Having written about all the latest smartphone news, we’ve covered topics as varied as what are the best new smartphones; we’ve ranked the best smartphone camera, and provided tips and deals on all the top smartphones. Our interest is providing you with everything we can find to help you get the best smartphone on the market at a price you want.

To help you out, we use three main criteria: Cost, Hardware and Software.

For starters, we recommend you look at the cost for a new smartphone. Our next suggestion is to look at the physical material that makes the phone, and as an added bonus, you should factor which smartphone has the best camera to assist your evaluation as well. Finally, you should explore the software and Operating System that will make your phone perform.

What does that all mean for you? In evaluations, there are two main degrees: Objective and Subjective. Our opinion is subjective but we try to focus on the objective strengths about our product review.

Understand that in any evaluation there are objective points and subjective points to consider. The objective points to consider are things like the screen size compared to other phones. Subjective points are things like the software and user preference. For example, the 100 Meter sprint in track and field is an outcome determined upon an objective scale. You have a winner and a loser. There is a time standard that cannot be skewed or evaluated other than fastest time wins.

Subjective evaluations have more biases involved and these evaluations are like diving competitions. They are judged upon their technical merit and aesthetics multiplied by a degree of difficulty to come to a standard score. The judges will gauge as much about the performance as they do with technique. In other words, it’s what the judges like about the performance as much as the performance itself.

For determining the best smartphone on the market, you need to evaluate the objective and subjective equally. While I may enjoy diving, you may be all about track and field.

You can agree or disagree with us, and that’s our point. Subjectivity is determined by factors and variability. As Shakespeare is known to have written, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We’re providing an evaluation that is subjective, but one that also focuses upon the objective to help you decide if you agree with us or not.

Cost: An unlocked phone gives you the freedom to move around between various service providers, but for an unlocked phone you’re going to pay more. A standard two-year contract will get you one of the best new smartphones at a subsidized price, but at the cost of being locked into a data plan and with one cell phone service provider.

In essence, spend more for flexibility, sign a contract and be locked into one data plan but get a huge price break on a new phone.

Hardware: You need to think of this as the body, the flesh and bones for your new phone. If you prefer larger screens than you’re living in the golden age of smartphones. One thing to consider is the type of casing for your phone. Are you ok with dimpled plastic cases that stick in your hand, than the Samsung Galaxy is a perfect one for you. Or do you like the sleek aluminum shell that comes with all of Apple’s phones? There’re so many outstanding phones available that to name one the best smartphone on the market right now is a subjective call.

An added bonus that you should give some consideration for is the smartphone camera. Previously we’ve seen them reviewed and decided upon the best smartphone camera is with Apple.

(read here to see why)

Software: Just as the Hardware is the body of your new smartphone, the software is the brain that makes it go. Android is a great platform and marketplace for all their Apps, while Apple has their software system integrate seamlessly with other Apple devices. If you’re into a specific brand like Apple, then getting a smartphone that integrates smoothly like with Apple makes sense. If you don’t need a lot of interaction between devices and want access to the world’s largest App marketplace, then Android is the best option for you.

Like most things in life, there’s some subjectivity to deciding the best smartphone on the market right now. In the end, your decision about the best of the best is all about preference.

For price, design, and utility we call the iPhone 6 the best smartphone on the market right now.

What are your thoughts?  Do you agree?

You can comment on our sister blog, http://www.10bestsmartphones.com