Android or iPhone? How to decide which is right for you

So, you want a new phone. Where do you start?

For most people, it should be with the software. And on modern smartphones, there are really only two options: Android or iOS, which runs on the iPhone.

The debate on which is better has raged since both platforms became popular. Ultimately, which will better suit you depends on a range of different factors, which we’ll run through in this article.

By the end of it, you’ll have a clear idea of the strengths and weaknesses of each platform, which will make your decision easier. Of course, if you’re already set on one or the other, or already own an iPad, Android tablet or other ecosystem product, there’s probably no need to switch.

But if you’re at all unsure, here’s what each brings to the table.

What is Android?

Android is an open-source operating system developed by Google. It powers a vast array of Android phones and tablets from various manufacturers, offering users a high level of customisation and flexibility.

Android boasts a thriving ecosystem of apps, games, and services available through the Google Play Store.

The latest version of this system is Android 15.

What is the iPhone?

The iPhone, on the other hand, is not just software but a line of phones designed and developed by Apple.

Running on Apple’s iOS operating system, iPhones are known for their sleek design, seamless integration with other Apple devices and services, and exclusive App Store.

The latest version of this system is iOS 18.

How are Android and iPhone different?

The primary difference lies in their nature: Android is an operating system used by multiple manufacturers, while the iPhone is a specific line of phones produced solely by Apple.

This distinction affects various aspects, including hardware choices, software updates, and ecosystem integration.

Which phones run Android?

Numerous manufacturers produce devices running on the Android operating system, including Samsung, Google, Apple, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Honor, Motorola, Nothing, HMD, Realme, Asus, Huawei, Vivo and Sony. If you include those that don’t release devices in Europe or North America, there are many more.

For example, some of the best Android phones at the time of writing are:

• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: £1,249/$1,299.99
• Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: £1,099/$1,099
• Google Pixel 8 Pro: £999/$999
• Google Pixel 7a: £499/$449
• OnePlus 12: £849/$799
• Xiaomi 14: £849
• Motorola Razr 14 Ultra: £1,049/$999
• Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: £439
• Samsung Galaxy A15 5G: £199/$199.99
• Samsung Galaxy S24+: £999/$999
• Asus Zenfone 10: £749.99/€799
• OnePlus Open: £1,599/$1,699

Hundreds of Android phones are released every single year, including multiple handsets from almost every manufacturer. It couldn’t be more different to the iPhone.

Which iPhone models are there?

Apple is the only company that makes iPhones, and it only tend to release new models once a year.

These range from the flagship iPhone series, such as the newest iPhone 16 series, plus the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max from last year, to more budget-friendly options like the iPhone SE.

However, Apple doesn’t immediately withdraw older models from sale when the new one arrives. Here are all the iPhone models that are currently available to buy:

• iPhone SE (2022): £429/$429
• iPhone 14: £599/$599
• iPhone 14 Plus: £699/$699
• iPhone 15: £699/$699
• iPhone 15 Plus: £799/$799
• iPhone 16: $799/£799 
• iPhone 16 Plus: $899/£899
• iPhone 16 Pro: $999/£999
• iPhone 16 Pro Max: $1,199/£1,199

In addition, many older models are still supported with updates, even if they are no longer officially available. Here’s a list of iPhone models that have received an update to the latest version of iOS 18:

• iPhone XR
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2020)
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2022)
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Pro Max

In what ways is Android better than iPhone?

Each platform offers unique features and experiences, catering to different preferences and needs.

Here are some of the key Android advantages that stand out against iPhones:

• Customisation: Android offers greater flexibility and customisation options, allowing users to personalise their devices extensively
• Diversity: There’s a wide range of Android devices available from various manufacturers, offering different features and price points. It’s also the only software available on a folding phone
• Open ecosystem: Android has an open ecosystem, allowing users to install apps from third-party sources and customise their device far beyond what’s possible on iOS
• Google integration: Android seamlessly integrates with Google services like Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos, providing a cohesive experience for users heavily invested in the Google ecosystem
• Price range: Android devices cater to various budget ranges, offering options for both budget-conscious consumers and those looking for premium features

In what ways is iPhone better than Android?

Here are some of the key features of iPhones that are hard for Android phones to match:

• User experience: iOS offers a polished and intuitive user experience with a consistent interface across all devices, making it easy to use for beginners and experienced users alike
• Timely updates: iPhones receive timely software updates directly from Apple, ensuring users have access to the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches. The gradual rollout of a new Android version often takes several months
• App quality: iOS tends to have higher-quality apps, as developers often prioritise iOS due to its profitability and standardised development environment
• Security: iPhones are known for their strong security features, including regular security updates and encryption, making them less susceptible to malware and other security threats
• Integration with Apple’s ecosystem: iPhones seamlessly integrate with other Apple devices and services like iCloud, iMessage, and FaceTime, providing a cohesive ecosystem for users with multiple Apple products

Which features are exclusive to Android?

Android devices offer a plethora of features not found on iPhones, making them appealing to users who value customisation and versatility. Some exclusive features of Android include:

• Extensive widget support: Android’s home screen widgets allow users to access information and perform actions without opening apps, enhancing productivity and convenience
• Deeper system customisation: Android users have the freedom to customise their device’s interface extensively through third-party launchers, icon packs and themes, providing a unique and personalised user experience
• Multi-user support: Many Android devices offer multi-user support, allowing multiple users to have separate profiles and personalised experiences on a single device, which is ideal for families or shared devices
• Expandable storage: A significant advantage of many Android phones is the presence of a Micro-SD card slot, enabling users to expand storage capacity inexpensively, providing more room for media, apps, and files
• Google Pay: Google’s mobile payment service allows any Android phone with Google services (all sold in Europe and North America) and NFC to make payments online, in stores and within apps. On Samsung devices, Samsung Pay is also available as an alternative

Which features are exclusive to iPhone?

While Android excels in customisation and versatility, iPhones offer a different set of exclusive features that cater to users deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem and those who prioritise simplicity and ease of use.

Some exclusive features on iPhones include:

• iMessage: iMessage is Apple’s messaging platform that offers end-to-end encryption, seamless integration with other Apple devices, and features such as read receipts, typing indicators, and high-quality media sharing, enhancing the messaging experience for iPhone users
• Apple Pay: Apple’s mobile payment service allows iPhone users to make secure payments in stores, apps, and online using their device’s built-in NFC chip and Touch ID or Face ID authentication, offering a convenient and secure payment solution
• Face ID: A secure 3D authentication system which allows you to unlock devices, confirm payments and log in to some apps. It also works in the dark, unlike most face unlock features on Android
• Tightly integrated ecosystem: iPhones seamlessly integrate with other Apple products and services such as iCloud, Apple Music, AirDrop, and Handoff, providing a cohesive ecosystem experience and effortless synchronisation across devices
• Exclusive optimisation: iPhones benefit from Apple’s tight control over both hardware and software, resulting in optimised performance, efficient battery life, and timely software updates for a smooth and reliable user experience

Will an Android phone or iPhone last longer?

When it comes to software support, iPhones usually receive updates for a longer period of time than most Android devices, but not always.

Apple doesn’t state an official length of software support but is well-known for providing many years of OS updates to iPhones. Typically, each iPhone will see six versions of iOS in its lifetime, so the newest iPhone 16 series should make it to a potential iOS 24 in 2030.

On the other hand, the support of a particular Android phone depends on its manufacturer, as well as its price point and purpose.

For example, both Samsung’s and Google’s latest flagships series, the Galaxy S24 range and the Pixel 9 lineup, promise up to seven years of update support.

In contrast, their mid-range phones, such as the Galaxy A55 or the Pixel 7a, offer only 5 years and 3 years of system updates, respectively. And some budget phones only offer 1-2 years. If you’re unsure, it’s worth checking on a device-by-device basis. The information is always included in our reviews.

However, Google recently extended support even for the newest mid-range Pixel 8a, which will also receive up to seven years of support.

Of course, whether a phone lasts a long time is also dependent on how well the hardware holds up. Apple and many Android phone makers offer repair services, but only a handful of Android devices, including the Nokia G22, and Fairphone 5, can easily be repaired at home.

How easy is it to switch between Android and iPhone?

Switching between Android and iPhone has become increasingly straightforward thanks to tools like Apple’s Move to iOS app and Google’s suite of services for iOS users.

However, some differences in ecosystems, app availability and user interfaces may require a period of adjustment for users transitioning between the two platforms.

If you want to know how to move from iPhone to Android or how to move from Android to iPhone, we’ve got you covered.