Android and iOS are the two most dominant mobile and tablet operating systems in the world. It makes sense that we constantly compare the two. For one, comparing Android to iOS is a sensible purchasing journey strategy. Sometimes, these comparisons are mere drinking bros expressing who has the dopest phone. Ultimately, these comparisons are the driving force in innovation for both companies.
Moreover, we’re biased for Android given the nature of the site, but it would be irresponsible to pretend that iOS isn’t an amazing mobile operating system. Its widespread popularity isn’t an accident.
Android and iOS have defined the mobile operating landscape. They offer differing philosophies and distinct features, ensuring a rich variety in our mobile interactions. They both, well, excite us.
But how do they really compare? Which system offers the most user-friendly experience? Which one provides the better security? Which allows for greater customization? And importantly, which one is the right one for you?
Design
An operating system’s design elements shape our perceptions.
Let’s begin with Android
Android’s design language is known as Material Design. It makes use of depth, shadows, and vibrant colors. It aims for an intuitive, responsive feel. Android emphasizes adaptability.
The Android design is flexible and adapts to almost any screen size. This makes it a wonderful OS solution for not only phones, but tablets and TVs. User of Android devices can alter just about anything they like on the home page.
Here’s a great video on Android’s security that’s “supposed to suck.”
But What About iOS?
iOS is most popular for it’s use on iPhone. iPhone, as we know, launched the mobile device market and has continued to innovate along the way. Although, some argue that iOS innovations began to slow around 7 years ago when Apple was accussed of releasing new versions that offered little new. Critics, however, contend that iOS is such a brash, futuristic operating system that it only seems it isn’t moving forward. They have a point.
iOS employs a design language known as Flat Design. This aesthetic does away with the depth and shadows of Material Design, favoring a minimalist look with solid colors and a focus on typography. From a visual perspective, this is a big deal. When you compare Android to iOS in the visual, user experience sense, you pick up on these differences right away.
iOS is a more streamlined experience. It’s clean and sleek. Its simple.
However, However, customization in iOS is more limited. While iOS 14 introduced widgets that added a new layer of home screen customization, overall, iOS maintains a more controlled environment. The default screen layout remains rather static. There’s few options to alter system font with the exception of size and bold. And those options are more for people who need better visual experiences.
Ultimately, the best design depends largely on personal preferences. Some users enjoy the ability to more profoundly customize their devices. Some enjoy simplicity.
Security
We could have listed security as our top section. Security is the single most important component of any operating system these days. Unless you intend to never go online, you’ll want to heavily prioritize your device’s security.
Both Android and iOS have robust security measures in place, but they approach security in different ways.
Android Security
To begin, it is important to note that Android is an ope-source operating system. That runs in stark contrast to iOS which offers a controlled environment. This differential is the key division between both operating systems in how they approach user security.
Because Android is an open source platform, users can unwittingly open themselves up to security issues if they aren’t careful. For example, modifying the Android operating system in ways Google doesn’t recommend comes with inherent risk. Downloading unapproved apps (ones outside of Google Playstore) come with the risk of downloading malicious files. Always search for Android apps that are highly reviewed for security.
That sounds super negative. But its not. The open source aspect of Android offers greater options of customization. And users are guided by Google to remain within the controlled experiences, such as Google Playstore. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. And you don’t have to modify the operating system or download an app from a random, risky website.
iOS Security
As we mentioned, iOS controls their environment. They run counter to open-source concepts. This means Apple cuts off the ability for a user to self-harm their device.
Apple also implements a range of security measures such as system-wide data encryption, sandboxing, secure boot, biometric authentication (Face ID and Touch ID), and consistent, timely updates for all supported devices. Moreover, Apple’s commitment to privacy is well-known, with a strong emphasis on limiting data collection and sharing.
In terms of security, the debate between Android and iOS often boils down to the trade-off between flexibility and control. It’s as simple as that. Android is just as secure as iOS when you don’t leverage open source flexibility.
Pricing
Our money matters – these days, more than ever.
There’s a caveat to this section: The cost of entering either the Android or iOS ecosystem varies significantly due to the range of devices available.
You can find entry-level Android smartphones for under $100, mid-range phones in the $200-$400 bracket, and high-end flagship devices that can exceed $1000.
Unlike Android, Apple’s range of devices is severely limited, making it easier to assess the entry costs.
The entry point for a new iPhone is typically higher than for an Android device, with prices for new models starting around $699 and going up to $1399 for the high-end versions.
This section is a wash. It depends on what you want to pay and what you want out of a device.
Conclusion
iOS vs. Android. The debate will rage on. But in the end, it comes down to what type of flexibility versus security you prefer. Apple’s iOS is super secure, but very inflexible. Android’s OS is very flexible, but using that flexibility comes with security risk.
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