There’s no denying that Android OS has taken over the mobile arena, with up to 50% of all tablets, smartphones and other mobile devices to be using variants of the Android OS. The more exclusive iPhone with its trademark iOS from Apple follows at 30% of that number.
Interface
First time smartphone owners will appreciate the easy navigability of the Apple interface—colorful icons set in rows of four on the screen. Everything is conveniently accessible at one swipe of the finger, and this is one of the iOS’ strong points.
On the other hand, Android may have more to offer in terms of interface. For instance, there’s a lot more you can do on the menu of a Samsung Galaxy SII than on an iPhone, allowing you to tweak settings at the same time from the menu, which is something you can also do on HTC Sense phones. Widgets on the Google OS, for instance, are so customizable that each user may have completely different experiences of the interface.
Still, simplicity may win more followers for Apple’s iOS, as Android can be confusing to non-aficionados.
Multitasking
It’s extremely easy to perform several functions at once on iOS. Simply double-press the home button and swipe from left to right. You can shut down applications without having to open them again on your screen by just pressing the X on the icon.
On the other hand, Android’s relatively complex interface allows you to view all running applications at once, but you can’t close them from a central location like in iOS. The latest Ice Cream Sandwich OS will offer a better multitasking function, but for now, it seems Apple has got the upper hand on this one.
Keyboard
The iPhone’s touch screen keypad is relatively accurate and works either for portrait or landscape mode, depending on your preference. Android phones have different typing reviews, depending largely on the specific model. HTC seems to have the best reviews when it comes to typing.
Camera
Apple has taken quite a leap with its camera feature on its iPhone 4S, featuring an 8 megapixel camera and fun related apps like Instagram. Still, Android has more to offer in that arena, as Android phones have several extra features that Apple cannot pull off, like HDR, color burst and a better flash.
Apps
While Apple may have had the upper hand over Android over the last few years, Android has finally gained some substantial ground over the number of iOS apps. Apple has currently 360,000 apps for its iOS, with Android at 320,000 apps—not far behind when you think about how far they’ve come. Android has also created versions of popular iOS apps that are compatible for Android phones, such as Kindle and Angry Birds.
However, Apple still has the same edge over Android in this area, most notably because of its selection of high-quality apps.
***
While it might seem like a battle that’s been waging for the longest time now, the decision between the two doesn’t have to be very hard. The trick to deciding between an Android phone and an iPhone is to determine first what you want out of a smartphone.
About the Author:
Amy C. is an avid techie enthusiast who likes writing about the latest in mobile technology. When she’s not researching the latest software releases of both Android and Apple, she spends time working for Greyside Group, a maritime security and executive protection company, specifically in its office administration and blogging activities. To learn more about Amy’s take on everything techie, stay tuned for her next post.
Image credit
Android vs iPhone: Which is Better?,
Atish
May 02. 2012
I think Android is better because you can get it for lower prices too but to get a iphone u need to spend more.
TechCrates
May 02. 2012
Agree with you ….Thanks for stopping by !
Puneet
May 04. 2012
I also agree. Its easier to get android phones at cheaper prices but iOS devices are costly.
PrIyAnGsHu
May 02. 2012
Great post buddy ! I agree wit Atish, we can get Android even at low prices but getting an iOS device will certainly be much expensive. And apart from that, there are only a few iOS devices whereas there are thousands of Android devices available in the market.
TechCrates
May 02. 2012
Thanks for your comment buddy …
Rashmi
May 03. 2012
In my opinion there is no “Better”. It all depends on what you are looking for, the budget you have and of course what suits you best.
Lincoln
May 03. 2012
I agree with Rashmi. There is no “better” between the two. Each has it own merits. Andriod is more versatile, while iPhone really scores in terms of usability and its apps.
Adeline
May 03. 2012
Well…I have an iPhone and an Android device, and I just like the way the Android works. Although the iPhone is superior in a number of ways, I feel that its a little more rigid in functionality and I totally hate the navigation..but that’s just me I guess.
TechCrates
May 03. 2012
Thanks for sharing your views …
Amit
May 03. 2012
Thanks for your awesome comparison, I love Android phone because of its open source. Developers can easily create Android application and list them in market whereas iPhone does not have these features.
Lucy
May 03. 2012
I prefer the look of android, the iphone interface looks a little dated to me now, but for simplicity it does win. I have a HTC desire S and sometimes I am baffled by how difficult it is to do what should be simple things.
I see the new adroid upgrade looks different and more customisable, will have to get around to downloading it to my phone!
Ashok
May 03. 2012
Thanks, i was looking to find the differences between Android & iphone, but i like android.
Marty
May 04. 2012
I own an Android phone but I’d also like an iPhone to decide which one is better 🙂
Gisselle
May 04. 2012
Well for me, Android is still better and I am sure a lot of people will agree with me although some would love to choose iPhone than Android too..
Suraj
May 04. 2012
I think Android is cool….just because its got p**n apps…unlike iPhone!
TechCrates
May 04. 2012
haha …
Stan
May 04. 2012
I don\’t have an Android device but I\’ve heard a lot of good things about it. I\’m so used with my iPhone and I love it so much that I am not looking for anything else. I also agree with Rashmi, it depends on your budget and what you are looking for in a device.
TechCrates
May 04. 2012
Thanks for your views Stan …
Milsia
May 04. 2012
As far as my opinion is concerned Android is better and cheaper as compared to iPhone, and android apps are also very good and less expensive, i am fully satisfied with my Android phone.
hiren
May 04. 2012
i love android. i developed android application and i think now a days android development is the boosted compare to iphone market.
Becca
May 04. 2012
Great review.Now i know which is to buy.I want to make sure that the device I buy is useful and worth in my hard earn money.
Daniel
May 06. 2012
I am agree with you in 100%. Considering the price and a large number apps for android, android much better iphone and large number apps for android.
Thnk you for the interesting post.
Robette
May 07. 2012
You have missed almost EVERYTHING that is most important with smartphones.
You are only comparing the surface of the products.
You are missing the much better stability in iOS.
Smarter sandbox solutions for apps on iOS.
More intuitive interface on iOS except for a few times.
Not trojan/virus rich on AppStore like Google Market/Play are.
Then Android have advantages also, great interface and often much better hardware, but the more hardware is needed since the OS with all open architecture demands much more hardware to function.
Nehal
May 07. 2012
Apple is the innovator and Android is the marketer. Android will always have more users because of its range of devices but in terms of quality and software maintenance its always Apple.
TechCrates
May 07. 2012
Thanks for stopping by Nehal …
Rashmi
May 08. 2012
This is very true. Everything is useful in the market that’s why we have so many companies that have a part. Everyone is offering something different and this attracts a certain amount of buyers.
Olan
May 08. 2012
While the iPhone is better technically, it doesn’t appeal to the masses like most Android sets do. I think it is like a battle between a rich man and a poor man.
Puneet
May 08. 2012
I was and am a big fan of iPhone but now am very happy with my Samsung Note which is quite better then iPhone .. Still iPhone cant be compared to other devices
Nicholle
May 09. 2012
I have an Android phone now and all I can say is that Androids are better than an Iphone because from the interface to apps Androids are better. Well, that\’s only for me.
Brain
May 11. 2012
It’s quite difficult to say what is better, iPhone of Android. I finally choose Android as better then iPhone because many interesting applications available for it and also it is cost-effective than iPhone.
denialmicky
May 17. 2012
android is better as compared to Iphone.you can get all latest features in android as compared to Iphone
CompuTech
May 19. 2012
I may be a bit prejudice, but I say Android all the way. Right now iOS has more apps, but with the open source development support Android has, I promise you that the tables will turn very soon.
kunal
May 22. 2012
nice comparison… its would surely help the people select a phone according to there need…
Steve
May 25. 2012
You have to wonder about the security aspect of android? I see there are antivirus programs available for the platform even so my vote goes to iphone for peace of mind.
Allen
Jun 11. 2012
Actually it depends on user’s perspective, some people don’t consider these factors as they were originally an apple fan or android fan and for those who use their smartphone as their everyday media, these factors are critical. Personally, I’ll go with Android.
Nouman
Jun 14. 2012
iPhone is best in its own kind and Android is best in its own kind they both have their good place in market also…But you can see that Android have some a little bit low price so every one is able to buy Android Phone.and Android has almost every application which is available in iPhone so i think Android is better.
Kathy
Jun 14. 2012
My boyfriend just got he new samsung phone and it really is great. A new feature I like is that when writing messages, you no longer have to tap the keys, you can just slide to each letter and it works it out. It makes typing much quicker which has always been an issue for me on all kinds of smartphone.
Envian
Jul 25. 2012
Well, i’m an Android user and fan myself, and i prefer Android and its flexibility and various customization methods. Even though the iOs runs much smoother than any Android i’ve seen. If you compare Galaxy SII and iPhone 4 for example, you should see the difference. Haven’t touched the new quad-core Androids quite yet, i bet they’re a lot faster and smoother…
Dhaval Parmar
Dec 19. 2016
I think Android is better because you can get it for lower prices too but to get a iphone u need to spend more.