These days, smartphones are literally everywhere, and it seems that you cannot move more than three feet in a public space without seeing one. However, despite their ubiquitous nature, there are mostly two types of phones: Android and iPhone. These two have the vast, vast majority of the worldwide market share and are used by most people in the western world. Indeed, among each group, there is a constant debate: Which is better? Which has better features, a more affordable cost, a better performance, or a camera that works? 

While many of these questions are matters of personal preference, some conclusions absolutely can be drawn. 

iPhone vs. Android: Side-by-Side Comparison

	iPhone	Android
What it is	Type of smart phone	Mobile and desktop operating system
Primary Use	Smart phone used for mobile communication	Operating system for electronic devices
Name	Apple iPhone	Android Operating System
Conceived	1990s	2000s
Initial Release	2001	2008
Technical Committee	n/a	n/a
Influential Developers	Tony Fadell, Scott Forstall, Sir Johnathan Ive, Apple	Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears, Chris White, Google
Open Format	Yes for app developers	Yes for app developers
Technologies Influenced	iPhone, iPad, various other apple products	Numerous non-Apple smartphones and mobile devices

iPhone vs. Android: 6 Must-Known Facts

• Over 2.2 billion iPhones have been sold as of November 2021, but there are well over 3 billion devices, worldwide, that use the Android operating system. 
• iPhones and Android phones can communicate with each other, of course. However, there can be challenges when they attempt to do so. Emojis are one example of these challenges. When using emojis in texts, the emojis that are displayed may not be the ones that are sent from one device to another.
• The cost of both devices can range wildly. The most expensive iPhone commercially available now is the iPhone 13 Pro, the maximum cost of which is as high as $1,300. Because Android devices can be used on a slew of phones, the cost can range wildly.
• Apple has always been ahead of its time, and in some cases, REALLY ahead of its time – the first iPhone prototype was actually created in 1983!
• Android was originally meant to be software for digital cameras, but slowly, its purpose changed as its developers realized they could accomplish much more. 
• Android has released numerous versions of their operating system software and gives each operating system a name based on candy. 

iPhone vs. Android: Summary

First, it is important to note that there is not exactly an Android “phone” the same as there is an iPhone. Android is the software that is used for an operating system. It can be installed on virtually any smart device that has the capability to operate it, including a variety of phones, tablets, computers, and more. This is not the case with iPhones, which are actual phones that have been released for the past twenty years.

Because of this, an apples-to-apples comparison between the two isn’t exactly possible. They are separate devices, of course: No iPhone runs an android operating system. 

The iPhone has had numerous versions, with the most current one being the Apple iPhone 13 Pro. The iPhone 13 Pro comes with many features, including newer cameras, wide-angle lens for those cameras, faster performance, wireless charging support, and more. It also operates on the latest version if iOS, which is Apple’s operating system. There are still many prior versions of the iPhone available, and the performance of these devices varies based on how old these devices are.

Android features a direct manipulation interface, just like iPhones. Since the Android operating can be installed on any phone, users can get used it its main features very quickly. This includes a home screen, status bar, notifications, methods of navigation, and more. Like Apple, Android devices offer third-party support for the development of accessories and other games or apps. This has enabled Google and Android to take advantage of the ingenuity of others to ultimately make more money for its platform. 

Both the iPhone and Android devices come with a nearly countless array of accessories that are sold by Apple, Google, or other third-party developers. These accessories vary widely and include headphones (with Apple’s AirPods have become very popular), chargers, keyboards, and more. 

iPhone vs. Android: Which is Better?

There is not necessarily a “better,” here. Both phones come with their positives, their negatives, and their absolutely die-hard supporters. It really comes down to personal preference more than anything else.

iPhone, as a comprehensive phone, offers an array of features that are top-of-the-line. They also offer nearly constant upgrades and integration with other Apple products. However, many users absolutely hate Apple and prefer the Google integration of Android devices. Furthermore, since Android is an operating system, rather than a phone, it allows users to purchase a phone of their choosing – such as one created by Samsung. This helps give users who prefer Android devices more choice.

Last update on 2022-09-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API