However, numbers aren’t the best metric because most of us only use a handful of apps, and the most popular ones are available on both platforms. This is roughly how many apps you’ll find in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store:

Whether you’re looking to spend $100 or $2,000, there’s an Android phone for you. Apple’s iPhone SE and iPhone 12 make that entry point lower, but it’s still not a match for Android’s massive range of affordable devices. Finally, Android’s lead in free apps also makes it the natural choice for the budget-conscious.Īpple’s iOS is an exceptional OS, but the high entry point has always been one of its biggest issues. The platform has also been deliberately optimized to run on low-end hardware with the introduction of the variant OS Android Go. You can spend a lot if you want to - for example, Samsung’s cutting-edge folding Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G costs $2,000, but there’s also a huge selection of good, low-cost handsets as low as $100, from a wide variety of different manufacturers. Apple continues to expand its offerings, but $400 is as cheap as it gets unless you delve into the secondhand market.įor sheer scale and variety, nothing competes with Android. The iPhone 12 starts at $800, and the iPhone SE (2020) - the cheapest iPhone Apple sells - starts at $400.

They do come a little more affordable, but not by much. Apple’s iPhones haven’t gotten much cheaper since, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max starts at $1,100. Affordability The Google Pixel 4a 5G GoogleĪpple has always been at the high-end of the market in terms of pricing, but the iPhone X took things to a whole new level with a starting price of $1,000. Pick the things that matter most to you and count the wins in those categories, and you have a personalized recommendation. Ultimately, the best platform for you depends on - well - you.

However, don’t go into this expecting there to be a black and white answer. We’re going to pit Android against iOS in several categories here and pick a winner for each one. They have quite a bit in common with each other, but there are some important differences you’ll want to consider when you’re trying to decide between these twin giants. That’s some serious dominance by the two biggest players, and the good news is that both smartphone operating systems are excellent.

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