There are very few match-ups in the world of technology that present a tough predicament like this one for buyers. The war between android and iOS is one of the most talked about ones and has points that balance the pros and cons of both sides. This incredibly complex question cannot be answered clearly by anyone because the final conclusion is more of a matter of perception than anything else.
iOS and android both have covered a large ground with countless features to explore. Au contraire, it is also quite simple since both iOS and Android perform the same task whatsoever and mostly in same way. But understanding the basics and differences between these two operating systems might play a more pivotal role in making a better decision. We will take the two parameter by parameter:
● Basics: Let’s begin with the basics. Android is brain child of Google. The primary format of this one adheres to pixel phones and allows the likes of Huawei, LG, HTC, and Samsung add their own skins over the top for their own hardware.
iOS is Apple’s baby and these are developed in sync with the hardware. It is for this reason, Apple doesn’t concerns itself with creation of a code that fits various devices from different manufacturers. In short, these are quite similar to each other. Both these OS allow users to make calls, take photos, convey messages, and hundreds of other apps that help in watching movies, get latest new, manage calendar, and chat with your family and friends.
Another noteworthy thing is that both these contenders have borrowed a heck off features from each other, therefore, issues that differentiate iPhone from Android such as widgets or notifications are no more that important. You only need to focus on some major differences.
● Hardware: One of the biggest edge that Android holds over iOS is in terms of choices because of its adaptable OS. The Huawei P20 Pro, the Pixel 2, and Samsung Galaxy 9, and so many others are there that you can choose from.
However, with respect to iOS and iPhone you have very less choices. Yes, there are a few models every other year, but you will only be stuck with the limited designs that Apple has to offer. Going for Apple would be great if you are fond of its aesthetics but your choices of hardware will always be quite restricted.
● OS Compatibility: In case you are looking for a way to always have latest version of smartphone operating system then you need to go for an iPhone. Android makers are quite slow in updating the phone and many a times they just don’t update the phones. Therefore, it is expected that older the phone gets more it loses the ability to support latest version of phone OS.
Apple stands as a winner in this case. For example, iOS 11 offers complete support for iPhone 5S that was launched way back in 2013. Since it is capable of supporting search old devices, it offers, complete support for all other models thereafter. On the contrary, the Android 8 or Oreo, was working on just 0.2% of Android handsets even after 2 months of its release. You can easily make out the difference.
● Apps Selection And Control: The Apple Store provides much lesser apps as compared to Google Play Store. Apple is known for its restricting nature when it comes to App permissions. Google, on the other hand, is quite flexible in terms of app selection and control. However, the restricted nature of Apple has borne some sweet fruits for its users from time to time. Remember the time when fake version of WhatsApp was published on Google Play Store that was downloaded by more than 1 million users before its removal. iPhone users need not worry about such security threats.
Apart from this, there are many developers who complain about complexities related to development of so many phones. The higher number of devices as well as their OS versions elevate development prices for Android. It is not easy for developers to cover their costs because of higher support demands and free apps influence on Android. Almost all apps debut on iOS while the Android versions follow up later.
● Features: Android is more customisable as compared to iOS. If you don’t like any default app or the web browser you can easily change it. One can easily place visit over the home screen and leave as much gap as they want among icons. Android can be transformed completely through a Launcher app.
But, with Apple’s iPhone this is not possible. IOS is known for offering a more polished experience to the users, they know how to keep their uses safe from unwanted slowdown and security threats.
● Affordability: Applause always been a market leader when it comes to pricing and iPhone x took the standard to a completely new level. The nominal price for brand new iPhone X is $1000 while the same for iPhone 8 starts from $800. If you don’t wish to extend your budget you can always go for the two year old 6S that can be purchased for price of $450 while it can be availed at a price of $350.
But, if you are looking for more variety and something that doesn’t destroys your monthly budget, then it is Android that you need to go for. If you want to expand your budget a little you can always go for Samsung Galaxy Note or Google Pixel 2 phones that stand abreast with Apple’s iPhone. It is one of the best options for those who have limited budget and requirements pertaining mobile usage.
● Battery Life & Charging: Battery life is one of the biggest issues for almost all smartphone owners. And despite all similarities and differences these two wires cannot be compared in this respect because they do not have the same hardware. iOS is customised to extract most from its battery per mAh rating, however, you can purchase an Android phone that will have much bigger battery that can outstand iPhone anytime.
Both iOS and Android permit the users to see battery usage broken down into pieces by app. Still it is only Android that gives accurate estimate of how much battery life is left. Both have power saving mode that expand battery life by restricting connectivity, performance, and several other power consuming features. Still Android does it better than IOS.
● Accessibility: There is a wide perception that Android is much more complicated than IOS, however, you need not get into customisation options if you don’t wish to. Both these platforms are known for providing the best range of accessibility features. If you are looking for a phone for some elderly person or someone who is scared of technology you will definitely find some good features on Android.
Makers like Samsung have alternators like “ easy mode” turning the interface into a bigger and easier one for senior people. There are a number of apps that serve elderly people on IOS and Android. Finally, iOS is much more easier and simpler to use in several ways. It is even across all iOS devices while Android differ a little device to device. Also, there are a few who think that iOS is more organised than Android phones.
● Camera: This one accounts to be one of the most complicated parameters for comparison. There are many who argue that Apple is best when it comes to colouring, lighting, and other necessary details. However, Android is also catching up bringing a big contradiction to this assertion. Phones like Google’s Pixel 2 XL and Pixel XL have some of the best cameras that mobile users have seen so far. Only iPhone X and iPhone 8 Plus complete closely with these. It is true that most of current versions of Android phones have great cameras there is slight variance in camera quality for middle range phones. The latter have no competition with iPhone cameras.
The budget friendly Android phones have lowest quality cameras. As photo quality of apps, the camera apps an efficient and fast over both platforms. If you want something that ensures best results and ease of use you may want to go with iOS camera. The diversity is more on Android phones because every OEM add up their own camera apps with lots of features. But the final Trophy here goes to iOS that promise best smartphone camera experience.
● Security: There are so many who love to exaggerate the threat of malware in Android, but it is more of a myth. The fact is most users rarely encountered an issue since they rarely install an app from elsewhere than Google Play Store. Specific phone makers like Samsung go to extra length to enhance security for their enterprise market. However, the nature of Android updates can easily delay crucial security patches. Speedy updates are now much more important since security breaches are getting more and more serious. Android is the main source behind the world of updates, unless you own a stock Android handset then it will be much less secure. Since millions and millions of Android handsets are still running on old software these are vulnerable to some serious hacks like Stagefright and Heartbleed.
Apple, on the other hand, is one of the major players in corporate America and has strived consistently to beef up the security of the world. It puts much emphasis on user privacy, so you can stay assured about your personal data. It is not read or stored by Apple, everything is encrypted. Android encrypts a part of the data as well but privacy is not that prioritized. Google can mine you data for information that can also be used for marketing purposes. The users’ data is also stored and observed for improved AI experience.
● Integration And Continuity: There are so many people out there who use wearables, computers, and tablets along with their smartphones. Apple offers the best consistent and integrated experience to their users. Since Apple creates all its products along iPhone, it provides features that Android cannot. The continuity features of Apple allow one to unlock your Mac with an Apple Watch. You know you can start writing a message over your iPhone and finish it over your Mac as you reach office.
Android users need not be disappointed since features like Google Now, Gmail, and Maps work over all Android based devices. However, for this you will need your computer, watch and tablet from same maker.
Conclusion
If you consider numerically, both Android and iOS have their own share of wins in all important categories. For most users, alternative app stores or rooting are not as crucial as security or accessibility. Therefore, it is not fair to favor any one of the two, the final decision would be a matter of perception for a user. If you decide to take on Android, ensure that you do your homework on the version of Android that is installed in the phone. Also, make sure to check the manufacturer’s skin and the maker’s record for software updates. Lastly, various people have different priorities, so you need to pay attention to those features that are most important for you. Ensure that your decision is based on those. If security and privacy are your prime concern then you might want to give priority to iOS. Both platforms are maturing and are getting packed with more and more features which is why we happily suggest either.
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