Android vs Apple iOS

by Gralio Mar 12, 2025

Android and iOS are leading mobile operating systems catering to different preferences. Android excels in customization and affordability, while iOS prioritizes a seamless user experience and tighter security within its ecosystem. Both offer robust app ecosystems and regular updates, making them viable choices for various user needs.

At Gralio.ai we help to simplify your decision-making process by offering detailed, side-by-side software comparisons like this one, to help you confidently choose the tool that aligns with your business goals.

This comparison was created by analysing 2408 reviews and 60 websites, saving 13 hours, 52 minutes of reading.

Android

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Apple iOS

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About

Android is a versatile operating system powering billions of phones, tablets, TVs, and even cars. Developed by Google, Android focuses on making technology simple and helpful for everyone. It stands out with its customizable features, wide device compatibility, and a vast app ecosystem. Android promises a user-friendly experience across various devices, making your digital life smoother.

Apple iOS is the operating system that powers iPhones and iPads. Known for its user-friendly interface and focus on simplicity, iOS offers a wide range of apps and features designed for both personal and professional use. Apple consistently updates iOS with new features and security enhancements, making it a popular choice for millions of users worldwide.

Summary

Main difference

Android offers greater flexibility and customization, along with a wider range of device and peripheral compatibility. iOS provides a more streamlined, secure, and integrated experience within the Apple ecosystem.

Relative strengths of Android (compared to Apple iOS)

Open ecosystem allows for greater customization and flexibility.
Wider range of hardware compatibility, including peripherals and processors.
Vast app ecosystem with more free and open-source options.

Relative weaknesses of Android (compared to Apple iOS)

Fragmentation across devices and manufacturers can lead to inconsistent updates and performance.
Security can be a concern due to the open nature of the platform.
Can be more susceptible to bloatware and performance degradation over time.

Who should use Android VS. Apple iOS

Android, an adaptable OS for billions of devices, simplifies technology for everyone. Its customization, broad compatibility, and vast app ecosystem cater to both individuals and businesses. Users praise its ease of use and customizability but express concerns about security and battery life.

Apple iOS offers a user-friendly and secure mobile experience, seamlessly integrating across Apple devices. Praised for its simplicity and performance, users enjoy its unified ecosystem. However, some dislike storage limitations and limited customization.

Ideal for businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises.
A versatile OS for various sectors, especially education and IT.

Ideal for businesses of all sizes (1-1000+ employees).
Particularly well-suited for Education, IT, and Professional Services.

Android and Apple iOS features

Supported

Partially supported

Not supported

Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need

Processor compatibility

Supported

Android supports a wide range of processors, including ARM, x86, and x86-64 architectures. It also demonstrates flexibility in running on various hardware configurations.

Not supported

Apple iOS only supports a limited range of processors specifically designed by Apple for their devices, not a wide range of generic or third-party processors.
Peripheral compatibility

Supported

Android supports a wide range of peripherals, including printers, scanners, and cameras. It offers built-in features like the Mopria Alliance framework for printing and scanning, and leverages its native camera capabilities for various applications. Third-party apps further extend these functionalities.

Supported

Apple iOS supports a variety of peripherals, including printers (through AirPrint), scanners (using the camera), and cameras, as well as BLE devices.
Driver availability

Supported

Android has a comprehensive set of device drivers, as confirmed by the sources.

Supported

Apple iOS has a special approach to device drivers. They are integrated into the operating system itself, eliminating the need for users to install them manually. This ensures that all hardware components function correctly. However, this approach deviates from the traditional model of user-installed drivers found in operating systems like Windows or macOS. Therefore, while iOS effectively manages drivers, it doesn\'t align with the traditional user-installed driver model.
Storage compatibility

Supported

Android supports connecting and accessing data from hard drives and solid-state drives through USB OTG, provided the necessary hardware and software conditions are met.

Supported

Apple iOS supports various storage devices like hard drives and SSDs, provided they meet certain requirements like running iOS 13 or later, using compatible connectors, and having the correct file system format.
Regular updates

Supported

Android supports regular updates, including security patches, to protect against vulnerabilities and new threats. The frequency and duration of these updates depend on the device manufacturer.

Supported

Apple iOS satisfies the requirement for regular updates as they regularly release security updates and patches to address vulnerabilities and protect against new threats. They also provide Rapid Security Responses for important security improvements between regular updates.
GUI package management

Partially supported

Android supports GUI package management via third-party apps like Package Manager by SmartPack and Android App Manager.

Not supported

iOS itself does not support a GUI package manager but uses a command line tool for package management. Xcode, the IDE for iOS development, integrates with the Swift Package Manager, offering some GUI elements for managing dependencies, but not a standalone GUI package manager.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

+1

Strongly positive sentiment

-0.6

Rather negative sentiment
Customer Service

No data

No data
Ease of Use

+1

Strongly positive sentiment

+0.93

Strongly positive sentiment
Reliability and Performance

-0.6

Rather negative sentiment

+0.64

Rather positive sentiment
Ease of Implementation

+0.33

Rather positive sentiment

+1

Strongly positive sentiment
Scalability

No data

No data

Android and Apple iOS Pricing

No data

User sentiment

Strongly positive

We couldn't find a pricing page for Android.

No data

User sentiment

Rather negative

-0.6

We couldn't find a pricing page for Apple iOS.

Android and Apple iOS review insights

2408 reviews analysed from

Users love

Easy to use.
User-friendly interface.
Customizable.
Vast app ecosystem.

User-friendly interface praised for its simplicity and ease of use.
Seamless integration across Apple devices, creating a unified ecosystem.
High performance and speed, making tasks quick and efficient.
Strong security and privacy features, ensuring data protection.

Users dislike

Security is a major concern.
Slow software updates.
Too many updates.
Battery drains too fast.

Storage limitations require frequent upgrades or paying for iCloud.
Inability to download apps from third-party sources.
Limited customization options compared to Android.
Some apps are paid that are free on other platforms.

Android and Apple iOS Ratings

G2

4.6/5

(1111)
Glassdoor

3.5/5

(2)

G2

4.6/5

(1297)
Glassdoor

4.1/5

(43979)

Company health

Employee growth

69% increase in the last year

11% increase in the last year

Web traffic

2% decrease in the last quarter

1% decrease in the last quarter

Financing

July 2018 - $16M

December 2020 - $1B

How do Android's customization options compare to iOS's streamlined experience?

Android offers significantly more customization options compared to iOS's streamlined, and arguably more restrictive, approach. Users appreciate Android's flexibility in personalizing their devices, while iOS prioritizes ease of use and a consistent user experience, sometimes at the expense of user control.

Which OS better integrates with existing enterprise device management systems?

Apple iOS generally integrates better with existing enterprise device management systems, especially those focused on Apple products. iOS offers robust built-in mobile device management (MDM) features and APIs that allow for granular control over device settings, security policies, and app deployment. This tight integration simplifies device enrollment, configuration, and management for IT administrators within an enterprise environment. While Android also supports MDM, its more open nature and wider range of device manufacturers can sometimes lead to fragmentation and inconsistencies in MDM implementation.

What are the advantages of Android?

Android offers greater device compatibility, spanning a wider range of hardware including phones, tablets, TVs, and cars, unlike iOS which is limited to Apple devices. Android also provides more customization options, allowing users to personalize their devices extensively. Finally, Android boasts a vastly larger app ecosystem, giving users access to a greater selection of applications.

What are the disadvantages of Android?

Android's downsides include security concerns, slow software updates, frequent updates that can be disruptive, and a tendency for faster battery drain. Users also report dissatisfaction with update delays for specific devices.

Alternatives to Android and Apple iOS

Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Red Hat Enterprise Linux is a stable operating system used by businesses of all sizes. It's known for its flexibility and security, especially important for companies moving operations online. Red Hat offers support, helping your business use this system whether your data is stored locally, or accessed through the cloud.

Linux Mint

Linux Mint is a free, full-featured operating system for desktops and laptops. It's designed for ease of use, resembling familiar operating systems, and comes with pre-installed productivity, multimedia, and internet applications. Linux Mint prioritizes user experience and a stable, reliable system with long-term support releases. It boasts a large and active community offering support and resources.

Debian

Debian is a free and open-source operating system known for its stability and security. It's like the foundation of a house, providing the core software to run your computer system. Debian offers a wide range of applications and software, making it suitable for various purposes. It stands out for its large, active community of developers who ensure its reliability and provide support.

Chromium OS

Chromium OS is a Google-developed operating system designed to make your computing experience fast, simple, and secure. Ideal for users who primarily rely on web-based applications, it centers around the Chrome browser and cloud storage. With a focus on speed, security, and ease of use, Chromium OS offers a streamlined alternative to traditional operating systems for a modern, web-centric workflow.

macOS Sierra

macOS Sierra is a desktop operating system by Apple that improves the way your computer interacts with your other Apple devices. It allows for easier file sharing, online shopping, and photo organization. macOS Sierra also offers features to help you free up storage space on your computer.

Jamf Pro

Jamf Pro is a software solution designed specifically for managing Apple devices like Macs, iPhones, and iPads, in the workplace. It helps IT departments automate tasks like setting up new devices, installing software updates, and keeping data secure, all while ensuring employees have a smooth and user-friendly experience. Jamf Pro is trusted by many large companies and organizations due to its comprehensive features and focus on Apple products.

Page co-authored by

Michal Kaczor

CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

Tymon Terlikiewicz

CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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