iPhone vs Android: Why We Prefer Android Instead of iOS

The original iPhone debuted on January 9, 2007, and the first Android phone (HTC Dream) followed on September 23, 2008. Shortly after, the debate between Android and iOS likely began.

Similar to debates like Windows versus macOS or Coca-Cola versus Pepsi, this comparison has drawn significant interest over the years. Each year brings updates to both operating systems, keeping the debate fresh with new features and improvements to discuss.

As a tech journalist who writes guides, news, and reviews, my phone usage differs from regular users. Currently, I extensively use both Android (specifically a Google Pixel 8) and iOS (an iPhone 15 Pro Max). Instead of switching between them, I regularly and extensively use both operating systems.

I’m well-versed in both platforms for daily use, with my primary personal device being the Pixel 8, used for messaging, social media, web browsing, music, podcasts, and more.

Despite my appreciation for iOS and the iPhone’s seamless hardware and software integration, like with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, I prefer Android for my daily driver. Here’s why.

Android allows for greater customization.

In every Android vs. iOS comparison, one thing is clear: Android is more flexible with its lock Screen, Home Screen, and app icons. With tools like Nova Launcher, you can change your device’s entire look and feel. Although iOS has improved in customization, it must still match Android’s depth and ease.

Android allows Home Screens to rotate and function with landscape mode, allowing me to manage my phone’s visual layout precisely. There’s talk that iOS 18 will add more customization options, showing that Apple knows it’s behind Google in this area.

I find iOS’s way of organizing the app library and home screen could be more comfortable. Why can’t I just have a  list of all my apps? Instead, I have to swipe through multiple screens to find apps that are not on my home screen and figure out where Apple has put them.

Google’s apps function universally across various devices.

Everyone has their own preferences, but in my opinion, Google’s apps generally have a more appealing design compared to Apple’s, although there are some exceptions.

I always choose Google over Apple for Gmail instead of Apple Mail, Google Docs instead of Pages, Google Maps instead of Apple Maps, and Google Photos instead of Apple Photos (though I enjoy Apple Music). Google’s apps are quick, dependable, and work on almost any platform.

For example, if I rent a movie from Google, it will run smoothly on nearly any device, but using Apple TV on Android is often tricky. This preference concerns Google’s and Apple’s apps rather than comparing Android and iOS. If you use devices from both Apple and other brands, Google’s apps might be more beneficial.

Android is granting apps increased control.

When it comes to apps, Android allows developers more freedom to integrate deeply into the system compared to iOS, although Apple argues this compromises security. Apps like Tasker, which enables extensive automation, highlight Android’s appeal to tech enthusiasts and DIY users like myself. 

This flexibility means Android hosts app categories that iOS lacks, such as battery health monitors, WiFi diagnostics tools, and advanced file managers beyond Apple’s offerings. While these extras may not interest everyone, they greatly enhance my smartphone experience.

On Android, you have greater flexibility with apps: you can install multiple copies of the same app, run two apps simultaneously on screen, and change default apps more freely. For example, you can use a different app to handle your text messages, which isn’t as easy on iOS and may not be possible anytime soon.

Android feels more intuitive

Partly due to my familiarity with Android, I find certain navigation features work more smoothly on Google phones than on Apple phones. Take the universal back gesture, for instance: a single swipe takes you back to the previous screen.

While iOS supports this in some apps, it’s not universal and lacks consistency across the system. On my iPhone, I often resort to using the back button or the app switcher, or I end up puzzled while navigating.

Notifications differ significantly between Android and iOS, and my preference leans towards Android. On Android, unread notifications stay visible on the status bar and Lock Screen, unlike iOS where they disappear into the Notification Center.

Handling notifications, such as expanding and dismissing them, seems quicker on Android, even though the overall distinction between the platforms is slight.

Switching from iOS to Android might be disorienting if you’re used to iPhones, especially with the familiarity of iOS. However, having used both extensively, I find Android more intuitive in several aspects.

For instance, on Android, you can view your scheduled alarm directly on the Lock Screen, while on iOS, you must add a widget to access this feature.