Smartphone and tablet: the differences between smart devices

Portable smart devices are widely used by modern man. Functionally, mobile devices can replace a computer. Many users think that it is better - a smartphone or tablet, on which device to stop the choice for solving various tasks. In view of the similarity of the functions performed and the integration trends in the development of mobile technology, it is difficult to understand the fundamental difference between the considered gadgets. However, it is.

Defining Terms

The word "smartphone" is formed from two English words smart and phone (smart phone). The name stuck to the mobile mobile phone with an operating system endowed with the functions of a laptop PC.Based on the definition, it follows that the main function of the smartphone is to provide communication.

The term "tablet" comes from the French word planchette ("plate"). They are called a sub-type of computer, made in the form of a compact candy bar in the format of "plates" with a touch screen. Due to its compact size, the tablet belongs to categories of mobile computers.

On a note! The most common operating systems for the gadgets in question are Android, Windows and iOS.

Key features

Since the tablet is a portable PC by definition, and is not intended for calls over the cellular network, not all models support telecom operator cards and the earpiece.. The exceptions are separate tablet models with phone functionIn which the developers have provided the possibility of voice communication. But such devices are divided into a separate subgroup called “tablet phones”.

Important! Portable, flat-panel PCs support IP telephony and conferencing via Skype or other similar applications. In this case, you may have to talk through headphones.Smart phones support the same functionality; you do not need a headset to communicate.

An important point in answering the question of how a tablet differs from a smartphone is the size of the screen, and, as a result, dimensions and weight. A screen diagonal of 7 inches is the smallest and most common size for tablets. On sale you can find devices with a screen dimension of 8, 9.7, 10.1 inches. Smartphones can be compact with a display diagonal from 4 to 5.5 inches, or with a large screen from 5.5 to 7 inches. The latter belong to the subgroup, which has received the name phablet (from the English words phone and tablet). A small mobile phone can be held in one hand, it is easily placed in a pocket during transportation. And to fix the tablet, you need both hands, you need to carry a bag.

Another distinctive nuance - screen orientation. The display of the smartphone is oriented vertically, while the screen of its opponent is in the horizontal direction. Of course, the orientation can be changed, but by default it is just that, and the basic functionality is “sharpened” for this location.

Ease of use of functionality

To understand the difference between a smartphone and a tablet and determine which is better, consider the various scenarios for using gadgets.

Surfing the internet

Both considered devices provide the user access to the world wide web. For the home Internet, the obvious advantage of a tablet over a smartphone is the big screen.

1. The gadget allows you to comfortably watch movies and videos.
2. Found text information is more convenient to view on the big screen.
3. The tablet monitor reflects more text when reading publications online.
4. In order to improve the speed of the Internet connection via a Wi-Fi network at home, it is easier to organize the device connection to the router.

The advantage of a smartphone to access the Internet is its more mobilitywhen there is a need to access the network outside the home.

1. Always at hand, because for transportation it easily fits in your pocket.
2. By installing SIM cards, modern mobile phones can be connected to the Internet using 3G / LTE technology. A high-speed connection is available almost anywhere, while Wi-Fi coverage may not be organized everywhere.
3. You can use the device as a Wi-Fi router for other mobile devices.

Work with text documents

Both gadgets can work with different office applications:

• allow you to conduct business or private correspondence through email programs or chats;
• create, edit and store documents, tabular reports and any other notes for clerical work;
• provide access to cloud data storage.

For working at home in multitasking mode with text information, the tablet PC is more adapted. To device can connect peripheral equipment: mouse, keyboard, multifunction device. The smartphone supports office applications, if necessary, you can perform some urgent work outside the home with it, but viewing the information displayed on a small screen is not so convenient.

Photo and video shooting

Functional photo and video shooting support both portable devices in question. But in tablet PCs, camera performance is inferior to those with which smartphones are equipped.

According to the experience and feedback of the owners, a mobile phone is better adapted for this function:

• it is easier to fix the gadget in your hands and easier to focus on the subject;
• frames are obtained with higher quality due to the best one in the characteristics of the main camera.

On a note! Edit captured footage, video editing is more convenient on a larger monitor.

Games

Play with the tablet in the game more interestingthan from a smartphone. Users like a quality picture on a widescreen screen. This is especially important for games with lots of small details. Lovers of simple arcades, puzzle games is quite suitable for a modern mobile phone screen.

Hardware differences

The functional features of the opponents of the comparison are due to the hardware component. In the mid-price category (12-15 thousand rubles), the computing platform of tablets is almost as powerful as budget smartphones for the same money:

• CPU 4-8 core 1.5-2.5 GHz;
• RAM 1-3 GB.

The main differences of the tablet lie in the following nuances.

1. They are equipped more powerful graphics accelerators. Games with "pumped graphics" go better on such a device than on a mobile phone.
2. The internal memory is usually higher.
3. The slot for expandable memory format MicroSD can also be a larger volume.
   
4. The configuration of sensors, built-in speakers and microphones, connectors for connecting external devices are different.
5. High capacity non-removable battery, but almost all the advantage eats energy consumption of the dimensional screen. In budget-category smartphones, the battery is usually removable, and will easily be replaced when it fails. A tablet with such a breakdown will have to be repaired.

Other features

Both devices can be used to work in a taxi with a program to support the customer base. Important conditions for the successful operation of the gadget as follows:

• presence in configuration modules for navigation (GPS and / or GLONASS);
• powerful built-in antenna for communication;
• capacious battery;
• personal preference regarding screen dimensions.

On a note! Among taxi drivers there are supporters of both devices. Many people pay attention to two models in one: tablet phones and phablets.

Final conclusions

Each of the opponents discussed above is good: it has its own advantages in certain fields of application, but it is also not without drawbacks. What to buy - each buyer determines himself, based on personal needs. It is worth remembering that for the successful operation of any mobile device It is important to choose the best rates..