Choosing between the two main OS in mobile depends on what features and specs are most important to you. Here's what you need to know to make the right decision.
Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS are the only two operating systems used in smartphones and tablets today. Windows is finished, period.
Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS are the only two operating systems used in smartphones and tablets today. Windows is finished, period.
Android is more PC-like than iOS in that its interface and basic features are generally more customizable from top to bottom. While iOS is more secure but less customizable.
The first Android phone, the T Mobile G1 appeared in October 2008. The first iPhone was launched in June 2007. Since then, both these operating systems have changed substantially.
In this article, I will list the important differences between both iOS and Android as well as these two platforms.
Android vs IOS (Comparison on the Basis of Features)
Ease to use
People love to say Apple products just work. It’s certainly true that the iOS interface is easy to use. But so is the Android interface. Frankly, if you can use one, you won’t have much trouble using the other.
Sure, a decade ago, when the iPhone first appeared and Windows Mobile and Nokia Symbian phones were the competition, the iPhone blew them away. It was just so much easier to use.
But that was 10 years ago. Today, there’s really not a lot that differentiates the two leading phone OSes when it comes to ease of use.
If we put appearance and home screen setup into this category, though, things tip toward Android. Android smartphones give you more control over your system and its applications. That flexibility has helped Android build brand loyalty.
Digital assistants
iPhone has Siri, Android phones have Google Assistance. Both do a similar job, but their capabilities differ.
Both can be used to set alarms, reminders, get directions to check cinema timings, sending text messages and emails using dictation.
However, Siri tends to do a better role at understanding the task at hand and is less likely to dish up web search results.
Finish, price, and Fit
iPhones are beautiful. & Android phones very well.
Some, such as Samsung and the Google Pixel, are every bit as attractive as the iPhone 7 Plus. True, by controlling every step of the manufacturing process, Apple makes sure iPhones have a great fit and finish, but so do the big Android phone manufacturers. That said, some Android phones are just plain ugly.
Part of the reason for this is that Apple makes nothing but luxury phones. There will never be a cheap iPhone. If you don’t want to pay top dollar for an iPhone, your only choice is to get a used one.
Hardware
Hardware is where there is a significant difference between iPhone and Android.
Apple makes iPhones, so it has very tight control over how the software and hardware work in sync. On the other hand, Google offers its Android software to every handset maker including Samsung, Sony, Motorola, etc. This is in addition to Google’s own brand of Pixel phones which were launched in 2016. This is one of the main reasons Android phones vary widely in size, weight, features, and quality.
Higher-priced Android phones tend to be of high quality and fairly reliable while cheaper models may overheat, freeze up frequently or break. iPhones have also had hardware issues, but they are of high quality.
If you are planning to buy an iPhone, you just need to pick your model. While if you are going for an Android, you have to pick both a brand and a model, which can be confusing and overwhelming. On the other hand, if you think the other way, you also have a lot of options to suit your budget, features, and tastes.
Open And Close OS
The iPhone remains as proprietary as ever. If you don’t want anything that you can’t get through Apple, fine. On the other hand, if you’re an iPhone user who wants to buy an Amazon e-book from the Kindle app or watch a Google Play movie using Play Movies, you’re out of luck.
Android is both open sources and far more open to alternative applications. Keep in mind, Apple hasn’t ported any of its applications to Android and never will. So, if your music library is based on iTunes, then you’re locked into iPhones.
For most users, this is a difference that makes no difference. But if you prefer open systems to closed ones, it’s an important differentiator.
Security
If you are concerned about the security of your smartphone, there’s only one choice of iPhone.
The reasons for this are myriad and too long to completely go into here. For the shorter version, consider these two facts.
According to one study, 96% of all malware, viruses, worms, etc affected Android while 0% attacked the iPhone.
Even the head of Google’s Android team had admitted ‘we cannot guarantee that Android is designed to be safe.
So for Security reasons IOS (iPhone) is best.
Battery life
This one’s hard to judge because every Android phone is different. In my experience, largely with Samsung and Motorola phones, Android phones don’t need to be as recharged as often as iPhones. Your charging may vary, so let’s call this something of a draw, depending on the phone in hand and how you use it.
Camera
I'm no camera expert, but I do know that cameras vary wildly on Android phones. That said, the Galaxy S8, which uses essentially the same hardware as the S7, does seem to be a bit behind the top-of-the-line iPhone 7 Plus.
Mind you, both cameras are very, very good. In my opinion, the iPhone is a bit better at most things. But the Galaxy models, with their wide-angle lens, are a tad better at selfies.
Software features and interface
Android and iOS both are getting updated regularly with new features which increase productivity and bring ease of access.
Historically, iOS was considered to be a more user-friendly operating system compared to Android. However, it's not true anymore. Both platforms have become extremely polished and easy to use. But, in general, iOS is slightly simpler and more streamlined while Android offers more features to power users.
IOS has a better selection of apps and premium content all wrapped up in a one-stop shopping environment. What we have about Android is the ability to truly personalize and customize the user experience. I also like how Android integrates better with social networking services for contacts and sharing content, plus the free turn-by-turn GPS navigation, Gmail, and Early life support.
The iOS-powered iPhone is a good pick for Apple fans who use Mac computers and Macbooks since the devices can integrate seamlessly. Plus iPhones are extremely polished with strong security and handy features.
Android on the other hand is a good pick for users who want more options in terms of both hardware and software. You will get Android phones with a variety of sizes and features.
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