Top 5 Reasons to Choose iPhone Over Android
Tech Talker lists the top 5 reasons to buy an iPhone over and Android device. Next week, he plays devil’s advocate and outlines the top 5 reasons for choosing an Android over an iPhone.
Starting this week, I will be doing a series of episodes on choosing between different types of smartphones.
Today, I will be weighing the pros and cons and playing devil’s advocate between the two most popular smartphone operating systems on the market: iOS (Apple’s iPhone) and Android.
In this episode, I’ll go over the top 5 reasons to choose an iPhone over Android. And next week, I’ll turn the tables and give you 5 reasons to choose an Android phone over an iPhone.
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Before I start, I want to make one thing very clear:
I’m not partial to any one operating system or phone. I think each system has its pros and cons and certain features that work better for some users. Basically, I’m just giving you the scoop on both types of smartphones so that you can make a decision about what’s best for you (I’m also trying to avoid hate mail).
So here are the top 5 reasons why an iPhone is better than an Android phone:
Reason #1: One iOS
I think the biggest advantage of the iPhone is that there is only one maker of the iPhone. For those of you who have iPhones, this sounds like a no brainer. Of course Apple is the only maker of the iPhone! But in the world of Android, there are multiple versions of Android and just as many types of Android phones from makers such as Samsung, HTC, and Motorola.
Having only one producer of the iPhone is an advantage because the core functionality of each version of the iPhone is the same as the next. You don’t have to worry about different manufacturers, or comparing different models from competing manufacturers.
This also includes updates. With Android phones, sometimes certain carriers or certain models will not be able to install the latest version of the Android operating system on a phone. this can become problematic. On the other hand, with the iPhone, as soon as an update comes out, it will be compatible with every model made within the past few years. With an Android phone, it’s possible to walk out of the store with it in the morning and try to install an update that afternooon with no luck.
Reason #2: Secured Operating System
As a general rule, Apple devices have a much more locked down development environment. This means that app developers are more limited in what their apps can do. And users are limited to how they can use their phones. This is great from the standpoint that the operating system is pretty well safeguarded from malware and viruses.
See also: 9 Best Apps for iOS 7
This keeps iPhones and the general Apple environment pretty clear of most viruses that hit other operating systems more often.
Reason #3: Over 1,000,000 Apps
The Apple app store has more apps available for download than any other vendor. However, for most of us, the selling point of Apple’s app store isn’t in the number of apps, but rather the quality of the apps available. In general, app developers will usually try and develop products for iOS rather than for Android. This means many popular apps may come out first for iOS before they’re available for Android devices.
As time goes on, this is less and less of an issue, but even to this day some of my favorite apps are still missing from the Android marketplace.
Reason #4: The Apple Ecosystem
Apple devices work exceedingly well together, especially if you have a Macbook, Apple TV, and an AirPort Express.
One of the main reasons for getting an iPhone would be if you owned other Apple devices. Apple devices work exceedingly well together, especially if you have a Macbook, Apple TV, and an AirPort Express. These devices are all built together to work with each other, so it’s simple to send video from your iPhone to your Apple TV or music to your AirPort Express.
See also: What’s New with Apple’s iOS 7?
The downside is that this can get pretty expensive. But again, if you already have one or more iDevice, an iPhone would work well together with them.
Reason #5: Apple Stores
Last, but not least, reason for getting an iPhone is the network of Apple stores throughout the world. This is one of the best features of Apple devices. You can find Apple stores in most major malls and cities, and it’s the perfect place to go with questions and bring your broken device to get it fixed.
You can’t get this sort of convenience with most other devices. Apple builds and maintains all its products, so when something is wrong, the manufacturers are the ones who fix it. If you were to get an Android phone and had more questions or wanted to get it serviced, there’s just not many places to take it to. Apple stores, on the other hand, offer daily appointments to take a look at and fix your device.
With that, let’s sum up the top 5 reasons to choose iOS over Android:
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There’s only one manufacturer of the iPhone, so you won’t have to comparison-shop brands.
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Apple’s locked-down operating system means that its devices are super secure from viruses and malware.
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iOS apps are generally the first on the market and there’s a huge selection.
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Apple devices work great with other Apple products.
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Apple stores offer a convenient location to get your malfunctioning device looked at or to have questions answered.
I find that iPhones are best for people who are looking for a great smartphone with lots of features that “just works” without lots of effort or customization. It’s very difficult to change the iPhone to anything Apple doesn’t approve of, so if you’re into tinkering and getting your hands metaphorically dirty in the operating system, an iPhone isn’t for you. I personally have an iPhone and so do my wife and parents. All of us having iPhones allows us to communicate seamlessly.
See also: The Benefits of Jailbreaking
Be sure to check in next week when I talk about the perks of having an Android and why I might be switching in the near future!
Well, that’s it for today! Be sure to check out all my earlier episodes at quickanddirtytips tech-talker. And if you have further questions about this podcast or want to make a suggestion for a future episode, post them on Facebook QDTtechtalker.
Until next time, I’m the Tech Talker, keeping technology simple!