Comparisons
Comparisons
Almost every phone-related decision has two or three sensible options, and none of them is perfect for everyone. We compare approaches, not devices: what you gain, what you give up, and in which situation one choice makes more sense than another.
The best backup is the one you have tried to restore something from at least once.
How this section works: the tables show the general properties of each approach. We do not compare or rate specific models or services.
Cloud backup or local backup
| Feature | Cloud backup | Local backup |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Runs automatically on a schedule when there is a connection and enough charge | You need to connect the phone to a computer or external drive and start the process yourself |
| Availability | Can be restored on a new phone anywhere with an internet connection | Available only where the computer or drive is |
| Capacity | Free space is usually limited, and a large media library may not fit | Limited only by the size of your drive |
| Risks | Depends on account security: if someone breaks into the account, they get the backup too | A drive can be lost, damaged or forgotten and left out of date |
| Best for | People who do not want to think about backups and have secured their account well | People who value privacy or keep lots of photos and videos |
PIN or biometrics
| Feature | PIN or password | Fingerprint or face |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | You have to type characters every time | Unlocking is almost instant |
| Reliability | Depends on how long and unpredictable the code is | Hard to fake, but in some situations the phone can be held up to the owner's face or finger |
| If it is compromised | You can change the code at any time | You cannot change a fingerprint or a face, so the system will still ask for a backup code |
| Tip | Use at least six digits, with no birth dates or repeats | Turn it on together with a strong code, not instead of one |
Update the system or replace the phone
| Situation | The sensible choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The system still gets security updates | Update it and keep using it | The device is protected from known vulnerabilities, and your familiar data stays where it is |
| Security updates have stopped | Plan to replace your main phone | New vulnerabilities are no longer fixed, and banking and work apps gradually stop supporting the old system |
| The phone is slow but still supported | Free up storage and clear out the clutter first | Slowdowns are often caused by full storage and background tasks rather than age |
| The old phone is sitting unused | Give it a second life at home | Without a SIM card or personal accounts it can work as a music player, home camera, alarm clock or remote control |
Related reading
- Tools
Features built into almost any smartphone: device finder, password storage, backup, parental controls, battery saver and system updates.
- Security
Screen lock and account protection, app permissions, what to do if your phone is lost or stolen, and what the IMEI number is for.
- Questions
Answers about this reference, about switching and choosing a smartphone, about protecting data and lost devices.
What we relied on
- Official help centres of mobile operating system developers
- Microsoft — product lifecycle (Windows 10 Mobile)
Dates and definitions were checked against the official help materials of operating system developers at the time of writing. Mobile systems are updated regularly, so menu names and steps on your device may change over time.