Choosing a smartphone isn't easy - there's just so much choice out there and no right answer to which phone will suit you best.
The easiest way to compare phones is by their operating systems – the software that underpins the operations of any phone or computer.
There are four major smartphone operating systems to choose from, and once you've started buying and installing apps for one, you'll probably be reluctant to switch platform and have to buy the same apps again for another phone.
We guide you through the different features you should look out for, and help you decide…
Features to consider
Keyboard – physical or touchscreen?
Most smartphones are touchscreen now to give you more room for a larger screen. If you prefer physical buttons, BlackBerry is still accommodating in that area, most recently with the PRIV.
Connectivity
Most smartphones still use 3G in the UK for connecting to the internet, but most new phones support 4G now too, which offers faster mobile web connections. Check out our feature 3G VS 4G: Which phone network is right for you.
Storage
Ensure the phone has enough storage for your apps, photos, music and more.
Many smartphones accept microSD cards which are a great way to expand the amount of storage you have – but some don't.
An option you could consider for phones without microSD support is cloud storage, such as BT Cloud. Your photos and documents are backed up in the cloud, so you don't have to store them on your device.
Battery life
Battery life is also important – if you use your phone regularly to surf the web or use apps, expect to charge it on a daily basis.
A good phone used for a variety of tasks ought to last you eight hours before needing to be recharged. Check reviews rather than taking manufacturers' claims at face value when it comes to battery life.
Read more tips to make your smartphone's battery last longer here.
Screen
Most smartphones offer large screens these days. If you want pocket-sized and easy to handle, don't go beyond the 5 inch mark. Screens 5 inch and above (known as 'phablets') are ideal for entertainment.
Operating systems
Android
Android, developed by Google, is the world's most popular operating system.
Samsung, LG, Motorola, HTC and Huawei are some of the notable smartphone makers who use Android on their handsets, each adapting it slightly to their specifications.
Over time, newer versions of Android will be rolled out with new features, but they may not reach your phone straightaway. It depends on the manufacturer or network.
Each year Google pairs with a hardware manufacturer to release its own phones, branded 'Nexus'. The most recent version is the Nexus 5X . They are guaranteed updates for at least two years, so, to ensure you get the latest features, opt for a Nexus device.
Android has the biggest app store, so you'll never be short of choice - although there are many useless apps, and some have also harboured viruses in the past. Only stick to apps you think look trustworthy.
As Android is run by Google, many of their existing services are already installed on your phone. This includes Google Maps, YouTube and Gmail.
Android offers the widest choice of phones and screen sizes and you should easily find a handset that fits your budget too.
iOS
iOS is exclusively available on Apple's own products – in smartphone terms, this means the iPhone.
The choice of apps on iOS is wide and they are very secure because of Apple's strict guidelines.
Built-in apps include Music, Mail, the Safari web browser, iCloud backup and wireless transfers to your PC, iPad or Mac.
Everything on the iPhone is managed through iTunes with direct links to the iTunes Store, where you can buy music, rent or buy films, buy apps, games and iBooks. You can also take out digital subscriptions to magazines and newspapers.
Windows 10
Windows 10 is Microsoft's mobile operating system, formally called Windows Phone.
Most existing Lumia smartphones running on Windows Phone 8.1 will be upgraded to Windows 10 mobile, making the user interface and features similar to what you would expect on a Windows 10 PC, including mobile versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
The choice of apps isn't on a par with iOS or Android - for instance we've noticed some banking apps are missing.
Many of the high-end Lumias are strong in the camera department. The latest Lumia handset, the 950 XL, features a 20 megapixel camera with OIS (optical image stabilisation).
You can read more about Windows 10 mobile in our feature here.
BlackBerry
BlackBerry currently has two operating systems. BB10 is found on the BlackBerry Passport while BlackBerry OS is found on older phones like the BlackBerry Curve 9320.
BlackBerry phones were the darlings of teenagers a few years ago because you could use BBM (BlackBerry Messaging) to chat privately with your friends without using your text message allowance or having parents snoop on your personal conversations.
If you want a dependable phone for email, messaging and calls, plus web browsing and music, a BlackBerry will suit you very well.
Blackberry recently released its first Android phone, the Blackberry PRIV, which has been well received.
Which smartphone have you chosen? Share your comments below.
Updated December 2015
Source: Android, BlackBerry, or Windows Phone: Which smartphone operating system is right for me?
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