Android and iOS are the mobile operating systems that dominate the market these days. When choosing the next cell phone, the doubt may arise between the platforms developed by Google and Apple. Both tend to show evolutions each year with similar resources, but some differences can be decisive for more demanding users.
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While the iPhone software is known for items like security and interface design, the rival stands out for the almost infinite possibility of customization and extra features. In the following lines, the dnetc compares the main features of operating systems to help define which one is ideal for each user profile.
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One of the main differences between systems is availability. Developed by Google, Android is not exclusive and equips several models from different brands, among them giants like Samsung, Huawei, LG and Asus, for example, in addition to its cell phone line, Pixel.
More closed, iOS was created by Apple and works only on models manufactured by Apple's own company, such as the current iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro.
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In terms of interface, the possibility of full customization present on Android is still a strong point on the Google platform. You can change your entire home screen, menus, add widgets or shortcuts, or even modify the entire theme of the device by downloading new launchers.
Because it has an open code, the system allows each manufacturer that uses the Google platform to use its own layout, providing different experiences that vary depending on the brand.
J iOS is more restricted and only allows modifying the background image (lock screen and splash screen), in addition to changing shortcuts on the bottom toolbar and adding widgets on the right side menu. Everything else is blocked and, despite the limitations, some prefer the simplicity of the standard design.
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Both Android and iOS present the main functions available for smartphones today. With constant innovation on both platforms, it is difficult to verify resources that one brings and the other is not even in a similar way.
Of the common points in the systems, it is possible to mention the popular Dark Mode, capable of facilitating the visualization of content at night or in low light environments, in addition to the smart galleries, which create, edit and group photos and videos. The platforms also bring their own music apps, maps and virtual assistants: Siri, at Apple, and Google Assistant.
Dark Mode one of the similar features of Android and iOS Photo: Paulo Alves / dnetc
One of the main strengths of iOS and that is not fully functional on Android is the continuity and integration between the brand's devices: in addition to the ease of using Apple wearables like the Apple Watch, it is even possible to copy and paste between the iPhone and the MacBook, for example.
Among the exclusive features of the iPhone are the possibility to record the screen natively, and also the Animojis, the fun customizable figures that even won their own versions on Android, but were more successful on the Apple platform.
The freedom of Android brings some advantages, such as the possibility of mirroring the smartphone on any screen, not only with devices compatible with AirPlay, as in the case of Apple, and also transmitting files via Bluetooth to any device. Another exclusivity of some Android devices is the "Always On" display, a feature that leaves the cell phone screen always partially on.
On Android, it is worth mentioning that there can be hundreds of different functions, since the open source system, and other manufacturers may bring new tools to their versions, such as the Samsung Experience.
Animojis became popular on the iPhone (iOS) Photo: Thssius Veloso / dnetc
In security, the two manufacturers ensure that they systematically monitor and evaluate the Google Play Store and the App Store, in order to check for possible malicious features or functions in third-party applications. With the maturing of platforms, both iOS and Android can be considered safe.
Nevertheless, it is important, on both systems, to verify the origin of the downloaded apps and files inside and outside the app stores. Much of the malware and other threats can be prevented by the user with security measures.
As for privacy, both are also on similar levels. Even with a more improved facial recognition at Apple's Face ID, Android also has equally safe features, such as compatibility with fingerprint reader and iris reading, for example.
Android supports riser reading Photo: Paulo Alves / dnetc
Android has vastly improved its update distribution system in recent years. The improvements in the versions of the system began to arrive more quickly and to reach a greater number of users in a shorter time. Even so, Apple is still ahead in this regard.
This is because, as Android is present in phones from several different manufacturers with their own features, layout and functions, brands often take time to release updates to suit your interfaces.
As Apple only needs to update the iPhone, its own smartphone, the updates reach all eligible models at the same speed. The support period of the apple company is also longer: iPhones usually receive updates for at least five years after the launch.
iOS offers updates with faster distribution than Android Photo: Helito Beggiora / dnetc
The virtual stores of iOS and Android apps are equally complete, and bring all the apps and tools necessary for any smartphone to work. Although the Google Play Store numerically outperforms the App Store in the number of available programs, both bring the current versions of the main software of today, such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram.
In addition to apps and games, Google Play Store allows you to download books, movies and music Photo: Helito Beggiora / dnetc
What to expect from systems in 2020?
In both cases, the expectation is that the systems will receive new versions this year, bringing new tools, features and design changes. One of the main bets for both platforms is greater compatibility with 5G, especially in iOS 14, in addition to improvements in native apps and new functions in Android 11.
* Rubens Achilles collaborated
