Apple vs Android: 5 Myths iPhone Users Still Believe (But Shouldn't)
iPhones are incredibly popular, especially in the US, thanks largely to the appeal of iMessage. This has even led some Apple fans to criticize Android phones quite harshly. However, the truth is there are many myths circulating about Android that some iPhone users simply repeat without question. It's time to clear the air and debunk some of these long-standing misconceptions
All Androids are cheap
It's a common misconception that all Android phones are cheap compared to iPhones. Sure, there are tons of budget-friendly Android options like the Galaxy A series, Xiaomi's Redmi Note phones, or Motorola's Moto G handsets. But that's exactly what they are - budget phones.
The truth is, there are plenty of high-end Android phones that cost just as much as, or even more than, iPhones. Top-tier models from brands like Samsung (Galaxy S24 series), Google (Pixel 8 range), and Xiaomi (Mi 14 series) can easily set you back between $800 and $1,600, depending on storage options. And let's not forget the world of foldable phones, where prices skyrocket even further. Both the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Google Pixel Fold launched at a whopping $1,799! Meanwhile, the most expensive iPhone currently starts at $999 and goes up to $1,599 for the highest storage tier. So, while you can definitely find affordable Android phones, the high-end market offers plenty of options that compete directly with the price range of iPhones.
Androids don’t last
For years, iPhones have lagged behind many Android phones in terms of battery health. Apple admits their batteries lose 20% capacity after just a year or so (around 500 charging cycles). While Apple improved things slightly with the iPhone 15 series, claiming 80% capacity after 1,000 cycles, it still falls short compared to the competition.
Many Android brands like OnePlus, realme, vivo, and OPPO boast a whopping 1,600 charging cycles before their batteries reach 80% capacity, meaning you can expect good battery life for several years. Even budget-friendly Nokia phones offer 800 cycles, outperforming older iPhones.
Androids don’t get updates
The old stereotype of Android phones not getting updates used to hold some truth. A decade ago, many manufacturers only offered a couple years of updates at best. Back then, it was a big deal when early Pixel phones offered three years.
Things have dramatically changed. Top Android phones from Samsung and Google now receive a whopping seven years of updates, surpassing iPhones. While Apple doesn't have a formal update policy, their iPhones typically get software support for around six years.
Even beyond the big names, high-end phones from other manufacturers like OPPO, OnePlus, HONOR, Xiaomi, and vivo offer five years of updates. There are still some exceptions, like ASUS, Sony, HMD, and ZTE, which stick to the older two or three-year update window. Budget phones from brands like Motorola, Realme, and Xiaomi also offer shorter update pledges.
However, the overall trend is clear: if you spend the same amount on an Android device as you would on an iPhone, you'll likely get a much longer stream of updates. And if you specifically choose a top-tier phone like the Galaxy S24 or Pixel 8, you'll actually get an update policy that beats even iPhones.
iPhones take better pictures
While iPhones generally reign supreme in video recording, even experts like Dhruv acknowledge it. Apple also often delivers better picture quality within third-party apps, likely due to stronger developer support for iPhones. However, Samsung is shaking things up by partnering with popular platforms like Snapchat and Instagram.
It's worth noting that Apple's iMessage still doesn't support RCS, leading to blurry pictures sent from Android users. This is a limitation of iMessage, not a reflection on Android camera capabilities.
The Android interface is confusing
It all boils down to what you're familiar with. iPhone users might find Android confusing at first, and vice versa. While Android offers more customization options, making it appear less straightforward than Apple's iOS, it's actually quite intuitive once you get the hang of it. The learning curve is short, especially coming from an iPhone.
Interestingly, some Android phone makers cater to iPhone users by tweaking the interface. For instance, some Chinese brands let you hide the app drawer entirely. Xiaomi even mimics iOS by allowing you to access notifications and quick settings with specific swipes, unlike other Android phones that combine both into one menu. These variations can lead to some inconsistencies between different Android brands, but sticking with the same brand usually keeps things smooth.
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