There used to be a time when iPhone ruled the smartphone market and if you wanted that fancy new touch-screen and other features, you had to have one. But it wasn’t long before Android came on the scene and started offering features the iPhone didn’t have.
Today these two companies dominate the smartphone operating system market with Android slightly ahead with 54.5% of the U.S. market share and Apple in the number two spot with 44.3%.
Choosing between Apple and Android is a big decision for many. Do you stick with what you know or would switching operating systems give you more cool features?
At abcd TECH, we provide friendly tech support for mobile phones, computers, tablets, and all types of technology. We often help clients choose the right devices for their personal tastes and needs and then personalize the set up to make them easier to use.
Both the iPhone and Android phones have their plusses and minuses, so often the choice will depend upon features and price, as well as whether or not you use Apple or Windows products and want to fluidly integrate your phone with your computer and tablet.
We’ve got an Android vs iPhone comparison for you to help make your decision for which to buy in 2019 a little easier.
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Smart Phone?
Some people choose by price others choose by style. There are any number of considerations that go into choosing between the two main phone operating systems, Apple iOS vs Android.
Compare the latest models in abcd TECH’s Smartphone Buyer’s Guide.
Let’s talk about some of the overall comparisons to consider before you choose between iPhone and Android.
Reliability vs Options
Apple tightly controls the hardware and software components that make up their iPhones, so you get a higher reliability because there are fewer models and they’re all made by Apple. On the downside you don’t really have many options to choose from if you’re buying a new iPhone.
The Android operating system is used by multiple smartphone manufacturers, including:
- HTC
- LG
- Motorola
- Samsung
This means that you have many more options as far as price, style, size, and features, but the downside is that they also vary in quality and reliability, which can make an Android phone choice more complicated.
Speed of Operating System Updates
Both operating systems are updated from time to time, but Apple tends to do updates to iOS more often than Android phone makers (perhaps because there are so many of them). For some, not having to update an operating system as often is a plus, but for others, they want regular updates to ensure any security patches or new features are available as soon as possible.
App Store
Both the Google Play store (for Android) and iTunes store (for iPhone) have tons of apps, and you rarely see an app not have a version in both stores. So, this consideration is fairly even across the two types of smartphones. Some say that the iTunes store is slightly stricter with what they allow in by developers.
Integration with Your Other Devices
If you like to have your phone, computer, and tablet all speaking with each other and files integrating across devices, Apple is really the best at this. It helps because they manufacture everything iOS related so integration between iPhone, iMac, MacBook, Apple Watch, and iPad are all built-in.
One native integration that Android offers is with Google’s services, like Gmail, Maps, and their other web-based services. Android phones can also usually integrate more fluidly with Windows computers than iPhones can, although PC makers, like HP, are working at getting a better smartphone/computer connection to mimic what Apple has.
Anything New Coming Out in 2019?
Apple just released their new iPhone XS and XR in 2018, so they’re not planning another new model this coming year.
Prices for the latest iPhones which are touted for longer battery life and more camera features are:
- iPhone XR – Starting at $749
- iPhone XS – Starting at $999
Since there are more manufacturers that use the Android operating system on their phones, release dates tend to be more plentiful. Here are the anticipated Android smartphones coming out in 2019:
- Samsung Galaxy F (foldable with an extra screen) – Estimated to start at $1,900
- Samsung Galaxy S10 (larger screen) – Estimated to start at $719
- Samsung & LG 5G Phones (although some say 5G network support is a ways off) – No estimated pricing yet
- Pixel 3 Lite (cheaper version of the Pixel 3) – Estimated to start around $499
Which Smartphone’s Right for You?
If you like reliability, regular updates, and fluid compatibility with other Apple products, then the iPhone is your best option, if you don’t mind the hefty price tag. Although with a trade-in you can bring that price down by a few hundred dollars.
If you like options in phone style, color, and pricing and want to go with the #1 mobile operating system in the US, Android will be a good choice for you. You’ll also have multiple phone manufacturer options to choose from.
Get Friendly & Expert Help with Smartphones, Tablets & Computers!
Need help deciding on the best phone to fit in with your other tech? Have a computer that needs repair? Would like to shortcut the time it takes to personalize the setup of a new smartphone? abcd TECH can do all that and more!
We have flexible Monday through Saturday hours and are here for you. Just call 316-768-7832 or contact us online today.
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