The two major operating systems for smartphones are Android and iOS. But how exactly do the systems differ and is one better than the other?
For more than a decade now, the technology world has been debating which is better: Android or iOS or iPhone? The fact is that these two smartphone operating systems determine a large part of the market. Other systems come together to not even 5 percent. So anyone who buys a smartphone is inevitably faced with the question of whether they want to work with Android or iOS. TECHBOOK explains the strengths and weaknesses of the systems in direct comparison.
Functionality with other devices
The extensive ecosystem speaks in favor of the iPhone from Apple. The manufacturer’s devices and their seamless interaction are understood as such. Apple devices are known to work very well together. For example, if you write something on the MacBook, you can simply continue editing the document on the iPhone. On the other hand, if you’re listening to music on the iPhone and switching to a movie on the iPad, the AirPods automatically switch the source – not to mention that they always connect quickly and smoothly to other Apple devices.
Google has already significantly improved its Android operating system in this regard. But none of the Android manufacturers come close to integrating with other devices that Apple offers. On the other hand, Apple is having a hard time with compatibility with other devices. So the iOS advantage primarily comes into play if you have other Apple devices.
Privacy on iOS and Android
When it comes to data protection and privacy, Apple’s iPhone is ahead of all Android smartphones. On the iPhone, for example, you can prohibit apps from tracking you and get a warning if the camera or microphone is recording.
In addition, one can hide the actual identity when registering on websites. Apps from Apple’s App Store are also more secure than what’s available in the Google Play Store for Android smartphones.
Also interesting: That’s why our editor switched to the iPhone after 13 years
The update strategy
Another plus point for the iPhone is long-term and fast updates. The iPhone 6s, for example, has received updates for seven years – and always directly to the rollout, without any delay. Among other things, this ensures more security on the mobile phone. Users of older models will also benefit from new functions for longer, provided they are compatible with their older devices.
Even premium Android smartphones often don’t get more than two to three years of feature updates. And when it does, it takes a long time for the updates to actually arrive.
scope and variety
Without a doubt, the greatest strength of Android smartphones is their sheer diversity. From a 100 euro budget device to a 2000 euro folding smartphone, everything is possible. Apple smartphones, on the other hand, often only start at 500 euros. Innovations such as folding displays are often found on Android first. In addition, you are not tied to just one manufacturer, as with iOS and Apple, but have a large selection.
Android smartphones also offer significantly more customization options than the iPhone. You can change the home screen, install new themes, set other default apps and even change icons. These options do not exist within the iOS system or only to a limited extent.
Conclusion: Android or iOS?
So what’s better? That depends on where you’re from. If you already have an iPhone and other Apple devices, switching to Android can be difficult. That’s less of a problem going the other way. Instead, when making the jump from Android to iPhone, you have to accept many limitations.