iOS? Android? WP? BB? Which do I choose?

There are so many choices on which phone to get. Even each carrier offers so many different choices, and to the average consumer, what are the differences? Why should I use this one, as opposed to the other one?

Finding the perfect phone may be easy to some, but extremely difficult for the less tech-savvy. I'm going to breakdown what I think are the reasons to go with each operating system.

iOS: In other words, the iPhone

iPhone. One word known by so many. Some may say the 'king' of mobile phones. But why should I use an iPhone?

PROS: 

• Easy to use, no matter how old or how young.
• Interface is used on more than one device. Learn one, know also iPad, and the iPod Touch
• Lots of applications available to download
• Lots of cases found everywhere, from $5 to $50.
• Used by so many taking advantage of iMessage and Facetime
• Timely updates. Once announced, available to download for almost everyone 
• Available in 16gb, 32gb and 64gb versions

CONS:

• Not as customizable as other competitors. Only options to customize are backgrounds.
• iTunes. The only way to put songs, movies, etc. onto phone is using their software. iTunes often becomes laggy and tiresome.
• No microSD card slot, for those who enjoy the extra storage
• Hard to unlock to use on other carriers

Android: Land of the deserts

Android, the current runner up to iOS offers a huge variety of phones from various manufacturers. Why Android?

PROS:

• Lots of choice between designs, manufacturers, price point
• Customizing heaven! Lock screens, launchers, keyboards all can be changed.
• Growing Play Store 
• Large displays, some HD, for great viewing
• For developers, lots of things to tinker with!
• MicroSD slot for more storage.

CONS:

• Fragmentation: No timely updates, may be 1-2 versions behind.
• Force closes: Many apps force close, but most issues have been addressed in Jelly Bean
• Open Sourced: easier for malware and pirating to happen.
• Lag: older versions of Android not yet optimized to their full advantage
• Poor battery life on many phones

Windows Phone: The newest competitor

Windows Phone 8, not yet as popular as iOS and Android but still offer a place in the market. Why should I go with WP8?

PROS:

• Clean, simple interface
• Fast, no lag as it is optimized
• Design very well thought out

CONS:

• Not many design options
• Lack of apps available

Blackberry 7: Lagging behind

Blackberry, once the leading brand of mobile phones, has dropped behind. 

PROS:

• Great physical keyboard
• Unified inbox shows all messages
• BBM

CONS:

• Lag
• Dated processors and technology
• Not a media device, more for business

I hope this has helped you in your decision for your next phone! Have fun with your new 'toys'!