Android:
Android is a mobile operating system for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers that is open source and based on the Linux kernel. Android was created by the Open Handset Alliance, which is led by Google, in collaboration with other companies.
Android provides a unified approach to application development for mobile devices, which means that developers need to develop for Android. Their applications should be able to function on a variety of Android-powered devices in varied environments.
iOS:
iOs (previously iPhone OS) is a mobile operating system developed and distributed by Apple Inc. exclusively for its hardware products. The active system is responsible for the operation of many of the company's mobile devices, including the iPhone and iPod Touch; until the moniker iPadOS was established with version 13 in 2019, the phrase also applied to the versions operating on iPads as well. It is the world's second-most extensively used mobile operating system, trailing only Android on installed bases. It serves as the foundation for three other operating systems developed by Apple: the iPad OS, the tvOS, and the watchOS. Even though some elements are open source under the Apple Public Source License and other licenses, the software is proprietary.
Comparison
1. Security:
The very first priority of a smartphone manufacturer company is to provide their users with a secure and comfortable environment where the users can operate their devices without worrying about a data breach or their information being compromised.
Android lacks a bit behind since its an open-source software, meaning that owners of these devices can customize their phones' and tablets' operating systems. Android is also more frequently targeted by hackers, owing to the operating system's widespread use in today's mobile devices. Android's global popularity makes it a more attractive target for cybercriminals. As a result, Android devices are more susceptible to the malware and viruses that these criminals unleash.
On the other hand, iOS is a relatively closed system with numerous restrictions and limitations designed to prevent users from tampering with the source code. Apple does not make its source code available to developers, and owners of iPhones and iPads cannot modify the code on their devices. This exacerbates the task of hackers discovering security flaws on iOS-powered devices.
2. Customization:
Android users have always had more customization options than iOS users, starting with the home screen: While Android phones can include widgets such as calendar boxes and weather icons, iPhones are limited to rows and columns of icons. Additionally, Android supports launcher applications such as Nova or Evie. They completely reskin Android, allowing you to cram more heroes into the dock, have a dynamic wallpaper, and even navigate the phone interface using custom swipes and gestures.
iOS is still catching up and, to a degree, is emulating or copying its rival. To begin, jailbreaking your iPhone enables you to customize it. This procedure is not recommended (it isn't easy to do, voids your warranty, and does not always work), but it is technically possible if you are set on customizing your iOS device. However, it is far from as simple as it is on an Android phone.
Second, we should address why iPhones are not as customizable as Androids. And the reason is relatively straightforward. Apple products are designed to be intuitive and straightforward to use. By prohibiting customizations such as custom ROMs and launchers, Apple ensures that their phones are the easiest to use on the market. That is perfectly acceptable. Giving your grandmother an iPhone is almost sure to go over better than giving her an Android. This does not address why you cannot change your default browser or SMS app, both simply business policies. Apple develops its applications and wishes to compel you to use them, which is reasonable (though irritating).
3. Ecosystem (Apps and Devices)
Android has an excellent and convenient app ecosystem that allows you to install Play Store and third-party sources. Another feature that Apple's store does not include is installing apps onto your phone via the web remotely. Assume you come across an app while reading an article on your laptop. If it's an Android device, you can navigate to the Play store's website and download it immediately. However, with iOS, you must go directly to the device to install the app. But Google still has to work on its devices ecosystem. The cloud service ran by Google to sync data across all devices is still hard to configure. Since Multiple manufacturers use Android, sometimes users can face serious hurdles while transferring data.
iOS ecosystem is a one-of-a-kind experience that comes with owning various Apple devices, from desktops and laptops to watches and wireless earbuds. Their unique differentiator is that they control the entire stack, ensuring that you receive a customized experience. According to recent WWDC demos and announcements, Apple's future focus will not be solely on hardware but on how much they can add to the garden's lushness or the height of the walls, depending on your perspective. This is good news for the ecosystem's inhabitants, but some may find it more challenging to switch ecosystems in the future.
4. Voice Assistant
Android is the operating system that powers Google Assistant, a voice assistant. Google Assistant demonstrates greater intelligence while exhibiting less personality. Google Assistant enables voice control of a TV via a Chromecast. The company recently introduced a new model with a Google TV interface based on Android TV that integrates with the voice assistant. According to a 2019 study by Perficient, in which 5,000 questions were asked of five assistants, Google provided the most accurate responses. Siri failed to answer roughly half of the questions Google Assistant responded correctly.
iOS comes stocked with a persona voice assistant named Siri. Siri frequently provides unhelpful responses or fails to perform an action that you request. She's fine for making phone calls, but you may instead see web search results when you want to open an app. Apple claims that iOS 14 improves its assistant, but we'll have to wait and see.
Finally, while you can use Google Assistant or Google Home on an iPhone, you cannot use Siri on any other device.
5. Hardware Selection:
Android can be found running on a diverse range of smartphones. Brands like Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, Oppo, etc., choose Android for their manufactured phones. This allows users to select from a variety of options according to their desires. Many brands even have their versions of the software tweaked and improvised. OnePlus’ introduction of OxygenOS was a massive factor in their sky-rocketing sales. You can get a functional Android phone for as low as $149, compared to the cheapest new iPhone you can buy, the iPhone SE, which costs $399
iOS, on the other hand, can only be found installed on iPhones since both the software and hardware are property of Apple Inc. Many tech experts say the phones are overpriced as the company plays on its well-built name.
That's it for the comparison. I hope this article might help you the next time you step out for buying a new phone for yourself. As for the author's opinion: I'll probably stick with Android and have no plans of purchasing an iPhone sooner or later.
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