Updated at: 21-03-2023 - By: Leo Hall
iOS and Android have been competing for market share as mobile operating systems for just over a decade, with both platforms consistently adding new capabilities. This article will assist you in selecting the optimal mobile OS for your needs.

Answer:

Neither OS is inherently superior to the other because each has advantages and disadvantages in different contexts.

The answer to the question of which is superior is highly contextual and user-specific.

Over the past decade, the smartphone scene has been quite turbulent as the now-ubiquitous pocket computers suddenly took the world by storm. In the years following the introduction of the first iPhone in 2007, the industry was in disarray, with numerous players experimenting with a wide variety of strategies, a number of competing operating systems, and confused consumers who had no idea what they were looking for.

After Symbian, BlackBerry OS, Bada, Windows Phone, and a few others, the competition between Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android has narrowed to a draw.

So, what are the similarities and differences between the two? Also, which one should you go with in 2022?

So, let’s find out!

Annotated Contents Show

iOS vs Android – The Basics

As far as their user interfaces (UIs) go, these two operating systems appear to be very similar. While both iOS and Android can trace their roots back to Unix, there is a significant difference between the two operating systems.

The iPhone and the iPad both run iOS, Apple’s own custom mobile operating system. The Apple TV and Apple Watch, for example, both use iOS, albeit in slightly different forms. Apple keeps a close eye on any third-party apps made for their mobile operating system, iOS, and is constantly optimizing and refining it to maximize hardware performance.

Android vs iOS - Difference and Comparison | Diffen

In contrast, while Google may do much of the heavy lifting in developing Android OS, it is still an open-source operating system built on the Linux kernel. This means that anyone can contribute to making Android better, change it, and adapt it in any way they see fit, which should lead to it being used in a wider variety of devices. But iOS’s famed optimization and security are sacrificed in the name of this adaptability.

Performance

The claim that iPhones have “bad hardware” is frequently made. On the surface, it appears to be true: compared to competing Android models, it has lower-resolution displays and less RAM. Just what is the deal there, if you please?

Optimisation, in a word. With only 2GB of RAM, iOS can keep over a dozen apps fully operational. Although some models’ (looking at you, Xr) resolution may seem low, the pixel density is more than adequate, and the reduced workload on the GPU results in longer battery life.

Even more so, Apple’s central processing units (CPUs) have generally seemed rather underpowered. While the A11 and A10 chips before it only had six and four cores, respectively, the A12 Bionic chip is the first to feature eight. Meanwhile, octa-core central processing unit (CPU) technology has been standard in even mid-range Android phones for quite some time. However, the same remains true: Apple’s CPUs have been consistently outperforming the competition for a long time thanks to superb OS optimization. In fact, iPhones of previous generations often outperform the latest Android flagships in performance tests.

Overall, despite Android phones’ theoretically superior hardware specs, iPhones offer superior performance in the vast majority of cases.

Commended Product: Apple’s iOS

Displays

IPS LCD and OLED are currently the most popular display technologies for mobile devices, with older technologies like TFT being used for cheaper low-end models.

Current smartphones, both cheap and high-end, almost universally employ IPS LCD displays. Until now, only the iPhone X, Xs, and Xs Max have been equipped with an OLED display, so all iPhones up until the iPhone 8 and the iPhone Xr fall into this category. Most Android phone manufacturers, with the exception of Samsung, opt for IPS displays rather than OLED ones.

Now, IPS LCD and OLED each have their advantages and disadvantages. There are three technical advantages that make OLED the better option:

  1. Power consumption is reduced. Because each OLED display pixel is self-illuminating, there is no need for a separate backlight to fully illuminate the screen when it is turned on.
  2. Greater versatility in perspective is one of its many advantages. In this respect, OLED is unrivaled, but higher-quality IPS displays can almost catch up to those found on iPhones.
  3. There is less light reflection. Those who spend a lot of time outside will appreciate this feature because it eliminates glare, which can significantly detract from the viewing experience.

However, many smartphone manufacturers still prefer IPS LCD because it is significantly less expensive than OLED. As was previously mentioned, a high-quality IPS panel can rival an OLED screen in terms of viewing angle and color accuracy. But keep in mind that just because two phones share the same technology doesn’t mean their screens are of equal quality.

Since OLED is now used by both iPhones and Android phones, it’s a tie this time around.

Score: Dead even

Cameras

Smartphone camera quality is also completely OEM-dependent, in the same way that display quality is for tablets. Apple’s iPhones have traditionally had top-notch cameras, but today’s flagship Android phones often sport dual or even triple cameras that can easily hold their own against those found on iPhones.

In practice and on paper, the gaps between flagship cameras are still narrow. It takes comparing two phones with very similar cameras, like the iPhone Xs and the Google Pixel 3, to tell them apart. Moreover, the average person will not be able to tell the difference.

The camera quality of budget and mid-range Android phones varies widely from manufacturer to manufacturer depending on where each chooses to cut costs. In the same vein, it would be impossible to pick a clear victor in this category.

Result: a Draw

Apps

When compared to Android’s early days, iOS’s App Store offered a far greater selection of useful programs. As of March 2018, Google’s Play Store offered over twice as many apps as Apple’s App Store.

Considering Android’s open-source character and Google’s lenient guidelines for what is allowed on the Play Store, it’s easy to see where the two systems diverge. Additionally, users of Android phones can download apps from independent app stores like the Amazon Appstore. Not only do Android phones have a wide selection of pre-installed apps, but users can also’side-load’ their own apps by manually inserting.apk files.

Obviously, though, quantity does not always indicate quality. Apple’s strict control of the apps available for its platform ensures that the apps work as intended and are entirely safe and free of any malicious code, despite Android’s advantage in the former category.

There is also the issue of cost. While it’s true that the Play Store offers more free apps than the Apple App Store, these apps are supported by advertisements. Obviously, no one enjoys having their app or game experience interrupted by annoying ads, and if you want to avoid them, you’ll have to purchase the app just like you would on the App Store. Nonetheless, it’s great that there’s a way to try out an app before shelling out money to buy it.

In the end, we’ve decided to award this victory to Android because it offers a wider range of ethnically and racially diverse apps, which is always appreciated, and also because it has access to certain app categories that aren’t available on the App Store, such as console emulators.

Android Is The Winner

Variety

To a large extent, Apple has maintained the same policy for several generations. Phones with essentially the same design would debut annually. With the release of the iPhone X, things shifted, as it featured a screen with extremely thin bezels and ushered in a new era in iPhone design, which is likely to remain largely unchanged for the foreseeable future. This lack of variety is understandable, given that only one company produces iPhones and that company only releases a handful of models annually.

Android phones, on the other hand, come in a wide variety of styles and prices.

Android phones can be found in abundance, in contrast to Apple’s limited offerings, with dozens of manufacturers each year releasing dozens of different models. Although there is less variety in today’s smartphones and more similarities between them than ever before, each original equipment manufacturer (OEM) still has something special to offer.

Who, then, emerges victorious in this conflict? It’s Android, of course, since those phones span a wider range of prices and often debut useful features years before Apple includes them in iOS.

Android Is The Champion

Customizability

Apple’s iOS provides a rock-solid experience, but it’s not at all modifiable. While the uniformity of the iPhone’s design is undeniably advantageous, a degree of customization is always appreciated, and this is an area where iOS falls short.

On the other hand, Android offers a great deal of freedom in terms of personalization. The user can always download a more adaptable launcher, such as the Nova Launcher, bringing a stock Android experience to any phone, even though some OEMs, like Huawei, put their own rigid iOS-like skins on top of the operating system. An Android phone that has been rooted offers even more options for personalization, but doing so can cause system instability and may void the warranty.

iOS and Android, as you can see, represent polar opposites in this regard. As the saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and Apple delivers a streamlined, consistent experience across all platforms. Instead, Android’s open-source nature grants users and developers an unprecedented amount of control. So Android wins this round, but it’s up to the individual to decide how much they value customization.

The Android Platform Wins Hands Down

Affordability

There isn’t much to discuss, and the victor is fairly obvious right off the bat. It’s common knowledge that Apple products are prohibitively costly. This is true for every Apple product, not just the iPhone. This includes MacBooks, iMacs, Apple Watches, and essentially every other accessory Apple sells. If you can’t wait for the iPhone SE but still want an iPhone, your only option is to buy a used or older model. Given how long iPhones are kept current with software and hardware, even then they will likely be quite expensive.

However, you get what you pay for when purchasing a new Android phone for under $100, so the adage holds true. While the performance of the cheapest Android phones is usually quite poor, a $300 mid-range Android phone might have all the features and performance that you need from a smartphone.

Honor goes to Android

Updates

Apple products have a reputation for lasting for a long time without experiencing any noticeable performance degradation. Since each iOS device receives OS updates for roughly five years after its initial release, this is the primary reason for its durability.

On the flip side, most devices, especially those running a heavily modified version of Android, are slow to receive updates to newer versions of the operating system. For this reason, it may take a while for updates to reach all devices. Still, there’s no telling whether an update will make your device faster or more stable, and even if it does, there’s no guarantee it will improve your experience.

In most cases, mid-range Android phones will only receive one OS update compared to two for flagships. It’s likely that low-end phones will continue to receive optimizations and security updates over time, but you’ll be stuck with the version of Android that ships with your device.

To sum up, it’s easy to see that iOS is the victor here.

The iOS platform triumphs.

iOS vs Android – Which One Should You Choose? [Simple Guide] - YouTube

Value

Even though there are more Android phones available and they cost less, the iPhone is the better value. To the contrary, iPhones may end up being more cost-effective in the long run. This may sound ridiculous, but stay with us here.

It has been established that the speed of iPhones is not due to hardware but to OS optimization, and that every iPhone receives regular OS updates for the first five years after its release. Not only does this make iPhones more durable, but it also explains why used iPhones fetch much higher prices than used Android devices.

Therefore, you can either keep your iPhone for a long time and enjoy its consistent performance (barring the need to replace the battery at some point), or you can sell it after a while and buy a new one for a small additional cost. In general, if you’re constantly upgrading your phone and refuse to settle for anything less than a flagship model, an iPhone is the best option.

However, if you don’t mind using an older model and aren’t concerned about OS updates, an Android phone is still the way to go. However, if we’re talking about flagships, iOS must be declared the victor for the reasons stated above.

Conclusion: iOS is the victor.

Best Android Phones to Buy in 2022

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Like:
It comes with an S Pen and has a place to keep it safely tucked away.
Brilliant photos even in dim light
• Greater magnification contrast than in most competing phones
Totally unique style

Not a fan of:
Expenses that are: • High
The Galaxy S21 Ultra’s cameras are mostly indistinguishable from those on the regular S21.
• Its battery life isn’t as long as the S21 Ultra’s.

It’s true that the Galaxy S22 Ultra costs $1,200, making it one of the priciest Android phones on the market; however, it does not lack in features. It has a massive 6.8-inch screen, a retractable S Pen stylus (like the Galaxy Note), and a four-lens camera with an unrivaled zoom range. More importantly for a phone like the Ultra, Samsung has enhanced the way all of its new Galaxy phones take photos in low light.

The only negative aspects? Both the S22 Ultra’s price and battery life are through the roof. But if you’re looking for the largest display and a top-notch camera in a smartphone, look no further than the Galaxy S22 Ultra. The catch is that you’ll need to be prepared to shell out more cash to enjoy them.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus

Like:
Highlighted Display
• A sweet spot between screen size and usability
Upgraded camera with higher resolution, better color reproduction, and sharper contrast
Design that’s both aesthetically pleasing and functional

Doesn’t sit well with me and I’d rather not have to say it:
• A $1,000 smartphone is still very pricey.
• The battery life is shorter than the iPhone 13 Pro.
Not having any additional camera features built in
An additional $50 is needed for a special adapter that allows for rapid charging.

The Galaxy S22 Plus, which retails for $1,000, strikes the ideal balance between portability, processing power, and camera quality. If you like bigger phones but think the Ultra might be too much for you (and your wallet), consider the 6.6-inch screen instead. The 50-megapixel camera is a significant improvement over last year’s Galaxy S21 series in terms of both image quality and detail.

While it outlasted both the standard and Ultra variants of the Galaxy S22 on CNET’s battery test, my main gripe is that the battery life was subpar. Even though the S22 Plus is more expensive than a few of the phones on this list, it would have been nice to see some new features that make use of the phone’s upgraded camera. Even so, the Galaxy S22 Plus is a great new phone that meets the needs of the vast majority of consumers.

Google Pixel 6 Pro

Like:
Superior imaging technology
Strong overall showing
• Stylish Android UI 12
Design that’s both aesthetically pleasing and functional

Not a fan of:
• The battery life is satisfactory but not outstanding.
• The “fast” charging mode is actually quite slow.
Face unlock disabled.

For a few years, Google refrained from competing in the flagship market, instead devoting its resources to developing an AI and machine learning-focused processor of its own. The Pixel 6 Pro has an unmatched camera and includes all of the bells and whistles.

The higher-end Google phone costs $899, which is still less than its competitors. The 6.7-inch screen and 3,120 x 1,440-pixel resolution make this a very high-quality large smartphone. It has a dynamic refresh rate that boosts to 120Hz during fast-paced gaming and drops to 10Hz when the phone is otherwise inactive. Despite its relatively low capacity (5,003 mAh), the battery should last a full day under normal conditions.

Google Pixel 6

Like:
The use of contrasting colors in the pattern
• Reasonable cost
The primary camera is the best one available from Google.

Doesn’t sit well with me and I’d rather not have to say it:
• It’s annoying to have to reach for the fingerprint reader when it’s hidden under the screen.
It’s not easy to get more than a day out of the battery life.
The ultrawide camera is fine, but it can’t compare to the regular one.

If you’re looking for a smartphone with a large display, flagship performance, some of the best cameras on the market, and a unique design, look no further than Google’s Pixel 6. Google has increased the number of years they will support operating system and security updates from three to five. The Pixel 6 is sold by Google and all of the major US carriers.

There is a 6.4-inch 1080p display on the Pixel 6. One option is to have it toggle between 60 and 90 hertz (Hz) automatically, depending on what’s being displayed. The fingerprint reader, however, is rather sluggish. It has two cameras in the back, one with a standard-angle lens and the other with an ultrawide-angle lens.

The Pixel 6 is the best smartphone you can buy for $599, in our opinion.

Samsung Galaxy S22Like:

• New and improved low-light photography capabilities
Possessing a classy layout
• Perfect for those who prefer more compact handsets

Not a fan of:
Battery life has room for improvement.

In the present day, it is not simple to locate an Android phone with a more compact form factor. As a result, consumers who prefer smaller handsets have fewer options than ever before, as the majority of smartphones now ship with screens measuring at least 6.4 inches. The $800 Galaxy S22 is an excellent option. Everything we adored about the Galaxy S22 Plus is present in this more compact form, including a stunning design, a top-notch camera system with a 50-megapixel main lens, and a crisp display.

But just like its more expensive relatives, the Galaxy S22 has a serious flaw in this department: its battery life. The S22’s adaptive refresh rate, which boosts the refresh rate to 120Hz for silkier scrolling, got me through a full workday, but just. The S22 has a shorter battery life than the competition, but for those who spend most of their day at home or in the office with a charger nearby, it may be sufficient. When it comes to Android phones, the Galaxy S22 is a great option for anyone, but it’s especially appealing to those who want a compact device.

Google Pixel 5A 5G

Like:
I like the display.
• Lightning-fast operation
Waterproof to a standard known as IP67
• Reasonable cost

Not a fan of:
Incapable of wireless charging
• The future of 5G in the USA is uncertain.

The next-generation Pixel 6 is out now, but the Pixel 5A 5G is still a good option if you want affordable 5G. At $449, the Pixel 3 XL is one of the best and cheapest ways to get 5G, and it also has a long battery life and excellent rear cameras.

OnePlus 10 Pro

Like:
• Elegant style
Effectiveness in performance
Power that lasts all day
Brilliant display

Not a fan of:
Discouraging camera
Only T-Mobile-specific models will have a waterproof rating.
U.S. availability of fast charging at 80 watts is limited.

Our review scores for the OnePlus 10 Pro were high because of its sleek design, powerful performance, and affordable price tag compared to its main competitors. Although it has some flaws—most notably a good but not great camera—this flagship provides a fantastic experience. It’s a great option to think about if you want a high-end 5G phone that stands out from the crowd of iPhones and Galaxys your friends are using.

Sony Xperia Pro

The Sony Xperia Pro is not affordable for most people given its steep price tag of $2,500.00. However, if you’re a budding photographer or videographer in search of a smartphone with professional-grade camera features, you won’t find a better option. The Xperia Pro combines the functions of a phone, a camera monitor, a fast photo file transfer device, and a 5G machine designed for broadcasting and livestreaming, all in one sleek and stylish package.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3

Like:
• Cover Screen at 120 Hertz
Defeasible to the effects of moisture
Excellent tablet usage all around
Using the S Pen is a lot of fun.
In terms of software, we have made enhancements to multitasking and Flex Mode.

Do not like:
Power reserves last for about a day.
• Odd, heavy phone when closed.
However, $1,800 is still too much to pay

Foldable phones haven’t quite broken through to the mass market because they’re still out of reach of everyone except the ultra-wealthy. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the best folding phone currently available due to its excellent performance, fantastic camera setup, and various improvements to its folding technology.

Best iPhone in 2022

iPhone 13

The iPhone 13, available for $829, is a significant improvement over the iPhone 12, which it replaced. Some may be dissatisfied with how similar it is to earlier versions, but I find that to be part of its appeal. Apple’s success with the iPhone can be attributed in part to the device’s widespread familiarity. The iPhone 13’s squared-off appearance is nearly identical to that of the iPhone 12. It’s 5G ready and can be charged using MagSafe.

The new cameras are comparable to those found in the previous year’s top-tier iPhone 12 Pro Max. We also found that its longer battery life compared favorably to the iPhone 12 by 4.5 hours.

You’ve got yourself a great phone with the addition of the A15 Bionic processor, the new Cinematic mode (basically a video version of Portrait mode), and iOS 15. CNET gave its Editors’ Choice Award to the iPhone 13. Apple also offers a $100 discount if you activate it with a carrier.

iPhone 13 Pro

Apple’s latest and greatest iPhone, the iPhone 13 Pro, retails for $1,099. By equipping the 13 Pro with a high-refresh-rate display, a macro photography mode, ProRes video recording, and the best cameras on any iPhone ever made, Apple has further distinguished its Pro phones from its non-Pro phones in the latest iPhone series.

The 13 Pro is stylishly designed with a matte black back and shiny stainless steel edges. As an alternative, think of the iPhone 13, with its glossy back and matte aluminum sides. Apple’s ProMotion is supported by the 13 Pro’s screen. The display’s refresh rate varies from 10 to 120 Hz, depending on the content being displayed. As expected, the screen performs beautifully when put to use. Everything from animations to graphics to even routine tasks like scrolling feeds looks improved.

It’s iOS 15-compatible, with 5G and MagSafe charging support. The A15 Bionic chip is also found in the standard iPhone 13, but the 13 Pro has an additional GPU core, making it better suited for gaming and video editing. A CNET Editors’ Choice Award is a testament to the iPhone 13 Pro’s excellence. Check out our analysis of the Apple iPhone 13 Pro.

iPhone 12 and 12 Mini

The $729 iPhone 12 marked the beginning of a new generation of iPhones, with support for 5G being its crown jewel feature. It has Apple’s Ceramic Shield covering on the front to protect against scratches and drops, a 6.1-inch OLED screen, an A14 Bionic chip, MagSafe charging support, and a flat design with matte aluminum sides.

The iPhone 12 Mini is essentially an iPhone 12 with a smaller 5.4-inch screen and a $100 price cut. While the front-facing, wide-angle, and telephoto lenses on the iPhone 13 and 13 Mini are all excellent, they are not as good on the iPhone 12 and 12 Mini. If having the best possible phone camera is your top priority, then you should look elsewhere.

Those interested in purchasing an iPhone 12 or 12 Mini and who have the financial wherewithal to do so should spend the extra $50 to increase the base storage capacity from 64GB to 128GB. If you activate either phone with a carrier, you’ll save an additional $30.

iPhone 13 Mini

Contrary to popular belief, portable cellphones do still exist. The genius of the iPhone 13 Mini ($729 unlocked, $699 on a carrier plan) lies in the fact that it shares all the features of the iPhone 13, but in a smaller package. In addition, there is no need to stress over battery life. The battery in the iPhone 13 Mini is larger than the one in the iPhone 12 Mini. Our tests showed that compared to the iPhone 12 Mini, this model lasted for 3.5 hours longer on a single charge. Additionally, in the same test, it lasted an hour longer than the larger iPhone 12.

Extremely remarkably, the 13 Mini’s wide and ultrawide cameras are nearly identical to those of the iPhone 12 Pro Max from the previous year. One giveaway is that the diagonal placement of the rear cameras makes room for the larger stabilized sensor.

In other words, the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 13 Mini are the same device. However, one is diminutive while the other is not. Still, if you’re only interested in portability, then the 13-inch Mini is a great choice. If you’re looking to save money, the fact that it’s $100 less expensive than the iPhone 13 may sway your decision. However, it may be too cramped for some users, so keep that in mind. Get the lowdown on the Apple iPhone 13 Mini in our in-depth review.

iPhone 13 Pro Max

For starters, the $1,199 iPhone 13 Pro Max has the longest battery life of any phone we’ve tested. The next piece of information is that the 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max are, in contrast to the 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max, functionally identical and feature identical cameras. They’re essentially the same phone in various sizes.

The 13 Pro Max’s ProMotion screen is 6.7 inches in size, while the 13 Pro’s screen is only 6.1 inches. The Max also has increased dimensions and mass. The 13 Pro Max’s larger battery accounts for some of its greater heft. If you can get past the phone’s monstrous dimensions, you’ll find that the XS Max is the best iPhone for the vast majority of uses and well worth the premium price tag.

iPhone SE (2022)

Given its price of $429, the iPhone SE (2022) may seem to have no redeeming features at all. You’re right; that is a major consideration. The exterior of the iPhone SE is nearly identical to that of the iPhone 8, but it has been upgraded with the same glass that can be found on the back of the iPhone 13. It’s the only iPhone here that doesn’t use Face ID, and some people still prefer Touch ID. The SE shares its A15 processor with the iPhone 13, bringing Apple’s computational photography magic to the 2017 camera hardware. The SE maintains the original iPhone’s form factor while supporting iOS 11 and all the newest apps.

iPhone 11

The iPhone 11 is a steal at $499 in 2022 if you don’t need 5G support. At that price, you can choose from six unique colors and get a phone with an A13 processor, decent cameras, long-lasting battery life, and a variety of other features. In contrast to the square 12 and 13 series, the 11 has rounded corners.

The most significant drawback is the dated interface and the use of an LCD panel rather than a more modern OLED one for the display. Don’t let that dissuade you though; the screen still performs admirably. I would suggest upgrading to the 128GB model of the 11 if you can spare the extra $50.

iOS or Android for Business: Which Is Better? | ProfileTree

Conclusion

So, let’s compare and contrast the strengths of these two OSes.

iOS Android
  • Consistently excellent results
  • Improved app store quality
  • Operating System Upgrades for the Long Haul
  • Long-term savings are greater.
  • The degree of independence is greatly increased
  • Flexible and adaptable user interface
  • Increased Variety of Apps
  • Less expensive mobile devices

It’s clear that both operating systems and their corresponding hardware platforms have their benefits and drawbacks, making the final verdict a matter of opinion.

If you’re looking for a flagship device, we recommend the iPhone over the competition because of its superior performance, durability, and low replacement cost. For those on a tighter budget, however, Android is the clear winner due to the fact that even a $300 phone offers most of the features you’d need out of one such device, not to mention the enormous degree of customization and the wider variety of apps available.