You can find the right smartphone by choosing an operating system first and prioritizing your own features and price considerations. When shopping for a smartphone, make sure to take into account the other software you're already using and make an informed decision!
Things You Should Know
You should consider an iPhone if you want a stylish, easy-to-use phone at a reasonable price.
Android is a great option if you want a budget device that's highly customizable and not so tightly linked to Apple's ecosystem.
Check that your phone supports your current mobile carrier (or that you're willing to switch).
Part1: Choosing Android or iPhoneDownload Article
The differences between operating systems are explained in this article.
iPhone (aka iOS) is known for its ease of use, security, and clean integration with other Apple products.
Android is associated with its integration of Google services, its ability to be customized, and typically a lower cost.
If you can, try demoing a device at a store. That will give you a good sense of the interface and feel of each operating system.
1. Determine your price range. The average price of iOS phones (iPhones) is higher than that of Android phones. Among phone manufacturers, Apple and Samsung are typically among the most expensive (with models ranging from $400-$700 retail), while HTC, LG, and Motorola are typically among the more affordable (some low end smartphones can be purchased for under $100).
A phone carrier contract usually includes a subsidy or "free" phone when purchased along with it. It usually binds you to a 2-year contract with the carrier that includes penalties for early cancellation.
In addition to charging you a monthly fee, some carriers charge you a 'device fee' for your smartphone.
2. Consider the devices and software you already own. A phone with matching developer support (for example, Apple computers and iPads are often cross-compatible with iPhone apps) will offer the best level of integration with your tablet or computer if you already own one. However, note that almost any computer operating system can be connected to, and used with, any phone.
Using an Android phone is the best option if you are a heavy user of Microsoft Office or Google (although both companies produce their most popular apps for the competing operating system as well).
3. Determine which features suit your needs. All operating systems come with basic features like email, web browsing, and maps, but some have proprietary features.
Siri, fingerprint scanning, FaceTime chat, and iCloud support are just a few of the exclusive features of iOS/iPhone.
You can install third party apps on Android (meaning you can download programs from the internet and install them outside of the Play Store ecosystem), Google Now, and homescreen widgets. Moreover, most Android phones today support Google Drive for documents and cloud storage, as well as fingerprint sensors.
4. Consider which apps you want to use. While many popular applications (e.g. Google Maps, Microsoft Office, and Apple Music) work across all operating systems, some apps (e.g. iMessage, Facetime, and Google Now) are exclusive to each platform. Make sure the apps you want are available in the app store associated with each option (Apple, Google Play).
There is a good chance that an alternate app, which functions very similarly, exists if a popular app is not offered on a competitor's operating system.
The purchases you make with your store account will be able to be transferred to any future phone as long as it uses the same operating system as your current phone.
5. Choose an operating system. Most people will decide based on personal preference. iOS-based iPhones tend to be more secure and feature-rich, whereas Android phones tend to have more customizable interfaces and lower prices.
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