IOS or Android. iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel, etc. Are we comparing the phones/devices themselves? Or the operating systems? Many people assume the comparison is the phones themselves. When in fact, the real comparison is the operating system.
IOS is the operating system that runs on iPhones, and it is produced by Apple. iPhones are the devices, and they are also produced by Apple. Android is also just an operating system. It was developed by a group known as the Open Handset Alliance. And Google is the commercial sponsor. As for the devices, there are quite a number of companies that produce the phones that run the Android operating system.
So a far better comparison is the combination of both the operating system AND the device it runs on.
A look at Devices – The Hardware
For the phones that run IOS, there are currently 8 different models of iPhone available. They range from the low end iPhone SE 2022, all the way up to the top of the line iPhone 14 Pro Max. The differences are typically the screen size, battery life, processor chip, and the quality and capability of the camera.
Now, for the phones that run the Android operating system, there are almost as many companies that make Android capable phones as there are iPhone models. Some of the major players include Samsung, Google Pixel, LG, Motorola, and Nokia. And I am sure that each company has at least a few models of the phone. Like the iPhone models, many of the differences include screen size, processor, camera capabilities, and of course – the battery life.
What about the Operating Systems – The Software
First, What is IOS? It is a proprietary mobile operating system that Apple Inc owns and maintains. And it runs exclusively on the Apple hardware devices.
Ok then, What is the Android operating system? It is an open-source operating system that was created by a group of developers, not necessarily from the same company. Google is the corporate sponsor of the project, and as such provides the overall direction, but does not necessarily control (or own) every line of code.
For background purposes, open-source software is basically computer software that allows open access to the source code of the program. This means that any user has the right to inspect, modify, or distribute a different version than the original author created. In many cases, the development of open-source operating systems is done by the public collaborative effort of many developers. And there is always the possibility of one or more rogue developers playing by their own rules. As a result, there is always an element of risk with open-source software.
High Level Comparison – IOS or Android
The intent is not for this comparison to examine all the details and features of either the IOS or the Android operating system. Rather this is a comparison of the overall background and directions.
First, let’s take a look at Apple and IOS:
- Apple makes both the hardware (devices) and the software. This means they can optimize the software so that it uses all the features of the hardware. This generally results in higher performance.
- There are only eight different models to support. As a result, this makes the entire development and testing process much easier.
- Since both the device and the operating system are proprietary to Apple, this means there is much tighter control. Therefore, the approval process for IOS applications is more stringent for IOS, and provides a higher level of security. Basically, Apple has set a higher standard to meet.
- Even serial entrepreneur Kosta Gara used the analogy of having control over everything “like Apple” with regard to his current company. Because if you have control over everything, then you are not at the mercy of third parties. And this can eliminate a lot of potential problems.
- The IOS reviews indicate that is has a more user-friendly interface.
Now let’s look at Android:
- There are at least as many companies that manufacture Android phones as the total number of Apple phone models. And each company produces multiple models. This makes it far more difficult for the software to take full advantage of all the features of the phone.
- As a software developer, how can you possibly adequately test the operating system on all the possible hardware devices? As a retired software developer, this alone would drive me crazy!
- Because the Android operating system is open-source, there is not as much control. This makes it a much quicker process to get Android applications approved.
- The reviews show that the user interface for Android phones is more flexible and customizable. However, this can also make troubleshooting more difficult due to the number of possible variations.
Applications for IOS or Android
Most of the popular applications in use today are available for both the IOS and Android operating systems. Occasionally there are some slight differences in the way they look, but generally both have the same features and functionality.
When new applications come out, in many cases they are available for Android before IOS. This is simply due to the differences in the application approval process. While researching this topic, I also learned that in many cases developers start with the IOS application. This is because it is more profitable to develop for IOS, than Android.
IOS or Android – what are YOUR values?
I really believe that the IOS or Android choice comes down to your personal values and choices. Because I do not think that either phone/operating system is completely superior to the other, and they both have their strengths and weaknesses. And what you or I may consider to be a strength, others may consider as a weakness.
For example, I consider it a strength that it takes longer for applications to get approval from Apple. To me this means that they have a higher standard for overall security. And I place high value on this. I also value the fact that Apple owns and controls the operating system. Conversely, I do not like the idea that Android is open source, and that anyone can view and modify the source. This means that both those with good AND bad intentions can make changes, AND get them out there more quickly. Therefore, this makes the Android operating system much easier for hackers.
Then there are others who place a higher value on the ability to innovate more quickly and release the applications with the Android operating system. That is what they value, and that is also ok. They may also prefer a system that has a lot of options and flexibility. That is also ok.
IOS or Android – Respect the Choice
Note: This article is a result of hearing far too many obnoxious comments about the supposedly “superior” Android devices.
The important conclusion here is that regardless of your values and your device choice, the values and choices made by others should be respected. Just as in other areas of life, people should NOT feel “less than” simply for their choice of a mobile device.
After researching the difference, I concluded that both IOS and Android can meet the needs of their users. I also concluded that one device is not necessarily better than the other. Rather, it is a matter of the user’s values and preference.
I also discovered that as of Sept 2022, sales of iPhone have overtaken Android. And this is the first time this has happened since 2010.
Most importantly – Respect the Choice!
Now if you need additional help with all these options, there is a nootropic product that will help with focus and clarity while checking all the various options. However, once you make the decision I suggest that you sit back and relax with some Fine Wine straight from the Napa valley!
My Background
For the purposes of full disclosure, I am a recently retired Software Engineer. I have over 40 years of software development experience using multiple programming languages. In addition to a B.S. in Accounting, I also have a M.S. degree in IT and Information Security. I am currently an iPhone user. However I have tried an Android phone along the way, as well as an Android tablet. In a phone, I value the additional security and a device where the operating system tightly integrates with the hardware.
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