Smartphones 101: Comparing iPhone and Android Phones

The rise of smartphones did not just make this gadget a day-to-day necessity, it also began a battle between iPhone and Android. Debates about this have been going on for decades now, and we understand why. Existing to provide top-tier smartphones for your needs and wants, both iPhone and Android keep on outdoing themselves with every new product launch.

It is not a secret that getting our hands on a new smartphone can be quite an investment, so we all want to make sure that we get our money’s worth. Because we know that making your smartphone pick is something that requires lots of research, we’re here to help you out. What exactly are the differences between iPhones and Android phones? Here’s a rundown.

Camera Quality

Let’s be honest, one of the first things we do when checking a smartphone is a camera test. Good thing iPhone and Android smartphones have both ridden the tide of innovation with exceptional specs. For a clearer comparison, let’s specifically look into Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra.

From a 35.2mm2 to a 44mm2 wide camera sensor area, Apple surely faced an upgrade with the iPhone 13 Pro Max given its improved three-lens camera. Its wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses each have a 12-megapixel sensor and an f/1.5, f/1.8, and f/2.8 aperture count, respectively. Aside from those specs, what truly sets this model apart from other smartphones within and beyond Apple is its cinematic mode which enables you to shoot videos with a shallow depth of field and multiple points of subject focus.

With this, you can now take your videos to the next level.

Going head to head is the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra which has four lenses, namely ultra-wide, wide-angle, and two telephoto cameras. Its 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens gains f/2.2, while its 108-megapixel wide-angle lens captures f/1.8, and 10-megapixel telephoto cameras have an f/4.9 and f/2.4 aperture score. Right off the bat, it cannot be denied that the capacity of this model to zoom in is through the roof thanks to its telephoto lenses. To top it off, its epic pixel sensors allow you to capture amazing photos even when it’s the peak of darkness.

Operating System

Widely known as the biggest difference between the iPhone and Android is their operating systems since an iPhone exists in a Closed Source Operating System while an Android endures with an Open Source Operating System.

It may sound confusing at first, but it primarily entails that the source code of Android mobile devices is open and free to be easily accessed by any phone manufacturer. Most of the time, people get a hold of their smartphone’s source code to personally customize the interface, tweak the hardware, and download applications outside the Play Store.

Such endless possibilities also come with their own downsides, especially as Android doesn’t get to review and authorize the applications you choose to download which likely leads to encountering more irritating bugs and crashes. Effortlessly obtaining an Android smartphone’s source code also displays nothing but low security, so beware of possible data breaches.

On the other hand, an iPhone’s Closed Source Operating System keeps its source codes safe and confidential to minimize the risks of hacking and similar vulnerabilities. On top of that, it boosts your smartphone’s overall performance, ensuring that no lags and hangs will occur even when you’re in the middle of playing a do-or-die game.

Enjoying a smoother smartphone experience, unfortunately, compromises customization given that iPhone users are only limited to the few user interface options given to them and to the smartphone models Apple releases as they are the only ones who have the access to their system. Another snag is that most applications from the App Store tend to eat up huge phone storage and not all are free.

File Backup

Running out of phone storage is quite an inconvenience especially when you’re on a trip and you want to take a picture of every Instagrammable corner you see. Plus, this has also been bothersome to those who make it a hobby to install innumerable applications or games. Because smartphone developers have observed this conundrum, both iPhone and Android have their own reliable cloud backup options.

iPhone users can store their files in iCloud, while Android users can maximize Google One. The former hands you 5GB of free storage, while the latter offers 15GB. If you need more space for your iPhone, you can purchase 50GB of extra storage for ₱49 per month, 200GB for ₱149 per month, or 2TB for ₱499 per month. Upgrading your Google One storage to 100GB costs you ₱89 a month, 200GB at ₱149 a month, and 2TB at ₱479 a month.

If you’re the type of person who unconsciously takes up most of your storage space, this would definitely be one thing you’d want to consider.

Battery Life

We all hate it when our phones run out of battery fast, especially when we’re not at home. The struggle of looking for a socket and staying there until your phone is sufficiently charged is real. That is why it’s important to look into a smartphone’s battery life. It keeps you from purchasing a mobile device with an easily-drained battery.

Although an iPhone’s battery size is essentially smaller than an Android’s, its battery life may last significantly longer. That’s because the Android’s vast customization features empty its battery faster. Take note that it still all boils down to your smartphone usage as it greatly affects battery life as well.

The more that you maximize and utilize the different features, applications, and settings, the faster any smartphone’s battery life will decline.

Life Span

Of course, who wouldn’t want a phone that would last long? We’ve already pointed out that purchasing a smartphone may hurt your wallet, so it’s better to opt for one that you wouldn’t need to replace every one to two years. This doesn’t just save you money but also saves you time.

An iPhone’s long life span, being 3 to 4 years, is heavily contributed to its software updates as it goes above and beyond to expand and support older models. Meanwhile, Android’s life span ranges between 2 to 3 years given that its software updates are disseminated across all its numerous manufacturers. Looking at the bright side, this conveys that there are more Android phones out there should the time to replace them come.

Price

Last but most certainly not the least is the price tag. This may be a deal-breaker for many given that we live in a reality where money does not grow on trees. Shelling out all the budget we have would not be the most frugal decision, so thinking about the price and a smartphone’s worth is key.

When it comes to affordability, Android smartphones have an edge over iPhones. Case in point, the flagship phone, Xiaomi 12 Pro, costs thousands of pesos less than Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro despite their similarities in specs and features. Do remember that one’s price is affected by the features it offers. A higher price may mean greater features, but be wary as this is not the case every single time.

At the end of the day, bear in mind that there’s no such thing as the perfect smartphone because each one has its own weaknesses and flaws. It’s all about choosing the smartphone that suits you best and appeals to you the most. Don’t make rash decisions and don’t merely buy a smartphone to join the bandwagon. Rather, focus on the features that you want to prioritize and the practical budget that you can set aside.

If you’re still torn between being part of Team iPhone or Team Android, don’t sweat it! Take all the time you need to contemplate and decide. While you’re at it, make sure to head over to SM Supermalls Cyberzone and take advantage of the best smartphone deals you could ever find at SM Deals. Make it a habit to also check SM Malls Online for the trendiest outfits, food bundles, and gadgets!