Robert Triggs / Android Authority
Apple continues to produce impressive phones year after year, but the Android world has made significant advancements in nearly every aspect. The best Android phones are now competitive with the latest iPhones, often at a lower price point.
If you’re thinking about switching from iPhone to Android, here’s a brief summary of what to expect. For a more detailed guide, check out our comprehensive guide on making the transition.
Flavors of Android
One of the first things you’ll notice when shopping for an Android phone is the variety. Unlike Apple, which maintains control over the look and functionality of iOS on all iPhones, Android brands are free to customize the system as they see fit. This means a Samsung phone will look and function quite differently from a Xiaomi phone, despite both running on Android.
We have a detailed guide to the different Android skins, but here’s a quick rundown of the major ones:
Stock Android: The original version of Android with few modifications. Available on few phones nowadays.
Google Pixel UI: Similar to stock Android, with exclusive features for Pixel devices.
Samsung One UI: Features rich with lots of options, but can be overwhelming for some users.
Xiaomi MIUI: Inspired by iOS at its inception, it’s now one of the most unique Android skins.
OPPO Color OS: Offers extensive customization options but comes with some bloat.
More Customization Options
Regardless of the brand or the Android skin you choose, you’ll have more freedom to customize your phone’s appearance and functionality compared to iPhone.
Additionally, adjusting settings, especially technical ones, can get complicated on Android. While this may appeal to power users, it can be overwhelming for the average user.
Hardware-Agnostic Platforms
Android, and Google services in particular, are more friendly to other devices compared to Apple’s ecosystem, making it more versatile for those who don’t own just Apple products.
More App Choices
Android offers a wider range of app choices compared to iOS, thanks to a more lenient app review process and the ability to install apps directly from APK files.
Worse App Discovery
Finding apps on the Google Play Store is more challenging compared to the curated lists Apple provides. Google tends to monetize the store heavily with paid ads, making it difficult to find the best apps.
Faster Charging Times
Switching to Android can result in faster charging times compared to iPhone. Android phones offer faster charging speeds compared to the latest iPhones, making it more convenient, but may also degrade the battery faster.