iPhone vs Android: Which phone is the right one for you?

Photo: Zazzle.com

If you’re about to get a new cell phone, you might be asking if now is the time for you to consider switching to the other kind of phone (iPhone or Android, depending on what you have now). And the right answer to that question is — it depends.

These two cell phones have very different histories, and they’ve resulted in some stark differences between them. iPhones, which were created by Apple, were designed to be experiences, streamlined products with sleek shapes, strictly controlled software development, and an Apple-created operating system (iOS). Android devices, on the other hand, were born as a tool — they’re unified by their software (Android), which was developed by Google, but they’re manufactured by multiple unrelated producers, which means a huge array of styles, options, and experiences.

The phone that fits you is going to be the one that best suits your personal — and your technology — style. Consider these factors as you make your choice to ensure that you find the right one for you.

Your Budget

iPhones are the more expensive option between these two. That’s not to say that there aren’t expensive Android phones (there are), but because there are so many Android manufacturers, competition between them on features and price helps control cost.

If you trade your phone in, however, it’s worth noting that Apple devices tend to hold their value much better than Android models, in large part because Apple provides more frequent software updates, and does so for more models, than Android devices receive.

Your Other Devices

If you have other Apple products, the experience between those and your phone can be a major factor in your decision. Apple’s devices are designed to play well together, which means that moving between phone, laptop, and tablet is seamless. If you’re already using devices from other manufacturers, however, this benefit isn’t as noticeable.

Your Need for Options

Everything iPhone-related is done Apple’s way. If you want an iPhone, an iPhone app, iPhone support, or answers to iPhone questions — you go to Apple. This centralization means that iPhones are of high quality and offer consistent, and consistently good experiences. However, if you want something Apple doesn’t approve, things are neither simple nor easy. You can’t remove required apps without warranty-busting workarounds, and if you want a different physical configuration for your device, you’re out of luck.

Android phones, on the other hand, are a bit more Wild West. You’ll find a staggering array of hardware, software, and apps — and you can purchase them from almost anywhere, perfectly configuring them to do what you want. Want more storage? You can do that. Want to download a particular app that hasn’t been selected by Apple? Go for it! Once you’ve done that, though, you have to manage all those options individually. For gadget-tinkerers, this is unquestionably worth it. For everyone else, it’s a personal calculation of convenience versus flexibility.

Your Desire for Security

That Wild West openness we mentioned in the last section? It means that no one is tasked with security for all the apps and devices on Android, and more risks get through, exposing users. Apple ensures that apps are tested and known and offers regular security updates, along with encryption, with all their devices. Androids are considered a riskier security choice because there’s so much diversity.

Your Battery Life Requirements

Battery life is mentioned frequently in roundups of Apple versus Android, and Android wins this battle. But Apple phones are getting better, and portable chargers mean that powering up is easier than it’s ever been. If you spend a great deal of time without the ability to charge your phone, Android’s a better choice. But the number of people this truly affects is pretty small and probably shouldn’t be the determining factor in your choice.

Which phone option is right for you? Share in the comments!