The camera marks notable differences between the different mobiles, but it is not the only feature capable of delimiting the borders in the price levels. After reviewing countless phones, there is one aspect that ends up causing me good or bad vibrations in the face of the analysis. And that’s just it: the vibrations, much more important than it seems.
The money they cost is usually the first difference we come across when comparing a high-end mobile with another of a lower category, but the cost is only indicative of the components the phone has and its quality. The more expensive ones have better cameras, more power and a higher screen, three obvious details that the mid-range has gradually inherited. Lower it even. However, there is a component that marks the boundary between ranges, a component that isn’t usually given much attention.
The vibrator, the hidden gem of the mobile
Linear vibration on the Google Pixel 6a. Picture from iFixit
It’s been with us since before smartphones became popular, I remember my old Nokia 3210 came with no vibration despite being prepped; and that I was able to repair this absence by dismantling it to install a generic vibrator. The vibration already delimited the category of the phone at that time.
It is not the same to feel the rough and noisy vibrations offered by a cheap mobile than the subtle vibration and perfectly adjusted to the interaction which include the best phones. It is precisely for this reason that the vibration motor is the perfect indication of the mobile category: when it vibrates in an exaggerated way, I already know what to expect from the experience with the device.
That minimal feeling in the finger when sliding the notification curtain, the slight impulses of movement when pressing the keyboard or the imitation of the padlock that Samsung includes in One UI when accessing the settings of an application and checking that the automatic deletion permissions are active: a good vibration on the mobile is a delight, for me much better than the other components. Even better than dual speakers or IP68 protection, for example.
Linear motors that mount mobiles of the highest category, as well as software controllers that go in communion with actions in applications, constitute a premium section that brings out the best phones. Curiously, this is a section that is not usually mentioned, it’s a shame: I might not buy a phone just to include too rough vibration. And you don’t have to spend a fortune, because good vibration motors hit the mid-range.
A good vibration motor is not exclusive to the high end
Linear vibration motors. Image from AliExpress
I have not analyzed expensive mobiles without vibration at the same level, the rare thing is to find some in the most accessible ones. In general, brands tend to use ERM motors in cheap mobiles, an eccentric vibration system that responds slower and more abruptly to interactions; with linear or LRA motors in the more expensive ones, Mechanisms with a central mass system that precisely meet the needs of the phone. LRAs are usually presented in monetary format, although there are also rectangular ones, in the style of the Taptic Engine of the iPhone.
If the high and premium ranges offer the best vibration system, the mid-range is also committed to it. Google puts a special dedication in this area, the Google Pixel 6a is a good example. In fact, it’s one of the highest quality haptic feedback systems I’ve tested, proof that you don’t have to spend too much money to get quality gear in return.
A good vibration does not only depend on the motor: the software that manages the haptic response to touches is also important
When a brand pays particular attention to such a hidden aspect as the vibration system, it ends up indicating the quality of the most important components; which generally leads to a higher quality mobile. With exceptions, of course.
In Xataka Android | How to remove all sounds and vibrations
