For several years now, two operating systems have dominated the smartphone market. On one side is Apple with iOS; on the other, Google with Android. Two giants of the Internet also dominate the cell phone market. Two US companies that are similarly successful but pursue pretty different concepts.
Our big iOS vs. Android comparison contrasts the two operating systems and shows where the advantages and disadvantages lie.
Android – the advantages
Android is already the undisputed market leader, but it is by no means only stubborn Apple fans who have yet to convince of the advantages of Google’s operating system completely. So what positive aspects does it bring with it? First, of course, there is much greater flexibility. Instead of only running on Apple products, Android runs on smartphones from numerous manufacturers. Android is also present on tablets, smartwatches, and wearables. Since it is an open operating system, Android benefits from Google’s innovative power, and hardware manufacturers like Samsung, Huawei or Sony contribute their share. The user interface of the devices can also be customized. There is also an enormous variety of apps in the Google Play Store due to the looser regulations. Last but not least, Android smartphones are significantly cheaper.
Here are the Android advantages in a nutshell:
-Higher flexibility and larger device selection
-Open operating system
-Customizable user interface
-Greater variety of apps
Android – the disadvantages
At the end of our big iOS vs. Android comparison, we have to mention the weaknesses of Google’s operating system. Here, it turns out – just like with iOS – that some advantages can also become disadvantages on the other side. This applies, for example, to the fact that it is an open operating system whose source code is freely available to every programmer. On the one hand, this enables innovations, but on the other hand, it also puts the users’ security at risk. This also applies to apps. Apple is also ahead in terms of updates. Since these depend on the device manufacturer in Android, they can vary greatly. In general, it can be said that everything was perfectly coordinated due to the fusion of iOS and Apple, and the devices run more harmoniously than some Android smartphones. Here is an overview of the decisive Android disadvantages once again:
-Greater danger from security gaps
-Apps less controlled
-Inconsistent updates
-Often not as harmonious performance as Apple
iOS – the advantages
With iOS, everything comes from a single source. Hardware and software, therefore, harmonize perfectly with each other. Strict rules at iTunes ensure that apps for iOS devices like the iPhone are enjoyable and intuitive for the user. This is because strict guidelines must be followed during development. Apple is considered exemplary when it comes to encryption and data protection. For example, there is a two-factor authentication for the iCloud. The updates are also exemplary. Apple’s operating system also wins our iOS vs. Android comparison in this category. Thanks to the updates, even older devices can be kept up to date longer than the competition. For example, the iPhone 4 remained completely up to date for four years.
Here is an overview of the most essential iOS advantages:
-Hardware and software from a single source
-Strictly tested, exceptionally easy-to-use apps
-Exemplary in terms of encryption and data protection
-Updates even after years
iOS – the disadvantages
Naturally, there are a lot of advantages, but there are also some disadvantages. Many users are deterred by the high purchase price of Apple products, on which the operating system is exclusively available. The fact that everything comes from a single source also brings positive and negative aspects. Innovations and fresh ideas have a more challenging time establishing themselves here. The variety of apps – especially free apps – is also far from as large on iOS as on Android due to the substantial restrictions. Many users also complain that Apple devices must be more compatible with other devices.
An overview of the most important disadvantages of iOS:
-Only available on expensive Apple devices
-Little room for innovations from outside
-Fewer (free) apps
-Insufficient compatibility of the devices
Summary: Both systems have their strengths and weaknesses
So what is the result of our iOS vs. Android comparison?
In the end, the race is more or less a draw. One thing is for sure: Both systems have their strengths and weaknesses. While Apple offers a coherent overall package at a correspondingly hefty price, Android convinces with a higher degree of innovation at more favorable conditions. iOS is ahead in terms of updates, while Android offers an ever-increasing variety of apps. Ultimately, users have to decide which aspects are most important to them.
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