Re: Perfect timing..
I understand your confusion. My advice, make sure whatever phone to buy fits in your pocket, never buy a newly released handset as they all have teething problems, wait a month or so for reviews that comment more on usage rather than a 5 min fumble, consider, if it is an android phone does it come with the most upto date OS or is the manufacturer giving you a 'promise' of an update in the future. Note that when my HTC Sensation (unbranded) was updated to ICS it became a pig. If you have a branded handset the update will take much longer, if ever, and you may find it does not suit the phone.
Consider, as I do, whether you want to be stuck with a phone on a two year contract which is average, and will be well out do date in six months and unlikely to have the OS up graded after a year, should you buy an unbranded phone and then go for a sim only deal. Note android phones get cheaper after a month or so of release, while Apple do not. If you keep your phone in top condition unbranded ones sell better.
Lots to think about, good luck because you'll need it.