iOS vs Android Buying Guide: Which OS is the best
Since the beginning of smartphones, the war of iOS vs Android has been raging endlessly, and we know why. It’s because both OSes have their pros and cons, and their pros are so good, loyal followings for both OSes has grown.
In this iOS vs Android buying guide, we consider the respective strengths of both Oses to help determine which OS fits you best.
iOS vs Android: iOS Pros
1. No Bloatware
Unlike Android, iOS has no bloatware whatsoever. The iPhone comes with a clean slate with no power-draining or data-siphoning apps running in the background. It doesn’t matter where, how, when, and what iPhone you buy.
This means you won’t have to deal with the preinstalled Microsoft apps or the whole collection of Samsung apps you probably will never use. Purchasing a high-end android smartphone won’t save you from bloatware either, much less an affordable one. A budget smartphone from a discount carrier actually has more bloatware, if you can imagine.
2. Quicker Updates
Compared to Android, iOS has more frequent and quicker software updates. Not to mention, it continuously updates for years. For instance, even after 7 years, an iPhone 6S with an iOS 9 can receive an iOS 15 update.
Meanwhile, updates on Androids depend on its price point, the carrier, and the smartphone company’s software support policy. For instance, Galaxy S6, which Samsung launched 7 years ago, cannot update to Android 12, and it stopped updating after Android 7 – a far cry from iOS.
The newest version of iOS is available for all iPhone users, no matter the model. Meanwhile, Android only releases its latest version in waves to individual phones.
3. Better Retail Support
If you’ve ever walked into an Apple store, you’d understand. The Apple Store isn’t just a store. It provides support and services hard to find at android retailers. They provide professional services for any problems you might have with your iPhone, Macbook, AirPods-you name it.
The staff goes through weekly training, shadowing, and have an online learning system. You’d know right off the bat that the teams are Apple specialists.
iOS vs Android: Android Pros
1. Wider Price Range
The majority of smartphones are Androids, and because there are so many, you can find Androids at all price points. For instance, HUAWEI offers Androids at RM350, and Samsung offers the Galaxy Fold model at around RM7000, depending on the storage size.
The chances are you can find an Android no matter your budget. On the other hand, iPhone has a higher price point, with the iPhone SE as the most affordable model at around RM2500. Not to mention, iPhones only decrease their prices for older models when they launch new generations.
2. Customisable
Androids offer users the chance to customise their smartphone experience. With Android, you can personalise your home screen launcher with various dynamic widgets. You can organise your apps wherever and however you want. You can even download an alternative launcher from the Google Play Store.
Androids give you the freedom to download third-party replacements like web browsers and keyboards. iOS has made this available, but its implementation isn’t as smooth.
Believe it or not, Android 12 – the latest version offers more personalisation where its pseudo-theming system adapts to your wallpaper and employs a shade system.
3. First to Receive Innovative features
With so many Android smartphone makers, the Android community is undoubtedly more extensive and quicker than the Apple community. Hence, it’s no surprise that Android developers develop innovative technologies more quickly. Such as wireless charging, OLED displays, and multi-window support.
However, we can’t deny that Apple’s adaptation of some of these technologies has proven to work more reliably.
iOS vs Android: The Bottom Line
iOS and Android may have different strengths, as we highlighted above, but we can’t ignore the fact that there’s plenty of overlap. For example, the iOS notification bar is strikingly similar to Android. On the other hand, Android is following in iOS’s footsteps in enhancing its privacy features.
Ultimately, future updates will only strengthen each OS’ assets. You’ll have to consider which of its strengths you favour more and which weakness you can tolerate better.
The iOS is more straightforward, and Apple offers solid after-sale support and service. On the other hand, Android offers more freedom to personalise and tweak hardware and software features.
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We hope this iOS vs Android buying guide will help you decide which OS suits you best! For more buying guides and the latest tech news, visit PriceShop.
