Smartphone bugbears: even high-tech handsets aren't immune to glitches

Following the newest mobiles being unveiled at Mobile World Congress last week, new research from uSwitch.com, suggests that today's smartphones are still blighted with problems that drive users crazy. In fact, nearly three quarters of smartphone users (71%) have had some sort of problem with their high-tech handset.
 
As well as the age old issue of short battery life (48%), frozen screens (23%) and software faults (14%) are also winding smartphone users up. And some aren't even enjoying the main benefit of a smartphone - getting online while on the go. Instead, they are being left frustrated by a lack of internet or 3G signal (31%) and slow browsing speeds (27%).
 
In fact not getting 3G coverage is smartphone users' second biggest gripe after battery life. But there are even problems with the basics like sending (12%) or receiving (7%) texts, as well as calls cutting out (13%).
 
Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at uSwitch.com, says: "As phones have got smarter, they have also got more temperamental. And, while manufacturers continue to push the boundaries with new designs, consumers shelling out for top of the range devices will be frustrated that they aren't getting the most out of them. The biggest gripe is clearly battery life - a perennial problem that seems unlikely to go away with today's smartphones boasting huge appetites when it comes to sapping power.
 
"Not getting a fast, reliable internet connection is another gripe for many smartphone users. To reduce the irritation of patchy coverage, make sure that before signing up for a new phone deal you compare the expected quality of coverage with the networks - both for calls and internet - where you live. If service for one provider is no good in your area, be sure to switch to one that has you covered.
 
"It is also important to consider a ‘4G-ready' handset if you are on the market for buying a new smartphone. With 4G already being rolled out to many major cities, and networks already selling 4G enabled devices, it's important that your next mobile is able to take advantage of superfast speeds if you want to put an end to sluggish surfing once and for all."