Android v Apple does it matter?
In the next few months, dozens of new smartphones will be released tempting consumers to upgrade. Many critics and commenters will weigh in on which is best, often pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of the operating systems.
Android fans will criticise iOS (Apple smartphone operating system) and Apple fans will ridicule Android, which is used by all other manufacturers, including Samsung, Sony, Huawei and LG.
But both groups are wrong because both systems are really good and it doesn’t matter which one you choose to use.
They both use the same basic user interface and both have most of the top apps available. However, there are some differences.
The main advantage of Android is that the system is more customisable.
That means you can tweak just about every setting to your needs.
Android is also slightly ahead in releasing new features, and most Google apps get released on the platform before arriving on iOS.
Also, if you like Android you have a much bigger range of phones to choose from, including many affordable devices.
On the downside, new versions of Android can take a long time to become available on smartphones, whereas iOS gets rolled out to all supported devices on the same day.
The advantages of iOS are that some high-profile apps (such as Fortnite) are available sooner, and it’s slightly better designed than Android. The downsides are that some apps, such as video chat app Facetime, only work when calling other iOS devices.
The Apple system is more closed than Android but the advantage of that is it has fewer security issues than Android.
So while there are pros and cons to both systems, there’s not enough to tip the balance to either side.
But once you choose, it’s best to stick to that system. It’s far easier to have an Android smartphone and an Android tablet rather than one of each. It means you only have to buy one version of each app.
Also, once you learn one system, it’s harder to swap back and forth between the two.
It’s also easier to be either an Android or Apple family so you can share apps, cables and tips.
So it doesn’t matter which you choose, but once you have it, it pays to stick to that system.