Android vs iOS: Which is Best?

Let’s reignite the great debate by first taking a look at Android. The operating system owned by Google, Android was first released back in 2008 and is widely regarded as the world’s most popular mobile operating system. It’s important to note that the iPhone remains the best-selling mobile device, but there are more Android smartphones and tablets – 2.5 billion devices in fact – than there are devices running Apple’s iOS.

With so many devices running the same operating system it’s only natural that security is a key consideration for users. When you’re accessing the web on your smartphone, downloading apps and streaming video you need the peace of mind that your phone is going to be secure and capable of preventing attacks on your device. Using all of Google’s expertise, Android devices use highly advanced security software that is updated and improved on a regular basis to protect you however you use your Android tablet or smartphone.

If you decide to jump ship and make the bold move from an iOS device to Android then doing so is quick and easy. In fact it’s all done over the Cloud and, depending on the amount of content stored on your phone, can all be done in a short space of time and five simple steps:

1. Start by downloading the Google Drive app and either sign-up for an account or login if you already have one

2. If you have Google Drive already, make sure that your app is updated to the most recent version

3. Next, open the app and the Backup option. You can then choose the types of content that you wish to backup (contacts, photos, etc.) or backup your entire device

4. Backing up your whole device will take longer than folders, so be prepared to wait and ensure you’re connected to the wi-fi (so as not to use your data and to speed up the process). You should also keep your smartphone or tablet plugged in to make sure it has enough charge to back everything up

5. Finally, login to your Google account on the Android device and you will be able to access all of your files

With new models released on a regular basis it’s always a hotly contested battle for the best Android device, but Samsung and Huawei are leading the way at the moment.

Both tech giants have released some great looking Android smartphones and tablets in recent times with the Samsung Galaxy S10 and the Huawei P30 Pro two of the best-selling smartphones on the planet since their release.

In terms of Android tablets the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 has an exceptional reputation with its super-fast processor, desktop PC-like experience and the ability to use the tablet for work and play using the S Pen to help create incredible graphics.

Some of the very first 5G smartphones run Android including the Galaxy S10, allowing users to watch video in incredible 4K quality on a full-size screen. Not only that, Android also powers the cameras built into these futuristic devices, helping you to take perfect pictures and videos every time.

Having access to the latest version of the Android operating system helps to keep everything on your device running smoothly. Just because you’ve bought an Android tablet or smartphone with one version (or edition) of Android doesn’t mean you’re restricted to that version for the life of the device. Instead, developers release regular updates which you can download easily from with the device settings:

1. Before starting make sure that you are connected to the wi-fi, then open ‘Settings’

2. Select ‘About Phone’ or ‘About Device’ followed by ‘Check for Updates’

3. If available you’ll see an Update button appear. If not, you have the latest version.

4. Tap the button, followed by Install.

5. Tap the Install button and let the device get to work.

iOS is the dedicated Apple operating system found right across the Apple range including Apple laptops, desktop PCs, smartphones and tablets, even the iPod Touch. Each device, from the first iPhone to the latest edition – the iPhone 11 – has had the unique, exclusive system built in dating back to June 2007 when it was initially released. Originally called iPhone OS when it came out, the system was rebranded when the first iPad was developed.

Updated on a regular basis to provide users with new and improved practical and safety features, the iOS system is always evolving to remove any bugs that may have developed and ensure that the all-round user experience is as seamless as possible.

Apple devices including the iPhone and iPad are the only products that use the iOS operating system. Exclusive to Apple and Apple products, the operating system works with Apple’s own web browser – Safari – the virtual assistant, Siri, and Apple Maps by default, although other versions such as Google Chrome and Google Maps can be downloaded as Apps.

The latest Apple devices like the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro both run iOS 13, while the latest edition of the iPad – the iPad 10.2-inch – has its own Apple iPad OS, a new operating system for this particular model of the Apple tablet and a successor to iOS 12.

If you own an Apple MacBook or the all-in-one Apple iMac, an iPod Touch or any version of iOS tablet or smartphone then there’s a very easy way to find out how to upgrade iOS on your device, or if you have the latest version already:

1. Connect your iOS device to the Wi-Fi to help save data and speed up the process

2. Visit ‘Settings’ followed by ‘General’ and select ‘Software Update’

3. If up to date you’ll be told that you have the latest software update

4. If an update is available you’ll see “Download and Install”

5. Select this, and enter your passcode to start the update

6. The process may take a while and your device will restart upon completion