Published May 8, 2026, 3:30 PM EDT Brady is a technology journalist for MakeUseOf with years of experience covering all things mobile, computing, and general tech. He has a focus on Android phones and audio gear, and holds a B.S. in Journalism from St. John's University. Brady has written for publications like Android Central, Android Authority, XDA, Android Police, iMore, and others. He has experience reporting on major events held by Google, Apple, and Samsung, as well as trade shows like Lenovo Innovation World and IFA. When he's not writing about and testing the latest gadgets, you'll find Brady watching Big East basketball and running. When new Android phones hit the market, all eyes are on the hardware upgrades. However, you're buying into an Android software ecosystem every time you pick up a new phone. There are numerous factors to consider, including the software it ships with, the availability of exclusive features, and the promise of future updates.…