A lot of buzz always accompanies the release of a new iPhone, and Apple’s dramatic reveal of each sleek new device is enough to leave even the most diehard Android fan drooling a little. But when you find yourself considering whether or not to lay down the big bucks for the latest release from Apple, take a moment to reflect on the benefits each platform provides.
The Cost Disparity
Though deciding which operating system has the most to offer has never been more difficult, there is still a significant cost disparity between an iPhone and Android. While Apple can charge as much as $700, an unlocked Nexus 4 costs only $199, and it offers basically everything you could need in a phone. For Android users looking for high-end mobile power, a top-of-the-line Samsung Galaxy S4 still comes in around $200 less than an equivalent iPhone.
However, the extra cost does reflect a few top-of-the-line features Apple has rolled out with the 5s. Apple has added functionality to the iPhone’s already phenomenal cameral (like the ability to shoot in slow motion) and released the exciting – and somewhat controversial – fingerprint scanner for security. The camera and processing components in the iPhone 5c aren’t quite as impressive, but the 5c allows you to get most of the benefits of an iPhone for $100 less.
Size Matters
For a long time, Apple’s competitive advantage has been its ability to consistently produce a high-quality phone. While they’ve given consumers another (slightly cheaper) option with the 5c, the unapologetically plastic version is nearly identical in height and width.
Android produces an extremely wide range of phones that come in all shapes and sizes. If you’re in the market for a compact sidekick, you can go for something as small as the Motorola RAZR i. For those who need more room to play, the Galaxy Note 2 boasts a 5.5-inch screen.
Customized for You
Android and iOS are both solid operating systems that will delight everyone from the smartphone novice to the power user, but the main benefit to Android phones are their robust options for customization with apps that can replace core functions. Here are just four ways you can make your Android device fit your unique needs:
- 1. Browser: Many people would argue that even the latest version of Safari leaves some functions to be desired, but with Android browsers, mobile Web surfing can be efficient and even enjoyable. Browsers such as Dolphin offer ultra-fast rendering engines and a variety of highly useful voice and gesture commands. Want to go to Google? Simply draw a “G” on the screen.
- 2. Custom dialers: There are dozens of apps that allow you to link your social networks to your phone, providing a more interactive calling experience. Fonista, for example, connects your contacts from Facebook and Twitter.
- 3. File managers: While it’s nearly impossible to use an iPhone to download, store, and organize files, such as PDFs, there are a variety of file management apps that allow Android users to store, send, and compress files using their mobile devices.
- 4. Typing experience: Are you sick of your phone’s keyboard? There’s an array of apps that can be used to improve or replace it. Fleksy goes so far as to allow you to type without looking at your screen or input text using an invisible screen.
Your mobile device should make it easy to access information and maximize your productivity, and improvements like those listed above help achieve this by increasing a phone’s speed and intuition, providing you with the ability to accomplish more while staring at a small screen a bit less.
When a new iPhone hits the market, faithful Android users may feel left out in the cold. But before you head to the Apple Store, it’s worth considering the benefits and drawbacks of each platform.
For users who crave customization to extend functionality, the options on Android are a huge draw. But for someone who wants a top-tier phone that runs great out of the box, the iPhone can be the perfect choice. No matter which you choose, you’re going to get top speed, a bigger, badder operating system, and a phone built for a seamless user experience.