It is going to be a personal preference. What do your friends or family have? Get them to let you "use" it. Tap the buttons. Look at the settings menu. Is it easy to get to. Check out what apps you'd probably use. iPhone is Apple. Android is Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, Motorola, LG, and others. In my opinion there are more free apps on the Android side. I could be wrong on this as I use a Note9.
A smart phone vs flip phone - easier to text, email, Facebook, etc. When I'm out driving for the job in three states, maps and finding a non-chain restaurant among other things that are useful.
Have fun...