Ah, the age-old question! What’s the difference between an Android phone and an iPhone? Or, in this context, what can an iPhone do that an Android can’t?
Let’s take a look at some of the key advantages iPhones have over their Android cousins. Just remember, however, that for every point iPhones score against Androids, there are an equal number of points scored in the opposite direction. In other words, both types of phone offer the user something uniquely attractive.
If you want any more info on this topic, or have further questions, please see our FAQ section at the end of this article. For now though, here’s the top 10 things an iPhone can do that an Android cannot:
Table of Contents
The Top 10 Things an iPhone Can Do That an Android Can’t
#1 – Most easy-to-use operating system available
Android operating systems are designed to give their users access to everything within them, including fully-customizable control over the UI and UX of their phones, a little like mini pocket computers.
iPhones, on the other hand, are designed to be as simple and straightforward as possible to use. Their operating system creates a UX and UI which looks and feels super easy to use. iPhones, in this sense, are no fuss, no nonsense entry-level smartphones, whereas Androids are the more complicated, yet functional bigger cousins.
#2 – Awesome cameras all round
Some of the higher-end Android smartphones have really great cameras, but as a general rule of thumb the cameras which come with iPhones are truly excellent as standard. Some of the newest iPhones come with several cameras on the back, each of which serves a different function and can produce photographs of a quality nearly equal to that of proper DSLR cameras. In short, you get a better camera for cheaper with an iPhone.
#3 – A better investment?
If you’re looking to sell your phone once you’re done with it, or when it comes to upgrade time, you might well want to look to Apple. iPhones tend not to depreciate in value to quite the same rate as do Android phones. What this means for you is that when you come to sell your iPhone, or trade it in, you’ll likely make more money than you would trying to trade-in or sell an Android of a similar era.
#4 – You get app updates way faster
Yes, it’s true: Android users get access to a library of apps many, many times larger than the apps available to iPhone users on the App Store. Nevertheless, one of the upshots to this is that iPhone apps tend to be updated quicker and sooner than their equivalent Android versions. This is because app developers tend to focus on updating the iOS version of their app first, before looking to do the same for their Android version. That way, iPhone users (usually) get the newest versions of apps before anyone else.
#5 – Great customer service
Apple has been producing iPhones for well over a decade now, and as such their customer support is well-equipped to help you with any issue you might come across. Android, on the other hand, is an umbrella term for devices utilizing that OS. These devices might be Samsung in make, or Google, Huawei, or from any number of other smartphone manufacturers. As such, iPhone customer service tends to be easiest to reach out to and quicker to respond.
#6 – Speedy performance
Androids are by no means slow, but when you compare the speed at which you can use them, they do certainly still lag behind the rapid pace of an iPhone. This is most likely due to the fact that Android devices have a lot more to process than iPhones do, and so take a little longer to complete any task or react to any command.
#7 – Minimal bloatware out of the box
‘Bloatware’ refers to software, or apps, pre-installed on the phone and thus occupying that much-needed storage space before you even get a chance to download the apps you actually want. Because Android devices come from a range of different manufacturers and cell providers, they can already be loaded with a whole bunch of bloatware right out of the box.
On the contrary, iPhones – produced solely by Apple – tend not to have many, if any, bloatware-type apps installed, thus leaving the vast majority of advertised storage space free for you to do with as you please.
#8 – Seamless functionality with other Apple products
Some people (especially Android users) see this last point as a disadvantage for iPhone users, whilst still others would count it as a huge plus. In short, Apple products are designed to integrate seamlessly and efficiently with other Apple products. An iPhone, for example, can work alongside an iMac or AirPod earphones extremely smoothly and quickly, whereas an Android would either be incompatible with these devices, or might struggle to connect.
At the same time, this seamless functionality of Apple-Apple technology does have its downsides: namely, you cannot easily use an iPhone with non-Apple technology, and some (such as earphones) may actually be entirely incompatible. Still, if you love iOS products and have many of them at home, you’ll know that this integrated cross-platform functionality is a huge boon to the everyday iPhone user.
FAQs
Which is better: an iPhone or an Android?
We’ve been through the top 8 things iPhones can do which Androids can’t, but you may still be asking yourself: Which is better? An iPhone or an Android? Well, there’s really no easy answer to this, as in truth it relies on your own self preference.
iPhones offer streamlined, easy-to-use and accessible User Interfaces which even the youngest and oldest users can wrap their heads around pretty quickly. They also come with excellent in-built cameras and a range of handy, up-to-date apps.
On the other hand, Androids allow you to customize your phone in thousands of ways which are unavailable to you on an iPhone. They also have a huge, free market app store where you can access apps developed by anyone anywhere, compared to the small official selection of apps available in the iOS App Store.
At the end of the day, the answer to “Which is better: an iPhone or an Android?” depends on whether you want something simple and easy (iPhone), or something nuanced, functional, and customizable (Android).
Why can’t I get Android apps on my iPhone?
Android’s app store (AKA the Google Play Store) gives Android users access to apps from all over the world, designed by just about anyone. Android’s base operating software is open and non-restrictive, and can be customized or completely changed by the user. As such, they can write any apps they like onto their phone.
On the contrary, Apple’s products are deliberately limited to allow their users access only to apps designed for and approved by the Apple iOS App Store. Apple’s iOS is strict, inaccessible and unchangeable, meaning that iPhone users are not in control of their phone’s operation unlike Android users are. As such, they cannot access the wide range of apps Android users can.
Why can’t I use my own headphones with my iPhone?
The way Apple makes its money is not only by offering a good smartphone product, but by ensuring that that product will only work effectively with other Apple technologies, such as earphones, headphones, computers and charging cables, etc.
Thus, whilst you can hook an Android phone up to literally any headphones, earphones, TVs, computers, compatible charging cables and more, an iPhone only works well with other ‘i’ Apple products. Therefore you won’t be able to use your own store-bought headphones with your iPhone, but will instead have to rely on the headphones which came in the box.
