Android phones are becoming more and more popular as time progresses. The stand out feature of this popular platform from Google is that it is open and accessible to all developers. There are several things you should be on the lookout for when picking a new Android phone, namely cellular carrier, design aesthetic, features, camera, price, and even battery life, like the new Samsung Galaxy Note 9.

Here are the main things to look out for before buying an Android smartphone:

1. 4G Service
While picking an Android phone there are several things to keep in mind when it comes to speed and performance. While specs and battery life are all well and good, the carrier for the phone plays a far greater role. Some Android phones do not support super-fast 4G services, so you should enquire beforehand what kind of 4G your phone is able to pick up. The 4G should also ideally be available for optimum performance. The carrier plays an important role as every carrier has dead spots somewhere or other. Therefore, it becomes important not only to pick the carrier that gives you the best plan, but to see which carriers work best where you live.

2. Design aesthetic
Today, the hardware of Android phones are made by a number of different manufacturers. It is incumbent upon you to make an informed decision keeping in mind basic design elements. The first, of course, is the keyboard. Most phones today have touch screens, but do not dismiss the QWERTY keypad so easily. It can be very useful, provided you are more comfortable with it. The next consideration is the screen size and resolution. Bigger screens are certainly more immersive, but will they fit into your pocket? The resolution determines clarity and crisp images. Try your phone out in different lighting situations before making your decision.

3. Camera
Cameras in a smartphone phone vary wildly with different manufacturers and you should pick one based on your needs. Some cameras are front-facing and are ideal for video conferencing. Some have only rear facing cameras for taking still shots. While some phones pack in 3 megapixels, others go for 8 megapixels. Some cameras take better pictures in low light conditions if the camera is placed in the rear.

4. Software
It is important to note that not all Android smartphones run on the same OS. Some phones may work with an older version. Take charge and ask your carrier what version of OS your phone runs on and whether or not regular updates will be provided. The open source platform is also one of the advantages of an android phone as it’s compatible with many apps.

5. Manufacturer
It is important to note the manufacturer of the smartphone. Some add their own overlays to the phone’s existing OS. These overlays can change the performance of the phone. For example, Motorola’s MotoBlur aggregates info on social media and delivers it to you concisely. Samsung’s TouchWiz interface also does something similar by adding widgets that make it more easy to use. These features appear differently on different phones. Therefore, MotoBlur will look different on a 3-inch screen as opposed to a 4-inch screen. It is important to try out the phone before buying.