Open-source or style-points?
I remember back when I was deciding on my first smartphone, I just assumed I was going to get an iPhone. Because, well, what else was there? That’s what we call good advertising; Apple had such an iron grip on the market that I didn’t know I had any other options. It was my more tech-savvy friends that clued me into the existence of Android phones, and I’ve been an avid Android user since. Why? Well, there’s a lot of factors on both sides of the fence. Let’s measure up, shall we?
First of all, iOS versus Android OS. I prefer Android OS for the same reason I like Windows, because it’s open-source and easy to make little adjustments to for my own comfort. iOS, however, is streamlined and attractive, and generally good for someone who doesn’t futz as much with their electronics. Not to mention, when new apps come out, the Apple Store usually gets ’em before Google Play. Though, there is one major point in Android’s corner, and that’s Google Maps. iOS has it, but it’s built for Android first and foremost.
Secondly, device integrity. iPhones are very sleek and come in lots of designer colors, but they’re also prohibitively expensive and occasionally lack sturdiness. For a fraction of the cost, an Android phone will usually stand up to a little more punishment, barring an occasional weird quirk like my last Android and its inflating battery. Androids also have better batteries and charge faster, which is always a plus in my book.
It boils down mostly to a form versus fashion thing. iPhones look cool, and you’ll look cool carrying one with all the accessories, provided you can afford it. Androids, on the other hand, are better suited for folks who don’t mind tinkering a little with their phones to get the best experience. They’re chunkier and less fashionable, but tend to be a little more reliable in the long haul. You just have to decide how much that cyber street cred means to you, I suppose.
