The competition between Apple and Google has been
dominant for over a decade now and has helped push the smartphone frontiers. In
2023 Apple released its new iOS version dubbed Ios 17 which is now on its 17.1
revision while on the other hand Google rolled out its Android 14 and its December
version is on the pipeline. These two operating systems have so much to offer,
the question is how well do they function when it comes to usability,
customisation, and innovation? We will discuss their strong points and their
differences.
Update Cadence and Approach
Apple and Google have distinct philosophies regarding
updates. Apple prioritizes large annual releases like iOS 17, followed by
periodic refinements such as iOS 17.1. In contrast, Google’s Android 14 adopts
a quarterly feature update strategy, keeping its system fresh throughout the
year. While both approaches have merits, Apple’s polished upgrades tend to
prioritize stability, whereas Android’s faster rollout of features reflects its
dynamic and adaptive ecosystem.
File Sharing: Air Drop vs Nearby Share
Apple Air Drop is a household name when it comes to
sharing files. With the latest iOS 17.1, Air Drop even gets better as it
enables a transfer of files on the Wi-Fi or cellular data when devices are out
of coverage. Meanwhile, android 14 close by share is fairly comparable but not
able to use desktop devices apart from the chrome book. When it comes to the
inter-competition for best file sharing technology, it is Apple that carries
the day – hands down.
Music and Media: Apple Music vs YouTube
Music
As far as I know, I am a luddite. So, I haven’t tried
the likes of Youtube music or Apple music relying solely on their Podcasts
features but I believe the two mostly specialize in similar niches… More or
less the likes of Youtube music are expanding their services into the
podcasting domain, such as the like of google music. I guess podcasting is
cementing its place as the future of content creation.
Display Modes: Stand By vs Pixel Stand
With my dreadful experiences in technology I doubt I
am the right person to inform you about what’s better, Apple or Google. But I
have to admit the likes of google music or google podcasts are very decent…
but… c’mon, nothing beats apple’s infamous stand by. Honestly its hard to
imagine what exactly I would need, a charger or an Apple podcast device, cause
I love constantly switching from the two. Just a few pins to just charge my
phone and I can turn it into a podcasting device or whatever it is that stand
by does… switching from one device to another was such a pain in the brain then
till now… ochr to the love that is stand by
Lock Screen Customization
Apple has progressed so rapidly, its honestly
terrifying to think where will they be in a decade. But even with that in mind,
apparently android is working on iphones, so who knows maybe in a decade Apple
will be the one that’s catching up. But to everyone’s surprise the likes of
Xiaomi, Google and Huawei are collateral damage in the smartphone wars even
with perfect staring solutions. With how the rivalry in the market has
progressed but remained stagnant, magnifying eyeglasses or solutions like that
wont be enough for the sheep that the masses have turned into. And with Apple
loving to oversee the otherwise abstract and random projects all I know is that
the future is going to be eccentric and amazing.
AI and Keyboard Usage
Finally, updates in regards to Apple’s iOS 17 have
focused and improved its autocorrect. Google boasts about Gboard as it still
has the advantage in areas of multilingual typing and voice typing as well as
about 14 other features which iOS does not offer. With that in mind Apple still
is lagging behind in terms of AI driven typing features.
Contact Sharing: Name Drop vs. Nearby
Share
A new way to digitally share business cards has
emerged through UWB technology on Apple’s iOS 17 update under the feature name
Name Drop. This feature is user-friendly and ergonomically designed to work in
harmony with the rest of the iPhone platform features. Also, while Android 14
had a very similar feature known as Nearby Share, it was not as effective as
Name Drop as it relied on antiquated multifrequency NFC and Wi-Fi Direct
protocols.
Battery health
Apple phones and devices have been infused with a
battery cycle count feature that Android 14 lacks and this gives Google users
some advantages in regards to battery life. Through the updates Apple iOs users
have always been able to receive information regarding their battery health
which aids in human reduction efforts such as waste of materials. But both
systems do provide their users with replacements of their batteries regardless
of the wear and tear.
Voice Assistants: Siri versus Google
Assistant
iOS 17 allows Siri users to cool off completely as it
makes their interactions more fluid by not requiring the uttering of “hey Siri”
every single time. For now, however, the Google assistant has become very
passive as Google now places focus on their AI tools, like bard. Constant
updates on Siri reveal that Apple is and has been investing in improving its
network, even as Google seeks to change its objectives.
Verdict: iOS 17 or Android 14?
Both iOS 17 and Android 14 have made significant
advancements in 2023, but they cater to different audiences.
- iOS
17 excels in delivering a seamless, integrated user
experience with polished features, enhanced security, and innovative
additions like StandBy and NameDrop. Its incremental updates ensure
stability and refinement. - Android
14 offers unparalleled customization and
flexibility, making it ideal for tech-savvy users who value openness and
frequent feature rollouts.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities. If
you seek a user-friendly, cohesive ecosystem, iOS 17 is the way to go. For
those who value personalization and adaptability, Android 14 remains the
champion.
