Choosing a smartphone can seem overwhelming sometimes. iPhone or Android? How big of a screen size is too big? Which phone has the longest battery life? These are all good question so here's some good answers.

1. Hardware.

Hardware is where iPhone and Android draw there deepest lines in the sand. Apple is the only company that makes iPhones, so they have complete control over the way software and hardware work with one another.

On the other hand, Google offers Android software to multiple brands (LG, Motorolla, Samsung and HTC). As a result, Android phones come in many shapes and sizes, all with slightly different features and user experiences.

2. Battery Life.

Early iPhones models used to have batteries that required a charge once a day. With the iPhone 5, that's no longer the case. An average iPhone 5 battery can last up to 7 hours and 15 minutes.

Because Android phones vary from maker to maker, the battery question is more difficult to answer. For perspective the Samsung Galaxy S3 lasts up to 6 hours and 55 minutes, while the HTC One only lasts 5 hours and 59 minutes.

Some Android models now have 4-inch displays or 4G LTE networking, both of which burn battery life quickly. If you're willing to put up with a bulkier phone (Galaxy Note 2 = phablet) then you can get a little more out of a single charge.

3. Screen Size.

If you want a multi-media workstation from your smartphone Android would be your best bet. Bigger screen = bigger keyboard = more precision. The HTC One boasts a 4.7-inch display while the Samsung Galaxy Note pushes the phablet boundaries at 5.3 inches.

If you can wait to edit photos and video until you get home on your MacBook and crave a smartphone that's a little more pocket friendly, the 4-inch display of the iPhone 5 might be the ticket. Not only is it more portable, the iPhone 5 also features Retina Display, which gives the phone higher pixel density (more resolved than the human eye can even detect).

-----

As with any good consumer review I urge you to decide for yourself. Find a friend or a local store that has the phones your considering and try them out. Surf the web, hold them in your hand, get a feel for the phone and see if the personality is compatible with your preferences.