So much Android like iOS are mobile operating systems, but they target two very different types of devices. Android is Google’s answer to the iPhone, with a focus on simplicity and easy-to-use software. It runs on low-cost smartphones that can run multiple applications simultaneously. iOS is Apple’s answer to Android, bringing together the hardware, software, and services of its other products. It uses advanced algorithms to create an optimized user experience. Both operating systems have pros and cons that can influence your decision on which one you should use. Let’s look at some similarities and differences between Android and iOS so you have a better idea of which one is the most suitable for you.
What is Android?
Android is Google’s open source mobile operating system. Like iOS, it started with the iPhone, but has since evolved into a much more flexible platform that supports a wide range of devices (although always Apple). Android has a wide range of uses, from smartphones and tablets to home appliances and smart cars. Android devices are popular because they are cheap, with prices starting around $200. They have also become more powerful and easier to use with each release. Android phones, tablets, and other devices are available from a wide range of manufacturers, including Samsung, LG, Motorola, and Asus.
What is iOS?
The Apple iOS it is the operating system that runs on iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches. Like Android, it started out as an open source platform, but was quickly shut down. To access the App Store, manufacturers had to sign an agreement that allowed Apple to control the software and appearance of the device. This means that iOS devices are very similar to each other, which can be a plus or minus depending on your preferences. There are a variety of iOS device options, including iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches. Because iOS is designed to work with the broader ecosystem of Apple products, you also have options to use your phone with a Mac or use an iPad with a Mac using a device that looks like a big screen.
Android vs iOS: Which is better?
Although iPhone and Android devices are similar in many ways, they also have many key differences that can influence your decision on which one is right for you. Let’s take a look at what each system has to offer and how each compares to the other.
- Hardware: Android has been improving its hardware options over time to give users more options, including phones with better screens and cameras. Apple, on the other hand, has focused on keeping the iPhone lineup at a stable price with the same look and feel to keep costs down. That said, there are plenty of third-party iPhone case and screen options out there.
- Software: Android software is much more open source than iOS software and therefore much more customizable. This means that you can access a bunch of different apps that work well for specific tasks. iOS, on the other hand, is designed to work with a variety of Apple products and services, including iWork, iCloud, and even the App Store so you can download and purchase new apps. This can make navigation a bit more confusing.
- Services: Android has a much broader ecosystem of apps and services than iOS. This means there are more options for finding things you want, from food delivery services to ride-sharing services. iOS has a few core apps and services like Apple Music, Apple Pay, and iCloud. This can make it a bit easier to navigate.
Differences between the two operating systems
As to The main differences between the two are:
- Hardware: Android devices can use a variety of different hardware components like a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip and an Nvidia GPU, among others, allowing them to have more heterogeneous performance than an iPhone running on an Apple A Series chip. This is because Android is open source and allows manufacturers to include their own components. iOS devices have been designed to work with Apple hardware, including the A chip, so a different hardware option cannot be used.
- Screen size: Android devices can have screens of any size, from a small smartphone to a large tablet or television. iOS devices have a smaller range of screen sizes, from an iPhone that is the size of a credit card to an iPad that is the size of a magazine.
- screen resolution: Android has been steadily improving its displays to make them sharper and more vivid than the iPhone’s glass screen, resulting in a better viewing experience. iOS hasn’t changed screen resolution much in recent years, so the closer-to-glass display they use on the iPhone is still adequate for most uses.
- Operating system: Android is an open source operating system that allows users to download different versions of the software. This means that you can find the Android version of the apps that work best for your tasks. iOS is specifically designed to work with Apple hardware and services.
- Battery duration: Android battery life has been steadily improving, especially for smartphones, because manufacturers are adding more juice to batteries. iOS hasn’t made many changes to battery life, but early on it got a good optimization to last hours and hours without having to charge the battery.
- Processor speed: Android devices have been getting faster with each version, and the latest phones use the latest Snapdragon 855 processor. This means better performance for running apps and games. iOS devices have been running on the same processors for several years now, so they have increased speed but they don’t have GPUs like the Adreno or x86 GPUs like the Radeon that are beginning to be integrated into some Samsung SoCs.
- WeightNote: Android devices are a bit heavier than iPhones, due to the amount of hardware they include. This can make it a bit more difficult to hold the phone in your hand while using it. iOS devices are usually slightly lighter than Android devices and can be held comfortably in one hand.
Why choose Android?
Android is a open source operating system which allows users to download different versions of the software and choose their hardware options. This means that you can find the version of Android applications that best suits your tasks. In addition, Android has a rich ecosystem of applications and services, so you can find what you want, such as food delivery services and options for ride sharing. Android devices have improved battery life, and new smartphones last a few hours longer than the iPhone, especially some mobile devices that have been designed with battery life in mind. In short, Android is more open and flexible, while iOS is more closed and opaque.