Android flagship phones are now reaching the same price levels as that of the iPhone. Choosing platforms, at any level, is always somewhat challenging but price plays a large factor in the decision. Yes, Android still has the midrange and low end phones but Apple iPhone SE also has a lower entry point. Thus, the decision as to whether to go Android or iPhone is for some not challenging at all and for others is starting to get murky due to the merging price points.
IOS all the way for many an Apple Loyalist
IOS is still considered easier than Android though Android is considered far more customizable at numerous levels. Yet, the ease of use of the IOS platform is a major driver. However, for many an Apple fan it will always be Apple because it’s Apple with the smoothness of the OS and the apps plus the high quality build.
Apps have often been the Key Driver
Over the years, solutions were often driven by the applications that were required or being used. In many cases, company loyalty, brand identity and quality were considered major factors.
Certainly when Android arrived on the scene many of its apps were significantly inferior to IOS apps and the driver behind Android seemed to be the price of the phones. However, much has changed and is changing rapidly now. Many of the apps that are critical are now fully cross platform and as reliable on an Android device as that of IOS. This trend to cross platform is advancing fast.
As an example, a task management system is often seen as very important to maintain or increase productivity. OmniFocus is a well known, top tier task/project manager. Although it doesn’t run on Android, a third party has built an Android app that is very good and works fine with the system. Yet, there are now a number of popular options. Todoist and 2do would be the most significant of those options but there are more making the hardware more of a commondity; a place to run the same software.
If the Applications are becoming Less of a Driver
The current crop of high end Android phones from HTC, Samsung, Motorola and LG have great brand recognition and build high quality products rivaling and in some cases surpassing that of the iPhone. As the software becomes more common in both environments it will begin to boil down to what you prefer to use etc.
If you’re the type that likes to customize their phone to make it your own, then Android is the solution for you. If you prefer a easier front end learning experience, then IOS will be your choice. However, Android is getting easier to use all the time and actually once you’ve used it for a while, Android doesn’t feel anymore complex than that of IOS but still remains much more customizable.
So now it will get down to the device. You might find you simply prefer the look of the Samsung or HTC vs the iPhone and the way you can customize it. Some will just prefer the weighting and feel of an iPhone. Yet, with time, all the major apps will likely be running in both environments and as I noted many are now. Teams can come together using varied products and still continue to work together.
Getting more Difficult to go Wrong with an Android Decision
At the moment, probably the iPhone is the safer bet. However, I do not think that is going to last for much longer if we just deal with the major vendors of Android who are delivering high performance, well built phones. You have brand recognition, build quality and if the software doesn’t work in both environments it is soon likely to.
Thus for you, the consumer, you will have a greater range of options with respect to look, operation, build quality and style than you currently do. In essence, if you like something and its price is acceptable, you likely can’t go wrong. This is good for all as competition helps to maintain the momentum of development but control the costs.