Don't get hung-up on power, I shoot a 14x to a mile. Unless you spend $3,000-ish dollars, higher magnification simply magnifies a blurry view.
Here are some "been there, done that" words, do anything you wish with them.
For a brand new to scopes guy, "Crappy" means that they don't hold zero well. Bounce it getting in or out of the truck, leave it in the corner for a month, anything that constitutes normal use, and it may not be zeroed anymore.
Jumping to some universal standards:
Eye relief: This is important. A scope with little eye relief, or one that changes the amount greatly as you zoom in or out, is going to hit your eye one day; only a matter of time, so don't put up with it.
Tracking: most people don't know and don't want to know anything about scopes. For them tracking means adjusting a new scope and some minor adjustments with different ammo. If your scope doesn't track properly, then the adjustments you make are off a bit, and typically "float" from what you adjusted. So if you needed to adjust 1/2" right for zero, but it moved 3/4". Then after a few shots, even if you don't adjust again, it actually seems as though you adjustef another amount. Don't put up with this.
Warranty:
This is the eternal argument on forums. Here is the truth, they ARE NOT FREE, No exceptions. YOU pay up-front for a calculated number of replacements, and the company is banking on the fact that you paid for more than they have to replace. This doesn't mean that a scope is good, or bad inherently. Just don't fall into the trap of a warranty meaning something is "better" or "worth it". By the way, never use those two terms I quoted, unless you are giving your personal view. I personally want to use my money as I see fit, and not give it to a company betting against me for replacement. No view is "wrong", it's just a different view.
Coatings/Glass/Jesus:
90% of all reviewers don't know shyte about this, in terms of relative values. Quite frankly, 90% of shooters won't matter anyway.
Read a few of my reviews and you'll understand. When I reviewed the SWFA 3-15 HD Vs the Primary Arms 4-14, we saw it. The $750 SWFA is brighter without a doubt. But start shooting to a mile and try target acquisition that far, suddenly the $229 Primary flat embarrassed it. Most shooters think a blessing and Jesus is needed to shoot a mile, not true at all. Most think that the $750 scope is world's better than the $229. Well, if 500 yards is a long way to you, and bright is better than accurate, and a moving eye relief is fine; then I guess I understand why you chose the SWFA. If you value the ability to see targets even if they are dimmer, then you better buy the PA.
If you want to shoot a box or maybe 3 a year, then honestly it doesn't much matter. If you want a good scope you can grow with, don't buy a off name on the super-cheap. If this second route is the one you are on, buy a FFP, or First Focal Plane scope, such as the PA, SWFA, or a Weaver Tactical. Ignore ANYONE who tells you to use a BDC, or that FFP is any of the following: Hard, confusing, not needed, only for tactical use.
All just choices and trade-offs my friend, nothing is on a pedestal when you are talking about preferences.