Smartphones are obviously ruling the town. Major phone manufacturers such as Samsung, Motorola, Blackberry, Sony Ericsson, and others go head to head in creating, developing, and releasing the best smartphone they could offer. At the moment, two operating systems – Google Android and Apple iOS – are the arguably the best among the rest.
With the iPhone as the most popular between the two, there is still a question that arises – which really is better, the iPhone or the high-end Android phone?
Of course this question is really difficult to answer as both have distinct advantages. That’s why this article addresses some of the advantages and disadvantages offered by each mobile operating system.
Variety of Choices – Advantage Android
If it’s about looking for a lot of different choices, then obviously it’s Android all the way. The user has only two choices for the iPhone, this year’s model and last year’s model. Every year Apple releases one new iPhone. There are over 100 Android powered phones and that number is continuing to grow – it seems like there is a new Android phone coming out every few days.
Android can be found not only in costly phones but also in low cost phones that are free with two year contract and $250 with two year contract. A variety of screen sizes are available and pick any carrier the user wants.
And just like any other phone, there are tons of apps, cheap cell phone cases and covers and whatever else you’d need to properly pimp out your phone to your liking. Personally I like the Slam Case by Lifeproof, it’s sturdy and I’ve never had a problem with my phone even though I seem to constantly drop it. And they make cases for both Android and iPhone.
Cool Apps – Advantage iPhone
If it’s about the biggest selection of apps, then the iPhone with the Apple App Store has the advantage by about 200,000 apps. The Android Market isn’t a slouch by any means. It does have over 100,000 apps, but it obviously just has less. Most developers develop for the Apple App Store first because people are more used to paying for apps on the iPhone than they are on Android. At the moment, the biggest difference is in games. iPhone games are simply far better than on the android. And there is a wide variety of games on the iPhone.
Cell Phone Carrier – Advantage Android
In the U.S., the iPhone is now available on two carriers. Users are no longer stuck with AT&T which is a good thing for many people as AT&T has had more than its share of network problems over the years with the iPhone. However, the iPhone still isn’t available for Sprint or TMobile which both offer lowest cost plans than Verizon and AT&T so the advantage here of course goes to Android.
Adobe Flash (i.e. Most Videos) – Advantage Android
When it comes to watching videos, many YouTube videos can be played on the iPhone. However, plenty of videos are found elsewhere and they all use Adobe Flash. Many online games also use Flash as well so if you enjoy playing them, you’ll probably have some difficultly. Android Phones (Android 2.2 or later) support Flash so that means accessibility with a wide variety of videos and games on the phone is possible.
Skyfire, a workaround app on the iPhone will work for some of these cases, but it’s not nearly as nice as the iPhone being able to support it and it certainly doesn’t “just work” as Apple has tried to make their devices do. But due to the “Death of Flash” this is becoming less of an obstacle.
Ease Of Use – Advantage iPhone
A user-friendly iPhone is far preferred than with phones that somewhat needs a degree of engineering to be used. The Android is relatively easy to use; however it’s still not nearly as intuitive as the iPhone. The iPhone has a simple elegance to it. Android powered smartphones tend to appeal more to the tech savvy crowd. Just like with computers, some people like Windows and some people like Mac OS. Go to the store and play with both for a little bit and see which one appeals to you more but if the user barely know how to turn a computer on and hate computers, then stick with the iPhone as it is simpler.
Conclusion – Up To You
Everything is just a matter of preference. Not everybody would like the same thing as each user is different among else. Ultimately it is going to depend on what you want. Others prefer an Android, others enjoy an iPhone, others found both fun and easy to use. Get whichever one you like best. After all, the one to enjoy should be you, not anyone else.
Leave a Reply