6 things that you can do on Android phones but not on iPhones
The rivalry between iPhone and Android users has been a constant in the tech world since the first iPhone was unveiled on January 9, 2007, followed by the introduction of the first Android handset, the HTC Dream, on September 23, 2008.?
Like the debates between Windows and macOS or Coca-Cola and Pepsi, the competition between these two mobile operating systems has sparked endless discussions. With annual updates introducing new features, the comparison is ever-evolving. Yet, despite these regular refreshes, there remain certain capabilities exclusive to Android devices.?
For those deciding between an Android phone and an iPhone at a time when the launch of the iPhone 16 series is just a month away, here¡¯s a look at six features that iPhones still lack.
1. Install apps from various app stores, not just Google Play
One of the most significant advantages Android users have is the ability to install apps from multiple app stores, not just Google Play. Android¡¯s open nature allows manufacturers like Samsung and Amazon to offer their own app stores, providing users with more options.?
For example, Amazon Fire devices come without any Google apps preinstalled, demonstrating how customizable Android can be for manufacturers. This flexibility extends to the ability to sideload apps from unofficial sources, though this comes with the risk of potentially harmful software.
In contrast, iPhone users are restricted to downloading apps from the Apple App Store. The era of jailbreaking and using third-party apps like Cydia is long gone, leaving iPhone users with few alternatives.?
TestFlight, which requires enterprise certificates, is one of the limited options for installing apps outside of the App Store. However, the introduction of the E.U.¡¯s Digital Markets Act in March 2024 could push Apple to allow sideloading on iPhones within the E.U., potentially opening up new possibilities in the future.
2. Experience foldable technology with Android¡¯s flexible devices
Foldable smartphones represent one of the most exciting innovations in the tech world, and Android dominates this market. Brands like Samsung have led the way with foldable devices, starting with the curved Galaxy Round in 2013 and continuing with the Galaxy Fold series, which debuted in 2019.?
The concept of a phone that transforms from a tablet-sized screen to a compact design is now in its fifth generation with Samsung, with more advancements expected in the coming years.
Apple, however, has yet to release a foldable iPhone. While?credible rumours and patents suggest?that Apple is working on foldable technology, there is no clear indication of what form it will take or when it will be available. Whether Apple¡¯s first foldable device will resemble the Galaxy Z Flip or offer something entirely new remains to be seen. Until then, Android holds the upper hand in the foldable smartphone arena.
3. Capture distant shots with high-magnification optical zoom on Android
When it comes to high-magnification optical zoom, Android phones often outshine iPhones due to superior hardware and software. Devices like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, with its 10x optical zoom, and the Huawei P50 Pro, which uses periscope lens technology, allow users to capture distant subjects with remarkable clarity. This advanced zoom capability is further enhanced by AI-driven software features that improve image quality, even at maximum zoom levels.
iPhones, on the other hand, typically offer only 3x optical zoom, which pales in comparison to what flagship Android phones can achieve. While Apple has made strides in other areas of photography, the high-magnification optical zoom remains a distinct advantage for Android users.
4. Charge faster with top Android phones equipped with advanced charging technology
Fast charging is another area where Android phones excel, thanks to higher-wattage chargers and advanced charging technologies. Flagship Android devices from brands like OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Samsung support charging speeds of 65W, 100W, or even 120W, allowing them to fully charge in under 30 minutes. Technologies like USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) and Qualcomm Quick Charge optimize power transfer, reducing charging time significantly.
In comparison, the latest iPhones support charging speeds up to 20W with MagSafe or 27W with a wired connection, resulting in slower charging times. Additionally, while Android manufacturers often include fast chargers in the box, Apple requires users to purchase higher-wattage chargers separately. For users who prioritize quick charging, Android phones offer a clear advantage.
5. Access your Android device¡¯s internal storage directly via USB connection
Android and iPhone users experience a notable difference in how they access internal storage over USB. Android devices allow users to connect to a computer using the Media Transfer Protocol (MTP), providing direct access to internal storage. This feature makes it easy to transfer and manage various file types between the device and a computer, much like a traditional file system.
?iPhones, in contrast, restrict access to internal storage over USB, reflecting Apple¡¯s emphasis on security and user privacy. When an iPhone is connected to a computer, access is limited to specific areas like the photo library, requiring software like iTunes or the Photos app on a Mac to manage files. This controlled approach reduces the risk of data corruption or unauthorized access but limits the flexibility that Android users enjoy.
6. Multitask with split-screen view on Android devices
Multitasking on Android devices is made easy with the built-in split-screen view, which allows users to run two apps simultaneously on the screen. Whether browsing the web while taking notes or watching a video while messaging, Android¡¯s split-screen feature is a convenient tool for multitasking.
?iPhones, as of iOS 17, do not support native split-screen multitasking. While iPads offer a similar feature, iPhones are limited to using one app at a time, with features like App Switcher and Picture-in-Picture for video playback serving as alternatives. This limitation makes Android a more attractive option for users who want to perform multiple tasks at once on their smartphones.
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