If you're thinking about switching between Android and iOS, you've come to the right place.
Below we take a look at the differences between the two popular operating systems. Where appropriate, we've highlighted the features offered in the latest versions - Lollipop 5.0 and iOS 8 - to help you decide.
Android - Advantages
1) Choice of hardware & varied pricing
As Android is open sourced, there are hundreds of devices to choose from. All major manufacturers - including Asus, LG, HTC, Sony, Samsung and Motorola - offer handsets with varying screen sizes and specifications.
This wealth of choice means there's an Android device available for all budgets and tastes. TheOS is also optimised for older hardware, which is not something you can currently say about iOS.
2) Customisation
Android is designed to be customisable. Pick how many homescreens you want, change the themes and install widgets if you want a snapshot of emails or social networking messages.
Don't like the look of the default interface or the keyboard? Simply pop over to the Google Play Store and install a third-party alternative. You can even make Android look like iOS or Windows Phone is you want.
Experienced users can gain root level access to devices and flash the ROM with custom distributions such as CyanogenMod.
3) Notifications
I've always preferred notifications on Android, and Google has made improvements with Lollipop. It's possible to view and respond to messages from the lock screen and set up priority notifications.
Perhaps the best feature is the introduction of the heads-up display, which makes alerts less intrusive. When you're in an app and you receive a phone call, a pop-up appears so the caller ID doesn't take over your whole screen.
Android devices generally have a notification light or screen pulse too, so you can immediately see if you've got messages when you've been away from the phone without having to pick it up.
4) Battery life
Many of the high-end Android devices have larger battery packs than their iOS rivals and when you factor in the battery saving options, they usually last longer.
Handsets like the LG G3 and the Galaxy S5 allow you to swap out the battery by unclipping the back cover - ideal for power users.
Also, Google'sProject Volta has done a lot to make devices last longer without users having to rely on the individual efforts of phone manufacturers.
5) Set any app as default
You're not restricted to using default Android apps to open files. If you find a third-party app you prefer to open photos or videos, for example, Android gives you the choice to use this.
6) Google Now/Voice search
Google Now provides information cards about the weather, your favourite sports team, airport check-in times or how long it will take for you to get home from work.
Meanwhile, Voice allows you to search your phone, the web, and nearby locations without typing. You can also call contacts and get directions by saying "OK Google" followed by the command.
7) Pseudo-multitasking
Multi-window is a prominent feature on the Galaxy and Note ranges from Samsung. This allows power users to run two apps at the same time. You can watch videos whilst responding to emails or browsing the web, for example.
8) File Transfer
Transferring files from a Mac or PC to an Android handset is simple. All you have to do is plug in the device and it'll mount like a hard drive so you can drag and drop files.
9) Ability to boost storage
Many Android handsets feature micro SD support, allowing you to boost the internal storage of devices. Even if your device doesn't come with micro SD support, it's possible to buy an On-the-Go USB stick with micro USB connectivity or an adaptor for 64p so you can plug in any flash drive.
10) Camera
While Google has a mammoth task of optimising camera software for the thousands of devices running Android, Lollipop made strides in letting users directly access RAW image files.
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Android - Disadvantages
Android - Disadvantages
1) Security
Android is a target for hackers due to its widespread usage and because there is huge fragmentation. At the time of writing, nearly half (46 per cent) of Android users are still using Jelly Bean 4.x, which is two generation's old.
Apps are not checked by Google before they are made available for purchase in the Play Store. Instead Google scans the store for malicious content, so it's easy for rogue apps to remain in the store. Whilst the issue of malware is a problem, using a common sense and avoiding apps from unknown developers and those with low star ratings should keep you safe. If it looks dodgy, then it probably is.
However, issues are restricted to dodgy apps. The Android Browser had a critical flaw exposed in September 2014, which meant code could be injected into it that allows hackers to read cookies and grab keyboard inputs, such as passwords.
2) No control over app permissions
Android 4.2.2 offered the ability to control the permissions of apps but this was subsequently removed. At present, you can see exactly what information your apps have but you can't restrict them. A particularly dodgy app we found was FM Radio, which gave itself permission to directly call phone numbers, and send text messages. Your only option with apps such as these is to delete them.
3) Software updates
If you own a Nexus or Google Play Edition handset, you'll be first in line to receive the yearly Android update. However, this isn't always a good thing as these early versions almost always introduce bugs and require a patch.
If you buy a device on a contract, you have to wait for the networks to push out the updates. This process takes months but on the plus side you'll probably receive more stable code.
4) Performance variation
Stick with the high-end handset and you'll have no problems. Issues are likely to become apparent if you invest in some of the low-end models with single core processors and 1GB of RAM or less.
5) ART takes up space
Android Run Time (ART) consumes a lot of space for each app. This means that lower-spec models with less storage will run out of space quickly when dealing with these apps. This is because it pre-compiles apps on installation.
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iOS - Advantages
1) Best of both worlds
Apple is criticised for having a "walled-garden" approach but it's not as straight forward as it seems. Of course the firm pushes its proprietary services such as iCloud, iTunes and the App Store but you're not restricted to Apple's applications.
Almost all of Google’s popular services - including Gmail, Maps, Hangouts, Now, Inbox, Chrome, Translate and Drive - are available on iOS.
2) Immediate backup and restore
If you move to a new iOS device, you can install a backup from iCloud and get up and running in minutes.
3) Excellent default Mail app
The Mail app in iOS is superb - allowing users to sync up multiple email accounts. It's got a unified inbox, and also allows you to set up VIP contacts and thread notifications as well as search by content type like attachments or flagged.
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