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When you want to get a mobile phone, one of the first questions that arises is: Apple or Android? It's a debate that polarizes technophiles! On one side or the other, you either love it or you hate it. Still, the differences between the iOS (Apple) and Android (Google) operating systems are nuanced, and each has its advantages. Get a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses so you can choose the device that's right for you.

Apple

Apple's devices have made their mark over time thanks to a sleek design, ease of use, and quality assurance associated with the manufacturer. Are these phones consistently a better choice than Android devices? Here are the main things to know before getting one.

Apple's strengths 

• Seamless synchronization with other Apple devices. If you have a Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch, for example, your experience will be greatly enhanced with an iPhone. The devices communicate with each other seamlessly, allowing you to start a task on one and continue on another with ease. The richness of its ecosystem is one of Apple's greatest strengths.
• Applications often of higher quality. Apple is known for being demanding when it comes to admitting an app to its App Store. Submitted applications go through a rigorous review process in which various aspects are verified, such as security, performance and monetization.
• Exclusive iOS apps. Some apps are only available in the App Store. These are often high-end or user-rated apps, such as the Bear and GarageBand apps.
• Wide variety of quality accessories. Since there are a lot of Apple devices in circulation, there are a lot of compatible accessories on the market! Cases, headphones, protective screens, card holders, fast chargers, car mounts, etc. Regardless of the model, you can find compatible accessories (iPhone 4 cases are still sold on Amazon).
• Concern for confidentiality. Apple makes privacy one of its priorities. For example, the Safari web browser hides more data compared to Chrome. Also, since iOS14, it is possible to disable app tracking on the iPhone. Learn more about privacy with Apple.
• Updates launched at the same time on all compatible devices. When a new version of iOS is released, all compatible iPhone owners have access to it at the same time. This makes it easy to quickly take advantage of new features.
• After-sales service. The Apple Care+ Device Protection Plan provides access to technical support at any time by phone or chat, but most importantly, unlimited repairs in the event of accidental damage (fees of $39 to $129 per repair are to be expected).
• Service in physical stores. Those who like the in-store experience are served with Apple Stores. In-store advisors answer your questions, and it is possible to try most of the devices.
• Good resale value. iPhones retain good value over time. It is sometimes possible to obtain a generous trade-in credit as part of certain promotions or to resell your device at a good price.

Apple's weaknesses 

• Non-expandable storage. It is not possible to add a memory card to an iPhone. The storage capacity is limited to the one built into the device, usually ranging from 128GB to 1TB, and it greatly influences the price.
• Limited choice of models. Apple usually releases one new phone per year, most often in four models (base, Plus, Pro and Pro Max). You won't find flip or foldable flip phones from this manufacturer.
• Difficult to repair without a protection plan. If you want to have your phone repaired by an independent repairer, good luck! Parts can be expensive and difficult or impossible to change due to the way the device is made.
• Usually expensive. iPhones are considered high-end devices, and come with a significant price. There is no such thing as a cheap model like there is for Android devices. For example, the iPhone 16 retails for between $1128 and $1752, plus taxes.
• Transferring files to a PC rather laborious. If you don't have a Mac, you have to go through iTunes or three Apple apps to transfer files to your computer. However, software often has to be updated before using it, and the transfer operation is not intuitive. We can feel that Apple puts little energy on compatibility with devices outside its ecosystem.
• USB-C connector only available on recent models. The models that precede the iPhone 15 have a Lightning connector, a technology specific to Apple. The company abandoned this technology following a change in European regulations that aimed to standardize connectors for electronic devices.

Android

Android is an open-source operating system, meaning it can be used in phones from any manufacturer. Virtually all non-Apple mobile phones run Android, including those from Google, Samsung, Motorola, and TCL. Here's what to expect if you opt for this technology.

Android Strengths 

• Huge variety of devices. Due to the accessibility of Android and the ability to adapt the code to the various devices designed, there are a myriad of phone manufacturers and models on the market. Basic, flip, foldable or stylus phones, there is something for everyone.
• Phones accessible at low prices. The variety of the offer leads to a variety of prices. For example, you can get a new phone for less than $300, which is not possible with Apple.
• Seamless integration of the Google suite. Since Android is owned by Google, the web giant's apps are very well integrated into the phones that use it. Apps like Chrome, Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, and Google Photos let you sync your data across multiple devices so you can switch between them seamlessly.
• Increased customization. Android devices often offer more possibilities for customizing the interface. One can easily choose which apps one wants to use by default to perform different tasks. You must, of course, go and play in the settings to put the phone in your hand, but this is an aspect that experienced users appreciate.
• Easy to transfer files to a PC. When you plug your Android device into a computer, the phone is treated like any other external device. You can usually browse the folders in it (photos, videos, music, etc.) in Explorer and transfer files simply by dragging and dropping.
• Powerful voice assistant. The Google Assistant surpasses Siri (Apple's voice assistant) on several points. It is available in more than 30 languages and includes many regional variations. Users have noticed that it is better than Siri to help them organize their tasks, especially since the integration of Gemini, Google's artificial intelligence, in the new Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones.
• Expandable storage on select models. Some phones allow you to insert an external memory card to increase the storage capacity of the device. You can buy a phone with a lower capacity, and then see over time if you need more storage space.

Android Weaknesses

• Support can be difficult to obtain. For help or to get your phone repaired, you can sign up for your mobile service provider's device protection plan. Otherwise, you should turn to independent repair shops or return the device directly to the manufacturer.
• Security updates that are deployed inconsistently. When an Android update is released, it is not accessible on all phone models from day 1. Usually, it is offered first on Google's Pixels, then on high-end phones from major brands, and finally on models from less popular brands. It may take several weeks or even months for the update to roll out to all compatible devices.
• Presence of pre-installed applications that are not always useful. Android device manufacturers often allow themselves to install their own messaging or entertainment apps on their phones. These are called bloatware, energy-intensive apps that take up storage space that is otherwise useful for other purposes.
• Reduced privacy. Google collects a lot of data on its users. Access to a huge pool of data is even crucial to feed its main search, translation and artificial intelligence tools. It's possible to manage the permissions granted in the device's settings, but you need to be more proactive than with Apple's devices to protect your data privacy.

Which phone is better between an Android and an iPhone?

There is no single answer to this big question! All in all, Apple offers a simpler experience, quality assurance, and better support, but fewer choices. Android offers a wider variety of devices, more accessible prices, and increased customization, but uneven reliability from phone to phone. If you want to cut the pear in half, you can opt for a high-performance Android device, such as the Samsung Galaxy S24, or a second-hand iPhone to take advantage of Apple's own advantages without paying the top price.