Build a Phone Empire Research Tree Guide — What to Unlock First
The research tree is the backbone of Build a Phone Empire progression. This guide ranks the technology categories by value so you know exactly which nodes to rush and which to delay.
Quick Tip: Always keep the lab busy. An idle research lab is the single biggest waste in the game.
Table of Contents
How Research Works
Research points accumulate over time as your researchers work. Each node on the tree costs a set number of points and a set amount of time to unlock. Unlocking a node makes new phone parts and device categories available.
Research continues in the background while you play, which is why keeping researchers hired and the lab active is critical — idle time is lost time you never get back.
Research Priority by Category
Broadly, research falls into categories that improve different parts of your phone. Rank them by how directly they raise cash-per-hour.
| Priority | Category | Why |
|---|---|---|
| S | Core specs (memory, storage) | Directly raises phone quality and sale price on every launch |
| A | Cameras | Improves appeal and unlocks higher price tiers |
| A | Screen size | Cheap early upgrades that broaden your addressable market |
| B | Device categories (tablets, watches) | Big unlocks, but only worth rushing once you have cash flow |
| C | Cosmetic nodes | Low early value; delay until your core loop is efficient |
The Save-Your-Points Rule
Because nodes cannot be refunded, every unlock is a permanent commitment. The disciplined approach is to bank research points and spend them only when a node unlocks a feature your very next phone will use.
Warning: Do not unlock everything at once. Broad unlocking starves your core loop and slows your actual progression.
Lab Management Tips
- Queue the next node the moment one completes.
- Hire researchers before you need them — research time is linear with worker count.
- Balance researchers against bug fixers; bugs hurt sales if left unchecked.
- Move to a bigger office when you run out of desks for new researchers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which research should I unlock first?
Core specs like memory and storage first, then cameras and screen size. Delay cosmetic nodes and big device-category unlocks until your cash flow supports them.
Do research points carry over between phones?
Yes — research points are a persistent company resource. Saving them is a legitimate and often optimal strategy.
Why is my lab idle?
You probably ran out of hired researchers or desks. Hire more researchers in the staff menu and expand your office if you are out of space.