If you’re in the market for a new smartphone, you’ve probably come across the age-old debate: iPhones versus Androids. While both options have their own unique set of advantages, there are several key reasons why iPhones come out on top. As someone who has used both devices, I’ve put together a list of some of the biggest advantages that iPhones have over their Android counterparts.
1. Design and Build Quality
Let’s start with the basics: design and build quality. One of the things that immediately sets iPhones apart from Androids is their sleek, streamlined design. iPhones have a distinctive look and feel that’s hard to beat. They’re also incredibly well-built, with durable materials and attention to detail that ensure they’ll last for years to come.
On the other hand, many Android phones tend to feel a bit clunky and cheaply made by comparison. While there are certainly some exceptions to this rule, iPhones consistently offer a more premium look and feel that’s hard to match.
2. User Experience
One of the biggest advantages of iPhones over Androids is the user experience they provide. Apple has always been known for its intuitive, user-friendly design, and this carries over to their smartphones as well. Everything from the interface to the apps themselves is designed to be as simple and straightforward as possible, making it easy for users to pick up their iPhone and start using it right away.
Androids, on the other hand, can be a bit more complicated and difficult to navigate. While some users appreciate the added customization options that come with Androids, others find the experience to be overwhelming and confusing.
No matter how you buy your iPhone, where you buy it from or what iPhone you buy, you won’t see any bloatware preinstalled when you boot it up for the first time. That means it’s clean from the very start, with no power- or data-siphoning apps you didn’t ask for sabotaging things behind the scenes.
That’s a relief if you’ve ever seen the way a new Android phone arrives out of the box — particularly one that you’ve bought through a carrier. And it can be even worse if you buy a budget handset that has been heavily subsidized by a discount carrier.
3. App Store
Another major advantage that iPhones have over Androids is the App Store. With over 2 million apps available, the App Store is the largest app marketplace in the world, and it’s exclusive to iPhones and other iOS devices. This means that iPhone users have access to a wider selection of high-quality apps than Android users do.
Furthermore, the App Store is known for its strict quality control standards, which ensures that all apps are safe and reliable to use. This is in contrast to the Google Play Store, which has been known to have a higher incidence of malware and other security issues.
4. Integration with Other Apple Devices
One major advantage of iPhones over android phones is their integration with other Apple products, such as Mac computers, iPads, and Apple Watches. With features like AirDrop, Continuity, and Handoff, users can seamlessly switch between their devices and share content between them.
For example, you can start writing an email on your iPhone and finish it on your Mac without skipping a beat. Or, you can receive a phone call on your iPhone and answer it on your Apple Watch. This level of integration is not possible with Android devices, and can be a major advantage for those who use other Apple products.
5. Privacy and Security
Privacy and security are major concerns for many smartphone users, and iPhones have a reputation for being some of the most secure devices on the market. Apple takes privacy seriously, and iPhones are designed with a variety of built-in security features to protect users’ data and personal information.
For example, iPhones use Touch ID or Face ID to securely authenticate users and prevent unauthorized access. They also use end-to-end encryption to protect messages and other sensitive data.
Androids, on the other hand, have a reputation for being more vulnerable to security threats, with a higher incidence of malware and other security issues. While Google has made strides in recent years to improve Android security, it still lags behind iPhones in this area.
6. Customer Service and Support
One of the often-overlooked advantages of iPhones over Android smartphones is the customer service and support provided by Apple. Apple has a reputation for providing excellent customer service, with a range of options for users to get help and support when they need it.
Apple offers a variety of support options, including phone and chat support, as well as in-person support at Apple Stores. They also have a robust online support community, with a wealth of resources and information available for users to troubleshoot issues and get answers to their questions.
In contrast, Android manufacturers tend to have less robust customer service and support options. While some manufacturers offer phone and chat support, it can be difficult to get in touch with a representative, and the quality of support can vary widely.
7. Long-Term Software Updates
Apple is known for providing long-term software updates for their devices, which is a major advantage for iPhone users. iPhones typically receive software updates for at least five years after their initial release, which means that users can keep their devices up to date with the latest security patches and features for several years.
In contrast, Android devices often receive software updates for a much shorter period of time. This can leave users with outdated software and security vulnerabilities, which can be a major concern for those who value their privacy and security.
8. Consistent User Experience
Another advantage of iPhones is the consistent user experience they provide across all devices. Whether you’re using an iPhone 6 or the latest iPhone 13, the interface and user experience are largely the same. This makes it easy for users to switch between devices or upgrade to a new iPhone without having to learn a completely new system.
In contrast, Android devices often have different interfaces and user experiences depending on the manufacturer and model. This can make it difficult for users to switch between devices or upgrade to a new Android without having to learn a new system.
9. Resale Value
iPhones also tend to hold their value better than Android devices, which can be a major advantage for those who like to upgrade their devices frequently. Due to their high-quality build, long-term software updates, and strong privacy and security features, iPhones tend to hold their value better than Android devices over time.
This means that users can often sell their old iPhones for a higher price than they would be able to sell an equivalent Android device. This can make it easier to afford the latest iPhone models or to upgrade to a new device without breaking the bank.
10. Accessibility Features
iPhones also offer a range of accessibility features that can be helpful for users with disabilities or impairments. From VoiceOver, which provides spoken descriptions of on-screen content, to Live Listen, which turns your iPhone into a hearing aid, these features can make it easier for users to use and enjoy their devices.
While some Android devices offer similar accessibility features, the consistency and reliability of these features is not always guaranteed. With iPhones, users can rely on these features to be well-developed and accessible.
Final Thoughts
While Androids certainly have their own set of advantages, it’s clear that iPhones have a number of key benefits that make them a superior choice for many users. From their sleek design and user-friendly interface to their strong privacy and security features, iPhones offer a level of quality and reliability that’s hard to match.
If you’re in the market for a new smartphone and you value these features, an iPhone is definitely worth considering. While they may come with a higher price tag than some Android options, the investment is well worth it for the peace of mind and user experience that iPhones provide.
See also: Top 12 Advantages of Android Over iPhone