Choosing a smartphone can be a difficult decision. There are a lot of choices on the market, and many models, plans, companies and operating systems can be appealing. Two of the biggest names in the smartphone marketing are the Apple iPhone and phones that are powered by the Android operating system, run by Google. A recent study by the research company comScore found that Android phones recently became the most popular smartphone platform. Following is a quick comparison between an Android phone and the iPhone.
Apps. In general terms, both platforms run a bevy of applications, or "apps," and developers are working to build programs that will run on virtually all operating systems. This makes the app more marketable, and it makes each phone more appealing. The challenge, of course, is that similarities between apps can make it difficult to differentiate phones. However, it is clear that both types of phones can run most of the latest apps — and run them very well.
Open source? There is technology associated with Apple and Google, but there are also different philosophies in terms of how the software is managed. Apple is known for quality products, as well as for its rigorous standards and high expectations when it comes to partnerships with third-party software vendors. Android phones are generally regarded as being more open-source from a computing standpoint, which means more flexibility in terms of programming. For the average consumer, this might not make a huge difference, but for those that are concerned about platforms, there are issues to consider. A more rigid system that has less flexible protocols may mean less risk of viruses, while a more open operating system offers greater flexibility but also greater possibility of attacks from problems like malware.
Functionality. Some comparisons come down to functional elements. These include battery life, screen size, resolution, processor speed, actual versus on-screen keyboards, and memory capacity. Again, Apple has limited choices, which can be appealing from a simplicity standpoint but frustrating if a person is looking for a particular feature. If you're in the market for a new smartphone, you may need to sit down and list all the aspects of each device in order to decide which phone best suits your needs. In addition, there is the reality that the moment you buy a phone, you may discover that a new and improved version of the device is slated for release.
