So, you’re in the market for a new smart phone. Like most people you’re probably trying to decide between an iPhone and an Android phone. Blackberry may have also crossed your mind, but people who use Blackberry phones aren’t usually the same people who purchase Android or iPhones. For the sake of this article, let’s leave Blackberry for another time.

Selecting between an iPhone and an Android phone is tough. The newest Android phones (the Samsung Galaxy, in particular), tend to look and act just like iPhones. In fact, it’s hard to tell the two apart. The iPhone, on the other hand, has been around for some time now, and iPhone users tend to be happy customers.

Look to the Interface

Countless articles attempt to compare the two types of phones through apps and other features. While features and apps are important (we’ll get there in a minute), what’s more important is that you feel comfortable with your phone. Since you will use your phone daily, it’s a good idea to make sure that your phone’s interface makes sense to you.

The best way to find an interface that works is to visit your local phone shop. In this writer’s opinion, it is better to visit a store that has all of the phones you seek than visit one particular store. This way, you can compare the different types of phones that you find. Use each phone for a few minutes, and try to get a feel for the phone itself.

Attempt to surf the web, look at your email, listen to music, take a picture, and simply get a feel for the phone. You’ll find that some phones are heavier than others, some have curved backs, and some just don’t make any sense. At this point, you will have one or two phones that appeal to you.

Move On to the Apps

Apps are important. Apps let you play games, identify music, calculate distances ran, and all kinds of other stuff. The iPhones offer more available apps than Android phones. This is largely due to the fact that the iPhone has been around longer. Keep in mind that Android apps are being added every day.

Also, consider the fact that you’ll have to pay for most iPhone apps. Many apps are free, some can be purchased for $1, and many others are more than $4. This shouldn’t be a deterrent, since a lot of these paid apps are apps that you’ll want to pay for. Android has more free apps, but some of these apps are not worth downloading. Deciding on a phone based on apps is not recommended, but decided on a phone based on apps after choosing a few phones based upon interface is a good idea.

Consider Costs

Cost isn’t such a big factor when selecting a phone, though Apple iPhones are some of the most expensive phones out there. Apple charges more for their iPhone than any other Android phone. Again, whether or not you choose the iPhone depends on your first impression of the phone. Sometimes, the interface and general comfort level justifies the cost. As with anything else, shopping around for the best price is the only way to buy the best smart phone.