Saikat

New Android Phone Testing Checklist

Here’s an extensive checklist of tasks to do after buying a new Android phone.

1. Unboxing & Physical Inspection

  • Box Contents: Verify all listed accessories are present (phone, charger, cable, SIM eject tool, case (if included), documentation).
  • Physical Condition: Inspect the phone body for any scratches, dents, or manufacturing defects on the frame, back panel, and camera lenses.
  • Screen Condition: Check the screen for scratches or pre-applied screen protector issues (if any).
  • Button Tactility: Press Power, Volume Up, and Volume Down buttons. Check for satisfying clicks and ensure they aren’t mushy or stuck.
  • Port Alignment: Check USB-C port and headphone jack (if present) for alignment and debris. Ensure cable fits snugly.
  • SIM Tray: Eject the SIM tray. Check its fit and condition. Insert/remove it smoothly.
  • Camera Lens: Ensure camera lenses are clean and free from internal dust or scratches.

2. Initial Setup & Basic Functionality

  • Power On: Turn on the phone. Check boot time (subjective).
  • Setup Wizard: Complete the initial setup process (Language, Wi-Fi, Google Account, Realme Account (optional)). Note any lags or issues.
  • Basic Navigation: Test navigating the Realme UI (swiping between screens, opening app drawer, notification panel, quick settings). Check for smoothness.
  • Restart/Shutdown: Test restarting and shutting down the phone properly.

3. Display & Touchscreen

  • Dead/Stuck Pixels: Use a plain white, black, red, green, and blue background (you can find test images/videos online or use a diagnostic app). Look carefully for pixels that are always off (dead) or stuck on one color.
  • Brightness Levels: Adjust brightness from minimum to maximum. Check if the range is adequate and if auto-brightness adjusts correctly based on ambient light.
  • Color Accuracy & Viewing Angles: View photos or videos. Check if colors look natural (subjective). Tilt the phone and check for significant color shift or brightness drop at different angles.
  • Touch Responsiveness: Swipe, scroll, and tap across the entire screen surface. Ensure all areas register touch accurately and without lag.
  • Multi-Touch: Open a drawing app or use a multi-touch tester app. Test pinch-to-zoom and placing multiple fingers (at least 5) on the screen simultaneously to ensure they are all registered.
  • Typing Test: Open a notes app or messaging app. Type quickly and check for accuracy and responsiveness of the keyboard.

4. Audio & Vibration

  • Loudspeaker (Media): Play music or a video. Test volume range and check for distortion or crackling at high volumes. If stereo speakers, check if both work.
  • Earpiece (Call Speaker): Make a test call (or use a voice recorder playback through earpiece if possible). Check call volume and clarity.
  • Microphone(s): Use a voice recorder app. Record your voice speaking normally. Play it back through the loudspeaker and headphones to check clarity. Test during a phone call (ask the other person how you sound).
  • Headphone Jack (if applicable): Plug in wired headphones. Test audio playback (both left and right channels). Check if microphone on headphones works (if applicable).
  • Bluetooth Audio: Pair Bluetooth headphones/speaker. Test audio playback quality and stability. Check for significant audio delay when watching videos.
  • Vibration Motor (Haptics): Go to Sound & Vibration settings. Test different vibration patterns and intensities. Check if vibration works for calls, notifications, and keyboard feedback (if enabled).

5. Connectivity

  • Wi-Fi: Connect to your home Wi-Fi (both 2.4GHz and 5GHz if available). Test internet browsing speed and connection stability. Check range by moving away from the router.
  • Mobile Data: Insert your SIM card. Ensure the phone detects the network and carrier. Turn off Wi-Fi and test mobile data connectivity (try browsing or using an app that requires internet). Check signal strength indicator. (Note: Requires active SIM plan).
  • Bluetooth: Pair with another device (e.g., headphones, speaker, another phone). Test file transfer (if needed) or audio streaming stability.
  • GPS/Location: Open a Maps app (like Google Maps). Go outside or near a window. Check if it acquires your location accurately and quickly. Test navigation for a short distance.
  • NFC (if applicable): If your phone has NFC, try setting up Google Pay or test reading an NFC tag/card if you have one. Check if NFC can be toggled on/off in settings.
  • Hotspot: Turn on the Wi-Fi hotspot feature. Try connecting another device (laptop/tablet/phone) to it and test internet access.

6. Cameras

  • Rear Camera(s) - Photo: Open the camera app. Test the main sensor. Take photos in different lighting conditions (bright, low light). Check focus speed and image quality (sharpness, color, noise). Test different modes (Portrait, Night, Pro if available). If multiple lenses (Wide, Ultrawide, Macro, Telephoto), test each one.
  • Rear Camera(s) - Video: Record video using the rear camera(s). Test different resolutions and frame rates available. Check video stability (OIS/EIS if advertised), focus during recording, and audio quality.
  • Front Camera - Photo: Switch to the front camera. Take selfies in different lighting. Check focus and image quality. Test Portrait mode if available.
  • Front Camera - Video: Record video using the front camera. Check quality and audio.
  • Flash: Test the LED flash by taking a photo with flash forced ON in a dim environment.

7. Performance & Software

  • UI Smoothness: Navigate the UI, open/close apps, switch between recent apps. Check for stutters or lag.
  • App Performance: Open some demanding apps or games (if you use them). Check loading times and performance.
  • Storage Check: Go to Settings > Storage. Verify the available storage space roughly matches the advertised capacity (minus OS and pre-installed apps).
  • RAM Check: Go to Settings > About Phone (or similar) > RAM. Check if the displayed RAM matches the specification. (Also check recent apps view for available RAM if shown by Realme UI).
  • Software Updates: Go to Settings > Software Update. Check for and install any available OS or security updates.
  • Pre-installed Apps (Bloatware): Check the list of installed apps. Identify any you don’t need. Check if they can be uninstalled or disabled.
  • Realme UI Features: Explore specific Realme UI features advertised for your model (e.g., Game Space, Gestures, Customization options) and ensure they work as expected.

8. Sensors

  • Accelerometer/Gyroscope: Enable auto-rotate screen. Rotate the phone and check if the screen orientation changes correctly. You can also use a sensor testing app or a level app.
  • Proximity Sensor: Make a phone call. Hold the phone to your ear. The screen should turn off automatically. Pull it away, and the screen should turn back on.
  • Ambient Light Sensor: Ensure auto-brightness is ON. Move the phone between bright and dim environments. The screen brightness should adjust automatically (allow a few seconds).
  • Compass (Magnetometer): Open a compass app (or Maps). Check if it points North correctly and responds to phone rotation. (Calibrate if prompted).

9. Battery & Charging

  • Charging: Plug in the supplied charger and cable. Check if the phone indicates charging (e.g., charging icon, animation, LED if present). Note if fast charging (e.g., VOOC, SuperDart) is indicated if supported/advertised.
  • Charging Time: Partially drain the battery and charge it for a set time (e.g., 30 minutes). Note the percentage increase to get a rough idea of charging speed.
  • Heating: Monitor the phone’s temperature during charging and heavy use (like gaming or video recording). It’s normal for it to get warm, but it shouldn’t become uncomfortably hot.
  • Battery Drain (Subjective): Use the phone normally for a few hours or a day. Check the battery usage stats in Settings. See if any app or service is draining the battery excessively. (Note: Battery life optimizes over the first few days).
  • Charge Port Connection: Ensure the charging cable connects firmly and doesn’t wiggle excessively.

10. Security Features

  • Fingerprint Sensor: Set up your fingerprint(s). Test unlocking the phone multiple times with registered fingers. Check accuracy and speed. Try with slightly damp or angled fingers (within reason).
  • Face Unlock (if applicable): Set up Face Unlock. Test unlocking the phone in different lighting conditions (bright, dim, but not complete darkness unless IR assisted). Test with and without glasses (if applicable). Check speed and reliability.
  • PIN/Pattern/Password: Set up a secure lock screen method. Ensure it works reliably to lock and unlock the device.

11. Calling & Messaging

  • Making Calls: Make outgoing calls. Check connection time and voice clarity.
  • Receiving Calls: Receive incoming calls. Check if the phone rings/vibrates correctly and if you can answer easily. Check voice clarity.
  • SMS/MMS: Send and receive text messages (SMS). Send and receive a picture message (MMS) to test functionality (requires mobile data).

12. Final Checks

  • Restart Again: Perform one final restart after all tests and updates.
  • Review Notes: Go back through the checklist. Did anything seem problematic or inconsistent?
  • Return Policy: Be aware of your seller’s return/exchange policy window. If you found major issues, act within that timeframe.