Android vs. iOS - What suits me better?

When asked about the operating system, you come to a comparison of Android vs. iOS not over. If you are unsure which operating system suits you better, we will show you the respective advantages and disadvantages of the two operating systems in this practical tip. So you can quickly find out for yourself which surface you should choose.

Android: Google and the fight for number one

• History: Android started about four years ago and is now the most widely used operating system for smartphones and tablets.
• One reason for this is the many customization options: You can customize the user interface here according to your wishes and preferences.
• Functions: So-called "widgets" are display windows and show you current appointments, weather, news, emails and much more on the home screen without having to open an app.
• Account: To use the device, you need a Google account. All Google services are synchronized here. Note: With some restrictions, you can use an Android phone without Google.
• For example, contacts, emails and calendar entries are continuously updated.
• Transfer: Media such as photos, videos or music can be conveniently and easily transferred to a PC via USB - no software is required.
• Apps: The "Google Play Store" gives you access to around 1.5 million apps with which you can get even more out of your smartphone.
• Storage: Thanks to the upgrade via micro SD card, you can add up to 64 GB of storage space.
• The latest version of the operating system is Android 5 (Lollipop) and is constantly being developed.
• Cost: For an Android smartphone you have to spend between 100-500 euros, the upper limit is accordingly open.
• Devices: In addition to smartphones and tablets, many other devices such as smartwatches, e-book readers or smart TVs have Google's operating system.
• Criticism: Many smartphone manufacturers modify the Android version on their devices, so that the same Android versions can still differ.
• In addition, only very few smartphones and tablets receive new system updates quickly. That depends on the hardware manufacturer: With a bit of bad luck you won't get the latest Android update at all (see update debacle).

iOS: The apple and its operating system

However, the competitor Apple is hot on Google's heels.

• History: Apple released iOS in 2007. However, iOS is only in second place behind Google's Android operating system.
• Functions: Operation is easy with iOS, even if it is sometimes not self-explanatory at first glance.
• The clear and elegant design does not distract the user from the essential operation.
• Account: If you want to synchronize contacts, appointments and calendar entries, you need a free iCloud account.
• Practical compared to Android: Thanks to "AirDrop", pictures, documents and much more can be easily transferred from one iOS device to another nearby.
• Transfer: iTunes software is required to transfer media to the PC. Unfortunately, a quick exchange like the Android does not work.
• Apps: More than 1.4 million apps are currently available. Apple checks all apps for malware before they are published in the AppStore, so that an attack on the operating system is almost impossible.
• Storage: You cannot upgrade the storage on iPhone. So you have to choose between 8 and 128 GB before you buy.
• The latest version of Apple's operating system is iOS 8, which is also continuously updated.
• Cost: For an iPhone you have to spend between 500-700 euros, depending on the version. The processing is often of higher quality than an Android smartphone, although this cannot be generalized.
• Devices: iOS can be found on the iPhone, the iPad and the iWatch - i.e. only on Apple devices.
• Criticism: Unfortunately, there are few options for customizing the user interface.
• This is mainly due to the fact that iOS is a very closed system. Modifications such as under Android (eg Custom-ROMs) are not possible.

Conclusion: Android vs. iOS - Which operating system is right for me?

• Android devices are suitable for buyers who are looking for a cheap smartphone with a large display.
• Even if you want to continue to use your Google account or plan to use it, you should use Android.
• If you also want a lot of customization and setting options, this operating system is also the right one for you.
• However, if you are still a smartphone newcomer, iOS is probably the better choice, as it has a simple and simple user interface. There are also fewer security risks for laypeople.
• Especially if you want to or can spend more money and prefer high quality, you can use the iPhone with iOS.
• Ultimately, you should think about what you need beforehand.
• We advise you to test both devices if possible so that you get a feel for which device and which surface suits you best.
• You can take this practical tip to hand and orient yourself on the points mentioned above.

Tip: In another article we compare the top features of iOS 8 and Android.