Phone Rivalry
At the end of the day, it’s up to personal preference, but it’s pretty clear that there are areas Apple excels at and areas Samsung succeeds in. If you want a breakdown of the pros of each phone or just want to see how your favorite ranks up against its competition, this is the list for you. So, which phone do you side with?
1. Customizability
Samsung has a diverse range of products, starting from budget-friendly devices to high-end flagship phones. The selection is so extensive in terms of size, color, and feature set that one is spoiled for choice. This also makes it easier to get a phone that exactly matches their need and budget.
2. More Apps
Access to the Google Play Store gives Samsung users more apps and games to choose from than what is offered on Apple's App Store. Android's developer friendliness also means users have access to interesting apps. So, this means more customization tools, and indie games that don't appear on iOS.
3. Affordability
Samsung and other Android phones range from extremely cheap to pretty expensive. And with most devices, you're likely to get features similar to an iPhone for a much lower price. You can find a high-end smartphone or a solid budget phone you won't regret buying.
4. File Management
Samsung phones allow you complete access to your files, including viewing, organizing, and transferring files, just as you would on your computer. This full file access makes it a breeze to move photos, videos, and documents between your phone and other devices. No worrying about special configuration.
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5. Universal Charger
Samsung and most Android devices don't use the proprietary Apple Lightning cable but instead use the Micro USB or USB-C standard. There are a lot more devices that are compatible with this standard, and it's pretty easy to find chargers that work and share cables between devices without having to use special adapters.
6. Google Integration
Google Apps like Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, Maps, and a lot more just work better and much more seamlessly on Samsung devices and Android in general. They run more “natively” and are integrated with more of the basic functionality. Google apps on iOS just don’t work as smoothly and have nowhere near the same level of integration with the core of the OS.
7. Permission Controls
Samsung phones have more control over your apps, permissions, and background processes than iPhones do. This means you can customize the power and data your phone uses to better secure your privacy and extend your battery life. So, if you care about having a say in how your phone is used, Android's customizability is a great reason to consider.
8. Better Hardware
Samsung's top-tier phones usually have better specs in the most important hardware categories. In the past, they have consistently had advantages over iPhones in processing power, RAM, battery life, and screen quality. For instance, the Galaxy S7 Edge has better specifications than the iPhone in various aspects.
9. Removable Battery and Storage
Most Samsung and Android phones feature the ability to add additional storage in the form of a microSD card, as well as removable batteries. This allows the user to quickly increase the amount of memory on their phone. You can also simply replace the battery rather than having to purchase a brand new phone.
10. Greater Freedom
Samsung phones use an operating system called Android. This is an open-source system that gives users more freedom to tinker and change their phones' software compared to iPhones. You can customize your phone's interface, features, and functions to better match your preferences and needs.
Now that we talked about reasons to buy a Samsung, here are 10 factors to consider for getting an iPhone instead.
1. Apple Integration
Apple's ecosystem includes products like computers, tablets, smartwatches, and more. After signing in with the same Apple ID on your devices, your photos, mail, notes, and calendars are synced automatically across your devices without additional apps or setup. If you're looking for a seamless experience across devices, a cohesive ecosystem may be a reason to choose or stay with iPhone.
2. Security
iPhones are known for their strong security measures, including privacy-focused features and a controlled ecosystem that is regularly updated. This commitment to security can help protect your data from malware and unauthorized access. Essentially, it gives you peace of mind when it comes to the safety of your personal information.
3. Easy to Use
Apple's mobile operating system was designed to be intuitive and simple to use. All apps open from the home screen, and settings are all located in one menu, which is also user-friendly. The layout does not change as drastically from generation to generation, so there is no learning curve when upgrading to a new model.
4. Apple Pay
Apple Pay is a fast and convenient payment option that can be used at millions of stores, both online and in person. If you’re looking for a secure and easy way to pay with your phone, Apple Pay is a great reason to get an iPhone. Or alternatively, to stick with one if you’re already using one.
5. Privacy
iPhone features such as App Tracking Transparency, Private Relay, and on-device processing help to protect your data. These privacy features help to give you more control over what information an app can access. This, in turn, helps to keep your browsing and personal data from being shared.
6. Family Sharing
The iPhone can also be a good option for parents with children. It is easy to set parental controls and see how the child is using the phone. Moreover, Apple's Family Sharing plan can be applied to the iPhone. The feature allows six family members to share music, films, app purchases, photo albums, calendars, and reminders. In other words, iPhone will help create a safe and connected environment for the entire family.
7. Holding Their Value
iPhones are easier to sell or resell than Android phones. This is because Apple has that brand name and impact that people gravitate to. People who want a phone that keeps its value are more likely to change to, or stick with, iPhone for this reason.
8. iMessage
One of the perks of purchasing an iPhone is the use of iMessage. Apple's messaging system only works on Apple devices, and it provides texts, photos, audio, and other forms of messaging over data. It also offers similar features to other texting services, like read receipts and typing notifications.
Mariia Shalabaieva on Unsplash
9. AirDrop
A significant advantage of an iPhone is the ability to use AirDrop, Apple’s convenient wireless file-sharing service between iPhones, iPads, and Macs. AirDrop allows users to quickly and securely send photos. In addition to photos, they can send documents and other files to other nearby Apple devices without the need for cables or an internet connection.
10. Apple TV and Music
One of the benefits of purchasing an iPhone is integration with Apple Music and other services. Apple Music has improved sound quality over rivals and deeper integration with iOS. Similarly, the Apple TV app brings all of your favorite shows and movies together in one app.
