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Definition: iPhone vs. Android


People get used to operating a device and tend to upgrade on the same platform. Although both iPhone and Android do exactly the same things, there are differences that require some learning when switching platforms. Both platforms offer a wealth of apps and functionality.

All smartphones have numerous configuration options; even more settings than a desktop computer, and the settings layout is very different between platforms.

For the Beginner
For rank novices, the best smartphone choice has more to do with help. If co-workers or family use Apple, choose an iPhone. If they use Android, choose a Samsung, Motorola, Pixel or other Android phone.

Like Mac and Windows
As it does with the Mac, Apple controls the hardware and operating system. Like Microsoft, Google controls the OS, and although it offers its own Android-based Pixel phone, there are numerous Android phone models from several vendors. See Pixel phone.

All iPhone OS versions have the same interface, whereas Android phone vendors as well as the carriers may add their own set of apps and different interface features. Android phones often come with apps that people never use and are often unaware that they exist. See app launcher.

There are only a handful of current iPhone models, whereas dozens of Androids are always available. Apple notifies iPhone users about the latest iOS release, but Android OS updates are distributed by the phone vendor resulting in numerous combinations in use (see Android fragmentation). This may not affect the average user, but it drives Android app developers to distraction.

iPhone Advantages
The iPhone user interface is more consistent between OS versions; however, there was a big change in 2013 (see iOS 7). In addition, Apple was first to do a stringent job testing apps for their app store. Apple also rejects X-rated content, although nothing stops people from retrieving anything via the phone's Safari browser. Lastly, Apple's tech support is typically first rate. See iPhone.

Android Advantages
Although top-end Android phones are $1,000 and above, one can purchase a very respectable Android in the $100-$300 price range. In fact, an Android phone may be free with certain carrier plans.

Users love the Android's dedicated and always-available Back button on the hardware itself. No matter which app is running, pressing Back on an Android takes the user back one step. There is no such dedicated button on the iPhone. Each app must build in its own Back icon.

Android phones have an "app drawer" that lists all apps alphabetically, and users drag icons from the drawer to their home screens. In addition, third-party app drawers offer a choice of interfaces. Android users can also download apps from more than one online store.

Technicians who work with Windows computers all day often choose Android phones because Windows and Android file management are very similar. An Android phone becomes an external hard drive when plugged into a Windows computer. See online app store and Android.