The Battle of Operating Systems: Android vs Apple

For well over a decade now, the debate has raged on… Android or Apple? If you’re a tech buff, then you know that those two are perhaps the biggest names when it comes to smartphone and tablet development and production. 

Both sides wear their colors with pride. You are either an Android person or an Apple person. You simply cannot be both. 

Both operating systems have their pros and cons and at the end of the day, as with all walks of life, it all comes down to personal preference. In this article, we will take a closer look at the main differences between the two operating systems helping those who are on the fence in the Android vs Apple debate to make an educated decision on their next technological purchase.

Gaming Capabilities

If you are someone that likes to play online games, then you will know the importance of ensuring that your device has the necessary specifications to play even the heaviest of games. Online gaming and eSports have experienced a boom in the last decade to a level that no one could have ever imagined. Websites such as Bovada now provide Rocket League betting, as well as betting on a number of other popular eSports, something which was simply unthinkable just a few short years ago. 

While Apple’s IOS may have the edge when it comes to smoother graphics and more consistent performance across devices, Android is praised for its greater customization options and a wider selection of apps in general. 

Customization

One of the biggest differences between Android and Apple OS is customization. Android allows for more freedom to customize your device. You can download apps from the Google Play Store that allow for backgrounds, ringtones, and even launchers that change the entire look of your device. 

On the other hand, Apple’s OS is more restrictive when it comes to customization. It does allow for some customization such as changing your wallpaper but not nearly as much as Android. This is one of the biggest talking points that Android users bring up when they are defending their favored OS. 

Security

When it comes to security, Apple has a reputation for being the more secure operating system. Apple’s OS is a closed system which means that apps must go through a rigorous approval process before being released. This makes it harder for malicious apps to make their way onto the app store, but it also ensures that the ball forever lies in the court of the company which Steve Jobs founded, which can be somewhat of an obstacle for those that are advocates for decentralization. 

Android on the other hand is an open-source system that makes it easier for developers to make apps. The downside of that is that it is easier for malicious apps to make their way onto the Google Play Store. But for those of us that like to unofficially stream things such as sporting events and movies, Android is somewhat of a haven. 

App Store

Speaking of app stores, the way Android and Apple manage their app stores couldn’t be more different. As mentioned, Apple’s app store has far stricter guidelines for apps which leads to fewer apps being available, but also less chance for viruses or malware. Android meanwhile has a more open app store which leads to more apps being available but as such, also more chances for viruses and/or malware to make their way onto your device.

Integration

As we have mentioned, in 2023 you are either team Apple or team Android and as such, it’s highly likely that you have more than one product from your chosen “team.” If you are someone who uses multiple Apple products such as an iPhone, iPad, and MacBook, then the integration between these devices is seamless. You can start something on your phone and finish it on your MacBook with ease. 

Android can be a bit more fragmented when it comes to integration between multiple devices. While it is still possible to get things done, it may not be as seamless as it is with Apple products. Although companies such as South Korean behemoth Samsung are doing their utmost to narrow said gap with the creation of Smart View and Samsung DeX. 

Price

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we need to talk about price. When it comes to buying a new device, one of the biggest criticisms of Apple’s products is that they tend to be far more expensive than their Android counterparts. The California-based company will argue the fact that they have a reputation for producing high-quality devices that are built to last. 

However, critics of the American outfit will argue to the contrary. Apple has been embroiled in controversies over the years, none more so than ‘batterygate’, which saw the company lose a battle in caught that updates to the Apple OS had an adverse effect on the battery life of older iPhones and iPads, attempting to force customers to purchase newer products. Android devices meanwhile are much more affordable and they last just as long.