How to Choose the Right Smartphone for You

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Once considered a luxury just a few years ago, smartphones are now a necessity for millions of consumers. If you’re in the market for a new smartphone, here are some tips to help you get all the features that you’re looking for.

1. Know what to look for

First, you’ll need to decide what type of smartphone will best suit your business or lifestyle. Here’s a rundown of the most popular operating systems that run on smartphones today:

Android: For those looking for versatility and compatibility, Android phones come in a wide variety of sizes, designs and prices. Plus, they can be customized with a wealth of widgets, keyboards and other accessories.
iOS: The Apple operating system comes with a huge selection of apps and accessories, making it a favorite with many consumers. Apple also offers appealing family sharing plans and convenient, interactive and customizable notification systems.
BlackBerry: Once dominant on the market, the BlackBerry still has fans thanks to its user-friendly multitasking features, cool accessories and a popular Hub for social networking.

2. Decide what you want

Do you really need all the bells and whistles available, or are you just looking for a reliable phone with basic connectivity? Before choosing a smartphone, prioritize which features are most important to you. For instance, if your phone is your camera, you’ll want advanced photo features — but if that’s not important to you, then there’s no sense in paying for it. By being specific about what you want, you can save money.

3. Comparison shop for the features you need

Here are some of the most popular smartphone features to consider:

• Screen Size/Display: Make sure to get a phone with a screen size that you can work with comfortably. Likewise, check the display for clarity and sharpness.
• Storage: It’s better to have too much storage and not need it, than not enough storage and want it. Plus, extra storage is usually just a few dollars more, so be sure to get the maximum storage capacity you can afford.
• Camera: If your phone is also your go-to camera, then you’ll want to comparison shop for higher camera horsepower, more megapixels, auto-focusing options, lower shutter lag times and low-light sensitivity features.
• Apps: If apps are a big part of your life, then be sure to choose a smartphone that’s compatible with a large app marketplace.

By educating yourself, doing a bit of comparison shopping and prioritizing your needs, you’ll not only save time and money; you’ll also end up with the smartphone that you need for your busy lifestyle.