Comparing Android and iOS phones

Many people have argued that the real difference between Android and iOS phones lies in the type of users they attract. While this may be so, let us look at distinct features for each of them.

Operating System: Android was developed by Google and is a mobile operating system which is Linux based. While iOS, previously called iPhone is also a mobile operating system by Apple Inc. exclusively for Apple hardware.

Open Source: Android is an open source operating system, which means that developers have the freedom of using it to create, customize and distribute their own versions of Android based applications. iOS on the other hand is a proprietary software created and owned by Apple. Only Apple can change or release new versions of the software.

In the mobile application development world, while Android supporters would see the open source model and positive trend, their Apple counterparts would point as the many number of Android flavors as being confusing to users.

Development and Customization: Because Android is open source, it used by many phone and device manufacturers like LG, Asus, Sony, HTC, Samsung, Tecno, Dell, Motorola etc. In contrast, iOS is limited to Apple devices since the OS is not easily available to everyone for customizations. They are very much locked down, and operate in only the way Apple intends

On this point, Apple supporters would argue that allowing many customizations compromises simplicity and stability, while Android supporters maintain that flexibility is key.

App Stores: Google maintains and operates the ‘Play’ store, which is their official destination to find and download apps, however Android apps can also be installed through other websites, file downloads, and memory cards.

Apple has its own app store and is the sole proprietor of apps that can be downloaded for their platform. Any app not listed on will never appear on any apple supported phones.

In conclusion, one would ask, which one is better? iOS or Android? The choice is truly yours. You should choose your smartphone and tablet systems carefully, as switching from iOS to Android or vice versa will require you to buy apps again in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

It is worthy of note though that Android is now the world’s most commonly used smartphone platform and is used by many