Fans of these two operating systems can argue with each other for hours, figuring out which is better – Android or iOS. Both sides have arguments for and against, everyone believes that they are right and opponents are wrong. These disputes have been going on for more than a decade – and there is still no consensus.
We will not now take sides but look at the situation objectively. First, let’s look at the numbers.
Apple’s iOS has more than half of the operating system market in the US. Moreover, this share is constantly growing, pushing aside other competitors. Android is also popular here but only takes second place. So, Americans with their money vote more for Apple.
However, we must draw your attention to the fact that we are talking about the situation in the USA. In the global market, statistics look different. In the world, Android is the undisputed leader among operating systems. Popular brands like Samsung and Sony build their smartphones and tablets with Android in mind. And these products are certainly successful.
What is the reason? Perhaps some of you will say that it’s about the price, and this is really a very strong argument that affects sales. But we’ll talk about this later. Now let’s compare the technical characteristics of operating systems to identify their advantages and disadvantages.
What Are The Biggest Problems With Android Software?
One of the striking features of Android is the high level of freedom customers have. Due to its versatility, the OS can be installed on gadgets of various brands, and users can fully customize the gadget to fit their needs. But this freedom also has a negative side.
1) Vulnerability of the operating system
Android’s openness allows us to easily copy, move, and delete media, but this reduces security and increases the risk of being hacked. Android is a favorite target for hackers, as there are many users with such an OS, and it’s easier to hack than iOS.
2) Pre-installed applications
Smartphone manufacturers and mobile operators often install apps on the Android of their choice. It helps them make their brand unique. Preinstalled services can be useful, but often they cannot be removed and take up precious memory.
3) Abundance of settings
It’s just one of the ways to customize the gadget and turn it into a multifunctional assistant. But if you don’t like to delve into the phone for a long time, then a large variability of functions can be annoying.
4) Collection of personal information.
Android collects a lot of information about customers. This data is useful for advertisers, and Google primarily receives revenue from advertising.
5) Compatibility issues.
New versions of the operating system often conflict with discontinued obsolete devices or smartphones from little-known manufacturers.
Also, don’t forget about new android update issues that sometimes come up. Google has created an operating system that is optimized for very different smartphones. Therefore, when updating the OS, failures may occur on older or rare models of smartphones.
What Are The Key Known Issues With iOS?
The iOS operating system has a very high performance. Even the heaviest applications run smoothly here. Frequent updates and no malware ensure a high level of security. And yet, even iOS isn’t perfect.
1) Installing new programs
Users can install any new program on an Android gadget, and install only provided programs on an iOS gadget because they will not be able to bypass some of the limitations of this system.
2) Paid programs
It often happens that the application is free on Android, but paid for iPhone. The reason is simple. For developers, the iPhone app store entry threshold is more expensive than the Android.
3) No memory card and second SIM card
The only way to expand iPhone storage is to use iCloud. You need to pay for access to the storage and have high-speed Internet access. The problem with the SIM card can be solved by using a virtual eSIM that supports up to five numbers at the same time.
4) Only one app store
If you want to download apps, you can only go to the App Store. If this store doesn’t have the program you need, you won’t find it anywhere else. At the same time, Android offers users alternative stores.
5) Low multi-tasking
iOS is not good at multitasking at once. For example, applications are limited in the background. If you are uploading or downloading files, you need to make sure that the application remains open and the smartphone screen is active. Otherwise, the download speed will slow down or stop.
Remember that iOS will not let you connect your gadget to a regular PC as a USB drive. Those who like to upload files this way will have to change their habits after buying Apple`s gadgets.
Financial comparison of Android and iOS usage
The price is the argument by which Android easily puts iOS on the shoulder blades. It’s no secret that Apple products belong to a higher price segment. On the one hand, maintaining high prices is a strict company policy. On the other hand, the manufacturing process affects pricing.
An Android smartphone is assembled by analogy with a PC. All functional elements are selected by calculating the cost of the finished gadget and components can be produced by a variety of companies. As a result, device prices can vary greatly.
Apple smartphones go through a rigorous testing process before they are released to the market, and their internal specifications are heavily defined for a small number of models. This explains the rare release of new products.
Another reason that drives up the cost of Apple products is the unique USB cables and chargers that are expensive, break quickly, and don’t fit with other gadgets. If they break, you cannot replace them with analogs, you will have to buy an expensive original again.
If you want to save money, you can try to repair your gadget. However, we advise you to contact experts who have extensive experience in fixing things from a damaged phone to a broken PS5 HDMI port. In this case, you will be sure that the work will be done with high quality and that the repaired gadget will serve you for a long time.
Wrap Up!
So which of these two smartphone operating systems is better? Only you can answer this question. Both options are interesting, both offer a high level of service, and at the same time, both have some technical problems.
If you are interested in prestige, stability, and a high level of security, you are ready to obey the brand rules and pay a high price for all this, choose iOS.
If you like flexible settings, want to be able to choose, want to set the rules yourself, and pay less at the same time, you should give preference to Android.
Try, test, compare, and draw your conclusions. Perhaps, as a result, you will become a fan of one of these operating systems too.
Further Reading on HABytes: Check out iPhone 13 Pro Max Review / 4 Ways to Temporarily Disable Face ID on your iPhone / Best Android App Download Site / Best Google Apps.
This article was originally published on Feb. 1, 2023
