Fun fact: there are roughly seven different model Android phones per human on the planet.

While that statement isn’t actually true, it seems close.

Since you’ve got things to do, here’s what matters when buying a new Android phone.

Get the one that’s best for your needs and does what you want.

Get the one that you will be happy with until your next upgrade.

When (and How Often) Should I Upgrade?

Not everyone upgrades their phones on the same schedule.

And for good reason.

These suckers are expensive.

If you oughta upgrade more often than every two years, ask your carrier about your options.

But be sure to do your own math to confirm you’re not overpaying.

Buying phones outright:High end phones can typically cost $500-600 or more, depending on the model.

Most people don’t want to drop that much money at once.

However, the market for cheaper phones has been steadily improving.

it’s possible for you to often find used flagship Android phones forhalf the priceof a new one.

If you want a new phone, you have plenty of options.

The former two just announced their newest flagships, theGalaxy S6and theHTC One (M9).

These typically coincide with the Mobile World Congress, which happens in February or March every year.

Google’s I/O developer conference follows closely in May which typically involves important Android announcements.

Google has also released new Nexus devices around October or November.

What Features Really Matter in a New Phone?

It’s safe to say some things matter more in a phone than others.

However, benchmarks can help you get an idea of which phone isbeating the competition.

Which sucks because that’sbarely relevant.

The best way to tell whether a phone’s camera is good is an old-fashionedcomparison review.

Of course, don’t forget that how you take your pictures will have an effect, too.

If you’re going to do it, may as welldo it right.

Regardless, much like with cameras, there are many other factors that go into how a display looks.

AMOLED vs. LCD, viewing angles, performance in sunlight, color calibration.

Making a good-looking display is just as complex and as subjective as a good camera is.

It’s the only way to know if you’ll really like what you see.

Manufacturer Skins

Every manufacturer wants to put their own spin on Android, and for good reason.

They’re not competing much on battery life, after all.

Each manufacturer has a few features that stand out.

Not everyone loves it, but some do.

And the Edge version has a curved display that wraps around the side.

Which the company uses to add a few extra swiping gestures that aremore thumb-accessible.

For example, it allows you to control the phone with your voice without touching it.

These are just some samples, and every manufacturer has dozens of features it stuffs into Android.

You may find that Android is an entirely different beast when you switch.

However, Google has also recently launchedAndroid Lollipopand that’s a pretty major revision.

Unfortunately, the situation hasn’t changed much over the years.

The company has also been sold to Lenovo and it’s unclear how that will affect long-term plans.

What if I Care About Rooting?

Not all phones make it easy, though.

For that reason, it’s stupid easy to unlock your rig.

Devices with locked bootloaders:Locking a bootloader won’t guarantee that you’re free to’t get root.

CDMA devices (when possible):The one rule that can negate all the others here is CDMA.

If you’ve read all this and you’re still stressed out, don’t be.

Most Android phones on the market right now are actually pretty awesome.

Leave the arguing about which phone can beat up whose dad for the flame wars.