Smartphone
Our glossary explains basic terms and abbreviations relating to mobile working, the use of smartphones and tablets in the corporate environment (Enterprise Mobility) and security aspects in the use of mobile devices.
Smartphone
Cell phone with advanced functionality
A smartphone is a cell phone that has advanced functionality and connectivity. The computer functionality is roughly comparable to that of a tablet computer. In addition to cellular telephony, modern smartphones usually also offer a digital camera with video function, Internet access via mobile Internet and/or WiFi, GPS navigation and media playback. Mobile applications can also be installed via so-called app stores, which serve many different purposes–from word processing to communication to games.
Smartphones have a touch-sensitive display for control and a mobile operating system, of which there are in fact only two widely used ones: Android and iOS.
Typical display sizes today offer screen diagonals of 3.5 to 6 inches. For larger devices of around 6 to 7 inches, there is the term phablet (portmanteau of phone + tablet), but this has not caught on. Smartphones cause many ecological problems due to their enormous sales figures and short useful life. The useful life of mobile devices can be extended through refurbishing.
