iPhones and Androids are the two biggest smartphones in the world. With that comes some competition between the two and their users, wondering which is best. That can leave difficulties for someone wondering which one to get or whether to make the switch from one to another.
Whether iPhone is better than Android will depend on what you want from a phone and what’s important to you (for example, affordability vs. a good camera). However, iPhones tend to be more user-friendly and secure and have more accessories available to pair with them.
Let’s take a look at whether iPhone is better than Android, including the operating systems, repairs and warranties, accessories, and more.
Is iPhone Better than Android?
It’s hard to say whether an iPhone is definitively better than an Android. For some, affordability is more important than anything else, meaning an Android is better. However, an iPhone likely wins out in terms of user-friendliness and accessories like AirPods and Magsafe Charging (both on Amazon).
Even though everyone has different opinions on the matter, there are a few things we can look at to decide which is the better choice.
Operating Systems
There’s no denying that iOS—the operating system iPhones use—is sleek and accessible. Apple has put a lot of work into ensuring that it’s easy, regardless of your technical proficiency and any challenges you may face when using electronics.
Not only that, but iOS tends to get apps ahead of Android. Because it has a notoriously fast and versatile operating system, developers are likelier to choose that for an app launch and add it to Android later.
Android isn’t difficult to use, but it can take some getting used to. Apple is also great about quickly fixing bugs in their system and providing updates, which is another huge bonus to having an iPhone.
Repairs
If something happens to your phone, you can mail it in to get it fixed. Of course, that’s true of any good manufacturer. However, although Apple lets you mail in your device, there’s nothing like their presence in the US and globally. Sometimes, it feels like there’s an Apple store around every corner.
These stores allow you to take your phone in for same-day repair, as long as they have the parts available. In a culture dependent on smartphones for information and communication, this is huge—where Android users are more likely to have to wait a long time.
There are unlicensed repair stores around for both phones, but as using them often voids warranties and doesn’t come with a guarantee, it’s always better to go with the manufacturer.
Warranties
When it comes to the warranty itself, it’s pretty comparable across the board. Most Android phones and iPhones come with a one-year warranty if bought directly from the source. Of course, you should always make sure you check out the exclusions—for example, something like water damage isn’t usually covered.
However, iPhone repairs can be expensive. The newer the phone, the more it will cost to repair, so this is also something to bear in mind. But, if cost is your primary factor, then it might be the Android phone that’s best for you.
Electronics and Accessories
Android and Apple don’t only make phones, but they also have a variety of accessories available. Let’s look at them all and who has the best of each.
Tablets
The first is tablets. Android tablets (on Amazon) are generally more affordable than Apple, much like the phones. They provide the basics and allow you to browse the internet, watch movies, and more.
Their main issue is that they don’t tend to be very fast and have shorter lifespans than Apple. You’ll notice that they crash more easily and can’t handle running extensive programs the way an iPad can (such as games or Photoshop).
However, for light use, you can’t go wrong. Either is fine if you only plan to check your emails and watch the occasional movie.
iPads
iPads (on Amazon) are much more expensive than most Android tablets, but there’s a reason for this. They’re faster, more secure, and, much like the iPhone, have a smoother operating system. They also pair well with your iPhone, and you can receive messages on them (as well as sync up your iCloud for contacts, notes, etc.).
Watches
Each of these manufacturers also has a watch—the Galaxy Watch vs. the Apple Watch. Each can sync with your phone, but the Galaxy Watch is significantly cheaper.
However, since neither of these accessories needs to be fast or do much heavy lifting, they’re much more comparable.
Earbuds
Airpods and Galaxy Buds (on Amazon) have similar features and very similar price points. You can get the basic ones or pay a little more for the pro, which has extra features like noise canceling.
Computers
The last electronic is the computer. Apple has a wide range of laptops and desktop PCs that can sync with all of your Apple devices, giving you a smooth experience. Android has also developed a line of computers, though they have fewer syncing features available and only have laptops—not PCs.
If you want a desktop computer that matches your phone, you’ll want to steer clear of Android in this department.
Is the iPhone the Most Secure Phone?
For most, security is a huge factor in deciding whether or not to buy an electronic. With credit card numbers and other sensitive information stored on devices, you must ensure that yours will be safe.
Apple has worked hard to make iPhones very secure. For example, a strict app store vets anything on it thoroughly before letting people list their apps, and they’re constantly developing new methods to keep their users safe from threats.
Android could not compete with this for a while, and their phones were consistently at more risk for hackers and malware. However, recently, they’ve developed security updates that rival even Apple, leaving many people questioning which is more secure.
The truth is, they’re both pretty safe these days. Of course, it’s always best to practice caution (don’t open suspicious texts, don’t click spam links in emails), but Apple and Android are both working hard to keep you safe. If security is the most critical factor for you, then Apple does have a longer proven track record.
Which Phone Should You Get?
Whether you’ve had an Apple or Android and are considering making a switch or are wondering which you should purchase for the first time, there are a few things you need to think about before making your decision. These include:
- Cost
- Operating system
- Security
- Ease of access to repairs
- Warranties
- Accessories
When you decide what’s most important to you, you’ll have an easier time deciding. If cost is what matters most to you, then Android is the way to go; however, if you want the ease of access to repairs and a smoother operating system (and are willing to pay a bit more for these things), then an Apple iPhone won’t let you down.