What's Your Next Phone - Android or iPhone?
What's Your Next Phone - Android or iPhone?
When it comes to mobile application development, amidst the number of mobile Operating Systems available in the market, two particular operating systems rule the world in our time. These two operating systems have been fighting for the top spot since the time smartphones were invented. These operating systems are none other than Apple iOS and Google Android. There are definitely other opponents out there in this tough mobile operating system market but they only have a fraction of the market share.
While both OS giants populate our phones in every possible way, Android and iOS are different from each other in all perspectives. If you are thinking of switching from one mobile OS to another, then this article will discuss the differences between the two. By the end of this post you will be able to decide which one suits you best.
Let's start this article with some history lessons. The rivalry between these two OSes has existed since smart devices were still in their infancy. The iPhone has been a dominating force in sales and marketing since the day of its release on June 29, 2007 especially in the US Market. These were the times when the iPhone was pushed by iOS 1.x. In the same year Android appeared with the first iteration, namely Android 1.0 which was used to drive the first generation of Android phones. And the war for OS supremacy has begun!
Apple took a big hit for its winning streak when Android took over the mobile market with the advantage of controlling almost 48% market share in 2012. Now Android stands as the leading smartphone OS where Apple with iPhone remains the top smartphone manufacturer.
So if you need some advice before buying a new smartphone, this post will definitely help you out completely.
Let the Phone Wars Begin!
Under the skin
When it comes to making a difference between the two phones, the most important differentiator is the hardware of the phone. The core or processor of the phone will determine how your phone will behave. The processor determines the overall functionality of the phone.
When user interface is taken into account, iPhone will follow the 'What You See Is What You Get' or WYSIWYG rule. On iPhone you will not be able to go beyond the settings and apps provided to you by the manufacturer. The user interface is also the same in terms of the available models.
When Android's UI is considered, it's much different than Apple's. Android gives users the assurance of customization and that too beyond the basic factory settings. These customizations are available in many variations and can help in changing the look and feel of the Android phone you are using.
Miscellaneous vs. Individuality
Android smartphones are known for their varieties that can spice things up. With Android app developers around the world building apps every hour, Android users are ready to enjoy it. More than 850000 apps available worldwide. Each of these apps is modified to fit your lifestyle and shaped to suit your needs. The biggest phone carriers like Samsung, LG, Sony and HTC prefer Android to be the only OS among the range of mobile operating systems.
In the case of Apple iOS, the iPhone is the only smartphone exclusive to it. The only versions available in the market are 4, 4s, 5, 5s, and 5c and the last one is compatible with the latest version of iOS - iOS 7 . There are different storage configurations if you plan to buy one of the iPhone versions mentioned above. But in the end you will be stuck with iPhone only.
Flexing Multimedia Muscles
Still haven't decided which one to take? When it comes to flexing media muscles, the iPhone can be considered the definitive device for playing music, movies and more. With iCloud being the central portal for provisioning and managing all your media, you'll have convenient and easy access to media and to new media.
The new generation of Android phones offers something called Google Play. If you're used to downloading from iTunes, switching to Android might be a pain. But in the long run it won't be a problem because you will definitely get enough apps for it.
Go to App Mode
To talk about apps for these smartphones, both app stores are already too full of apps. You will have over hundreds of thousands to choose from. There are 850000 applications for both parties specifically.
If you go for quality and security, there's nothing quite like Apple. Every application for iPhone is sold from the Apple store itself and Apple takes full control over the total sales procedure. The Apple store acts as the only distribution channel for iPhone applications.
Android has several distribution channels where you can download apps. And no Google involvement makes
