Android vs iPhone

The Android vs iPhone comparison is actually a conversation worth having here in 2011. In an attempt to play catchup to Apple's iPhone, Google has made huge strides over the past couple of years with their Android operating system and Android marketplace.

In my opinion, having to rely heavily upon technology and today's latest tech gadgets, there's no right or wrong answer to this debate. The Android vs iPhone IOS (currently IOS 4.2) choice depends entirely upon you, the user.

Android lovers will tout the use of multitasking, an open source operating system, and the ability to use mobile flash to improve their mobile online experience. Apple iPhone IOS users will hang their hats on an unrivaled polish and user experience backed by an unbelievable App store. There are some major differences that you should familiarize yourself with before figuring out which operating system is right for you - iPhone vs Android.

1. Android vs iPhone Smartphone Device Choices

The Android operating system wins this battle hands down. The consumer can choose from a wide variety of Android backed smartphone devices across the major U.S. wireless carriers. If you're looking for a touchscreen only Android smartphone, a sliding physical keyboard Android smartphone, a 3.5" screen, a 3.7" screen, a 4.0" screen ... you get the point. There's a seemingly endless list of Android smartphones available with countless configuration possibilities on the wireless carrier of your choice.

The iPhone on the other hand, is relegated to AT&T, unlocked on T-Mobile, and just recently made available on Verizon's network. I think it's safe to say that this trend to open the iPhone to more wireless carriers will continue.

However, Apple has remained true to releasing just one new iPhone every year. As a consumer, this is a long time to wait if you're looking for the latest and greatest in hardware and software enhancements.

A few years back, this was a moot point. Today, the technology is evolving so quickly, it's becoming hard to believe that Apple can remain competitive on a yearly product cycle release.

With that said, iPhone users feel like they have something special since there is only one iPhone. The iPhone's polish and finish remains the industry standard.

2. Android vs iPhone IOS Differences

The Google Android operating system is extremely fragmented. Courtesy of Wikipedia, you can see how many different versions of the Android operating system currently exist.

Adding to the confusion, many smartphone manufacturers of Android smartphone devices add a user interface / skin over the top of the stock Android operating system to improve the user experience. HTC Sense, Motorola's MotoBlur, and Samsung'sTouchWiz to name a few skins.

As a result, the Android smartphone experience is not consistent and varies from smartphone to smartphone. When Google releases a new Android update, the smartphones with skins can't upgrade immediately as the hardware manufacturers need to update their skins and then test their updates with the new Android operating system before releasing to the public.

Apple's iPhone IOS (again, currently IOS 4.2), on the other hand, is not fragmented. Take it or leave it; IOS is what you get with the iPhone. As a result, the IOS makes for essentially the same user experience across iPhone devices. Yes, you can jailbreak your iPhone which will enable you to thoroughly customize your iPhone IOS 4.2. However, as a basic user, jailbreaking is not something that you're most likely going to pursue.

3. Android Market vs App Store

Courtesy of the App Genome Report, you can get a feel for how large the Android Market is in comparison to the App Store. Apple's App Store wins hands down in the number of apps available in comparison to the Android marketplace.

You've heard the Apple coined phrase, "there's an App for that". It's not far off the mark! The Apps are at the heart of your smartphone and do wonders in increasing the functionality and usability of your smartphone. The Android market is catching up, but the App Store is still king of the hill.

We could go on and on about the differences between these two operating systems. In short, without getting muddled in the details, Apple's iPhone IOS 4.2 operating system is for you if you're looking for something that you will know how to use immediately out of the box. Turning an iPhone on without a big learning curve is the sacrifice for the customization built into a smartphone powered by a stock Android operating system.

If you're a power user with some business needs, the Android operating system is probably the better way to go despite the strides that have been made by Apple to enter the enterprise market with their new iPhone IOS 4.2.

To get a better feel for the differences in both operating systems. Have a look at the Android vs IOS 4.2 review below highlighting two of the top smartphones in the industry today.

This Android vs iPhone video review will give you good insight into one of the best Android experience smartphones on the market in comparison to the iPhone 4.

As you can see, the gap is definitely narrowing between these two smartphone experiences. The competition should continue to spur growth in the Android Market, the App Store, and the new devices the future will bring from Google and Apple. All of which will be good for you, the consumer, buying a better smartphone at a better price!