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While there are quite a few operating systems to choose from, the main two are Android and Apple/iOS. Apple phones are known for their user friendly interfaces and premium quality devices which come at a higher cost than the average Android phone. In comparison, Android devices are known for their incredible open source customizability, but to fully utilize these features will require some tech knowledge. Android phones also have a full spectrum of devices available for purchase, from budget friendly options to premium metal & glass build devices.

Do you stream a lot? Are you a gamer? Or, do you just need a device to use the internet and send emails? Performance on devices heavily influence the cost, so premium higher-end phones like Apple and Samsung devices will offer the best performance as well as some of the best looking screens. There are many mid tier phone options that can satisfy most user’s needs without burning a hole in your pocket. When deciding on a phone, the best route would be to talk with an expert about what you need the device to do and your ideal budget.

Most shoppers assume that phones with the highest megapixel count have the best cameras but that isn’t the case. Generally speaking, a higher megapixel camera will let you take photos that are printable at larger sizes, or render better in retina displays, but as a rule of thumb, any phone that has over 3 megapixels can be considered reasonably good. Other factors to consider are the lens quality (some manufacturers use Zeiss or Leica lenses), image stabilization features, auto-focus, High Dynamic Range (HDR) image rendering, as well as 4K recording capabilities.

Phones with fast processors, high camera quality, and an intuitive interface, such as iPhones, come with a high price point. Androids offer a wider selection of mid-to-top tier phones that can fit within any budget. The phone you choose will affect your monthly bill if you choose to finance or lease your phone. Consumer research has shown that on average, Apple iPhones are typically three times more expensive than Andoid smartphones. The resale factor of iPhones on average are 20% higher than Android devices assuming both devices are the same price and quality.

64 GB is the new storage standard on the latest smartphones, but more storage allows you to store more photos, videos, music, apps and more. With most Androids, you can insert a micro SD memory chip to get additional storage. iPhones have a fixed internal hard drive, so you’ll need to judge how much storage you actually need. Most phone manufacturers or carriers also offer a much cheaper cloud storage service for excess photos and media. We recommend this option to save the most money and opt for a base model mobile device in regards to storage.

Every smartphone has special features that can enhance your life. For example, Samsung has an AI-optimized camera and the Samsung Health app that tracks your everyday activities or recommends advice to build healthy habits, whereas Apple has it’s own smart home and health app integrations that integrate with their other products like the Apple Watch and Macbook laptops. Certain apps are only available within Apple or Android’s app store as well. If you’re looking to see if a specific app is available on either app store, you can check here.