The Android vs. iOS comparison is a never-ending argument. It will likely never have a true winner, but we’ll help you select your favorite. The most recent versions of both operating systems, iOS 16 and Android 13, are outstanding but in significantly different ways. Even though they share several features, their designs are distinct. 

Comparing iPhone vs. Android, we examine the various advantages of each mobile platform so you can make an informed decision the next time you purchase a smartphone. Android powers the vast majority of the world’s smartphones, and because so many manufacturers produce Android devices, they are available at every price point. 

There are inexpensive phones under $500, some of the greatest, and foldable exceeding $1,000. You may find an Android device that suits your budget or offers distinct features, regardless of how much you can spend. The same cannot be true about iPhones, whose prices have typically been high at launch and decreased with each succeeding model. 

The iPhone 13 mini, which costs $699, is one of the most affordable new Apple smartphones. The Galaxy S21 FE has the exact pricing as the Galaxy S21 but comes with a larger and more fluid 6.4-inch 120Hz display, a telephoto lens, and a larger battery. Android has always been the platform for consumers to enjoy customized smartphones. 

A Brief Android vs. iOS Comparison

An Android phone begins with the home screen launcher, which gives dynamic widgets and the flexibility to place apps wherever you want. iOS 14 has brought this feature to the iPhone for the first time. Android allows you to download third-party replacements for essential services such as web browsers, keyboards, and media players and set them as the default versions. 

iOS has improved in this aspect, but the approach still needs to be more convenient. Despite the decline in the popularity of expandable storage in recent years, certain Android phones still offer it. It allows you to store photographs, apps, and other media that won’t fit your device’s internal memory on a microSD card. 

It is an incredible benefit because of the expensive fees that Apple and other phone manufacturers charge to double or triple storage when you purchase your cell phone. Why add $100 to $150 to the price of a new phone for an additional 128GB or 256GB of storage when you can get a 512GB memory card for $70?

In addition, while headphone jacks are becoming increasingly rare on high-end smartphones, certain Android handsets still include them – a feature Apple eliminated from its phones in 2016. It is a major issue for those who still want wired headphones. These days, Android phones rely primarily on USB-C connections for charging and data transfer.

It is incredibly convenient if you travel light and carry only one cable. USB-C is present on many PCs. In contrast to Apple’s Lightning cable, a relic of the days when every computer manufacturer felt forced to build its proprietary connector, USB-C represents the industry’s ideal single-port solution. Additionally, it paves the way for speedier charging solutions.

In just 15 minutes, the OnePlus 9 Pro’s battery can be charged from zero to 61 percent. After thirty minutes, the battery will be 99 percent charged. In contrast, the iPhone 12 continues to use the Lightning port. When you connect an Android device to a Windows P.C., you can drag and drop data into folders as if it were just another drive.

Therefore, your media libraries and documents are simple to migrate and store locally. You do not need to subscribe to a monthly cloud service if you have a large library. The iPhone blurs the file system for everything but images, which may be irritating when working with music, documents, and other media files.

iPhone vs. Android: Which Of These Introduces The Upgrades First?

Typically, innovative features arrive on Android phones first. However, because of a singular philosophy, iOS can be hesitant to adopt new technology, or at least slower than the Android community. With so many firms manufacturing Android phones, it should be no surprise that Android partners typically beat Apple to market with mobile upgrades. 

Wireless charging, quick charging, 4G LTE, 5G, OLED displays, water resistance, and multi-lens cameras debuted on Android devices before iPhones, as did software innovations such as real multitasking, copy-and-paste, and multi-window support. It does not imply that Apple has yet to produce its innovations. 

The iPhone X wasn’t the first smartphone to include face recognition, but it was the first with a reliable and safe implementation. However, a variety of manufacturers introduce significantly more Android phones each year. Thus it is a matter of scale that devices running Google’s platform are more adaptable. 

Android vs. iPhone: Which Option Should You Pick?

iPhone versus Android: Which operating system should you select? Both platforms offer advantages and disadvantages, and your choices will rely on what you value most. There’s less to consider, and because Apple’s iPhone is the most popular smartphone brand, there’s a plethora of assistance everywhere, whether you need a new battery or a case.

Android ownership is more difficult in some regards. Yet it is paradoxically more liberating because it provides more options for how much you wish to spend, hardware and software features, and organizing and customizing your experience. You may find Android more liberating if you’re highly fussy about the technology you use.

If you need help deciding which smartphone to switch to, go through this blog to give a detailed overview of the Android vs. iOS comparison. We have compared the best features of both iPhones and top Android phones. Make sure that whichever operating system you choose is compatible with your budget.

Android vs. iOS – Comparison Of Important Features

Price 

Apple’s pricing has always been on the top end of the market, but the iPhone X’s $1,000 elevated things to a new level. Since then, Apple’s iPhones have not been significantly cheaper, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max begins at $1,100. The iPhone 12 starts at $800, while the iPhone SE (2020) — Apple’s least expensive iPhone — begins at $400. 

Apple continues to increase its product line, but unless you shop on the secondary market, the cheapest iPhone is $400. Android is unparalleled in terms of scale and variety. You can spend a lot if you want to; Samsung’s cutting-edge folding Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G costs $2,000, but there is also a vast selection of nice, inexpensive handsets for as little as $100. 

Android’s dominance in terms of free applications makes it the obvious choice for those on a budget. Apple’s iOS is a unique operating system, but its high entry price has always been one of its main concerns. Apple’s iPhone SE and iPhone 12 reduce the cost of entry, but they cannot compete with Android’s vast selection of inexpensive devices. 

Applications

Let’s begin by looking at the numbers. It is approximately the number of applications available in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store: Android apps: 2.7 million and iOS apps: 1.82 million. Most of us only use a few apps, and the most popular ones are available on both platforms, so numbers are not the ideal gauge.

Historically, iOS has been a more lucrative platform for developers. These new apps have the propensity to debut there first. However, this trend is shifting as Android’s market share continues to rise. In the United States, iOS is still dominant, but developers in other countries are increasingly prioritizing Android.     

It is challenging to organize millions of programs and games, and neither the Google Play Store nor the Apple App Store accomplishes it flawlessly. Apple’s App Store offers a superior mobile browsing experience and performs better with customized recommendations. The Play Store is easier to find, and you can install applications from your desktop.

Both operating systems have taken greater protection against harmful apps and spyware, making it safer than ever to download programs. Still, the Play Store has more free apps than the App Store. However, the best mobile games are still exclusive to iOS. Ultimately, quality trumps quantity, so this is a tiny victory for iOS.

Map-Access

Apple Maps had a shaky beginning as the more recent navigation system. You can download offline maps, obtain realistic predictions based on current traffic conditions, and obtain turn-by-turn driving or walking directions. Apple has gotten further closer to Google Maps with the addition of cycling instructions and other iOS 14 enhancements. 

There is also integration with public transit services. They are all functional and should get you to your destination. Apple Maps is now a genuine competitor to Google Maps. While Google Maps is still our preferred map application, Apple has made significant advances toward parity in recent years, and Apple Maps is now a serious contender. 

Even on an iOS device, we would still download Google Maps, but if you choose Apple’s map software over Google’s, you will not receive a substandard product. Due to its larger database of reviews and businesses, Google Maps has a slight advantage. Still, its lead has shrunk significantly, and we expect this category to become a draw eventually.

Battery 

As one of the most common complaints among smartphone customers, battery life is a significant factor. Comparing the two systems is difficult due to the need for shared hardware. iOS is intended to maximize battery life per mAh rating. However, you can get an Android smartphone with a significantly larger battery that will easily outlast the iPhone.

Android and iOS allow you to view your battery usage per app at a glance, but only Android estimates the remaining battery life. They both have power-saving modes that can increase battery life by reducing performance, connectivity, and other battery-draining features, but Android offers greater control over how these modes operate.

Android enjoyed an advantage in the charging arena for a long time since many Android phones provided fast and wireless charging. Apple’s iPhone 11, iPhone X, and even the iPhone SE (2020) have wireless charging and quick charging, so they’re close behind. You have to purchase the fast-charging adaptor separately for some iPhone models. 

The iPhone 11 Pro came with a fast charger. However, it was one of the last iPhones to have a charger. From the iPhone 12 onwards, you will need to purchase a charger separately, as the Lightning-to-USB-C connector is currently the sole cord included with iPhones. As with the headphone jack, the new Galaxy S21 range does not include a charger.

Personalization

It has always been one of the primary strengths of Android. You may easily tweak your phone’s home screen layout, add widgets and shortcuts, and even alter the user experience with launchers. iOS 14 revolutionized iPhone users, bringing significantly greater widget capabilities to the iOS home screen. 

Some users have utilized widget-customization software to drastically alter the appearance of their devices, even though this initially appears to be more of a joke. However, it is still inferior to Android, which supports third-party launchers that can transform your phone into something wholly different.

Accessibility

Android is perceived to be more complicated than iOS, although there is no need to delve into customization possibilities. Both systems offer an extensive selection of accessibility options. If you’re searching for a gadget for an old relative or a technophobe, Android has a few specialized options, but they tend to limit what’s feasible. 

In addition to “Easy mode,” which enlarges the UI and streamlines the entire experience, Samsung and other manufacturers offer “Easy mode” alternatives, or you can use a third-party program to get the same result. Regardless of the operating system, many excellent apps are focused on the elderly for Android and iOS.

iOS is ultimately simpler and easier to use in significant ways. It is uniform across all iOS devices, although Android devices from different manufacturers have subtle variations. IOS is less cluttered and more streamlined than most Android phones, while Google’s stock Android is as sleek and user-friendly.

Calls & Messages

Primary calling and texting capabilities are included on both platforms, but Android can be complicated. First, it appeared that Google was incorporating everything into Hangouts, which enables texts, SMS, video chat, group chat, and more over Wi-Fi or your data network. The company then released Duo and is now retiring both! 

Messages are the default texting application, and it appears to be Google’s primary messaging app, as it now supports RCS. Many manufacturers, however, choose to offer their solutions. Many Android phones include their own messaging and dialer applications in addition to Google’s messaging applications, making the issue even more complex.

Since Apple controls iOS directly, it is much simpler. FaceTime and iMessage are preinstalled on every iPhone and iPad, making it incredibly simple to communicate with friends and family. While iMessage is incredibly simple, it is most effective when interacting with other iPhone users, establishing a culture of blue vs. green bubbles. 

Email

The default email apps for Android and iOS are incredibly user-friendly and simple to configure. You can import multiple email accounts and read them in a single inbox. Android and iOS also provide a vast selection of third-party email applications. Gmail is a better default email program than iOS’s Mail. 

Gmail makes it simple to add email accounts from various providers. The app’s compatibility with other Google Suite applications sets it apart from the competition. The only drawback is that Android phones frequently include manufacturer-made email programs that may or may need to be better.

Camera

Apple does the greatest job of capturing lighting, color, and other details, but the most recent Android smartphones cast serious doubt on that claim. The Pixel 5 from Google has a fantastic camera, as does the iPhone 12 Pro Max. While most modern Android flagships have good or even great cameras, there is a fair amount of variation.

Also, the photo quality of many mid range handsets is inferior to that of iPhones. As expected, the majority of inexpensive Android phones feature inferior cameras. The camera applications on both platforms are superior and quick. The iOS camera app is superior in use and out-of-the-box image quality. 

Manufacturers tend to add their camera programs with numerous capabilities. Despite the strengths of phones like Google’s Pixel and Samsung’s Galaxy, we used to award this distinction to iOS for consistency. However, times have changed, and many more Android manufacturers can compete with Apple’s superior cameras. 

Cloud Storage 

Apple needs to catch up in terms of cloud storage and automatic backups. Google offers 15 GB of free storage space and supports multiple platforms. iCloud storage is limited to 5 GB and is only compatible with Windows, Mac, and iOS. Google One charges $2 per month for 100GB ($20 per year) of additional storage capacity.

On the other hand, Apple demands $1 per month for 50 GB and $3 per month for 200 GB. Apple’s 2 TB fee increases by $10 per month. Google will also provide 2 TB for this price, but if you pay for an entire year ($100 or $8.33 a month), you will receive a discount. Android’s cloud storage is more effective and easier to use than iCloud. 

Voice Assistants 

Siri and Google Assistant have several functionalities, but Siri is more of a simple assistant for establishing calendar appointments, accessing the web, and making phone calls. Google Assistant possesses an added layer. It features a conversational aspect that gives interesting games and contextual information based on what you’re doing.

It can offer useful suggestions in advance. It is more intelligent and versatile than Siri. Siri is beginning to make more suggestions based on your iPhone usage with the arrival of Siri Shortcuts in iOS 12. Currently, Google Assistant can screen calls and make bookings on your behalf, and it appears to be improving much faster.

Security

Most users will never encounter a problem because they never download apps outside the Play Store. Certain manufacturers, such as Samsung, have made additional security efforts for the enterprise sector. However, the sloppy nature of updates on many Android devices can significantly delay the release of critical security patches.

Due to the increasing severity of security breaches, implementing frequent upgrades is now more crucial than ever. Android lags behind iOS in terms of updates unless you have a stock Android device, such as a Pixel or a phone running Android One. Due to the slow update rate, Android is typically less safe against emerging threats. 

Because millions of Android phones are still running software several years old, they are susceptible to severe attacks such as Heartbleed and Stagefright. Apple is deeply rooted in corporate America and has also pushed to strengthen customer security, most notably with Touch ID and FaceID in iPhone X and later models. 

Apple has an advantage over Android due to its stringent control of apps and its ability to rapidly distribute upgrades to more devices. Additionally, the business encrypts data within iMessage and its other apps. Apple prioritizes user privacy, so you can assure that Apple does not keep or see your personal information. 

It is also entirely encrypted. However, while Android encrypts specific data, your privacy is less secure. Google harvests your data for information it can use to sell you more relevant advertising and promote better items. Your data is also stored and analyzed to enhance your AI experience.

Google asserts that it is committed to protecting its users’ privacy while offering artificial intelligence services. Still, some security experts and Apple contend that Google creates a false choice between AI and privacy. It isn’t easy to surpass that level of commitment. iOS is, without question, the most secure platform that safeguards user privacy. 

Conclusion

It is quite challenging to compare the two. As Apple controls its hardware and software, iOS provides a more consistent experience across devices. Most Android smartphone makers add their user interface to Google’s basic Android, further complicating the user experience. As a result, there is a significant difference between the latest models.

The iPhone is the obvious option if security and privacy are crucial considerations. If battery life and the ability to customize your phone are your top priorities, consider Android. Android and iOS are both mature, feature-rich platforms with more similarities than differences, and we enthusiastically endorse either.

If you opt for an Android smartphone, do your homework and consider the Android version and the manufacturer’s track record with software upgrades. Ultimately, different categories will matter to different people, so you should focus on the ones that matter to you and make your decision accordingly. 

References:

• https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/android-vs-ios/
• https://asianatimes.com/which-operating-system-is-better-ios-or-android/
• https://www.lifewire.com/iphone-vs-android-best-smartphone-2000309
• https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/technology/cell-phones/iphone-vs-android
• http://www.tomsguide.com/face-off/iphone-vs-android