Back in 2013 we wrote “10 reasons why Android is still better than iOS.” Three years later, almost all these points remain the same, but we’ve updated a few to keep them relevant.
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Ithasbeen a good year for Android, considering the latest reports mention it has an 84.7 percent market share (as of Q3 2015). But with a bunch of competitors waiting in the wings, there’s no time to rest on laurels. So in 2016, what are the ten top reasons we feel that Android is the champion over iOS?
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Let’s jump in and take a look.
Devices… devices everywhere!
There is something for everyone on the Android platform. The sheer variety of Android smartphones from manufacturers like Samsung, HTC, Sony, Motorola, LG, Huawei, ZTE, and others is staggering. You can get a compact phone, something with a huge touchscreen, a stylus, a rotating camera, an edge screen, or even a physical keyboard such as those found on theBlackberry Priv. Niche demands like dual SIM are accounted for, and the flagship devices are on the cutting edge when it comes to specs. There are also features you just can’t get with Apple’s devices, like microSD and removable battery. Yes, some Android manufacturers have moved away from offering these extras, but the nice thing about options is there are manufacturers that haven’t too.
It’s the same story over in the tablet market, with all sorts of different devices, from the Pixel C to the Nexus 9, Xiaomi’s tablets, HONOR’s tablets, Samsung Note tablets, and the list goes on.
Attracting a huge range of manufacturers and giving them license to let their imaginations run amok has resulted in the widest variety of devices on any platform, even blurring the line between smartphone and tablet. Compared to the limited iPhone and iPad lineup, Android represents choice on a grand scale.
What's the best Android phone? We tested hundreds, here are our top 8The bestSure, Apple has a few sizes to offer, but size is really the only differentiator there. TheiPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus, for example, have pretty much the same specs, themain difference beingscreen size and resolution. The same general argument applies to the iPads, even though there are more choices than with their smartphone counterparts.
Prices to fit your needs
This naturally follows on from the first point on our list on why Android is better than iPhone. A wide variety of devices with different designs and specs means that Android has something for you at just about anybudget. The exclusive nature of Apple’s products is in stark contrast to the inclusive nature of Android. Almost anyone can afford an Android phone. It might not be all singing and dancing, but there are solid budget options that give people a true smartphone experience.
This is even more true in 2016 than it was when we first created this list in 2013. Not only do you have the Moto G line, but there’s the HONOR 5X, a variety of BLU devices, OnePlus X and OnePlus 2, and even low-cost flagships like the Moto X Pure Edition and Nexus 5X.In contrast, theiPhone and iPad are prohibitively expensive for many, but a budget Android device doesn’t need to cost much more than an old feature phone. And if you can afford to spend somewhere in the $150 to $300 ballpark, you can find a handset that gives a near flagship-level experience with just a few concessions in order to keep pricing down.
Affordability has been a key driver for Android dominance worldwide, and it continues to be. If you want premium devices that match and surpass the iPhone or iPad then you can find them, but if you want a budget device, then Android is really your only choice.
Customization
One of the strong points of Android has always been the level of customization it allows. While Apple wants to keep control of default apps in order to maintain a homogenous software and hardware experience, Android lets you pick your own level of customization. This extends all the way from simple things likelive wallpapers, to alternative keyboards, to custom ROM installs.
Detractors will always say only hardcore geeks care about this level of customization, but at the shallow end of the pool this isn’t true. Plenty of iOS users loved it when Apple started allowing third-party keyboards and basic widgets, and that on its own is proof that this flexibility is what people want.
Some manufacturers are even allowing complex hardware customization. Motorola has Moto Maker, LG has replaceable leather back plates, as does Xiaomi. Those are just a few examples of something Apple will never do for you. Consider yourself lucky to have champagne gold and rose gold available… that is pretty revolutionary for Apple.
Widgets?
Android’s widgets have long been a feather in its cap compared to the static rows of icons you find in iOS. Even Microsoft saw the advantage, developing the Live Tiles system for Windows Phone. Widgets are still a major advantage for Android over iOS. Simply put, you can see all of the information you want at a glance on your home screen without having to fire up an app.
And yes, we know Apple introduced widgets last September. Have you seen those things? They are very limited and live only on your notification area. Not the same! Android still wins here.
Multi-tasking
You can argue iOS does multi-tasking all you want. And it’s true, you can do multiple things at once by switching apps back and forth, but that doesn’t even come close to the level of multi-tasking some Android phones offer.
Take Samsung as an example, which introduced multi-window long ago, in which you can view multiple apps at once. Plentyof other manufacturers have also been doing this for years—we will admit this is one area where stock Android lags behind.
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Meanwhile, Apple is playing catch-up by adopting similar features, a change that took place in 2015. Most of Apple’s multi-tasking features also remain limited to the tablet realm for the time being, however, and by the time they really bring it to the next level, it’s fairly likely that even Google’s “stock” vision for Android will offer some form of multi-window navigation.
Launchers
Grab an iPhone, sit next to another iOS user and compare your home screens. Oh wait, they look exactly the same! That’s not the story with Android.
If you want control over how your Android smartphone or tablet looks, then you’ve probably tried out a custom launcher. You can choose from a wide variety of custom launcher apps in Google Play and tweak everything from your home screen layout, to your page transitions, to effects and even gestures. There’s no risk involved with launcher apps and you can really open up a world of possibilities.
A launcher also is good for those instances where you love a handset but maybe aren’t so keen on the manufacturer’s custom interface. A launcher goes a long ways in these kinds of situations. And if you are the kind who enjoys the freedom of Android but actually lusts after the looks afforded by iOS or Windows — there are even launchers that help you achieve a similar look and feel.
15 best Android home screen launchers for every tasteApp lists
Custom ROMs
Another reason why Android is better than iPhone is you can actually replace the software that came with your device with a custom ROM, if you want to. This is essentially installing a new operating system, and many Android users do it because their carrier or manufacturer is slow to upgrade to the latest version of the Android platform, but you may also do it for better performance or to gain access to some add-ons or tools. This is definitely the extreme end of Android customization and you need to exercise a little caution to ensure that you don’t run into trouble. That said, as long as you can follow a tutorial and your device is supported, the benefits can be enormous.
Hell, there are even ways to install completely different operating systems on some Android devices, such as Ubuntu, Firefox OS, Sailfish, and the list goes on.
Google integration
Some years agowe discussed why Google and Android will prevail over Apple and iOS, and this specific topic is still one of the main reasons. Android devices integrate seamlessly with Google’s array of services. People are increasingly using their mobile devices to go online and Google is king of the web. Google Docs, Gmail, Google Drive, Google Maps, Google Music, Google+, Google Chrome…the list goes on, and Apple and iOS are not keeping up.
Sure, many Google services are now in iOS, but that deep level of integration simply isn’t there. And this is an important factor, because most of us use one or two… or three or 10 Google services. You want these to work seamlessly, and Android offers that.
Google Now
This stands out from the crowd of Google services and, while the excellent voice search has been rolled into the Google iOS app, there are elements of Google Now that you can only enjoy on Android. When we look to our technology to push things forward and offer real convenience boosts to daily life, the predictive and pre-emptive nature of Google Now as it seeks to fulfill your desires before you think to search, could be truly revolutionary.
Whether Google Now is better than Siri or not continues to be subjective, though. This is still a matter of preference, but here at Android Authority we believe Google Now is more straightforward and to the point, which is something we all look for when finding the right digital assistant. With Marshmallow, there’s also plenty of new functionality making its way over, such as Google Now on Tap.
More free apps and games!
It may be a double-edged sword, but you can’t escape the fact that there are more free apps and games on Android than there are on iOS. Sometimes ports of the same apps that carried a price tag on iOS are free on Android. There also seems to be a greater willingness to pursue the freemium or ad-supported model.
Sadly, this may be, at least partly, down to piracy concerns and, while more hits are being ported across, the ability to earn more from iOS development still means more high quality, premium apps and games release on iOS first. Android continues to dominate, and we have seen a change here, but it remains one of Android’s biggest challenges.
15 best free Android apps available right nowApp lists
The industry moves fast, and so does Android
Bugs, lag, an ugly interface, a lack of apps – Android’s weaknesses have been systematically dealt with by a determined development team. The Android platform is unrecognizable compared with the first release, and it continues to improve and evolve at a faster pace than the competition.
That big user base and the wide range of manufacturers producing Android devices can only drive further improvements to greater heights. While iOS stagnates, paralyzed by the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” school of thinking, Android continues to innovate and improve at a faster rate. Think about it. Android adopted NFC first, as well as fingerprint readers, and retina scanners, and mobile payments, and higher definition displays. The list goes on, illustrating why Android is better than iPhone.
What’s important to you?
We’d love to hear from you on why you think Android is better than iPhone. Are your motives for choosing Android covered above, or did something else attract you to the platform? Conversely, for those rocking an iPhone, what’s keeping you from Android — are there specific features, updates, etc? Post a comment and let us know.
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FAQs
Why Android is better than iOS? ›
You Want More Freedom, Control, and Customizations. Since Android is an open-source platform, it offers more freedom and customization options than iOS. You can customize almost anything on your Android device, from how your home screen looks to how you interact with your phone.
Why Android is better than iOS essay? ›android has more apps because they allow more game developers to develop apps and advertising those apps for download. Analyzes how the ios app store lacks in numbers, which refutes the quality of the app. while iosapps are hard to make because of software differences, they have a simpler code.
What is the advantage of Android? ›Open Source Operating System is one of the biggest advantages of Android OS. The source code is open for all, developers and device manufacturers. So they can access the source code and make changes as per their hardware compatibility. It makes the operating system customizable and research-oriented.
What can an Android do that an iPhone can t? ›- Gain access to internal files when plugged in. ...
- Access multiple users on the same device. ...
- Ditch the default apps (yes, really) ...
- Root access. ...
- Full customization to your home screen. ...
- Use always on display to view basic information. ...
- Which team are you on?
Enjoy the latest features from Google, built right into Android that push boundaries of messaging, entertainment, and accessibility, making your world even more connected. And Google on Android feels extra helpful with things like Google Assistant and features like Digital Wellbeing.
Is Android better than iOS now? ›Some Android phones are made with beastly internals and stunning performance. Generally, though, iOS devices are faster and smoother than most Android phones at comparable price ranges. For example, an iPhone 14 can perform nearly as well as the highest-end iPhone, and it starts at $799 MSRP.
Which is easier Android or iOS? ›It's broadly acknowledged that the programming languages used to develop iOS apps natively are easier to learn and master than those used for Android apps, which makes developing an iOS app a more appealing option for beginner coders. iOS apps are built on Swift, a coding language unique to Apple.
What is the biggest difference between iPhone and Android? ›One big difference between iPhones and Androids is that iPhones run on a closed-source operating system, iOS, while Android operating systems are open-source.
Why is Samsung phone better than iPhone? ›Android is more customizable and has more features and complex options, while iOS is more straightforward, easy to use and has a higher level of security. Most apps are available on either operating system, but more Android apps are available than iOS apps.
Why is Android used the most? ›Android is affordable and it has all capacities to perform a variety of tasks that a windows or iPhone does. It is capable of rapidly executing assigned operations. It supports 3D graphics which enables users to run 3D games as well. Android interestingly names its operating system after desserts.
Why are androids more popular? ›
1. More Smartphone Makers Use Android. A large contributor to Android's popularity is the fact that many more smartphone and device manufacturers use it as the OS for their devices. In contrast, iOS is limited to Apple-made iPhones and iPads only.
What is the main purpose Android? ›The Android operating system is a mobile operating system that was developed by Google (GOOGL) to be primarily used for touchscreen devices, cell phones, and tablets.
What iPhones can t do? ›- Create Multiple Users and Guest Accounts. 3 Images. ...
- Access Internal Storage Over USB. 2 Images. ...
- Fully Customize Your Home Screen. 2 Images. ...
- Use Multiple Copies of an App. ...
- Change the Default System Apps. ...
- Use an Always-On Display. ...
- Install Custom ROMs and Gain Root Access.
Google's Android and Apple's iOS are operating systems used primarily in mobile technology, such as smartphones and tablets. Android, which is Linux-based and partly open source, is more PC-like than iOS, in that its interface and basic features are generally more customizable from top to bottom.
Which phone is more user friendly iPhone or Android? ›Plus, iPhones are extremely polished and easy-to-use devices with strong security and a wide app selection. Android, on the other hand, is a good pick for users who want more hardware options. Android phones come in more shapes and sizes than iPhones, so you can purchase precisely the device you need.
Which camera is better Android or iPhone? ›While overall, iPhone and Androids are reasonably well-matched when it comes to the number of cameras/lenses each include, as a rule, it tends to be Android where you'll see the most innovation or technical advancement. For example, with the Samsung S22 Ultra you get four lenses, including a 10x zoom lens.
Is iOS more secure than Android? ›So what is more secure: Android or iOS? Studies show that mobile malware targets Android much more than iOS, so for this reason, and all the others stated in this article, iOS is more secure. While you can remove malware from Android and iPhone, it's better not to get it in the first place.
Why Android development is better? ›Due to the growing market share of Android apps, big organizations are looking for Android developers, which is why Android development has become the most popular professional career option nowadays.
Are Samsungs or iPhones better? ›iPhones handle core functionalities like calling, video recording, system navigation, and web browsing more reliably. In contrast, if you are a little more adventurous and want a template on top of which you can personalize and customize your device, Samsung phones are the way to go.
Can you FaceTime on Android? ›As of September 2021, FaceTime is available on Android. However, you won't find a FaceTime app available for download on the Google Play Store or Microsoft Store. Instead, someone with an Apple device needs to create a link to invite you to a FaceTime call.
Are Androids cheaper than iPhones? ›
One common myth that's still prevalent is iPhones are more expensive than Android devices. This is simply not true at all. The myth goes deeper than just price, too. People say iPhones are better because they're more expensive.
Why iPhone is expensive? ›Compared to Android flagships, Apple's A-series chips for its iPhones perform better. Since it's custom-made for the iPhone, it can deliver an uninterrupted and smooth experience. It incorporates expensive and top-tier parts, making it super efficient and fast.
Do people prefer iPhone or Samsung more? ›Do people prefer Apple over Samsung? The nonscientific survey, which polled 513 U.S. consumers between the ages of 25 and 60, found that 91.82 percent were either Apple or Samsung users (Apple: 58.18 percent; Samsung, 33.64 percent) and that 93.57 percent of people felt at least somewhat loyal to their brand.
What is unique about Android? ›Not only hardware components, but the device also includes the software features such as Calls, Messaging, Browser, Java support, Live wallpapers, Inputs methods home screen, App Widgets, External storage, Language supports, Multi-touch, and many others. It is the short-range wireless connectivity.
Where is Android most popular? ›Android is the dominant platform in most countries, although it has had trouble surpassing Apple in Japan and the United States. In countries like Brazil, India, Indonesia, Iran and Turkey, it has over 85 percent market share.
Why does Android make so many phones? ›Android, the operating system Google has made for mobile devices since 2008, is largely open-source software. As such, developers and manufacturers have taken the basic system software and adapted it to their own devices — which makes for many more variations of Android in circulation.
What features does Android have? ›Android supports connectivity technologies including GSM/EDGE, Bluetooth, LTE, CDMA, EV-DO, UMTS, NFC, THAILAND and WiMAX. Supports voice dialing and sending contacts between phones, playing music, sending files (OPP), accessing the phone book (PBAP), A2DP and AVRCP.
What is Android very short answer? ›Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google. It is based on the Linux kernel and designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
What can I destroy on my iPhone? ›If you can't access your device, the most careful approach to wiping it is to destroy the flash memory chip that houses your data. This way you don't have to lose sleep if you didn't use a strong passcode, or worry about a forensics vendor being able to recover any of your personal information.
What is the biggest problem with iPhones? ›One of the most common problems that a large number of iPhone users have to deal with is the iPhone is stuck at Apple logo issue. Fortunately, a force restart mostly works in fixing this problem. So, if your smartphone ever runs into it, hard reset your device. Hard Reset iPhone 8 or Later: Press the volume up button.
Which iPhone is least popular? ›
The iPhone 12 mini is Apple's least popular iPhone, new data shows. The iPhone 12 mini has flopped. So much so that Apple is planning to kill off the model entirely come 2022 and replace it with an affordable 6.7-inch device that'll spiritually succeed the iPhone 8 Plus.
Which is better iPhone or Android 2023? ›Android offers a more customizable interface and a larger selection of apps. But it may be less secure and have shorter battery life. The iPhone has a more uniform interface and a more curated app store. But it may have less processing power and be less flexible in terms of app selection.
Can you FaceTime on iOS and Android? ›Can Android phones initiate a FaceTime call? Since FaceTime is an Apple-owned service, no. Android users can only join FaceTime calls hosted by Apple users.
Why is Samsung is better than Apple? ›It all comes down to what you want out of your software. Android is more customizable and has more features and complex options, while iOS is more straightforward, easy to use and has a higher level of security. Most apps are available on either operating system, but more Android apps are available than iOS apps.
What is the main difference between iOS and Android? ›Google's Android and Apple's iOS are operating systems used primarily in mobile technology, such as smartphones and tablets. Android, which is Linux-based and partly open source, is more PC-like than iOS, in that its interface and basic features are generally more customizable from top to bottom.
Is Android harder to use than iOS? ›Of all the phones available, iPhone, which runs Apple's iOS operating system, is the easiest to use. If you're not very tech savvy, look here first. "Everything is designed to work together well since Apple creates both the software and hardware,” Ackerman says.
Do more people prefer Samsung or Apple? ›According to the latest data on smartphone market shares in the US, as of December 2022, Apple has the biggest piece of the pie, with 55.79%. In other words, more than half of all smartphones sold there are manufactured by Apple. Apple has a strong lead over its closest rival, Samsung.
Does Android have better camera than iPhone? ›While overall, iPhone and Androids are reasonably well-matched when it comes to the number of cameras/lenses each include, as a rule, it tends to be Android where you'll see the most innovation or technical advancement. For example, with the Samsung S22 Ultra you get four lenses, including a 10x zoom lens.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Android? ›- Android is totally open because it is a Linux based open source.
- Multitasking.
- Excellent software support.
- It gives you a better notification.
- It let you choose your hardware.
- It has a better app market.
- Frequent OS updated.
- A more mature platform.
So what is more secure: Android or iOS? Studies show that mobile malware targets Android much more than iOS, so for this reason, and all the others stated in this article, iOS is more secure. While you can remove malware from Android and iPhone, it's better not to get it in the first place.