iPhone or Android? We reveal the truth about which handset is actually the best

IT'S the ultimate question when buying a new blower: Apple or Android?

If you're stuck on whether to invest in the stylish iPhone, or dive into the diverse world of Android, our handy guide on the key differences between the two will help.

iPhone and Android – what's the difference?

The iPhone is Apple's range of smartphones, and launched in 2007.

Since then, the iPhone has become one of the most recognisable and popular gadgets on the planet.

They run on Apple's own iOS software, and arrive in new versions every single year.

Android is the name for Google's smartphone software, officially released in 2008.

Any company can make a phone and load Google's Android onto it – because it's free to use and customise.

That's why we see lots of companies making Android phones, including Samsung, LG, Microsoft and Google, of course.

Android – the good and the bad

Here's what's good about Android smartphones:

• Loads of choice – Anyone can make an Android phone, so there's loads of choices. There are thousands of different Android phones in circulation, in all shapes and sizes. This means you're almost certain to find a model that suits you.
• Cheap options – This huge amount of choice means you can get Android phones for much lower prices than Apple iPhones. We've seen Android phones sold in the UK for as little as £30 (though they're not particularly great at that price). But it's entirely possible to fork our £300 or £400 on an Android phone that will suit most people's needs.
• cheaper options available
• Expandable storage – Apple phones never have expandable storage, but often Android phones do. Some Android phones have MicroSD slots built in, which let you boost the amount of storage capacity your phone has. All you need to do is buy a MicroSD card and you'll be able to store more photos, music and movies.
• Very varied software – Android is what's known as "open source", which means anyone can change it. So Android phone makers often make their own customisations, adding really cool features. So a Samsung Android phone will look and feel different to an LG phone. This means you get plenty of choice in terms of how your phone runs.
• Customisation options – Most Android phones also give you greater control over how you customise your handset's software, although this can be more confusing for people who aren't tech-savvy.
• Freedom to install un-official apps – On iPhone, you need to jailbreak the device to install unofficial apps (which isn't recommended). But Android will let you load apps from anywhere, including outside of the App Store.

And here's what's bad about Android smartphones:

• Slow to get software updates – Android phones are very slow to get software updates. Google releases new versions of Android, and then they have to be approved by your network carrier and edited by your phone maker – and then pushed out to your phone. This can take months, and sometimes even years.
• Old devices get unsupported very quickly – It's not uncommon to find that your two-year-old Android handset will no longer be supported, which means it won't get any more software updates. This is bad for security, and means you'll miss out on great new features.
• Higher chance of malware – The fact that you can download apps from anywhere, and that Android phones are so varied, puts them at greater risk of malware. So you're more likely to get viruses using an Android phone.
• Can be confusing for people – Android phones are all different from each other, and have more complicated software compared to the iPhone. Some users will like that, but it can be confusing for others.

Apple's iPhone – the good and the bad

Here's what's good about Apple's iPhone:

• They retain value – iPhone models are very popular and are seen as a luxury item. This means they retain their value much better than even premium Android phones, like Samsung's Galaxy series. This is worth bearing in mind, because it's likely you'll eventually want to sell your old iPhone and buy a new model. Those extra funds can be put towards a shiny new iPhone.
• Very old models get software updates – Apple supports old devices for years. The new iOS 12 software update is going out to handsets that launched way back in 2013, giving them new features and a performance boost. This is basically unheard of with Android phones. It also means security is top-notch for iPhone, because old models stay update.
• Software updates very quickly – Unlike Google for Android, Apple controls its entire iPhone ecosystem. So that means it can deliver iPhone updates to you on the day they're ready, and so you can get new features and security fixes immediately.
• Great security – the frequency and immediacy of updates is great for security. But Apple also offers additional features, like a locked-down and curated App Store, to protect you. It also encrypts your iPhone so that hackers can't nab your information.
• Excellent performance – Because there aren't really any cheap iPhones, Apple's handsets typically offer very good performance.
• Seamless ecosystem – If you're an iPhone user, you'll greatly benefit from the fact that all Apple devices work seamlessly together. So it's worth sticking to other Apple devices, like the iPad or Apple Watch.

And here's what's bad about Apple's iPhone:

• Very expensive – There simply aren't any cheap iPhones. The lowest-price model from last year's Apple handset roster was the iPhone 8, which cost £699. And the coveted top model from 2018, the iPhone XS Max, prices anywhere from £1,099 to £1,449. Even 2018's "cheap" iPhone XR will cost you at least £749. If you want the fancy tech, expect to pay a premium.
• Limited choice – There are lots of different iPhones you can buy, but there's nowhere near as much choice as with Android. You're severely limited in terms of design, so if you don't like how the iPhone looks then you're stuck.
• Less customisation – Apple has more limited functionality when it comes to customising the iPhone experience, but this does make it less confusing for people who prefer a simple and easy-to-use smartphone.

iPhone vs Android – the verdict

It's no surprise that in the west, Apple's iPhones have surged to dominance.

They might be pricey, but they're easy to use, keep their value, and are extremely secure.

But Android phones make up about 85% of the handsets on the planet, and that's because they're often cheaper – making them a prime pick in less wealthy countries.

If you're looking for a phone that's powerful, easy to use, secure and packed with new features, an iPhone is the way to go.

Whereas Android might suit people who like to tinker with their gadgets, and don't mind upgrading very often for the latest features.

We'd recommend an iPhone for most Brits, but there's no doubt that you'll probably be just as happy with a premium Android blower too.

Do you prefer Apple or Android smartphones? Let us know in the comments!

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