Google vs Apple. It’s an argument that feels as old as time. Despite the fact it’s only been just over a decade, the debate over Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android system will always divide us. It’s just one of those questions. The kind that can spark an argument, cause rifts between friends, families and the people we love the most.
Okay, so maybe it’s not that dramatic, but the ‘iOS or Android’ debate is one that almost everyone has an opinion on. And not just an opinion. Even passing fans suddenly become steadfast in their belief that they’re 100%, unquestionably, right and refuse to hear the other side.
Since smartphones have entered our lives, we’ve developed a sense of loyalty to the operating system (OS) we use. Thanks to the fact that phones are always there, most people find a system they like and stick with it. Is that bad? No. But sometimes it’s worth seeing the other side. After all, you never what you might find.
With that in mind, we’ve put together this guide on iOS and Android so that you can make the right choice for you.
What are Android and iOS?
Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google and used by a wide range of mobile phone manufacturers, including Samsung, LG, Huawei, Sony and many more. iOS is a mobile operating system developed by Apple for their devices.
Why choose Android?
Android is the operating system used by most of the world’s mobile phone manufacturers. The range is staggering, and it can offer you a real range of choice and freedom when deciding on the phone for you. Android devices also cater for a broader section of the market. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself to the newest top of the range model or are shopping on a budget, Android phones always have you covered.
As well as more flexibility over price, the OS itself is much more customisable than Apple’s iOS. Android give control over your system and applications to you, so you can organise your apps and screen exactly how you want to. Want to add dynamic widgets to your home screen and hide the apps you don’t need or won’t frequently use? Go for it. Want to download third-party core services (like a browser or a keyboard) and set as default? You can do all that and more.
What’s more, Android phones utilise a file system that mirrors that of your computer or laptop. When your phone is connected, you can drag and drop files and folders with all the ease of any other external drive. This means that storing your library is as easy as connect, drag, and drop.
Android phones largely rely on USB-C ports for charging and for data transfer. What this means is that one cable can fulfil all your connection needs, and it opens the doors to faster-charging capabilities. It also means you’ve probably already got the charger cable at home somewhere.
Why choose iOS?
Buying an Apple phone with iOS means you’re basically buying into Apple. First comes the iPhone, then an iPad, Apple Watch and before you know it, you’re streaming Netflix from your fancy new MacBook wondering why you ever bothered using anything else. As a result, iOS offers excellent continuity features. Notes written on your iPhone or Mac seamlessly update across devices. Universal Clipboard means text copied on one device is usable on another.
There’s a Continuity Camera feature too. This allows you to take photos using your iPhone and edit them on your Mac completely wirelessly. With the iPhone 12, Apple has introduced MagSafe accessories, so there are even more branches to this brand’s varied infrastructure.
iOS is also considered to be the safest operating system out there. Security breaches are rare because the iPhone prevents the use of websites and apps from third parties to download anything. This reduces the risk of viruses and helps to protect you from unwanted malware and data theft.
Then there’s the retail support. The Android system is spread across so many brands that if something goes wrong with your phone you’re going to be Googling furiously to find the answer or contacting the relevant manufacturer. With iOS, all it takes is a trip to your local Apple store where trained staff are on hand to offer you help and guidance with your phone and all the other devices we mentioned earlier.
Which should you choose?
At the end of the day, what operating system you choose is down to personal choice. Both excel with different features or functions, so there’s no real wrong answer. The challenge is finding the right device for you. We’ve got a broad range of handsets available: whether you’re looking for a pay monthly contract or a handset only, or simply want to know what handsets are on special offer, we’re here to help you find the mobile phone that suits you.
