The idea of a traditional workspace has undergone a massive shift, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, remote work, like working from home, has emerged and is quickly becoming the new norm.
Statistics report that nearly one-fifth of the workplace is already working remotely, and predictions estimate that the number will only increase over the next decade. As remote work grows, so does the need for technology that helps employees stay productive and connected.
Digital workspaces and technology are rapidly advancing, so it’s important for remote workers to have a reliable phone that meets all their needs. This includes long-lasting battery life, high-quality camera, strong connection capabilities, and easy integration with other devices, to name a few.
Features Remote Workers Look For In A Phone
If you’re a remote worker looking for a reliable device, there are a few key features
you should look out for. When working remotely—whether from home, at a site other than the main office, or out in the country—you want a phone that lasts long workdays and supports smooth communication.
Battery Life
The average work day for most office workers is up to 8 hours, with 40-hour weeks. Remote workers require a phone with long-lasting battery life for uninterrupted productivity throughout the day.
With an extended battery life, users can work for hours at a time and won’t need to worry about stopping to charge during calls, virtual meetings, and any tasks requiring a smartphone. When looking for a device with good battery life, it’s important to look at battery life tests, total battery capacity, and efficiency.
Camera Quality
Video calls and virtual meetings are a huge component of remote work, allowing staff members to communicate efficiently. Previously, computers or laptops were used for digital meetings, but now smartphones are becoming increasingly popular due to their form factor and ease of use.
When choosing a smartphone for remote work, including video calls, you’ll want a device that has a high-quality front-facing camera for clear visuals. Most modern phones focus on the back-facing camera, so always check the specifications for the front-facing camera and pick a device with high megapixels (MP).
Connectivity
When working remotely, the last thing you want is an unstable connection or, worse, your connection completely dropping in the middle of a task or call. For the best possible connection, we recommend a phone that supports a 5G connection with 4G for backup in case you’re working in a location where 5G isn’t supported.
Display
A phone with a large display is important if you work remotely. A larger screen and high resolution will make tasks like checking emails, reading documents, and multitasking easier. A larger display can also help reduce eye strain.
Performance
Performance is a key feature when working from home, especially if you have to multitask or use intensive apps. When looking at phone specifications, you want to look at the chipset, which contains the processor, graphics processing unit, and RAM.
Software & App Compatibility
When looking for a phone for remote work use, it’s important that it is able to run any productivity tools and software. So, it’s essential to look for a phone compatible with any work-related apps and still receive operating software updates from its manufacturer.
Integration
A phone that is easily compatible with other technology, including desktops or laptops, smartwatches, and accessories like headsets, is important for a seamless workflow. It also ensures that you can easily share files and sync data.
Which Phones Have The Most Reliable Technology
When you’re looking at phones and considering which models have the best, most reliable technology, the best option is to look at long-lasting and reputable manufacturers. Below, we’ve covered the best iOS and Android devices to consider.
iPhones
Apple’s iPhones have been the go-to in many industries for a reliable work phone. iPhones are known for their premium build quality and longevity, so you won’t need to worry about updating it yearly, and you can rely on the device for productivity tasks without issues.
If you’re already part of the Apple ecosystem, iPhones integrate seamlessly with other Apple products, including MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches. This makes it easy for remote workers to sync data and share files.
Apple also offers premium customer support, especially with their AppleCare+ option, providing remote workers with efficient technical support and repairs if required. Below, we’ve listed the latest iPhone models available:
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro & 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro & 14 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (3rd Generation)
- iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
Samsung’s Galaxy S Series
When it comes to reliability, Samsung’s Galaxy S series of flagship devices is hard to beat, especially if you can find them on sale or refurbished with a deal. Samsung is world-renowned for pushing technology in Android devices, offering high performance, fantastic camera quality, and long-term software support.
Depending on your remote working needs, the Galaxy S series also offers various models designed around different needs and price ranges. The ‘Ultra’ phones are a great choice if you require a larger screen for multitasking and productivity.
The ‘FE’ model of Galaxy S phones is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable option that still includes most of the S-series innovative features. The base model S-series phones are the best of both worlds, typically with the form factor of the FE model but the specifications of the ‘Ultra’ phones.
The latest Galaxy S series devices include:
- Galaxy S24, S24+ & S24 Ultra
- Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra & S23 FE
- Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy A Phones
Samsung’s Galaxy A phones are designed with reliability and affordability in mind. The manufacturers describe the devices as ‘known for being simultaneously dependable, affordable, and innovative.’
While the Galaxy A series doesn’t include the latest innovative features found in the flagship S phones, like artificial intelligence tools, it offers reliable technology, like AMOLED screens in the latest models, high-quality cameras, and long-lasting battery life at a fraction of the price.
If you’re looking for a reliable phone, the Galaxy A is designed for reliability. These phones may not feature the latest processors and GPUs, but their chipsets are tried and tested with support, updates, and optimised performance. So, if you want a device with entry-level or mid-range pricing, Galaxy A is perfect.
The latest Samsung Galaxy A phones include:
- Samsung Galaxy A54
- Samsung Galaxy A34
- Samsung Galaxy A14
- Samsung Galaxy A04
Google Pixel Devices
When it comes to reliable technology, it’s hard to beat Google’s Pixel range of devices and their promised full 7 years of support that covers operating system upgrades, security updates, bug fixes, and feature drops. If you’re looking for a reliable phone, any of the Google Pixel models is a great choice.
The Google Pixel phones are also well-known for their camera technology and integration with Google’s range of products, including its software, like Google Drive and Notes. The Pixel phones are also one of the few devices that run a ‘stock’ operating system, meaning they run an unmodified version of Android. So, you get a phone that’s clear of any bloatware or third-party applications.
The latest Google Pixel models include:
- Google Pixel 8 & 8 Pro
- Google Pixel 8A
- Google Pixel 7 & 7 Pro
The Benefits of Buying Refurbished Phones For Remote Workers
Buying refurbished offers a range of benefits, especially for remote workers. It’s an attractive choice if you’re shopping for a device and want to balance out cost-effectiveness with reliability and performance. Also, what’s more reliable than a phone that’s already been tested and through a refurbishment process?
Along with saving costs, refurbished phones go through rigorous and extensive testing processes to ensure they meet high quality and functionality standards. Most reputable refurbished phone sellers will also provide warranties and guarantees, providing a similar peace of mind you get when purchasing a new phone.
If you’re an environmentally-conscious shopper, another benefit of buying refurbished is the positive environmental impact. Buying refurbished results in reduced energy consumption, lowers E-waste, reduces your carbon footprint, preserves resources, and minimises Co2 emissions. If your workplace prides itself on being environmentally friendly, using refurbished products can also be positive for the company's image.
When buying refurbished, if it’s a model that has been out for over a year or more, it also means that there is more software and accessory support available. Refurbished phones also result in a more stable phone because the manufacturer would have already released several major updates and patched out any launch-day bugs.
Buy Reliable Refurbished Phones at OzMobiles
If you’re looking for a reliable device, nothing beats a tried-and-true refurbished phone. At OzMobiles, we stock a range of refurbished Android and iOS devices, including the latest Samsung Galaxy models and iPhones.
When you shop at OzMobiles, you can buy confidently, knowing that our devices have a free 12-month warranty and a 30-day risk-free return policy. So, if you have any concerns or have a change of heart, you can contact our team for assistance.
All the refurbished phones we stock and sell undergo a comprehensive, 72-point quality check. Every component is thoroughly checked and tested to ensure it’s fully functional and running optimally. If any faulty or defective parts are found, a qualified technician replaces them using industry-standard tools and genuine components.
Our phones also have a battery life guarantee, meaning they come with at least 80% total battery health or higher. So, you can expect your new (refurbished) device to last through your remote work shifts.
If you have any questions regarding our refurbishment process or need help finding a reliable phone for your work, reach out and contact us. The OzMobiles team would love to help connect you with the right device.
