Picking Android or iOS

Introduction

At today era, both Android and iOS platforms are quite mature and there is little need to argue which operating system is the best.

Many may have argued that iPhone symbolises top quality. However, you may actually find equivalently good Android phone in the similar price range.

  • Remember, you are getting what you paid.
  • Stop comparing the flagship iPhone to the many decent performing Android phone on the market (with a budget of RM1000 to RM 1500).



Hardware Choices

The sole manufacturer of iPhone is Apple. However, gone were the days that you are deciding between pay more to buy the newly released iPhone or save more by purchasing the older generation iPhone. In 2022, we saw a huge gap between iPhone 14 standard and Pro models.

  • You want a 12 Megapixel or 48 Megapixel camera?
  • A15 chip or A16 chip?
  • The dynamic island is also only available for Pro models.

More precisely, this scenario has been happening in the Android handsets market.

  • We have always been saturated with Android phones offered at every price range (e.g. flagship, midrange and low-end) and there are multiple companies making them such as Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei, Oppo, LG and Nokia.



Operating System and Support

When buying an iPhone, you can be assured that it will receive at least several years' worth of iOS updates and security patches (depending on features that Apple adds to iOS). On the other hand, Androids phones are often criticised for their poor OS support. Often, only flagship phones will be supported to the next OS update and the software updates are always delayed.

  • Imaging your phone as a calculator, it can only perform so many calculations per second. However, with each newer operating system version, it will require more calculation requirements. As a result, software update seems to slow down your phone.
  • There should also be critical evaluation of the practical usefulness or importance of the newly introduced software feature.

On the other hand, innovative features usually land on Android phones first, e.g. wireless charging, fast charging, NFC, in-screen fingerprint sensors, water resistance and multi-lens camera.

  • All Android phone companies are trying to prove that they offer more features than their competitors.



App Ecosystem

When you are moving over from Android to iOS or vice versa, you probably need some time to refamiliarize to the system settings (e.g. notifications, location services, camera settings, sound control, theme and customisation).

  • Apple's closed ecosystem ensures a more consistent and secure experience across all iOS devices, but also limits app flexibility.
  • On the other hand, Android users may need some time to get used to different manufacturers' skins.

Nonetheless, all the popular mobile apps (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) can be found at both Android Play Store and iOS App Store.

  • There are still some cases that apps came to iOS first, and then eventually made their way to Android.
  • However, I personally do not consider this as a deciding factor.

Another important differentiator is that Android allows you install mobile application (APK) from non-Google app stores.

  • However, sideload apps on Android can open you up to the risk of malware.



File Manager

The existence of file manager is one of the key features that distinguishes Android from iOS.

  • It is a very similar experience of browsing files and folders in File Explorer (previously known as Windows Explorer) in Windows.
  • We can move files around the storage easily and delete any caches or data left behind by an uninstalled mobile application (which is not possible in iOS devices).

The Gallery application in Android is accessing all pictures in the phone (including from Download, WhatsApp, Facebook and camera).

  • On the other hand, Apple Photos is only a photo management and editing application for photos taken by camera.



Summary

The best phone for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

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