Android phones have long been a strong competitor to iPhones, oftentimes (but not always) offering even more features for a lower price. If you’re relatively new to the world of smartphones, or if you just want to make sure you do your due diligence, it’s important to recognize all the pros and cons of Android phones.
So what are the most important factors to consider, and how should you weigh them?
THE PROS AND CONS OF ANDROID PHONES
Whether you’re looking at the newest Android phone or a slightly older model, the pros and cons of Android phones have been relatively consistent over the years.
These are some of the best advantages:
- App installation options. With both Android devices and iPhones, you’ll be able to browse through many apps and conveniently install whichever apps you want through official stores. But only through Android will you be able to sideload apps outside of that official store. If you’re interested in easily testing apps in progress or taking advantage of apps that exist outside the confines of official store approval, Android might be your only real option.
- Hardware innovations and options. Many consumers love Android devices for their hardware innovations and the wide range of options that are available. While most smartphone manufacturers are tightly competitive with each other, offering similar, if not identical, features, the sheer diversity of choices in the Android realm make it enticing. Many Android phones are technologically superior to their iPhone counterparts as well. Consumers can choose from dozens of manufacturers and hundreds of different models, ultimately choosing the combination of features most appropriate for their needs.
- Extended storage. Unlike iPhones, Android phones have extended storage options. If you run out of storage that’s built into your phone, you can simply plug in a microSD card and get instantly expanded storage. With an iPhone, your only options will be uploading to the cloud or getting a new phone.
- Better widgets. Widgets are convenient, miniature functions that help you do small tasks like checking the weather or scheduling calendar events. iPhones certainly have access to widgets, but there’s a case to be made that Android phones have more widgets and better widgets. With this range of accessible options, you can customize your Android phone to perfection.
- Nearly unlimited customizability. Android phones offer more flexibility and customizability than their iPhone counterparts. For many tech enthusiasts and DIYers, Android is the only option worth considering.
- Lower prices. Though not always the case, most Android phones are cheaper than most iPhones. If you’re splurging on the most upgraded piece of technology you can afford, Android phones get expensive. But it’s also possible to find Android phones for just a couple hundred dollars.
These are some of the biggest disadvantages to weigh:
- Inconsistent quality. Because there are so many manufacturers and models to choose from, quality isn’t quite as consistent with Android phones as it is with iPhones. There are certainly some amazing models out there, but there are also some clunkers. It’s not always easy to tell the difference between the two, either.
- Google account hesitancy. To access certain features on your Android device, you’ll need to create a Google account. That means you’ll be opening yourself to data tracking, and you’ll need to comply with Google’s terms of service as well. If you don’t like the idea of creating or using a Google account, you’ll miss out on a few features.
- Limited updates and support. iPhones tend to get updates for many years, with active and dedicated support from Apple. However, Android phones don’t always get the same treatment. Manufacturers sometimes stop supporting certain models after only a year or two.
- Bloatware. Bloatware manifests in many forms, and it’s especially noticeable on Android devices. That’s because manufacturers often have the option of pre-installing various apps for their consumers. These apps can be annoying, hogging resources and taking up space, but in many cases, they can simply be removed if they become problematic.
- More aggressive ads. Android phone users often have to deal with more ads. Sometimes these ads are native, and sometimes, they’re merely associated with free apps. iPhone users also have to deal with ads, but the experience is arguably less noticeable.
KEY FACTORS TO CONSIDER
If you’re still on the fence, keep these factors in mind:
- Budget. If you’re on a tight budget or if you’re just trying to reduce your expenses to the minimum, Android is the superior choice. Just make sure you shop around to find the right fit for your needs.
- Familiarity. If you’re already intimately familiar with one type of phone, and you’re ambivalent about switching, you might as well stick with what you know.
- Desired features. Are there certain features you definitely want? If so, this may push you in one direction or the other.
- Tolerance for accounts and ads. If you don’t care about data tracking or ads, you can eliminate a couple of Android phone disadvantages from the outset.
- Need for flexibility/customization. How much do you plan on customizing your phone experience? The more control and customizability you want, the more you should consider Android phones.
Both Android phones and iPhones have a lot to offer, so your decision will likely boil down to your individual needs. Android phones are perfect for some users and are poor fits for others, so make sure you do your due diligence before making the final call.