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The lion’s share of the mobile operating system lies majorly with Android and Apple, precisely iOS. And the battle of claiming the best between the two has always remained a debatable topic among developers. Both app development platforms have their fair share of benefits, and almost no disadvantages are associated with them.
Being into app development industry, we all are aware of the updates both of these OS have received lately. When it comes to innovation, both the operating systems have their hard-earned-points in their pockets. And the list of comparison goes on.
This article is going to explore the different features and functionalities of Android and iOS to denote the key differences between both of these operating systems. While we explore the differences, we will try to declare the winner for each section to find out the ultimate answer to the burning debate of which operating system is the best.
Let’s explore!!
The Key Takeaways
1. Mobile vulnerability
Talking purely about the threat level that Android and iOS are exposed to, the former is believed to have more vulnerabilities than iOS reason being it’s an open-source operating system. iPhone users, on the other side, have a bunch of benefits when it comes to security.
If some significant studies are to be believed, the percentage of malware targets is higher on Android than in iPhones. And because more Android phones are still running on year old software, Android phones are at the stake of vulnerability. Apple has been working on adding many security patches, and the launch of touch and face id is an example to it.
Apple controls the appearance of apps on its store whereas the case with Android is a bit different and also believed to be effortless when developers need to submit their application to the Google Play. That's one aspect of the story. Android, because of its open source nature is exposed to vulnerability more than Apple.
But when it comes to security attacks, the percentage for the operating systems is equal. Both the apps are at risk of social engineering, and for a similar reason, both the operating systems can easily be exposed to vulnerabilities. But the fact that Android is open source takes it at the edge.
Winner: iOS wins the battle for being secured from vulnerabilities.
2. Market share
Let’s look at the numbers Android and iOS operating systems have in their store for us. The count represents the number of apps users can find at App and Play Store. So, the count goes as:
- Android apps: 3.5 million
- iOS apps: 2.2 million
Let me be honest about it. Numbers are never true metrics to measure real popularity. Of course, Android host a great deal of applications at the Play Store, but Apple is renowned for letting the apps appear fast on its store if a comparison is made with the counterpart, i.e., with Android.
Traditionally, iOS has remained a lucrative platform for the developers as there has remained a tendency for the apps to appear there first. But the trend is changing quickly in the Android landscape for a few years now.
Making a comparison in terms of the percentage of free apps, the Android ecosystem wins the battle. The number of apps for having the best mobile game is still there with iOS, and some apps even fail to make their appearance over the Android platforms.
Additionally, quality is always rated beyond quantity and iOS never compromises on the quality of the application. So, here iOS gets a narrow win over Android.
Winner: iOS wins the battle for quality apps.
3. Affordability
When it comes to the device for these platforms iOS or Apple always has the top end of the line. The California based company offers a range of high-end smartphone named iPhone that runs on iOS. Apple has its device line for the operating system or vice versa that doesn't mean bents much on user’s pocket size.
If you prefer iOS over Android, then you need to know that you don't have much choice regarding the budget and types of devices. Last year, with the launch of iPhone X Apple, too the iPhones to a whole new level in terms of features, design, and price as well.
Moreover, this year launched an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max leaves their predecessor behind when it comes to price. However, the hefty price doesn't pull Apple’s popularity back which can be seen with its crown of the world’s first trillion dollar company.
On the other hand, Android devices offer a vast variety of options to the users according to their suitable budget. You can get the Android-based mobile devices falling into your budget and fulfilling all the requirements.
Besides, if you still have a ton of dollars to spend you can go for Google Pixel devices and Samsung's flagship smartphones including Galaxy Note. So here the point directly falls into the Android’s pocket for being flexible according to the user’s budget and requirements.
Winner: Android
4. App Stores
Android owns the Google Play Store to collect all the available apps at a single place whereas iOS has the App Store for the users. Both the app stores homes millions of apps and hundreds of apps being submitted every week.
According to the latest stats, Google Play Store holmes around 3.5 million Android apps and Apple App Store includes 2.2 millions of apps. Handling the database of millions is apps is a hard job where new apps keep coming every day.
Both the app stores ahs their imperfections but App Store looks more convenient when it comes to search for an app. Besides, the residues App Store from Apple includes different categories and tabs that offers more exploring opportunities.
But, Google has also updated the Play Store with new categories and dashboards including the topping charts. In this comparison Android gets the extra marks because of its ‘Try It Now’ options, the Instant app is the best thing in the Google Play Store till date.
Winner: Android
5. Hardware specification
Making a comparison between iOS and Android concerning hardware specification is not justified as both, Android and iOS boast different software specifications. Talking strictly in terms of battery per mAh rating, I can say iOS is designed to squeeze the most out of such a setting. Whereas the case with Android is a bit different. The users can have an Android device with a much bigger battery that may easily outlast any iPhone.
With both these operating systems, the users can easily have their battery usage chart at a glance. Both these operating systems break down the battery usages specified by apps to present the statics for the users. This gives useful information to find out about the actual app usage.
Be it Android or iOS both the platforms offer power saving modes. These modes have been developed to extend battery life by limiting performance, connectivity, and other power-sapping features. These customizations are more precise on Android
Android has been showing versatility regarding battery charging department. It has in a few years showed greater capability when it comes to charging the phone.
Android is also leading the game in wireless charging. With iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, iOS is giving a heated competition to its counterpart. Wireless charging is also possible with iOS, but users need to buy the system separately, which is not the case with Android.
Winner: Android wins the battle for hardware specification depending specifically on battery performance.
6. Update to OS (software update)
Apple iOS is renowned for receiving timely updates including security patches and another update to the software. The similar service is available to Google but on Pixel phones. When it comes to version updates, almost 90 percent of all iOS devices running on the updated operating system. And for the Android, the graph seems as displayed below:
The game with iOS is a bit different as it exclusively takes care of the bug fixes, latest releases, security patches, and the updates that an operating system must receive from time to time to offer the best and most updated services to the users.
So, in terms of security updates, we have a clear winner with this section in the form of iOS owing to its capability of providing the latest services to the users.
Winner: iOS wins the race on the most updated operating system.
7. Customization
Customization is Android’s strength. And we bet you would agree on that. Right from the tons of customized themes to the layouts for the screen and to the widgets and the shortcuts, Android floods you with choices only to make it difficult for the users to choose from the same.
So, Android is quite versatile when it comes to customizing the effects for your smartphone. There are even launchers for Android users to alter their screen interfaces easily.
The game with iOS is a bit different in this regards. There are impressive backgrounds available for iOS users, but when it comes to widgets, there is limited support to it. But the level of freedom that Android offers to the users is much more comprehensive if compared to the iOS gameplay.
Setting up a third-party application is much easier in the Android ecosystem, which on iOS is still locked down. Therefore, if you are looking for a customized look and feel for your screen, there is no better platform than Android. The customization level with Android is beyond fabulous.
Winner: We declare Android the winner for having the most amazing customizable operating system.
8. Accessibility
When it comes to accessibility, many people believe that iOS has some complicated interface that requires some changes. How were, don't jump on to the conclusions just by listing to one or two people. iOS owns a very straightforward interface that is accessible to anyone whether it is a minor or any old age user.
The best part about iOS is that it is the same across all the devices, so accessibility in iOS is great. You don't need to roam around much to find any particular option, and everything is placed just a few steps away. In Android, things are also simple, and the options can be customized using apps that will be changed according to your wish.
How was the only thing that gives Android a negative mark in Accessibility among the devices from different manufacturers? Besides, Android also distinguishes between its standard version and stock Android version, where later gets some convenient features to make it more accessible for the users.
Both Android and iOS have an excellent range of accessibility, although Android is known for a bit complicated architect as Java seems to be more complicated than objective C including the massive lines of code that Android developers need to code for an app that could quickly be done in iOS.
So, when it’s on Accessibility, the race between the two operating systems is to make things easier for the users.
If we talk about the big fishes which offer services through Android devices, Samsung is a big name that is making the things easier for the users by introducing its “easy mode” to make interface bigger and simplify the whole experience. For Android, there are third-party apps to accomplish the same.
One important thing regarding compatibility in iOS devices is its interface remains similar across devices. The look and feel even with the upgraded system remains a bit identical whereas the interface with different Android mobile manufacturers changes as per the device specification. iOS is less cluttered, more streamlined and thus here comes the verdict.
Winner: iOS
9. Security
Much has been talked about the security of both the operating system right from the security patches to the software updates it releases. The slovenly nature of update with Android devices is a matter of concern that may sometime delay some important security patches for Android devices.
While the case of iOS is not similar. To beef up the security game for their Android devices, some manufacturers like Samsung take extra efforts to embed security in their devices.
Security breaches are becoming more common these days, and thus it is essential for Android to remain abreast of the changes. In the case of Apple or iOS, the giant has kept working on improving its security game by including facilities like FaceID and fingerprint sensors into its device.
However, the technological giant had also faced some criticism when the faceID in iPhone X didn’t work as expected for a child’s facial imprints. Besides that Apple has remained an ardent candidate when it comes to maintaining the security patches.
Winner: iOS wins the race in the security concern.
Android Vs. iOS: Quick Comparison
| Parameters | Android | iOS |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Release | September 23, 2008 | July 29, 2007 |
| OS background | Linux | OS X, UNIX |
| Latest version | Android 9.0 or Pie | iOS 12 |
| Supportable devices | Android-based smartphones from different manufacturers | Available only on Apple devices including iPhones and iPads. |
| App Stores | Google Play Store, and other stores like Amazon & Getjar | Only App Store is available for the users |
| Supportable languages | More than 100 | 34 languages |
| Voice Assistance | Google Assistant | Siri |
| 3rd party app permission | Allows | Not Allowed |
| Security | Vulnerable to attacks on the basis of recent incidents | More secure and reliable than the other OS. |
Final Verdict
Talking about Android that overtakes iOS with a majority of cons in its favor also has considerable drawbacks. According to me, user’s won't consider the customizability and 3rd party apps permission much more significant deciding factor against the security and accessibility that is specialized by iOS.
Besides, the software update comparison also puts Android on the back foot, there are a large number of devices that still don't have the latest Android iOS, and that makes things worse for Google. On the other hand, Apple leverages its hardware and software ecosystem to roll out the latest update across all the devices at one time.
To support Android here, we have some little things Android could do, but iOS doesn't allow them.
Android Vs. iOS: Things That Make A Big Difference
| Android | iOS | |
|---|---|---|
| OTP automatically entered into any app | ||
| Change ringtone | ||
| Use phone as a USB drive | ||
| Download file more than 120MB on mobile data | ||
| Transfer file into different folder internally on phone | ||
| Record all the call conversations |
The final decision depends upon your requirements and preference, if you have any further question please let us know via comments.
Sr. Content Strategist
Meet Manish Chandra Srivastava, the Strategic Content Architect & Marketing Guru who turns brands into legends. Armed with a Masters in Mass Communication (2015-17), Manish has dazzled giants like Collegedunia, Embibe, and Archies. His work is spotlighted on Hackernoon, Gamasutra, and Elearning Industry.
Beyond the writer’s block, Manish is often found distracted by movies, video games, AI, and other such nerdy stuff. But the point remains, If you need your brand to shine, Manish is who you need.
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