Display: the screen of your device makes a huge difference. The higher the resolution, the sharper everything you see and read online will be. Some newer phones even have ultra-thin bezels (the border around the screen) to maximize your viewing area.

Processor: just like a computer, your smartphone's processor powers everything you do. Taking pictures & videos, playing music, browsing the web, and using apps, it all comes down to how many "cores" your processor has. Simply put: the more cores you have, the faster things will go.

Camera: if you love taking photos and videos, you'll want a phone with a camera that rivals the image quality of digital cameras (8-megapixels is a good start). Many models feature multiple cameras on the front and back so you’ll always get the shot.

Battery: a full charge is usually enough to get you through the day, but streaming videos, playing games, and listening to music can use up your battery much quicker. So if you’re worried about running out of juice, consider a new device with a stronger battery life or accessories to keep you charged on-the-go.