In this section we'll talk about common features found on both smartphones and feature phones.

Processor - Again, like a computer, your phone runs on a processer. The faster the processor the quicker your phone is going to be able to jump between functions, or handle running multiple applications at the same time. Most of the newest phones come equipped with a 1 gigahertz processor

Touch Screens - A touch screen is exactly what it sounds like. It is a glass display specifically designed to respond to human touch. Simply touch an area of the screen to open up a certain feature, like your phone's text messaging capabilities or to launch a specific app. Most touch screens use capacitive technology, using your skins natural conductive ability to interactive with a thin conductive layer on your phone. Keep in mind, your phone's display eats up the most battery life. As a general rule, the bigger the display the quicker your battery will run out of juice.

Keyboard - There are many different ways that cell phone manufacturers integrate keyboards. For the avid texter, you might want to try and find a phone with a full QWERTY keyboard. A QWERTY keyboard is the same layout as the keyboard that comes with your computer. Most older phones use the number keypad to enter text. Some touch screen phones have a digital keyboard integrated into the display.

Camera - Most phones these days come equipped with a camera built in. As technology has advanced, so has the quality of camera. If you are planning to use your phone as a replacement for a camera, you should try and find one with a high megapixel rating. Some phones even come with a flash. There are also phones that come with a front facing camera. This means that there is a camera mounted on the display as well as the back. This way if you are taking a self portrait, you can see yourself in the display to know what you are shooting. This feature also makes video conferencing possible.