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The Android phone market isn't as competitive as it was a few years ago, but there are a plethora of options to choose from. You can get a slab phone, a book-style foldable, a flip phone, as well as phones equipped with physical keyboards. Sure, iPhones dominate with 69% market share in the US, but Android is still more feature-rich and gives you more hardware flexibility.
Also: Why I recommend this $450 Samsung phone over competing models by Google and OnePlus
If you're in the market for a new Android phone, you have two major brands to consider: Samsung and Google. One has a broader ecosystem of products, while the other is leading with AI features. Both have their own strong points, depending on your use. Here's which brand you should choose that could suit you best.
Buy a Samsung Galaxy phone if…
Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET
1. You already have a Samsung product
Samsung has a greater ecosystem of products compared to Google. It makes laptops, TVs, tablets, as well as home appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, and microwaves. While the latter isn't beneficial for any cross-device functionality, having a Samsung TV, laptop, and phone can make your life easier with deeply integrated ecosystem features.
Also: You can still get a free Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 deal at T-Mobile - here's how to qualify
For instance, you can control your TV using the Samsung SmartThings app on your smartphone. You don't need to look for the remote every time you want to change the volume or mess around with other TV settings. Similarly, you get Apple ecosystem-like features where the Samsung Galaxy Buds work best when paired with a Galaxy smartphone, and App Continuity allows you to continue browsing the same website across your phone and tablet.
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