Comparing Apple to Android: Which Is Better for You?

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As the worlds of personal computers and smartphones have merged, more people are making their buying decisions based on which operating system they're most comfortable with. With over 1 billion Android devices sold in the past 4 years, the iPhone's iPhone market share has decreased while Android's has increased significantly. Here are some key differences between the two popular smartphone operating systems to help you decide what to choose.

The Smartphone Market

One of the most important distinctions between iOS and Android is the smartphone market. The number of Android smartphone devices sold (especially in China, India and Eastern Europe) is at least 3 times larger than the number of iPhones sold in the US (about 40 percent of smartphone buyers consider themselves non-iPhone). As a result, most Android users today have a wider range of devices to choose from than iOS users. Choosing a Smartphone Based on Features There's a long list of software features that Android offers and that Apple doesn't. You have multiple user accounts. You can lock your phone with a fingerprint sensor or unlock it using an iris scanner.

The Operating System

You've probably used both iPhone and Android already. By now you know that you can't remove the home button on the iPhone, and you also know that the iPhone's iPhone operating system is iOS. The Android operating system (called Android OS) on the other hand is known as "Nexus" because it is developed by Google, the same company that develops Android. So what do these two operating systems have in common? Apple and Google share similar values. They both put a high priority on users' privacy. They also take an open approach when it comes to the integration of different types of apps and technologies. Unlike Apple, which favors the American model of business (including privacy), Google offers everyone a free and open alternative to its products.

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Security

Every time you connect to the internet, your data is being stored and transmitted. Hackers and cyber-criminals can steal that information or hold it for ransom. For example, hackers can gain access to a person's contacts list and contact information. The average person has more than 1,500 contacts on their Android device, compared to the iPhone's roughly 500. Android is more open and tolerant of different operating system user interfaces, which gives hackers a lot of control over your device. One good reason to purchase an Android phone is its built-in security. The user can install its own mobile operating system to provide more protection.

Design

Let's face it—the iPhone's flat, all-metal chassis is hard to beat. Samsung's Galaxy S7, which I have in my pocket right now, has a curved, 2.5D glass front, back, and sides, which give the smartphone a much more pleasing appearance. However, both the Galaxy S7 and the iPhone 7 have glass backs and front panels. These are extremely fragile and easy to break, so do take care if you drop your phone. For a step up from the iPhone's iPhone 7 Plus, check out the Google Pixel, which has a much more attractive design that also sports a glossy finish. Operating System Now we're talking! Android is a sleek, free, and open-source operating system that's compatible with a plethora of third-party apps, but unfortunately it is not as familiar to iOS users.

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Functionality

Some Android apps are accessed through apps on your mobile device. These apps include most of the phone's basic apps, such as email, calendar, maps, contacts, and messaging. On the other hand, Apple's iOS apps can be accessed from a traditional computer in your office or home. You can also download new iOS apps to your iPhone directly from Apple. That means iOS apps can be accessed from both a computer or your mobile device. Hitting the App Store Even though there are currently over 2 million iPhone apps available for download, the App Store has the majority of the software listed in the Google Play Store. Apple has maintained a tighter control of its app store and the apps listed there.

Conclusion

This comparison was designed to highlight key differences between Apple's iOS and Android's Android operating systems. Because there are a number of differences between Apple's iOS and Android's Android, in a complex system like smartphones, it's important to read multiple reviews before deciding which to choose.