One of the most common and biggest debates among smartphone users is deciding which operating system is better. Almost all of the smartphones bought in recent years either have Android or iOS software. If you are looking to purchase a new phone and cannot decide which kind to go with, we have compiled a list of features of the operating systems that show their differences and similarities.

1. Affordability

It is a well-known fact that Apple phones and devices are more expensive then Android gadgets. Android phones are manufactured by loads of different companies which is why they have such a wide range of prices, while Apple is the sole manufacturer of all things iOS. Android phones are targeted for a larger spectrum of audience including those who require cheaper and more affordable phones. You can find the cheapest and the most expensive phones in Android, but all iOS phones are not wallet-friendly.

2. Apps

Android’s Google Play Store has around 2.8 million apps available while the Apple App Store has 2.2 million. Most apps that are introduced are initially launched on App Store then Play Store, especially in the United States. There are more apps available on Play Store and also more apps that are free to download than iOS. Most games are sometimes launched on App Store and do not make it to Play Store. But if you prefer quantity then you should go with Android.

3. Battery Life

Any smartphone user that has an Apple phone will tell you about their struggles with battery life. Android phones do have their own battery problems, but generally their battery life lasts longer and they charge faster. iOS phones require you to buy an extra set of fast chargers if you need them while Android phones have them included in the box. The difference in battery life and speed of charging make Android the obvious better choice.

4. Updates

Android phones take longer to update to the new version of the software, and iOS comes out with constant updates. The regular schedule of software updates may make iOS better, but it was recently revealed that Apple purposefully slows down the older versions of iOS phones to make users buy thew new ones. Android may be slower with their updates or not as widespread but their older versions keep working efficiently no matter how many upgrades are released.

5. Personalization

One of the biggest factors that makes Android more appealing to users is the fact that it is so much more customizable than iOS. Users of Android have the freedom to completely personalize their phones according to their tastes and preferences while Apple users can only do limited tasks like change the homescreen or lockscreen etc. You can install third-party apps and place widgets amongst other things in Android while the same freedom is not afforded to iOS users.

6. Accessibility

Android and iOS are very different when it comes to how accessible they are. Whether it is for users that have a more difficult time with technology or older people, Android has easier features than iOS. Samsung even has “Easy Mode” in their phones to make it more accessible to people who have a harder time. iOS may not be as complicated as people perceive it to be, but Android is definitely simpler.

7. Basic Apps

When it comes to basic apps for email, messaging, calls, or maps, Android and iOS are very different. The calls and messaging app in iOS is simpler but the default Google apps like Gmail and Google Maps makes Android a lot better as an interface. You can use third-party apps for emailing but Gmail is the most commonly used and Google Maps remains unbeatable even in comparison with Apple Maps.

8. Camera

The most popular opinion amongst smartphone users, whether they use Android or iOS, is that Apple’s the best when it comes to camera. iOS camera does better with capturing light, coloring, and other small details as compared to Android phones. Cheaper Android phones do not boast good quality cameras but the latest Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL have the best camera in any Android phone. iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X do have amazing cameras too, but Google‘s may give it a run for the money.

9. Backup

iCloud only provides 5GB for their iOS devices while Google Drive provides 15GB of space for free. You can only use iCloud as backup for iOS devices but Google Drive will work with any device, Windows or Android.  You can store a lot more pictures, videos and other items in Google Drive because of the 15GB of space they offer rather than the meager 5GB of iCloud.

10. Accessories

Apple has a lot more accessories and gadgets for their iOS devices than Android. People who use Apple devices tend to buy more accessories because it becomes a necessity rather than convenience. With the lack of a headphone jack in the recent iPhones, Apple has made the list of must-buy accessories even longer. Android users only need and buy the basic stuff without having to spend extra money on other accessories they do not require to be able to use their phones.