scam. It is true that most phone browsers offer a private or incognito mode, which prevents tracking cookies or history from being saved on the device. However, it’s important to note that this mode does not conceal your identity, location, online activities, or the websites you visit from your internet service provider (whether it’s a Wi-Fi network or a GSM provider), authorities with access, or the owners of the websites themselves.
5. Mobile Phones Emit A Lot Of Dangerous Radiation
FACT: This misconception is commonly voiced by parents and older relatives, but it’s crucial to remember that any reputable phone from a well-known company must undergo rigorous SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) tests. Meeting the certification ensures that the phone emits radiation levels that are well within safety limits, alleviating concerns about potential harm.
Furthermore, there is no established correlation between mobile phone usage and illnesses. While it is true that mobile phones emit radiation, the levels are extremely low and fall within the category of radiofrequency and non-ionizing radiation. Extensive public health data has not found any significant association between smartphones and adverse effects on general health.
6. A Magnet Will Erase Your Phone’s Data
FACT: For a magnet to erase the data on a phone, it would need to be one of the most powerful magnets ever created, far beyond the strength of magnets typically found on refrigerators. In reality, cellphones actually utilize magnets for functions such as navigation and orientation.
Modern phones predominantly store their data using solid-state drives or flash memory. These storage technologies rely on electrical signals to store data by manipulating the positions of floating-gate transistors. These transistors operate based on electrical properties, not magnetic properties, meaning that an external magnet would not cause any harm to them.
7. Closing Background Apps Makes Your Phone Faster
FACT: There is a common misunderstanding between apps that are “open in background” and those that are actively “running.” When an app is open in the background, it is not actively running tasks; it is simply in a state that allows for quicker and easier relaunching when needed. Apps labeled as “open in background” do not consume significant system resources.
Contrary to popular belief, manually closing all background apps does not necessarily benefit your phone’s performance. However, closing apps that are actively running in the background can help improve overall performance.
8. Strengthen Your Battery By Thoroughly Charging And Discharging It Frequently
FACT: This misconception is also widely prevalent. Many of us mistakenly believe that we need to charge our new phones for at least 7 hours to optimize battery performance. However, there is no scientific basis for this belief. In reality, once you unbox your phone, it is ready to be used immediately without any need for extended initial charging.
9. Active Mobile Phones In Airplanes Will Interfere With The Navigation And Communications Systems
FACT: Modern airplane guidance and communication systems are highly advanced and resilient. The presence of active mobile phones on a plane has no effect on the accuracy or functionality of these systems. If there were any genuine safety concerns, airlines would mandate the deposit or check-in of mobile phones before flying. However, the actual reason passengers are prohibited from making calls during flights is much simpler: it is primarily related to crowd control and ensuring passengers can hear important safety announcements.
10. You Should Not Charge Devices Overnight. It Will Shorten Battery Life And Can Even Damage The Device
FACT: Every modern electronic device equipped with rechargeable batteries incorporates built-in safety circuits to safeguard against overcharging and potential damage. Once the battery reaches its full charge, the charging process automatically stops. However, in certain cases, the power adapter may draw a small amount of power even after the battery is fully charged. This residual power draw is typically minimal and does not pose any significant risk.
Conclusively, armed with the knowledge you’ve gained here, you can approach your smartphone with a healthy dose of skepticism and empowered choices. Remember, these devices are tools, and just like any tool, how you use them matters most. So go forth, conquer your inbox, capture those memories, and leverage the amazing potential that fits right in your pocket. Just maybe, take a mindful break every now and then to appreciate the world that exists beyond the screen.
