The debate between Apple and Android users continues to rage on. Which is a better product? These days cellphone hardware is closely matched across platforms. Android has expanded its inter-device features to catch up to Apple's ease of use features. The race is closer than it's ever been. At this point in the development of both platforms, it's a matter of choosing the features that fit your needs the best. To help you determine which is best for you, here's a quick comparison of some Apple and Android exclusive features and functions.
Updated August 12th, 2022 by George Chrysostomou: The war between the mobiles continues to rage on, but each brand does offer its consumers something different for each new generation. A lot has changed since the initial release of this article, which is why it's so vital to revisit some new potential additions to each respective product.
Android
Dual Sim Card Support
Dual Sim Cards are becoming far more common for modern mobile users. Androids have been supporting their use for quite some time, but finding an iPhone with the capabilities and storage for two Sim Cards is pretty rare. How they interact with the duo is also different.
There are a number of different options with Android in regards to the kinds of Sim that the user can place in the tray, including standard and Micro Sims. However, Apple is really having to play catch up, with only a select few of its products now offering similar features.
USB Versatility
Apple is extremely protective over what can be used in regards to its USB port. In fact, there are very limited products that can be purchased that interact with iPhones, considering most attachments and accessories have to come from the Apple store itself. Android is far more versatile in its design. A range of chargers could be connected, as can various other accessories. There are of course official and unofficial products, but in terms of price they are far more feasible as well, but the market is a little more open than with an iPhone product.
Split Screen Mode
This feature is especially helpful to anyone who uses their smartphone for work. Being able to view two apps at once is a really handy productivity feature that lets you get more done in less time. Android users have been enjoying this feature since the Nougat update launched. To use this feature, open one of the apps you want to use.
Tap the "recently used apps" button and select the second app you'd like to open. You can even adjust how much of the screen each app takes up with a simple on-screen slider bar. You could take notes while watching a video or copy information from one app to another in no time.
Guest Account
This feature makes sharing your phone with other stress-free. Using the Guest Account feature allows you to limit what is accessible on your phone before you lend it to someone else. In this mode, users can only access default apps on the Android os. None of your accounts will be logged in and all of your data will be safe. This is really handy for parents who want to allow their kids to watch youtube videos or text family members without worrying about unintentional app store purchases or other slip-ups. Imagine being able to hand your phone to a friend without having to worry about any snooping.
Storage Upgrades
This may be one of the biggest advantages Android phones have over Apple products. The way we use our phones has changed. Our phones have become integral parts of our careers and home lives. Most Android phones give you the option to add additional storage by purchasing a micro SD card. For anyone storing large files for work or keeping a lot of photos, this means you can even transfer that data from one phone to the next effortlessly.
Choice Of File Managers
Using an Android phone gives you the flexibility to choose a file management system that works for you. If you prefer something minimalist there are plenty of apps to cater to your style. There are also file managers loaded with features, organization options, and customization. It's a matter of what works best for you and how you use your phone. You aren't locked into the default Android system. This is a fantastic feature for anyone who stores a lot of data on their phone for a wide range of applications. For example, you can keep a large photo collection sorted out between family photos and professional graphic design.
Home Screen Customization
If you really like to customize your phone android has several features that make it easy. You can use widgets to quickly and easily access information from apps without having to launch the app itself. You could use widgets to display your local weather on your home screen or even the latest headlines. Simply press and hold your home screen to access the widgets menu then select which parent app you'd like to create a widget for. There are several android launcher apps you can use to completely change the appearance of your home screen.
Apple
FaceTime
When looking at Android vs. iPhone, FaceTime is a fantastic addition to the latter which helps to set it apart. FaceTime is now the go-to app for family or friends to contact one another. It's easy, effective, and rivaled even Zoom when it came to making personal calls. The downside is that it is very dependent on other Apple products, but then Android devices don't use any other feature which boasts the same kind of connectivity and accessibility. It's been a must-have feature on every iPhone and iPad since its debut.
Native Screen Recording
Apple has launched its streaming service with plenty of high-budget movies and shows. For those watching on their phone, they may wish to capture a moment to send to a friend. In fact, there are lot of things they might want to actually film on their screen. Native Screen Recording has now been built into Apple products, meaning users can record anything that's happening on their screen. It's a great advancement on taking a screenshot and is sure to come in useful for the current generation of Apple lovers. Android doesn't have any native features like this.
AirDrop
AirDrop is a native feature of iOS that's incredibly popular and useful. With this feature, you can easily share media files between Apple devices via Bluetooth connection. This feature makes it incredibly helpful to send photos from your iPhone to your iPad for editing or send a video to your computer. You can also easily share photos with family and friends at events. The feature has customizable security settings that allow you to determine your visibility and thus affect the Android vs. iPhone debate.
WiFi Password Sharing
iOS 11 launched an exciting new feature that makes sharing WiFi passwords easier than ever. Long gone are the days of trying to explain a complex string of letters and numbers to your guests.
Simply hold your iPhone close to another and dialogue will automatically pop up asking if you'd like to share your password. Tap "Share Password" and the information is sent over for you.
Offload
iOS 11 makes it easier than ever to keep your phone clutter-free. Offload quietly works in the background of your phone. It identifies infrequently used apps and removes them from your device. A greyed-out icon will remain on your device and all of your related data will be retained. You can easily reinstall these apps with a simple tap if you decide you'd like to use them again, giving the iPhone a huge mark in the win column in the Apple vs. Android debate.
Easy Transfer
When you switch from one Apple device to another, the process is incredibly quick and easy. With the QuickStart feature, all you need to set up your new phone is your old phone. You simply power on both devices and hold them close together. QuickStart will open on your old phone automatically. Enter your Apple Id on your new phone, and you'll see an animation. Once you see the animation, capture it with your old phone's camera. Your passwords, info, and apps will automatically transfer to your new device.
iMessage
iMessage is one of the most practical and popular apps in the iOS system and a strong contender in the Apple vs. Android argument. iMessage syncs messages across all Apple devices that are associated with the same AppleID. You can read texts on your Mac, Macbook, iPad, and Apple watch easily. iMessage utilizes cellular data rather than SMS. This means that you can send a text from anywhere you have access to data or a WiFi signal. That's a pretty useful feature by itself. A newly launched feature allows you to send money via ApplePay directly within the iMessage app.