Glossary of Smart Phones related terms definitions. Use CTRL + F to quickly search through the definitions.
- Battery Capacity: a measure of the charge stored by the phone battery, typically in mAh, MilliAmpere Hour; it consists of the amount of energy that can be extracted from the battery and it depends also on certain specified conditions like temperature.
- App: Short for application, it refers to a software program designed to perform specific tasks on a smartphone.
- Bluetooth: A wireless technology that enables short-range communication between devices, commonly used for connecting smartphones to accessories like headphones and speakers.
- CPU (Central Processing Unit): The brain of a smartphone responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations, influencing the device’s overall speed and performance.
- Dual SIM: A feature allowing a smartphone to support two SIM cards, enabling users to use two different phone numbers on the same device.
- Edge-to-Edge Display: A design where the smartphone’s display extends from one edge to another, maximizing the screen-to-body ratio.
- Fingerprint Scanner: A security feature that uses a person’s fingerprint for authentication, commonly found on the front or back of a smartphone.
- GPS (Global Positioning System): A technology that allows smartphones to determine their geographical location, facilitating navigation and location-based services.
- Hotspot: A feature that turns a smartphone into a portable Wi-Fi network, allowing other devices to connect to the internet through it.
- IP Rating: Ingress Protection rating indicating a smartphone’s resistance to dust and water. Higher numbers denote better protection.
- Jelly Scroll: A visual artifact on some smartphone displays, causing text or images to appear wobbly while scrolling.
- Kernel: The core component of a smartphone’s operating system that manages communication between software and hardware.
- LTE (Long-Term Evolution): A standard for wireless broadband communication, often referred to as 4G LTE, providing high-speed internet access on smartphones.
- Megapixel: A unit of measurement for the resolution of a smartphone’s camera, indicating the number of million pixels in an image.
- NFC (Near Field Communication): A technology allowing close-range wireless communication between compatible devices, commonly used for contactless payments.
- OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode): A display technology that offers vibrant colors and deeper blacks by using organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is applied.
- Phablet: A term describing a smartphone with a larger screen size, typically between 5.5 and 6.9 inches.
- Quick Charge: A technology that enables smartphones to charge at a faster rate than traditional charging methods.
- RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage used by a smartphone’s operating system and applications for quick access to data.
- Screen Resolution: The number of pixels displayed on a smartphone’s screen, influencing the clarity and sharpness of images and text.
- Touch ID: Apple’s fingerprint recognition technology used for secure authentication on iPhones and iPads.
- USB-C: A universal standard for charging and data transfer, featuring a reversible connector that can be plugged in either way.
- VR (Virtual Reality): A technology that uses a smartphone to create immersive, computer-generated environments for entertainment or educational purposes.
- Wireless Charging: A method of charging smartphones without the need for physical cables, using electromagnetic fields to transfer power.
- XR (Extended Reality): An umbrella term encompassing Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) technologies.
- Zoom: The ability to magnify an image on a smartphone’s camera, allowing users to capture distant subjects more clearly.
- 3.5mm Jack: A standard audio connector used for connecting headphones to smartphones.
- 5G: The fifth generation of mobile networks, providing faster internet speeds and improved connectivity.
- Augmented Reality (AR): Technology that overlays digital information onto the real-world view through a smartphone’s camera.
- Biometric Authentication: Security methods such as fingerprint scanning or facial recognition used to verify a user’s identity.
- Cloud Storage: Storing data on remote servers accessed via the internet, allowing users to access their files from anywhere.
- Dark Mode: An interface setting that uses a dark color scheme, reducing eye strain and saving battery on OLED displays.
- E-Waste: Discarded electronic devices, including smartphones, contributing to environmental concerns.
- Foldable Display: A display technology that allows smartphones to fold, providing a larger screen when needed.
- Gesture Navigation: Navigating a smartphone’s interface using gestures rather than physical buttons.
- HDR (High Dynamic Range): Enhances the contrast and color range in images and videos for a more vibrant viewing experience.
- In-Display Fingerprint Sensor: A fingerprint scanner integrated directly into the smartphone’s display for seamless authentication.
- Jailbreaking/Rooting: Modifying a smartphone’s operating system to remove restrictions imposed by the manufacturer.
- KPI (Key Performance Indicator): Metrics used to measure the performance of a smartphone, such as battery life or processing speed.
- Lithium-Ion Battery: The most common type of rechargeable battery used in smartphones.
- Mobile Payment: Using a smartphone to make payments through services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay.
- Notification LED: A small light on a smartphone that indicates missed calls, messages, or other notifications.
- Over-the-Air (OTA) Update: Updating a smartphone’s software wirelessly, without connecting to a computer.
- Privacy Screen Protector: A screen protector that limits the viewing angle, preventing others from seeing the screen.
- Quad Camera Setup: A smartphone camera system with four lenses, each serving a specific purpose.
- Rear-Camera Portrait Mode: Applying a depth-of-field effect to photos taken with a smartphone’s rear camera.
- Silicon Case: A protective case for smartphones made of silicone material.
- Tethering: Using a smartphone’s mobile data connection to provide internet access to other devices.
- User Interface (UI): The visual elements and design of a smartphone’s operating system.
- VoLTE (Voice over LTE): Making voice calls over a 4G LTE network for improved call quality.
- Waterdrop Notch: A small, teardrop-shaped cutout at the top of a smartphone’s display for the front camera.
- Yocto Project: An open-source project providing tools for building embedded Linux distributions, used in some smartphones.
- Zero-Day Exploit: A security vulnerability in a smartphone’s software that is exploited before the developer releases a fix.