This article was published in 2012 and updated in October 2026.
Android or iPhone? In 2012, when we first compared them, Android was rapidly taking over the market and Apple still had more apps. Today Android runs on roughly seven out of ten smartphones worldwide, while the iPhone is especially strong in the US, Japan and among premium buyers. Both platforms have become very mature — so which one is better for you? Here is how they compare today.
Choice of devices and price
Android runs on phones from many manufacturers, including Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, OnePlus and Motorola, in every price range from budget models to foldables. iPhones come only from Apple and start in the mid-range, with the Pro models among the most expensive phones on the market. If you want a cheap phone, a specific form factor or lots of choice, Android wins.
Interface and customisation
The iPhone is known for its simple, consistent interface that works the same way on every model, which makes it easy for first-time smartphone users. Apple has become more flexible over the years: widgets arrived on the home screen in iOS 14, and since iOS 18 you can place icons freely and tint them.
Android still offers more freedom. You can change the launcher, the default apps and almost every part of the look and feel, and manufacturers add their own interfaces such as Samsung’s One UI. The flip side: Android phones from different brands can feel quite different.
Software updates and long-term support
This used to be a clear win for Apple, whose iPhones typically receive iOS updates for many years. Android has caught up at the top end: Google’s Pixel phones from the Pixel 8 onwards and Samsung’s recent Galaxy S models promise seven years of operating system and security updates. Cheaper Android phones often get far fewer updates, so check the manufacturer’s update policy before you buy.
Apps and ecosystem
Both the App Store and Google Play offer millions of apps, and almost every popular app is available on both. Some games and creative apps still appear on iOS first. Android lets you install apps from other sources more easily; in the EU, Apple has also had to allow alternative app stores under the Digital Markets Act since 2024.
The bigger difference is the ecosystem. If you already use a Mac, iPad, Apple Watch or AirPods, the iPhone fits in seamlessly with features like AirDrop, Handoff and iMessage. Android works best with Google services and pairs well with Windows PCs, Chromebooks and a wide range of smartwatches.
Camera
Both platforms have excellent cameras at the top end — the iPhone Pro models, Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy S Ultra phones regularly lead camera comparisons. Android offers more variety, such as periscope zoom lenses in more price ranges, while iPhones are known for consistent photos and very good video recording. Mid-range and budget Android phones vary much more in quality.
Keyboard and messaging
Both systems have accurate touch screen keyboards with swipe typing, and you can install alternative keyboards such as Gboard or SwiftKey on either one. Since iOS 18, iPhones also support RCS, so messaging between iPhone and Android users now includes typing indicators, high-quality photos and read receipts.
Privacy and security
Apple builds its brand around privacy and controls both the hardware and the software, which makes iPhones a smaller target for malware. Android has improved a lot with Google Play Protect, regular security patches and fine-grained app permissions. On either platform, the most important rules are the same: install updates and only download apps from trusted sources.
So which is better?
There is no single winner — it depends on what you want from a smartphone:
- Choose an iPhone if you want simplicity, long software support, strong resale value and already use other Apple devices.
- Choose an Android phone if you want more choice of hardware and price, more customisation and freedom, or features like foldable screens.
Atish
May 02. 2012
I think Android is better because you can get it for lower prices too but to get a iphone u need to spend more.
admin
May 02. 2012
Agree with you ….Thanks for stopping by !
Puneet
May 04. 2012
I also agree. Its easier to get android phones at cheaper prices but iOS devices are costly.
PrIyAnGsHu
May 02. 2012
Great post buddy ! I agree wit Atish, we can get Android even at low prices but getting an iOS device will certainly be much expensive. And apart from that, there are only a few iOS devices whereas there are thousands of Android devices available in the market.
admin
May 02. 2012
Thanks for your comment buddy …
Rashmi
May 03. 2012
In my opinion there is no “Better”. It all depends on what you are looking for, the budget you have and of course what suits you best.
Lincoln
May 03. 2012
I agree with Rashmi. There is no “better” between the two. Each has it own merits. Andriod is more versatile, while iPhone really scores in terms of usability and its apps.
Adeline
May 03. 2012
Well…I have an iPhone and an Android device, and I just like the way the Android works. Although the iPhone is superior in a number of ways, I feel that its a little more rigid in functionality and I totally hate the navigation..but that’s just me I guess.
admin
May 03. 2012
Thanks for sharing your views …
Amit
May 03. 2012
Thanks for your awesome comparison, I love Android phone because of its open source. Developers can easily create Android application and list them in market whereas iPhone does not have these features.
Lucy
May 03. 2012
I prefer the look of android, the iphone interface looks a little dated to me now, but for simplicity it does win. I have a HTC desire S and sometimes I am baffled by how difficult it is to do what should be simple things.
I see the new adroid upgrade looks different and more customisable, will have to get around to downloading it to my phone!
Ashok
May 03. 2012
Thanks, i was looking to find the differences between Android & iphone, but i like android.
Marty
May 04. 2012
I own an Android phone but I’d also like an iPhone to decide which one is better 🙂
Gisselle
May 04. 2012
Well for me, Android is still better and I am sure a lot of people will agree with me although some would love to choose iPhone than Android too..
Suraj
May 04. 2012
I think Android is cool….just because its got p**n apps…unlike iPhone!
admin
May 04. 2012
haha …
Stan
May 04. 2012
I don\’t have an Android device but I\’ve heard a lot of good things about it. I\’m so used with my iPhone and I love it so much that I am not looking for anything else. I also agree with Rashmi, it depends on your budget and what you are looking for in a device.
admin
May 04. 2012
Thanks for your views Stan …
Milsia
May 04. 2012
As far as my opinion is concerned Android is better and cheaper as compared to iPhone, and android apps are also very good and less expensive, i am fully satisfied with my Android phone.
hiren
May 04. 2012
i love android. i developed android application and i think now a days android development is the boosted compare to iphone market.
Becca
May 04. 2012
Great review.Now i know which is to buy.I want to make sure that the device I buy is useful and worth in my hard earn money.
Daniel
May 06. 2012
I am agree with you in 100%. Considering the price and a large number apps for android, android much better iphone and large number apps for android.
Thnk you for the interesting post.
Robette
May 07. 2012
You have missed almost EVERYTHING that is most important with smartphones.
You are only comparing the surface of the products.
You are missing the much better stability in iOS.
Smarter sandbox solutions for apps on iOS.
More intuitive interface on iOS except for a few times.
Not trojan/virus rich on AppStore like Google Market/Play are.
Then Android have advantages also, great interface and often much better hardware, but the more hardware is needed since the OS with all open architecture demands much more hardware to function.
Nehal
May 07. 2012
Apple is the innovator and Android is the marketer. Android will always have more users because of its range of devices but in terms of quality and software maintenance its always Apple.
admin
May 07. 2012
Thanks for stopping by Nehal …
Rashmi
May 08. 2012
This is very true. Everything is useful in the market that’s why we have so many companies that have a part. Everyone is offering something different and this attracts a certain amount of buyers.
Olan
May 08. 2012
While the iPhone is better technically, it doesn’t appeal to the masses like most Android sets do. I think it is like a battle between a rich man and a poor man.
Puneet
May 08. 2012
I was and am a big fan of iPhone but now am very happy with my Samsung Note which is quite better then iPhone .. Still iPhone cant be compared to other devices
Nicholle
May 09. 2012
I have an Android phone now and all I can say is that Androids are better than an Iphone because from the interface to apps Androids are better. Well, that\’s only for me.
Brain
May 11. 2012
It’s quite difficult to say what is better, iPhone of Android. I finally choose Android as better then iPhone because many interesting applications available for it and also it is cost-effective than iPhone.
denialmicky
May 17. 2012
android is better as compared to Iphone.you can get all latest features in android as compared to Iphone
CompuTech
May 19. 2012
I may be a bit prejudice, but I say Android all the way. Right now iOS has more apps, but with the open source development support Android has, I promise you that the tables will turn very soon.
kunal
May 22. 2012
nice comparison… its would surely help the people select a phone according to there need…
Steve
May 25. 2012
You have to wonder about the security aspect of android? I see there are antivirus programs available for the platform even so my vote goes to iphone for peace of mind.
Allen
Jun 11. 2012
Actually it depends on user’s perspective, some people don’t consider these factors as they were originally an apple fan or android fan and for those who use their smartphone as their everyday media, these factors are critical. Personally, I’ll go with Android.
Nouman
Jun 14. 2012
iPhone is best in its own kind and Android is best in its own kind they both have their good place in market also…But you can see that Android have some a little bit low price so every one is able to buy Android Phone.and Android has almost every application which is available in iPhone so i think Android is better.
Kathy
Jun 14. 2012
My boyfriend just got he new samsung phone and it really is great. A new feature I like is that when writing messages, you no longer have to tap the keys, you can just slide to each letter and it works it out. It makes typing much quicker which has always been an issue for me on all kinds of smartphone.
Envian
Jul 25. 2012
Well, i’m an Android user and fan myself, and i prefer Android and its flexibility and various customization methods. Even though the iOs runs much smoother than any Android i’ve seen. If you compare Galaxy SII and iPhone 4 for example, you should see the difference. Haven’t touched the new quad-core Androids quite yet, i bet they’re a lot faster and smoother…
Dhaval Parmar
Dec 19. 2016
I think Android is better because you can get it for lower prices too but to get a iphone u need to spend more.