Smartphones have become very integral part of our lives.
- To communicate (calling and messaging)
- To access information(Files and internet)
- To navigate (using maps)
- Being used as camera for capturing photos and videos
- For playing games & watching videos and live streaming
- Used for other purposes with the help of various apps installed in it (E-commerce, weather etc)
A smartphone is a combination of mobile phone + computer + camera
Smartphones combines mobile phone capabilities with advanced computing features including internet access, touch screen interface, high resolution camera facilities and also ability to run apps
Key Components of a Smartphone :
- Display
- Operating system (OS)
- Processor
- Memory (RAM & ROM)
- Battery
- Camera
- Connectivity Modules
- Sensors
- Audio components
Display
Most Smartphones uses LCD, OLED, AMOLED screens. Touchscreen technology enables users to interact with the device directly
Smartphone display is combination of Toughened glass, Capacitive touch screeen and OLED display
Touch detection – when your finger touches the screen, it changes electric field created by screen
Capacitance change – Screen has a grid of tiny sensors (electrodes), your finger adds extra capacitance (electric charge) at the point of contact
Signal registration – The screens controller detects the change in capacitance, it detects something is touching the screen and also where its touching
Location calculation – Controller calculates exact position of your touch (through X and Y coordinates)
Action Processing – The smartphones operting system recognizes the touch location and decides what action to be done (opening an app or scrolling down on the screen)
Feedback – Device may give you feedback like changing screen display or some other task u asked for, the device displays accordingly
Operating system
Operating system acts like a manager, which manages all process
Booting – when smartphone is turned ON, the OS loads from the storage(ROM) into memory(RAM), this is called booting (means starting process)
User Interface Display – OS shows the home screen and user interface (UI), where you can access apps, setting and features
Managing resources – OS manages the smartphone hardware resources, like the processor, memory, battery. It ensures everything runs smoothly and also efficiently
Running apps – when an app is opened, OS loads it into memory (RAM) and manages its operation, making sure it has all resources it needs
Handling input – OS process input from the touchcreen, buttons or sensors. It translates your actions (taps or swaps) into commands for the apps
Storing data – OS manages how data is stored and retrieved from the device , and also keeps the files organized and accessible
Communication – OS enables communication between apps and hardware, for example apps to use the camera, sending notifications or connecting to wi-fi
Updating & Security – OS recieves updates to improve performance, enhance security and fix bugs, also protects from harmful software like malicious virus
Shutting down – when you turn of your smartphone, OS closes all apps and saves your data before shutting down
Processor
Processor gets instructions from OS and apps, these instructions tell what task to perform
Decoding instructions – Processor decode these instructions to understand what needs to be done. It breaks them into simple steps
Executing instructions – based on decoded instructions, processor performs calculations or actions, this could be like adding numbers to displaying an image on scree
Using memory – Processor uses RAM to temporarily store data while it works.
Communicating with other components – Processor communicates with GPU(graphics processing unit) for visuals and storage for saving files and apps
Handling input and output – It process input from sensors like touch or voice and sends output to display or to speakers
Repeating the cycle – Processor repeats this cycle, recieving-decoding-executing and communicating
RAM(memory) & ROM(storage)
- RAM stands for Random Access Memory, it is a type of memory that temporarily stores data which your smartphones needs to access quickly
- RAM allows your device to run multiple applications simultaneously (parallel) with great response
Working – when an app is opened, it is loaded into RAM for quick access. when you switch to another app, the first opened app still stays in RAM, allowing us to make quick switching again. RAM is volatile, means it loses all data when device is turned off
Performance – Larger RAM allows you for smoother multi tasking and gives better performance while gaming or video editing
RAM sizes – Smartphones generally come with RAM sizes varying from 2GB to 16GB or more,more the RAM size more efficient the device works without slowdown
Power consumption – Higher the RAM size, higher is the power consumption, Smartphones manage RAM usage intelligently when energy needed to be conserved(Battery saver) by closing background apps and thereby allowing device to stay active for more time
Battery
A smartphone battery is a rechargeable power source which provides energy to run your device, power is distributed to all the components in the device for its efficient usage by user
Types – (Lithium Ion) The most common type used in smartphones, it is light weight and has high energy density and also charges quickly
Capacity – Capacity of battery is measured in milliampere-hours(mAh). If higher mAh rating means the battery can store more energy and gives your device a long run to connect with you. Generally smartphone battery ranges from 2,000 mAh to 5000 mAh
Usage Time – Smartphone device battery life depends on what activity you choose on your device.
For example, while palying games with high resolutions, your device battery drains out quickly rather than using it for Texting or browsing. wi-fi, bluetooth or using location can drain out battery if it is left on for many hours. However Batteries tend to loose their holding capacity after few years of usage
Charging methods – Smartphone devices can be charged using a wall charger, or computer USB or even wireless chargers are also present now a days
Maintanence tips – Keep your smartphone device in normal temperature. Extreme heat or extreme cold temperatures can harm the battery. Charge it before it falls to 0 completely because frequent full discharges can shorten battery life. A swollen battery is dangerous
Camera
A smartphone camera is a built in device which allows you to take photos and videos with your phone itself rather than carrying any other extra cameras.
It capture images using light and turns them into digital files which can stored, shared, or even for editing
Types – Rear camera (backside) and Front camera (front side selfie cam)
Modes – Night mode (which helps to capture images in low light).
Portrait mode (which gives focus to a particular subject by softly blurring the background) and some mobiles have few more modes to get photos done
Connectivity modules
Connectivity modules are built in components in your smartphones,that allows your device to connect to networks, as well as to other devices.
Their main function is to make calls, send texts, accessing internet and also to connect with others device wirelessly
Cellular connectivity – 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G are different generations of mobile network technology
3G – Offers basic internet access for devices
4G (LTE) – provides faster internet speed for browsing and streaming
5G – It is the latest technology which allows your device to connect with higher speeds and gives user a smooth experince
Wi-Fi – wi-Fi allows you to connect to internet using wireless networks. Its faster and cheaper than cellular data
Bluetooth – It is a short range wireless technology which allows your device to connect with headphones, speakers, smartwatches
Also helps in transfer of files from one device to another device
GPS – Global Positioning System – Helps determine your exact location with help of satellite signal.
It is used for navigation purpose and location based services
Sensors
Accelerometer – Measures acceleration of devices in all three axis (X, Y and Z),used in fitness apps for tracking movements
Gyroscope – measures rotation or angular velocity of mobile, it is used for improving in gaming experience
Magnetometer – used as digital compass (detecting earths magnetic field), used in navigation apps
Proximity Sensor – it detects presence of objects near mobile with help of infrared light.
It turns the display of the mobile when placed near our ear while were are in phone calls, to prevent accidental touching
Ambient light sensors – Is used to measure ambient light in the surroundings.
It is used to change brightness of screen according to surroundings when we enable automatic brightness option
Barometer – it measures air pressure, used to determine altitude (ex – hiking apps and weather apps)
Fingerprint sensor – it scans user fingerprint and recognizes and gives access to operate, used for lock and unlocking ur smartphone also used for security login for all your payments
Face recognition sensor – uses camera or a dedicated sensor to scan and recognize users face and gives access
Heart rate sensor – measures users heart rate using infrared light
Temperature sensor – measures the temperature of the surrounding environment of device, used in weather apps
Humidity sensor – measures the humidity levels in the surroundings, used in weather apps
Speech and audio sensors – captures sound using microphones, (ex- hey siri and ok google)
Wireless communication sensors – wifi, bluetooth, gps
Audio components
Smartphone has audio components like microphone (input) and speakers or headphones(output)
Microphone -Captures sound for recording, voice calls and voice assistants.ex – siri(google assistant).
Smartphones use many microphones for reducing background noise and also to improve voice quality
Speakers – speakers are used output sound for media playback like video and audio, notifications and also speakerphone calls. Amplifier drives the speaker and makes sures audio output is loud enough
Headphone jack – Generally a 3.5mm headphone jack is used in many smartphones, this is generally used for a wired earphones
C-port – Unlike a 3.5mm jack, some devices has only a c-port, which is generally used for both charger connecting and also extra cable is used in case of using earphones