Competition between Android and iOS has been one of the most well-known (and well-discussed) rivalries of modern technology. Which one is better? Here are some criteria to provide grounds for comparison.

Customization 

Winner: Android

Android is designed for customization. Unlike iOS, you can install widgets for the home screen. You can even change the default interface by installing an alternative from Google Play. In fact, since Android doesn’t restrict the installation of apps to only the Google Play store, you have the freedom to choose third-party applications. Although iOS 8 now allows for basic customization, Apple has a long way to go before they can catch up with Google on that point.

Compatibility

Winner: iOS

An example that shows this: iOS 7 works on the newer Apple products such as iPhone 5, iPhone 4s and iPad mini. In addition, iOS 8 works on all devices that iOS 7 runs on. Since Apple offers software upgrades to all devices that can handle them, Apple devices can stay up-to-date for two to three years. Android, on the other hand, is not as flexible with compatibility – what devices the new OS can run on depend on the manufacturer of the model owned.

Battery Life

Winner: Android

iOS, in comparison with Android, has always had lower battery life. Most Android devices have bigger battery packs that last longer. In fact, Android has even added a battery-saving mode to extend the battery life even more.

App Ecosystem

Winner: iOS

iPhone had the first major App Store, and because of this, most developers opt to build their applications for the iOS first. Instagram, for instance, was only available for the longest time on the iPhone before it was available for Android. Apple even confirmed that they had more than 700,000 apps on their App Store. In fact, several Google apps are already available for iOS.

Choice of Hardware

Winner: Android

                Because Android is open-sourced, there is a great number and variety of devices that run on Android software. Several major manufacturers offer various handsets that give buyers a wide array of options. Moreover, because there are different types of devices, the price range can accommodate different budgets for those who are going for cheaper smartphones.

Privacy

Winner: iOS

When installing applications for Android, the user is presented with requests for permission from the app. This proposition is an all-or-nothing deal, with the user having to agree to all requests in order to use the app. For the iOS, however, once the app is installed, the user has the option to reject additional permission requests. iOS users can even check what information can be accessed by which apps, and can consequently turn off access for whatever apps they choose.     

At the end of the day, both Android and iOS have their respective pros and cons. So which one should you pick for yourself? It depends entirely on which features you’re going for, and which benefits you’re willing to forego for them.

Sources:

(Information)

http://www.itpro.co.uk/mobile/23887/android-vs-ios-which-should-you-buy

http://pakwired.com/deep-dive-android-vs-ios-comparison-review/

http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2012/12/14/iphone-or-android-the-case-for-each/

http://www.diffen.com/difference/Android_vs_iOS

(Pictures)

https://www.voniz.com/articles/now-every-android-can-turned-ios/

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/tech-sanity-check/15-android-widgets-that-will-make-iphone-users-jealous/

http://ios8release.com/compatibility/ipad-ios-8-support/

http://www.mobilevenue.com/htc-creates-widgets-heroeris-android-phones-12183248/

http://ipadinsight.com/ios-6/ipad-and-ios-6-installing-apps-doesnt-boot-you-out-of-the-app-store-anymore/

http://sd4.eu/2014/04/

http://www.cultofmac.com/197310/decide-what-personal-info-your-apps-can-access-manage-your-ios-6-privacy-settings-ios-tips/