Picking the perfect phone for both work and play

If you need your phone for both work and everyday life, don't carry two phones — pick the best for both worlds!

All work and no play makes your phone something, something. Oh yeah, boring. If you're required to have a phone for work, you might be reluctant to use it on a personal level, but carrying two phones is cumbersome and counterproductive.

What you need to do is pick one phone and make it count. You need one that's great for productivity (Google apps, cloud services, etc.), while also being capable enough to crush it during play time.

You first just need to figure out what you need to satisfy both sides.

What works?

Productivity

During work hours, you want a phone that helps with productivity, so it can't be distracting or overly difficult to use.

A phone with an uncluttered interface is invaluable in times where you need to get in and get stuff done. The Moto Z, Google Pixel, and even the HTC 10 are examples of phones with a very user-friendly system, so you won't be constantly swiping and tapping around looking for apps or getting distracted by animations and what not.

Security

To your employer, security is likely one of the most important features of your phone. If you're going to be accessing work servers and potentially sensitive information, you'll need a phone that offers tight security.

One of the best security measures is constant updating. You'll want a phone that receives the necessary software updates regularly, since those often include crucial security updates.

If you know security is top priority, we've rounded up the best phones for security just for you.

Reliability

If you're on a work trip or simply working long hours, you need a phone that can keep up with heavy demand. Make sure it has enough RAM so that it's quick, and ample storage so that you're not constantly having to purge data. If you need mondo capacity, then you'll need a phone with top-notch expandable storage.

If you find that past phones haven't made it to the end of the day, and you just don't have the time to sit tethered to a socket, then you'll also need a phone with the best battery life you can find.

Price

If work requires you to have a phone but won't foot the bill, then price can be a major deciding factor when it comes to making a choice. That's why we've rounded up the best phones under $900, under $700, under $400, and [under $100]/best-android-phone-under-100).

Don't be a dull boy, Jack

Yeah, you use your phone for work, but the purpose of carrying around only one phone is to split its use between the soul-sucking grind and heart-uplifting fun.

Here are some features to look for when considering a phone for fun (alliteration city up in here!).

Camera

For many, the camera is one of the most important features of any phone. No one carries around point-and-shoots anymore — it's all phone, all the time. And with how amazing smartphone cameras are now, why not?!

If you dig photography in your spare time, then there's no reason the phone you use for work can't have an awesome camera too! If you're looking for the phone with the best camera available, we've got you covered.

If video is your bag, we think there are some phones you should check out for that as well.

Storage

Storage isn't just a work issue. If you're a compulsive app downloader, you'll need the space to accommodate all of them, plus all your photos, videos, and more. So do you go for a phone with a ton of internal storage, but at a higher price point and without expandable storage? Or do you go for the best phone with an SD slot?

Ultimately, it's about how much storage you think you'll use. If you're combining work and personal data, you'll probably want the option of expandable storage.

Gaming

No more reading filthy waiting room magazines. Gaming on your phone is where it's at, and that's a particularly good thing for both work and play. I don't know how many meetings I've sat through (tuned out) while paying extra special attention (absolutely nailing it in Candy Crush) and thought "I would love to be playing a game right now" (I totally was).

But what do you look for? Screen resolution? Storage space? Memory? Look no further, because we know which phones gamers will love.

VR

Virtual reality is the best. No, seriously, it's fun on a bun, and it's entirely attainable with the right phone. Headsets are getting less expensive and VR on your phone is way less expensive than a gaming PC, VR setup (HTC Vive or Oculus Rift), and it's even less expensive than PSVR (if you don't already have a PS4).

Not all phones are great for VR, so we put a list together to help you decide.

Striking a balance

It can be difficult to choose from the multitude of phones available, especially if your needs are pulled in different directions.

Your best bet is to make a list of your needs (work) and your wants (play) and find the phone that walks between worlds. There will definitely be some compromises in your final decision, but once you suss out what's truly important to you, you'll likely have a few options to choose from.

For the best of what's around, check out our Smartphone Buyer's Guide. We've compiled the very best Android has to offer, whatever your pleasure.