What’s Your Criterion?
The OS
OS
Android
Smartphones enable us to browse the Web and run apps (Web applications), handle office and personal email, multitask, and engage in social networking. How easily and how well one can do those tasks varies by the operating system (OS). Apps that can be downloaded by the smartphone user vary widely in number, variety and price according to the operating system.
Once upon a time, the mobile handsets space was dominated by Nokia phones that ran on Symbian
Pros Very customizable. Opensource operating system is easily changed, hacked, manipulated, and molded to fit whatever functionality you have in mind. Found on all platforms for all prices depending on what hardware and software version you are interested in. Android has second largest app store. Useful for checking email. Blackberry uses their own servers so they are very secure and excellent for businesses where extra frills are not necessary or contractually not allowed. Same operating experience on all iPhones. The screen has the most pixel density. Hardware is made for Apple to Apple specs and cannot be changed. Has the largest app store. Most phone accessories are made for the iPhone, ranging from alarm clock docking stations and credit card scanners to stun guns. No other phone has the accessory capability that the iPhone has due to manufacturer interest.
Cons OS. At that time only the techies knew what Symbian meant; for the rest of the world it was just software.
Today, phones run on several operating systems and most people know what’s running their devices – Android, Windows, Blackberry, or iOS. Before buying a smartphone, it is important to know which operating system runs it. Not all apps are compatible with all OS; in fact Apple has the largest app store followed by Android, while Windows is catching up with the maximum additions on a daily basis. Open-source operating system is great for developers but not good for security. Many reports of potential security threats at this time. Updates are being released very frequently to fix holes in the system and the Android market is being checked regularly for potential threats. When they have a server problem, it is widespread and can take days to fix large areas of service. Limited apps. It's not available on all carriers but this is expanding. The battery is not replaceable, which is why all iPhone users you know have it plugged in all the time as the battery degrades.
Neutral With so many versions, you must do your homework to know what you are really looking at. Hardware and software version is chosen by the manufacturer. Lots of icons inside icons. Must be protected with antispyware and antivirus to maintain a peak experience. Trying to keep up with iPhone and Android. Web browsing is okay at best. Closed platform. There can be no changes made to the design. All applications must look and function with the continuity of the Apple operating system in mind. This creates a very secure and stable environment with little to none customization features. The screen is much smaller than competitors’ options at this time.