When you approach a number of companies to buy one of the best smartphones, regardless of whether it is an iPhone or an Android, it is guaranteed to run on one of two mobile operating systems: iOS (if you choose an iPhone) or Android.
Both platforms have been around for over a decade. This means that both have accumulated comprehensive feature sets and there is little that one can do that the other cannot.
Each has its own benefits or reasons why you might choose one over the other. When choosing an iPhone or Android, we will look at the strengths of each mobile platform.
Operation speed
All top iPhone models are noticeably superior to Android flagships in the speed of performing complex tasks. This can also be seen when conducting various tests. For example, even last year's A11 chip, which is equipped with the iPhone X, is more powerful than modern quad-core processors in Android flagships. So the iPhone X can transcode a 2-minute 4K video into Adobe Clips in just 42 seconds. While the Pixel 2 smartphone will need almost 3 minutes for this, and the Samsung Galaxy S8 spends more than 4 minutes on the same task.
When testing the performance of smartphones in the popular applications Geekbench and AnTuTu, the first places were also taken by brand new iPhones, with a significant gap from their competitors. This is explained not only by the smartphone’s design, but also by constant updates to the iOS OS, which allows any process to proceed quickly and smoothly.
Performance
The use of the Swift language, NVMe memory type, large processor cache, high single-core performance and OS optimization ensure that the iPhone will almost never freeze or glitch. Lately, it may seem like iPhone and Android are tied in the race for better performance, but the former tend to deliver more consistent and efficient performance. In addition, it is worth noting the optimization, thanks to which iPhones last longer on battery power (when performing the same tasks).
All this is due to the fact that iPhones are created under one roof. Apple is able to control all aspects of phone and component production, but Android developers have to collaborate with many other companies.
Build quality and materials
Original iPhones are made from high quality components. They are distinguished from other smartphones by their high build quality. It is in iPhone gadgets that all innovative technologies are introduced. It should be noted that apple products rarely break; they serve faithfully for many years. According to the analytical agency Strategy Analytics, iPhone is 3 times more reliable than Samsung phones and 5 times more reliable than Nokia devices.
New iPhone models cost more than $700 on average. For such a hefty amount of money, buyers want a mobile device that looks and feels the part. And although other companies are trying to keep up with Apple, using glass, metal and leather to design the body, they cannot compare with the iPhone.
All iPhones have a powerful battery. Gadgets from this manufacturer hold a charge longer than smartphones from other manufacturers.
Camera quality
Those people who need high-quality photos most often prefer the iPhone. All Apple products are distinguished by high quality cameras that allow you to take pictures in any lighting conditions. In addition, the camera on the iPhone allows you to get high-quality pictures even if you are shooting in motion.
Any iPhone also has an interesting option called Memories, which allows you to automatically create a movie-style video. In this case, photographs for a certain period of time are taken as material.
Among phones running Android OS, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 and Google Pixel 2/2 XL have the best cameras. The first one is excellent at subject photography, while the other two are excellent at night shots and photographs in HDR mode. But the test showed that portrait photography and scenes with natural light are better on iPhones.
In most cases, iPhones allow you to take better and more pleasing to the eye pictures.
Convenient payment
Yes, there is Samsung Pay and even Google Pay, but they are not as popular as Apple Pay around the world. It's a pretty simple payment method for anyone: you simply add your card to Apple Wallet and you're instantly ready to buy anything contactless. Simply hold your iPhone up to a supported payment terminal at checkout, then double-press the power button to pay. Authentication is done either by FaceID or Touch ID if it is an older model.
You can pay with the same card in the system and even on third-party sites from your computer. One of my friends constantly buys tickets to the local cinema, which offers schedules on popular aggregators, but does not allow purchase. You can only buy tickets through the website. But there is a button “pay via Apple Pay”. You press it, a payment notification immediately arrives on your phone, you confirm it and the ticket is added to Wallet. There is something similar on Android, but it doesn’t work as stable.
You can pay with almost any phone, but Apple offers more robust features than Android.
Connection quality
While surpassing many competitors in price, the iPhone is significantly inferior to them in connection quality, which is a disadvantage of these smartphones. This is due to the very poor placement of the antenna in all iPhone models.
If you hold the phone in your left hand, the voice quality is quite poor. If the mobile device is in the right hand, then the quality of communication changes for the better, but not dramatically. Scandinavian experts conducted an independent study that showed that cheaper phones are better in this regard.
The situation looks better in new iPhone models. Here the developers tried not to lose face and correct all the shortcomings of previous devices.
Augmented Reality
The Apple company is currently the leader in augmented reality (AR) capabilities implemented in phones. Apple has a better ARKit and an excellent foundation that allows it to dominate in this area.
Let's also note the LiDAR scanner included in the new line of iPhones. It will be released in 2022. This scanner works as a rangefinder and detects depth, which improves augmented reality.
Conclusion : as you can see, the advantages of iPhone over Android are significant in many respects. But now Android manufacturers are trying to keep up with Apple devices. For example, the same 3D face scanner has already been implemented in Xiaomi Redmi and many other phone brands. So it's hard to say who the winner is. Therefore, you should choose the smartphone that you like best! Good luck!
Sincerely, Andrey Zimin 12/17/2021
Batteries
The iPhone has powerful batteries, which allows it to hold its charge longer than some smartphones from other manufacturers. iPhones use lithium-ion batteries, which are more powerful and efficient than lithium-polymer batteries.
With the correct iPhone charging procedure, the battery can be charged to 80% of its initial capacity even after 2 years of active use of the mobile device. But users often neglect the developer's advice regarding charging, which leads to battery failure.
Memory
You can buy an iPhone with different amounts of memory, but the more memory, the more expensive the mobile device. Owners of smartphones with small memory are often faced with the fact that at the most unexpected moment a notification appears on the screen stating that there is not enough memory. On iPhones, this problem is solved very simply; you just need to transfer unnecessary content to cloud storage.
In this regard, Android smartphones are more practical, since almost all of them have a slot for an additional memory card.
Ease of use
Manufacturers of Android smartphones constantly promise to optimize shells, making them easier for users. However, at this stage, the iOS operating system remains the simplest and most understandable system.
Some experts blame the company for the lack of external changes over the years. But many users consider this a big plus. The company annually improves the operating system, but at the same time it remains simple and recognizable. Even after changing your iPhone to a newer model, you don’t need to re-learn the interface and try to find familiar functions. In addition, there is a very convenient function that allows you to quickly transfer the necessary data.
Android smartphones have many additional features and settings, some people like it all, while others are scared. Users don't want to waste time setting up their smartphone. On iPhones, this is all much simpler.
Service and support
When owners of smartphones running Android OS have any problems, they try to find a solution by browsing numerous thematic forums on the Internet. In addition, many people contact the retail outlet where the gadget was purchased. Depending on the problem, the device can be exchanged for another or sent to a service center for diagnostics and further repairs. Usually repairs take several weeks, which is logical, since there are a lot of people who contacted us.
iPhone owners have access to a large database of articles on the official Apple website. In many cases, this allows you to solve problems without contacting a service center. In addition, you can get a separate consultation via chat, where an experienced customer service representative will answer all your questions. Only if the problem cannot be solved remotely, then the user is recommended to go to the nearest authorized service center.
According to user reviews, smartphones from the Apple manufacturer break down much less frequently than gadgets running the Android OS.
Appearance of applications and updates
Most games and new applications now appear first on the iOS operating system, and after a while in the Google Play application store. An example is Instagram, which became available on Android only 2 years after it appeared in the App Store.
It is worth saying that it is much more profitable for developers to create applications for Apple devices, since according to statistics in the United States, the average user annually spends an average of $47 on programs for iPhones, while for Android this figure is on average $30.
Why Android is better
The vast majority of smartphones in the world run on Android, and since many companies build Android phones, they are available at every price. There are super cheap triple-digit phones, as well as some of the best small or large phones, as well as phablets and foldables well over RUB 75,000.
No matter how much you can spend, chances are you'll find an Android that fits your budget or offers exclusive features. The same can't be said for iPhones, which have historically been expensive at launch but then dropped in price over successive generations.
One of Apple's most affordable phones is the iPhone 11, and it still costs 53,000 rubles. In contrast, the OnePlus 7T (which runs Android) costs RUB 7,500 less and has an OLED display, twice the RAM and internal storage, and a 2x telephoto lens.
The cheapest iPhone Apple offers is the new iPhone SE, which is a fantastic smartphone with phenomenal performance for just £30,000, although its design is dated and the screen will be too small for some.
Although iOS and Android have evolved over the years, Android has always had a reputation as a platform for users who love to explore and personalize their devices. This starts with launching the Home screen, which offers dynamic widgets and the ability to place apps anywhere on the page, in a drawer, or out of sight—something the iPhone only catches up with with iOS 14.
You can even replace your Android phone launcher with an alternative downloaded from the Google Play Store. Android also allows you to download third-party replacements for core services such as web browsers, keyboards, and media players, and set them as the default versions if you prefer a third-party app over the one that came pre-installed on your phone. iOS has improved in this regard over the years, although the implementation is still somewhat clunky.
Finally, we have to talk about custom UI manufacturer skins and Android system software, which are customized by certain phone manufacturers, offering additional features and, often, the ability to create themes.
Some Android users prefer Google's “stock” interpretation of Android. However, many people love phone maker custom programs like Samsung One UI or OnePlus OxygenOS because of their extra features, like the ability to take scrolling screenshots and hide photos and videos in password-protected folders.
You can (sometimes) expand the storage . Although expandable memory is unpopular these days, Android phones still offer it. This allows you to use a microSD card to store photos, apps, and other media that won't fit in your phone's internal memory.
This is a surprising benefit considering the exorbitant prices Apple and other phone makers charge for double or quadruple storage. Why attach another 7,500-11,000 rubles to the price of a new phone just for an additional 128 GB or 256 GB of memory (which is not even a fact that you will need), when you can simply drop 5,000 rubles on a 512 GB card later?
It's also becoming increasingly rare on high-end phones. Many Android smartphones still come with headphone jacks (a heavily requested feature that Apple removed from phones in 2016). This is a big deal for people who like to use their trusty old wired headphones.
USB-C is universal. Nowadays, Android phones rely on USB-C ports for charging and data transfer, which is very convenient. USB-C is also available on many computers, as well as the Nintendo Switch. Personally, when I travel, I take a sixty-watt chrome charger with me that powers my Pixel 4, MacBook Pro, and Nintendo gaming console.
While Apple's Lightning cable is a relic from the days when every tech company felt forced to design its own proprietary connector, USB-C is the ultimate single-port solution the industry is working toward.
It also opens the door to faster charging technologies like the OnePlus 30T's Warp Charge, which can bring one of the company's smartphones from dead to 70% capacity in just half an hour.
Compare that to the RUB 53,000 iPhone 11, which comes with a five-watt charger that takes forever to fully charge that phone's battery. Apple does pack a fast eighteen-watt adapter into the box with the iPhone 11 Pro, but the speeds still fall short compared to what you get in the fastest charging Android phones from Google, Samsung, OnePlus, and Huawei.
There is a file system (with drag and drop support on PC). Most people don't need to get their hands dirty with their smartphone's file system. However, it's nice to know that Android gives you this option if you want it.
Even better, when you connect your Android phone to your Windows PC, you can easily drag and drop files into folders as if the device were another drive. This means media libraries and documents are easy to move and store locally, and you don't need to subscribe to a monthly cloud service if you have a large library.
Economical
iPhone 5s was presented to the general public back in September 2013, that is, five years ago. But even this model still continues to receive operating system updates. Today, you can easily install iOS 12 on this outdated iPhone. Moreover, the mobile device runs on this OS without any complaints.
For example, the Samsung Galaxy S5 was introduced six months later than the iPhone 5s. But there are practically no people willing to buy this miracle of technology. Yes, and doing this is very problematic, since it has already been discontinued.
When purchasing an iPhone, the buyer can be sure that even after a few years the smartphone will be supported by the Apple company. Such a gadget will receive all operating system updates, and this happens automatically.
There was a time when iPhones were a curiosity, and you could only buy them second-hand on the gray market. Moreover, owning such a phone meant high social status.
Nowadays the iPhone smartphone will not surprise anyone. Well, only the newest model can cause surprise within a couple of weeks after its release. You can buy such a gadget in many hardware stores, including in installments.
However, for many people, iPhones have remained an indicator of wealth and status. And according to experts, these are by no means empty words.
When buying an iPhone, the user receives not only a cool gadget, but also a feeling of superiority over the owners of Chinese smartphones running Android OS.
No third party software
Many companies, like Samsung, try to make the design of their smartphone as convenient as possible by inserting unnecessary applications into one folder, but this folder still takes up extra capacity on the smartphone.
The iPhone simply does not have third-party applications that are pre-loaded onto the device. Therefore, the smartphone can start working as soon as you bought it (after you sign in to your Apple ID and carry out the basic setup). Of course, this gadget contains programs that you most likely will not use, for example, the Apple Watch. But, in new versions of iOS, starting from 12, a built-in function has appeared that allows you to disable system programs.
Parental control
The iOS operating system has well-developed content filtering for children. To do this, just go to settings, select the Restrictions section and create a password. Parents can then block access to certain apps, including the browser and camera.
You can prevent the removal and installation of programs. You can set an age limit, which will allow you to filter out films and music tracks.
A rather interesting point is websites. Here you can prohibit your child from opening any pages other than those that are allowed.
We must not forget about the “Find iPhone” function, which is recommended to be activated on the child’s smartphone. The option can be enabled in the settings. You can see where the device is located through the application or the icloud.com website.
Apple improves parental controls every year, providing greater security for children.
While the Apple company's developers are actively working to improve the parental control function, a similar service has not even appeared in the Android OS. That is, he appeared, but there is one nuance. The Family Link function only works in the USA, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand; there is no data about its launch in Russia. However, there is information that the help section in this service has already been translated into Russian, which is a little reassuring.
How was the software integrated?
Over the past period, people have noticed that Apple specialists can create innovations before other companies. One of these methods is unlocking the display using the Face ID application, which allows you to remove a block from the screen using a 3D scanner of the phone owner’s face. Here the option applies the TrueDepth sensor. After that, other companies began to implement this function.
Animoji and Memoji are also examples of excellent synchronous operation of the hardware and software of Apple devices. The Samsung company AR Emoji tried to do something similar, but its brainchild did not achieve similar results.
Selection of accessories
Today you can buy a large number of accessories for different iPhone models in stores. iPhone owners can easily buy cases, protective glasses, key fobs, holders and other accessories. You can even buy accessories in popular supermarkets. The cost of such goods varies. So original covers and bumpers are more expensive than high-quality Chinese fakes.
At the same time, finding a suitable case for a brand new Xiaomi smartphone is very difficult. Owners of many other smartphones running Android OS face the same problem.
When purchasing an iPhone, the buyer can be sure that he will easily find and buy all the accessories. It doesn’t matter what iPhone model he has.
Program setup and integration
Each new iPhone model integrates with many different iOS features. This allows you to use additional features and provides a completely new experience when using your mobile device.
For example, the unique 3D Touch technology. Pressing harder on an individual icon opens a small menu, allowing you to immediately jump to certain functions of the application. Another example is the unique portrait mode with studio light, a feature found on the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X. This mode is provided by an additional camera and proprietary options for additional photo processing.
In addition, the iPhone has face recognition technology. This option is available thanks to a set of TrueDepth sensors and artificial intelligence. The latter allows you to recognize the user’s face even if he has a beard or a hat.
Smartphones running Android OS do not have such capabilities. For such a function to become available on Android, developers need to improve the operating system shell.
MAC Compatible
If you have not used a MAC, then you will definitely be interested in how well it functions together with an iPhone. For example, you can use your MacBook to send or receive text alerts, or receive or send calls using the Continuity option in macOS. To do this, you just need an iPhone next to you.
An excellent option is AirDrop, which allows you to easily send pictures and videos via Wi-Fi from an iPhone to a MacBook (or another iPhone).
macOS Mojave and iOS 12 introduced the Continuity camera option, because of it you can literally take pictures with scans of documents to your laptop in just a second.
iCloud, which synchronizes everything, allows you to view pictures, notes and documents from your smartphone.
Comparison between Android and iPhone
Both iPhones and smartphones running Android OS have their advantages and disadvantages. For convenience, we will summarize all the information on smartphones in a table.
Pros and cons of an Android phone
Users highlighted a number of advantages and disadvantages of mobile devices running the Android operating system.
| Advantages | Flaws |
| Variety of manufactured devices. Smartphones running Android OS are produced by different manufacturers. | Poor optimization. Over time, memory becomes very low and you have to delete unnecessary files manually. |
| Wide range of prices. You can find both expensive and quite budget options. | There are many viruses, even the developers themselves admit this problem. |
| There is a slot for an additional memory card in almost all Android smartphones. | Poor application compatibility. Many programs are released later than for the iOS operating system. |
| Possibility to use two SIM cards at once. | |
| Possibility of fine tuning. On Android, you can even change the appearance of the icons on the desktop. |
Pros and cons of iPhone
Smartphones from the Apple manufacturer also have both advantages and disadvantages that you should be aware of.
| Advantages | Flaws |
| All Apple technology is associated with wealth and well-being. This smartphone allows you to raise your status. | The price is too high. You can only buy a very outdated model relatively cheaply. |
| All devices from the apple manufacturer are interconnected. This way you can start watching a movie on one device and finish on another from the same place. | Expensive service. Repairing an iPhone will cost less than exactly repairing a smartphone on Android OS. |
| Warranty support for devices. | Closed system, the user can change almost nothing in the settings. |
| Better application support. | Aggressive update policy. Updates are often downloaded automatically. |
| Increased security. Applications can only be installed from an official source. The phone can also be protected from theft. | One SIM card and the inability to install an additional memory card. |
As a result, we can say that the choice of a particular smartphone depends only on the personal preferences of the user and his financial capabilities. In fact, Android and iPhone smartphones are equally worthy of attention. To decide which one is better, you should try both operating systems yourself.
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Tatiana
I follow news on the mobile services market. Always up to date with the latest events
