Android Vs. iOS: Pros And Cons Of Each Operating System

The smartphone market is, for the most part, dominated by one decision: Android vs. iOS. In the past, it was possible to have a Windows phone, and today you can have a Linux phone, but Android and iOS have stood the test of time as the two phone operating systems with the vast majority of market share.

On the Android front, the allure lies in its diversity. Updated this year to Android 14, the operating system powers everything from budget-friendly smartphones to flagship foldables. This versatility, coupled with an open app ecosystem, empowers users to tailor their devices to suit their individual preferences. However, that freedom comes with its own set of challenges, including device fragmentation and varying software update cycles.

Apple's commitment to a closed ecosystem has plenty of merits. The latest iteration of iOS came in the form of iOS 17 and continues to offer seamless integration between hardware and software. This hallmark of the iOS experience results in a level of optimization that is often unmatched. The rigorously curated App Store offers a streamlined experience focusing on quality over quantity. This exclusivity, though, can limit customization options and potentially leave some users yearning for a more personalized touch.

Both operating systems offer advantages and disadvantages in terms of their features, which means the choice between them extends beyond the allure of flashy features or aesthetically pleasing interfaces. Although neither is necessarily an objectively better choice, there will be one that is better for your needs.

Apps are the lifeblood of a smartphone, enabling most of their functionality. The kind of app experience you prefer may influence your choice between Android and iOS.

One of Android's standout features is the openness of its app ecosystem. The Google Play Store is home to millions of applications and caters to a broad spectrum of user needs. From mainstream social media platforms to niche productivity tools, Android users enjoy a vast array of choices, reflecting the platform's commitment to inclusivity.

Advanced Android users also have the option to sideload applications from sources other than the designated store, but this flexibility is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it allows users to explore a broader range of applications and experiment with beta versions of their favorite apps. On the other, it introduces potential security risks, as sideloaded apps do not undergo the same rigorous scrutiny as those on the official store.

In contrast, Apple's App Store adopts a more controlled approach, acting as the gatekeeper to the iOS app ecosystem. Each app undergoes a stringent review process to ensure quality, security, and adherence to Apple's guidelines. This curation results in a reputation for a high standard of app quality and a reduced risk of encountering malware or malicious software.

While iOS users may have a more restricted selection compared to Android, the curated environment contributes to a more consistent and secure app experience. The exclusivity of the App Store, however, means that users have limited options when it comes to exploring applications that fall outside Apple's approved catalog. That includes massive apps like "Fortnite," which Apple deleted from the App Store following a dispute over fees.

Notifications allow users to stay up-to-date on anything that may be going on within their applications. An efficient notification enhances user productivity, while a disorganized experience can lead users to miss or forget important notifications.

Android devices offer a range of notification systems. The platform empowers users with granular control over how notifications are displayed, allowing for a tailored experience that aligns with individual preferences. From prioritizing certain apps to controlling the level of detail displayed in each notification, Android users can sculpt their notification landscape as needed. The notification shade provides a centralized hub for managing alerts. Users can expand or collapse notifications, dismiss them individually or in groups, and even respond to messages directly from the notification shade, providing flexibility for users to finely tune how and when they are alerted.

In the iOS camp, Apple adopts a more plain approach to notifications. The Notification Center condenses alerts into a cohesive timeline, presenting a unified view of recent notifications. iOS groups notifications by app, offering a tidy and organized display that some users find less overwhelming than Android's more detailed approach. Although iOS notifications received a huge update with iOS 15, they still aren't up to the level of detail and control found on Android. The emphasis here is on simplicity, ensuring that users can quickly glance at their device and understand the most critical information without being inundated with excessive details.

It might seem trivial to worry about what kind of file navigation experience you can expect on your phone. However, for those who do care, it can make an enormous difference in what phone operating system you'll want to use.

On Android, built-in file managers, such as Google Files or third-party options like Solid Explorer, empower users to explore the file system with granularity. Android users can organize their files in folders, move items between directories, and access the root file system on devices with appropriate permissions. This flexibility is particularly appreciated by users who engage in tasks like sideloading apps, transferring files between devices, or managing media libraries. Transferring files to a PC from an Android phone is a particularly pleasant experience that only requires plugging your phone into your computer and navigating to File Explorer.

In contrast, iOS adopts a more simplified approach to file navigation. The Files app serves as the central hub for organizing and accessing files. While users can create folders, move items, and connect to cloud services, the level of granularity in file management is more limited compared to Android. Apple's iCloud integration further streamlines the file navigation experience, allowing users to seamlessly access their files across multiple Apple devices. While this approach aligns with the Apple ecosystem's emphasis on seamlessness, some users may find iOS's simplicity somewhat restrictive.

For many users, their phone isn't used for that much heavy-duty activity, but some power users make their phone a beacon of productivity. One of the most essential features needed for any power user is a good multitasking function.

Android provides users with a flexible multitasking experience that exemplifies flexibility. The platform allows for a wide range of multitasking scenarios, from the traditional app-switching interface to a split-screen view that allows users to run apps side by side. This versatility extends to features like picture-in-picture mode, which enables users to continue watching videos while using other apps. The Recent Apps screen on Android displays a vertical list of recently used applications, allowing users to easily navigate through this list to switch between tasks. These features enhance productivity for tasks that require referencing information from multiple sources.

In the iOS arena, Apple takes a more streamlined approach to multitasking. The App Switcher, accessed by a swipe up or a double-click of the home button, displays a horizontally scrolling list of recently used apps. While iOS lacks a traditional app drawer like Android, it compensates with features like Control Center, where users can access quick settings in a compact form. However, you cannot use any equivalent split-screen on iOS. This marks a huge blow to productivity that could otherwise be possible, especially on the large screens of the iPhone Pro Max lineup.