In the realm of smartphones, two dominant platforms reign supreme: Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android. Each operating system boasts its own unique strengths and appeals to a diverse range of users. However, for those seeking a seamless, user-friendly, and secure mobile experience, Apple’s iOS emerges as the superior choice. In this article, we will delve into the compelling reasons why Apple’s iOS stands out as the better operating system, surpassing its Android counterpart in terms of performance, user experience, and overall value.
Why Is Apple Better Than Android
#1. No Bloatware
Do you want to know why iOS is superior to Android? There is no bloatware. iPhones have fewer pre-installed apps than Android devices, allowing the device to perform better.
In addition, iPhone users can remove certain pre-installed apps to improve their experience. However, pre-installed apps on Android devices cannot be removed.
iPhones are clear from the start: no data-siphoning apps or other sabotaging software.
#2. iOS is Generally Faster and More Fluid
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the most potent Apple smartphone right now, with the Apple A17 Pro SoC — the first chipset to be manufactured on a 3nm process. This may sound impressive, but we often get caught up in the details and forget to look at what really matters. Powerful specifications do not guarantee performance. Processing power is more than just cores and speed clocks. There is evidence that Apple processors outperform Qualcomm processors.
Whether Apple processors are superior or not, what matters most is that iOS is optimized to work flawlessly with the few devices Apple produces. Meanwhile, Android has been lost in a sea of smartphones, tablets, and other devices. OEMs are responsible for optimizing software for hardware, which they frequently fail to do.
Because Apple’s closed ecosystem allows for tighter integration, iPhones don’t require super-powerful specs to compete with high-end Android phones. It all comes down to hardware and software optimization. Furthermore, because Apple has complete control over the manufacturing process, it can ensure that resources are used more efficiently. Furthermore, developers must adhere to a stricter process when releasing apps, and they are not required to optimize their apps for what appears to be an infinite number of devices.
This is not to say that all iOS devices are better than all Android devices. Some Android phones have beastly internals and incredible performance. However, iOS devices are generally faster and smoother than most Android phones in comparable price ranges. For example, starting at $699 MSRP, an iPhone 14 can perform nearly as well as the most recent high-end iPhone. Even the entry-level iPhone SE, which costs $429, is a strong performer.
#3. iOS is Extremely Simple to Use
What we love about Android can sometimes make it less appealing to the average consumer. While Google and its partnered manufacturers have made strides in making Android more intuitive, particularly since Android 12, it can still be perplexing. Furthermore, inconsistency among phone manufacturers creates a learning curve, as most Android phones look and feel different.
Apple fans adore the simplicity of their operating system, and it is arguably one of the things iOS does better than Android. iOS is simple, and that is part of its allure. Many iPhone fans do not want a phone that they can tinker with and customize. They want a device that works well, is simple to use, and will get them to their content with minimal effort. This is what the expression “it just works” refers to.
With iOS, you get home pages with rows and columns of icons that you can arrange however you want, but there is no app drawer to hide things — everything is right in front of you. The settings are simple, and the experience is consistent regardless of which Apple mobile device you use.
#4. Regular Updates
One of the things iOS does better than Android is software updates. If your iOS device is eligible for the latest update, it will receive it as soon as it is released. This may be bad news for older devices that are incapable of handling more resource-intensive iOS versions. That is a different topic, and you should be concerned only if you have an older Apple device.
With Google’s Android ecosystem, the updating process isn’t as smooth. Google only provides direct updates to its own products, such as the Pixel Fold or Pixel 7 series, and even those have been known to fail to receive updates in a timely manner on occasion.
Manufacturers such as Samsung, Sony, Motorola, and others must receive the update from Google, work on it, optimize it for your device, and then distribute it. In many cases, carriers must go through them as well, which ensures that updates arrive late, sometimes months later… if at all.
#5. Security for Third-Party Apps
Before releasing any of its products to the public, Apple ensures they meet certain quality and security standards. As a result, all Apple devices can provide users with third-party app security.
All apps available in the Apple App Store have been rigorously tested. As a result, users can be confident that the app they downloaded is high quality and secure.
#6. Family Sharing
The Family Sharing feature also elevates the iPhone above Android.
The iPhone’s family-sharing features make it easier for families to share content. Indeed, the family sharing feature can be used to buy and store data across multiple iOS devices and Apple ID Accounts.
Family sharing, on the other hand, requires parental approval. As a result, there is no danger of children downloading inappropriate or paid advertisements.
#7. Apple’s ecosystem
This one is more of a tie because Google has improved its cross-device integration in recent years. Regardless, Apple devices such as iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs, Apple Watches, and Mac computers are tightly integrated with iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, and other proprietary services. While Google has competing services that work well, there is a learning curve, and they don’t feel as intuitively connected.
Some apps required to access core Google services are not pre-installed, forcing users to search the Google Play Store for them. This may not appear a big deal to most tech-savvy users, but it can be a daunting task or, at the very least, an annoyance to some.
Regarding app stores, the Apple App Store is far superior to the Google Play Store in terms of curation and oversight. Developers who want to submit their apps to the App Store must go through a lengthy and costly set of checks and procedures, but the end result is a net improvement in the overall quality of iOS apps. The Apple App Store is generally cleaner, has fewer advertisements, and includes cool extra features such as interviews, guides, better app lists, etc. It may be a walled garden, but it is still safe, familiar, and easy to navigate.
#8. Security (for the time being)
This topic isn’t as one-sided as it once was, thanks to Google’s more consistent security updates. Google has continued to secure the Google Play Store and add safeguards to ensure the safety of your phones and information. Sandboxing, two-step verification, Google Play Protect, more tightly controlled app permissions, and other features are available. These enhancements, combined with more educated users, result in robust Android security that begins to rival iOS.
Whether iOS is more secure than Android is now debatable, but the general consensus favours Apple. iOS has more consistent updates for all devices, a closed ecosystem that is more difficult to break into, and a more stringent app store. These factors, when combined, make it more difficult for attackers to target iOS users.
#9. Superior Support
Apple is the industry leader in technical customer service. AppleCare may be costly, but filing claims for iOS devices is a breeze. If you have a nearby Apple Store, you can often walk out with a brand-new device in under an hour.
Speaking of Apple Stores, whether you like them or not, Apple’s retail locations have a distinct look that many retailers have attempted to replicate. The open-plan design immediately draws you in. Many employees are available to assist you with any purchase or problem. They even offer free classes on how to use Apple devices.
No company is perfect, but having an iOS phone or tablet beats the competition every time. You don’t have to deal with carriers, look for strange customer service phone numbers, fill out online forms, send faxes, wait on hold for long periods of time only to speak to a robot, or wait weeks for a repair or replacement. Visit your local Apple Store and take advantage of their well-known customer service. It’s as simple as (Apple) pie.
#10. Value at Resale
Although affordability is not one of the things that iOS does better than Android, Apple does have a market advantage over the majority of its mobile competitors. iPhones, iPads, and other Apple products typically outperform Android products regarding value retention. This means that when it comes time to switch devices, you can sell your used Apple device for more money. Furthermore, because Apple products are so popular, they typically sell much faster.
Let’s put things into context with some real-life examples. The iPhone 11 Pro Max was released in September 2019 and costs $1,099. In good condition, it sells for around $330 to $450. That is approximately 30% to 41% of its original value. The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus was released in August 2019 for $1,099. On eBay, it sells for around $180 to $270. This is approximately 16% to 25% of the original value. Isn’t there a big difference?
Remember that this is a best-case scenario for Android. Samsung is another brand that outperforms others in its class regarding value retention. When compared to other smaller Android manufacturers, Apple’s resale value is far superior.
Bluetooth trackers are another area where iOS outperforms Android. These tiny devices can track and locate items. We’ve seen Samsung, Tile, and other companies release Bluetooth trackers that are very similar, and you could argue they’re even better in some ways, but Apple has something no competitor can match. Apple’s device network has much better coverage everywhere you go.
The real issue is that all of these trackers have a limited number of devices that can track them. Some of the best Apple AirTag alternatives, such as the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag and Tile trackers, operate within their respective ecosystems and via their respective apps. Apple AirTags are also only trackable by Apple devices. Still, the difference here is that Apple devices are so prevalent that any tracker will be close to an iPhone wherever it is. Apple has made its Find My network available to third parties, which means that other tag or accessory manufacturers can create Find My trackers.
Apple AirTags work flawlessly with iOS. It’s essentially a system function that requires no additional apps or downloads. It is simple to set up and works by simply tapping your iPhone on it.
The best part is that, while AirTags are slightly more expensive than the competition, the difference isn’t significant, and it ends up being a far superior product in the end.
Google has also launched its Find My Device network, which looks promising for the future, given the prevalence of Android devices. Having said that, it is currently used by very few trackers.
#12. Contactless Payments
Google Pay functions well, but the app is much more complicated and is not always pre-installed on Android phones! The service has taken a back seat and is receiving little attention, even from Google.
Regardless, all contactless payment services function properly, but Apple Pay appears to be the most polished option available. It is compatible with Apple’s smartphones, tablets, and even smartwatches. Apple Pay is also more widely supported by banks and credit card companies, particularly smaller ones that typically avoid Google Pay and other solutions. It is also accepted by over 85% of retailers in the United States.
Furthermore, Apple now provides a credit card with some pretty good benefits. First, you receive 2% cashback on Apple Pay purchases, and the Apple Card is only compatible with iOS. Some people will hesitate to give up their Apple Card and switch to an Android device.
Conclusion
As you can see, the iPhone outperforms the Android. So, to buy a new phone, you should put your faith and money in Apple.
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