Android vs. iOS


            If you are to choose between mobile devices that are run by different operating systems, one offers wide customizability and the other one do not, one offers exclusive features and the other one has become common, one offers more convenience and the other one only becomes practical for some, what would you choose? This is the battle between Android and iOS, the top operating systems used in mobile technology. Android is developed by Google and the latter is created by Apple. These two have become the competition among the preference of mobile phone users. They have evident differences and don’t have many similarities. From customizability, availability, and usability, to innovative features and convenience, each boasts what they have to offer.
            On our first entry, Google’s Android. It is an open source model, which means mobile device manufacturers can use it as the OS of their product for free, with supplementary Google Applications. Its customizability is massive as users can change everything. It has widgets that come in handy and launchers that make the usage at ease. As it is an open source model, this operating system (OS) is available for most mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, making Android the most popular mobile platform today. As to how fast the world modernizes, Google keeps innovating Android by releasing newer and newer versions of it, with accompanying features and updates. The newer Android version a mobile device has, the more features and convenience users can get. Android devices offer easy file transfer with the use of USB port and file transfer applications. Another Android brags is its application store, Google Play, with millions of applications you can use and download. Since you can obtain useful applications, you can enjoy different experiences; from calls, messaging, and video chats, to internet browsing, maps, and other practical services.  Indeed, we can agree why the world has made Google’s Android top, due to its maximum customizability, beautiful performance, and convenience that most people seek.
            Going to its competition, Apple’s iOS. Its source model is closed as only Apple devices have it. Its exclusivity to Apple devices, such as the iPhone and iPad, makes it availability limited, mentioning its cost intended for high-end customers. Moreover, its customizability is limited, unlike Android, as iOS doesn’t allow easy and extensive customizations. It may be a good thing since having wide customizability is complex for some users. Apple also releases newer versions of the operating system, from massive changes in the user interface (UI) to small updates. Users anticipate new versions, some, by personal preference, refuse to update even it’s free. Regarding file transfer, it may be more difficult since a desktop app, the iTunes, is needed to perform the media transfer. Still, photos can still be transferred via USB. Another exclusivity of this operating system is having its own application store, the Apple Apps Store. There are several applications you can use and download exclusively. You can still download useful applications that are available in Android if it is also compatible with iOS, and enjoy the experience. If it isn’t, you have to jailbreak the Apple device to be able to download them as iOS blocks third-party applications. Another feature it has is its voice command, Siri, though Android has also the same feature.  Being Android’s greatest competition, iOS is still preferred by certain people and has functions and elegance that the former missed.


Image by Camilo Garcia from Pixabay
            These two operating systems are long debated whether which are better. Mind that in choosing mobile devices, a smartphone, for example, we should not only consider the operating system but also the phone itself (specifications). There are already several manufactured devices you can choose from that features great camera quality, good screen resolution, and excellent battery life; incorporating these with an operating system that fits you will be a great choice. Your preference for customization, functionality, and performance affects what operating system is more appealing to you. Android and iOS are distinct from each other, but similarities are controversially distinguished with some alike features.  Think about your preferences and only then you can decide what’s right for you.


-TBWS
20 OCTOBER 2016

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