The debate between Android and iPhone users about which platform is superior has been ongoing for years. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, but here are 17 reasons why some users might prefer Androids over iPhones.
Customization
Android offers more customization options for the home screen, themes, and the overall user interface. Android allows you to completely replace your device’s home screen with various customizable application launchers. It also allows you to choose your own default apps for handling different tasks or types of files, much like on a PC.
Open Source Platform
Android’s open-source nature encourages innovation and allows for a wide range of custom ROMs and modifications for enthusiasts. “As a result, you can get Android devices from phone manufacturers apart from Google—Samsung, OnePlus, and Motorola all use Android to develop their own operating systems, also known as skins,” says Forbes.
Hardware Variety
You can get foldables, slab phones in different sizes, gaming phones, and more on Android. Android phones come in a wide range of hardware options, from high-end to budget, offering something for everyone.
Expandable Storage
Unlike iPhones, many Android devices allow for expandable storage via microSD cards. This will enable you to expand the amount of internal storage available for apps, photos, and movies, and you can use Google Drive space to store pictures and documents. Apple’s iCloud service can also be used to offload photos and videos, but you still can’t add local storage to any iPhone after the fact.
File Management
Android provides a more open and accessible file system, making managing and transferring files easier without requiring specialized software. Android file management allows you to access, view, copy, move, delete, and edit files on your device. It also enables you to share files with others and back up important files to protect them from loss.
Choice of App Stores
Android users can download apps from multiple app stores, not just the Google Play Store, which they all come with, offering a more comprehensive range of apps. Google has yet to lock Android down to only one app store, with Samsung, Amazon, and other manufacturers having their own Android app stores.
More Affordable Options
A flagship pro-level iPhone costs over $1,000, and while the relatively affordable iPhone SE costs $429, you need to catch up on the big screens and low-light camera improvements only in more expensive iPhones. A high-end Android phone from Google or Samsung is similarly costly. Still, Google’s $450 Pixel 6a is an exceptional deal that doesn’t compromise on the camera, and other great budget Android phones are available for $200 or less, according to the New York Times.
Headphone Jacks
Apple caused quite a stir when it removed headphone jacks from iPhones, essentially forcing customers to purchase expensive AirBuds. Android still offers phones with headphone jacks for those who prefer the corded options.
USB-C Charging
Many Android devices use USB-C for charging, which is more universal and versatile than Apple’s Lightning connector. USB-C is much better for fast charging, as it supports the USB Power Delivery fast-charging standard. Standard Lightning cables don’t support quick charging, so Apple has to include a USB-C to Lightning cable with most products.
Multi-Window Support
Smartphones running Android, from the smallest screens to the largest foldable, can all multitask with the ability to show two apps in split-screen mode. Depending on the device’s orientation, it fills the whole screen with the two apps, either side-by-side or one above the other. The two apps have a divider between them, which can be dragged to make one app larger or smaller. This is a feature the iPhone does not have, even though Apple tablets do.
Widgets on the Home Screen
Android allows widgets to be placed on the home screen to quickly access app content and functionalities. Android users can also put their apps anywhere on the screen and choose to leave blank spaces to see the wallpaper or just for the convenience of thumb reach.
More Control Over Notifications
Android provides more options to customize and manage notifications. Notifications are also organized chronologically, making sure you don’t miss any important ones that often get lost in the stacked iOS Notification Center. You can also expand a notification to see a brief part of a message or email without moving to the app.
Google Apps
Google apps are compatible with so many platforms and are usable anywhere. As most people have a Gmail account these days, using the Drive app on your phone and any computer is seamless as compared to Apple-exclusive apps.
Better Photos
Android phones offer higher-quality zooming capabilities and HDR on their cameras. The iPhone 15 Pro’s 5x telephoto shots are amazing; Samsung, OnePlus, and Vivo offer sharper shots in 10x and 15x. If you want photos of the moon, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and OnePlus Open can go up to 100x with beautiful pictures, which isn’t possible with iPhones.
Alternative Keyboard Options
Android allows for installing third-party keyboards, offering various typing experiences. Most people will stick with the stock keyboard on their phones, but the ability to switch to third-party options is life-changing for those with unique needs, like emoji keyboards.
Innovative Features
Multiple companies working on phones that work on the Android platform allow for more creativity and innovation. Android manufacturers often experiment with new features, such as foldable screens, before they become mainstream. With iOS, the only innovators are within the Apple company, creating less competition and collaboration.
Back Swipe
The universal back gesture—one swipe to go to the previous screen—is effortless with Android. Some apps in iOS offer this, but not every app, and it’s not consistent across the whole system. iPhone users often have to reach for the little back button or the app switcher to return to a screen.
Read More: 17 of the Most Dangerous Cities in the World (6 Are in The US)
Every city has its dangers, but it goes without saying that some places are far more dangerous than others. We’ve compiled a list of 17 of the most dangerous cities in the world in terms of violent crime and homicide rates.
17 of the Most Dangerous Cities in the World (6 Are in The US)
17 Non-Negotiables Men of Integrity Refuse to Compromise On
A man with integrity has strong moral principles—there are just some things that he would never do. In this article, we’ll find out the top 17 things that damage a man’s integrity.
17 Non-Negotiables Men of Integrity Refuse to Compromise On
17 Things You Should Never Carry in Your Wallet
Let’s be real — when was the last time you went through your wallet and got rid of anything unnecessary? It’s important to know if you’re carrying items with you every day that could put you at risk. Click to discover the 17 things you should never keep in your wallet, helping you minimize the risk of identity theft, financial loss, and other issues.
17 Things You Should Never Carry in Your Wallet
18 Old School Habits That Are Making a Comeback
Old school habits are starting to make a comeback. These can be hobbies associated with the older generation, such as sewing or woodworking. It can also be old-school manners, such as writing thank-you notes and opening doors for people. Let’s look at 18 of these habits.
18 Old School Habits That Are Making a Comeback
18 American Phrases That Non-Americans Struggle to Understand
American expressions are a vital part of its culture, reflecting the nation’s history and values. However, these sayings can sometimes puzzle people from other countries because they often carry context, colloquialisms, and historical references that can lose their intended meaning when crossing borders. Let’s look at 18 of such American sayings.
18 American Phrases That Non-Americans Struggle to Understand