Google is the company that makes Android. It puts its own Pixel-flavored version on its Pixel phones and lets companies like Samsung, Oppo, Sony, and others put their own skins on top for their own hardware. iOS is the mobile operating system that runs Apple’s iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. It’s made at the same time as the hardware, so Apple doesn’t have to worry about making the code work with 100 different devices from 12 different companies.
In the end, they are both pretty much the same. They both let you make calls, send messages, take photos, and use hundreds of apps to watch movies, chat with friends, read the news, manage your calendar, and so on. They’ve also taken a lot from each other over the years. Things like notifications and widgets that used to set Android apart from the iPhone don’t matter as much as they used to. But, as we’ll see, there are still some important differences.
With iPhones, the hardware and operating system are joined at the hip. When it comes to Android phones, things are different. Android phone models are so different from each other that comparing the iPhone 13 to, say, an excellent low-cost Android phone like the Moto G Power from 2020, is like comparing apples and oranges. A better comparison would be the brand-new Samsung Galaxy S22 or the Google Pixel 6 line, both of which are out now.
Android phones are the most popular on the market. In the fourth quarter of 2022, 72% of all smartphone sales were Android phones. This is because Android doesn’t just work with one brand. Almost every smartphone that Apple doesn’t make will have an Android operating system. Android is used by Google, Samsung, Motorola, and many other top smartphone makers. At the same time, iOS can only be used on the few iPhones that are available at any given time.
But iPhones are still the most popular smartphones on the market, even though they have much less hardware to choose from. Four of the top five most popular smartphones in the US in October 2022 were iPhones. This means that older Apple phones are doing better than newer ones from other companies.
iPhone vs Android: Pricing
Buying a new phone is not cheap, but both the iPhone and Android platforms have options for low-cost and high-end phones. The price of every phone model is affected by how much storage space it has. The iPhone SE, which costs $429.00 for 64 GB of storage, was the least expensive iPhone that made our list of the Best Cell Phones of 2023. The Google Pixel 5a costs $449, which is about $20 more, and it has 128 GB of storage and an extra camera on the back.
Samsung makes some of the most expensive Android phones on the market right now: The 2023 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 is the most expensive phone on our list. It starts at $1,799.99 and has 256 GB of storage. The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max starts at $1,099.00 and has 128 GB of storage. Both phones have cameras and screens that are about the same, but the Fold3’s screen is bigger. Both iPhone and Android have phones for a wide range of budgets, depending on the user’s needs.
iPhone vs Android: Comparison Table
| iPhone | Android | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | iOS | Android (Google) |
| Customization | Limited customization options, with a consistent user interface across devices | Extensive customization options, allowing users to personalize their device’s look and feel |
| Device Options | Limited range of iPhone models, typically released annually | Wide range of devices from various manufacturers with varying features, designs, and price points |
| App Store | Apple’s App Store, known for strict guidelines and curated app selection | Google Play Store, offering a larger app selection with a more open approach |
| Integration | Deep integration with other Apple products and services (e.g., iCloud, iMessage, AirDrop) | Seamless integration with Google services and cross-platform compatibility |
| Software Updates | Timely and consistent software updates provided by Apple for a few years after device release | Software updates vary across manufacturers, with some devices receiving updates for a shorter period |
| Security | Generally considered more secure due to Apple’s strict control over software and app approval process | Security can vary across Android devices, with some manufacturers providing regular security updates |
| Price Range | Generally higher-priced devices, with flagship models at the premium end | Wide range of devices available across different price points, including budget-friendly options |
| User Interface | User-friendly interface with a simple and cohesive design | User interfaces vary across manufacturers, offering more diversity in terms of design and features |
| Ecosystem | Tightly integrated ecosystem with other Apple devices, allowing seamless continuity between devices | Offers a more open ecosystem with compatibility across various devices and platforms |
| Official Link | Visit Website | Visit Website |
iPhone vs Android: Features
The iPhone has a lot of different features that make it popular and make users happy. The easy-to-use interface of Apple’s iOS operating system is one thing that stands out. The interface is known for its user-friendly design, which makes it easy to move around and use the device. iPhones also work well with other Apple products, which makes for a smooth ecosystem. This makes it easy for iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other Apple products to work together and stay in sync.
Android is easier to change. If you don’t like the SMS app or web browser that comes with the phone, you can change it. You can put widgets on the home screen and leave spaces between the rows of icons. With a launcher app, you can change everything about Android. Even though iOS now lets you add widgets, it’s still not as flexible as Android.
iPhone vs Android: Software
Operating system: The source code for a “open” operating system is public and can be used by anyone. “Closed” operating systems don’t share their source code with the public. Apple devices use closed systems, while Android devices use open systems. If being able to change your phone’s software is important to you, you might like an Android phone.
Security: Companies often put out system updates that can be downloaded directly to a phone to keep it running well. There may be new features and security patches in these updates. Phone makers put out updates every once in a while. As long as they have a supported hardware device, iPhone users will be able to receive and download updates for their phones. Android phone makers support security updates for a certain number of years and a limited number of software “generations” after you buy the phone.
Apps: The app stores for both Android and Apple seem to have an endless number of apps, and major app developers have made it a point to make their best apps available for both iOS and Android. Still, Apple’s closed-source system and strict rules for submitting apps to the iOS App Store mean that more high-performing apps are available. The open-source system of Android makes it possible for more and better apps to be made, including those on the Google Play Store.
iPhone: Pros and Cons
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Timely software updates
- Seamless ecosystem integration
- High-quality hardware and build
Cons
- Limited customization options
- Dependency on iTunes
- Limited storage expansion
Android: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Wide device selection
- Expandable storage
- Google services integration
- Open ecosystem
Cons
- User interface inconsistency
- Bloatware
- Security concerns
- Learning curve
Which one should you consider?
So, should you get an iPhone or an Android? Both platforms have their pros and cons, and your choice will depend on what you care most about. Having an iPhone makes life easier and more convenient. There’s less to think about, and because Apple’s iPhone is the most popular smartphone brand, you can get help just about anywhere, whether you need a new battery or a new case. Also, at least in the U.S., iMessage is a big draw.
In those ways, it’s a bit harder to own an Android device. At the same time, it gives you more freedom because you can choose how much you want to spend, which hardware and software features you want, and how you want to organize and personalize your experience. If you’re not sure which device you should switch to, our lists of the best iPhones and best Android phones are a great place to start. No matter what device you choose, make sure it works with the operating system you want.
FAQs
When compared to Android phones, Apple phones work better. They are made to work more quickly and easily. Even the older models of iPhone work well and run smoothly. iPhones feel like magic because they have a lot of storage space inside.
They protect your personal information with security features like facial or fingerprint authentication. The iPhone’s OS and platform are so limited that apps can’t even track what you do online. It also encrypts all of its iMessages and FaceTime video calls from start to finish.
