iOS vs Android is a debate that’s been going on for almost a decade now. A controversial subject – with equally compelling points on both sides – which is why today we are going to explore this debate in objective terms rather than subjective ones. Read on to learn more!
Android vs iOS: The Pros and Cons
Looking at it in simpler terms at first, let’s explore some of the pros and cons of iOS and Android.
Interface and Usability
Apple fans will tell you that iOS is easier to use no matter what, but we’re not here to take sides. Sure, the iOS interface is quite easy to use, although you may need some time to adjust after switching over from Android. But the Android interface is, arguably, just as easy to use.
A slight edge that Android has is customization potential. Android smartphones give you a lot more control over your system and applications, although this will vary with other Android products, like the TV box that you use. Some people are happy with what limited customization that iPhones give them, so this category depends solely on personal taste.
iPhone cameras tend to be better than most Androids, but the cameras on phones like the Samsung Galaxy series are quite comparable.
Price and Finish
Androids vary – quite wildly, we might add – in how they look, and iPhones are always beautiful thanks to Jony Ive’s designs. Since Apple simply doesn’t make anything other than luxury phones, the iPhone will always have an advantage where looks are concerned, but it will also be disadvantaged in terms of accessibility for the same reason. Android phones vary in price as well, so every budget will be accommodated.
Elite Android phones, such as the Samsung S series and the Google Pixel, look every bit as attractive as the more recent iPhones because large companies like these can afford to control every step of the manufacturing process the way Apple does to ensure a great fit and finish. That being said, some low-end Android phones are, simply put, not the nicest to look at.
The A.I.
Androids use Google Assistant and iOS uses its ever-faithful Siri, but Google Assistant can work a bit better than Siri in some cases. If you use a lot of Google apps – Maps, Calendar, etc. – then Google Assistant will make your life a lot easier because it is more than just a voice interface to Google search.
If you’re late to a meeting and the traffic is awful, Google Assistant will work out how much earlier you need to leave, take care of any pending appointments and notify you beforehand. Siri is fine for answering questions but does not hold up as an assistant in this way. Although it can do most things that the Google Assistant can, it just doesn’t do them as well!
Siri had the advantage of being the first of its kind in the market, yes. The good news here is that if you use iOS, you can use both Google Assistant and Siri; and if you use Android then Google Assistant will get the job done for you.
Peripherals and Accessories
You will most definitely be connecting your phones to other gear, even if nothing other than earphones. Android has a bit of an advantage here. All Android devices use the standard USB port, which means there’s no end to the gadgets you can connect to your phone. iPhones have their own proprietary Lightning port, and the later models don’t have a headphone jack.
This is good news at this point though, because true wireless Bluetooth earphones are becoming popular, rendering the headphone jack a bit useless anyway. And you can use non-Apple brand Bluetooth earphones on an iPhone too if you don’t have AirPods. The only advantage that Android is left with here is that its USB cables and devices are cheaper than their Lightning port counterparts.
As far as accessories are concerned, these are much more widely available and easier to find iPhones. Famous Android smartphones like the Samsung ones also have accessories that are easy to find, but you may struggle with finding anything other than a standard case for lesser-known and cheaper Android phones.
Let’s look at some stats to see how the iOS vs Android debate is faring in financial terms. In 2020, Android and iOS jointly accounted for over 98% of the global smartphone market share. Even though Android holds 74.13% of the global market share for smartphones, this is because almost every brand that isn’t Apple uses Android. Apple still dominates the global market for tablets; holding 63.11% of its share.
In the US though, 55.55% of consumers prefer iOS over Android. For the tablet market in the US, Apple holds 70.21% of the market. Android dominates the market almost completely in Asia, holding 85.9% of the market – many people in Asian countries can’t afford luxury phones.
iOS vs Android: Security Concerns
After the infamous Facebook scandal, users have become wary of security concerns. Apple is somewhat more secure, because it has improved security features for general consumers, like Face ID in the iPhone X and later versions, and it is also deeply entrenched in corporate America to the extent where increased security becomes necessary. Thus, Apple has a tighter oversight that on apps and it pushes updates out to more devices more quickly.
Apple encrypts data in iMessage and other apps and does not store or read user data. The iCloud has, however, infamously proved to be not so reliable. Android also encrypts some data but is not as private because Google mines your data for information that is later used to sell better ads to you, and to improve you’re A.I experience. As far as malware is concerned, the threat that Android has is a bit exaggerated because most people can avoid it by not going outside the Play Store for apps. Some streaming apps, for instance, aren’t allowed on the Google Play Store for good reason. Bigger brands like Samsung have also taken extra efforts to beef up on security.
Conclusion: Which One is For You?
This is almost impossible to determine, as individual needs vary. However, here is a way to decide which one you should be looking towards.
Android is better if you prefer customization and want to experience the newest features as soon as they are available. Android is also the best option for the budget-conscious user.
iOS, on the other hand, is best for those who want consistency in their experience. If you want a phone that just works and keeps on working for years to come, then iOS is better for you. Lastly, those already embedded in the Apple ecosystem should simply opt for iOS devices without a second thought.
