Sep 30 2010
Which is the best – The Android or the iPhone 4G?
Whether youre a power user or a casual one, knowing which smartphone fits your budget and functionality requirements is important. The thing is, the last thing you need is to buy a new iphone 4 to suddenly find out that you dont need to surf the web as much as the contract tells you to. Allow us quickly go through the pros and cons and assorted smart phone options, so that we can make an informed purchase.
Cost:
Theres more to a smartphone than the initial price tag, and although the $199 sticker price of the iPhone 4 can seem pretty steep, its comparable to various Android options, including the Droid Incredible (Verizon), Evo 4G (Sprint), and Nexus One (T-Mobile). Over a long-term, one price may out way the other, this includes ongoing plan fees and counts on what kind of mobile addons you have. It also depends on how confident you are using the phone. In the end though all four models fall within $500 of one another. See all of Wireds calculations for a detailed breakdown.
All this aside, Android has a leg up on Apple in that they have no strategy for a pre pay phone. With Android set to be coming to Virgin Mobile USA and Cricket planned later on this summer, the potential for Android to inch ahead of Apple could be comparatively important.
Hardware:
If we compare the most important features of each smart phone on the table:
· Memory and storage: These range from 256MB RAM to 512MB RAM, though some lag behind with one 8GB of storage or less, where the iPhone leads with 16 and 32GB.
· Processors: Most have similar processors – 1GHz is pretty common, though the Motorola Droid has only 550 MHz.
· Cameras: While most now have LED flash, the iPhone 4 has only a 5 MP camera which is low compared to the 8 MP in some HTCs. That said, iPhone 4 has the cool dual camera that allows you to see and be seen simultaneously.
· Video: If youre looking for a camera with video capability, iPhone 4 is definitely leading the pack, though HTCs are close behind.
· Display: By the numbers, the iPhones 3.5 inch display seems slightly behind 4.3 inch HTC display available on the EVO 4G, but with iPhone 4s new Retina Display high resolution IPS screen, theirs is superior by a good distance.
Functionality:
But a phone is more than the hardware, too. This makes the iphone easy to use, but with integration features such as iTunes and MobileMe, iphone 4 has a boosted funtionality. Intergration features like MobileMe and iTunes have boosted the functionality of the iphone experience. So how do the Androids stack up?
· MultiTouch: iPhones is still superior
· Multitasking: Androids are slightly better here
· Sync/Backup: Similar capabilities, though Androids will automatically get apps on new phone with Google login, making this a little easier
· App install: Easier with an Android
· Music download: Quite a bit easier with Android
· Gaming: Apple has a much wider selection, though Android will likely be more powerful in the future because of its OpenGL APIs, etc.
· Internet: Faster on the Androids
· Navigation: Google Maps Navigation with turn by turn help is available on the Android, this is also on the iPhone but not for free
So, Apple or Android? Your choice will largely depend on how you use your phone. Talk to an expert about your requirements and do more research online to find out the ideal match for your needs. But if youre a prepaid user whos been waiting for a smartphone like the iPhone or Android options, wait a while and youll soon be rewarded with access to Virgin Mobile or Virgin Cricket!
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