It divides families; it’s the cause of infinite heated debates and Internet rants. Yep, it’s that thorniest of thorny questions - which is best: Android or Apple?
These two tech giants completely dominate the world of smartphones with 98.4% of all mobile devices running either the Android or Apple operating system.
And with smartphones now becoming a powerful tool in the workplace, it’s an argument which spills over into the business world.
The advantages and disadvantages of the competing systems are something that our software, MyMobileWorkers, has looked into in great depth and it’s the reason we believe there’s one clear winner.
Here’s a look at some of the reasons why we think Android are the right devices for mobile workers, and why we chose to develop our mobile workforce management software for Android devices:
Better choice
One of the great strengths of the MyMobileWorkers system is its flexibility. It’s used by companies of all shapes and sizes in many different industry sectors. So a major advantage of Android is the incredible range of different devices that MyMobileWorkers can be used on.
From cheap and cheerful budget smartphones to virtually indestructible rugged devices, there’s an Android device to match the budget and needs of any business. With Apple, the only devices you can use are those made by the company - providing just a handful of options.
Cost considerations
The fact that Apple are the only providers of iOS devices means that not only is their choice limited, but the costs are also high. Their products are aimed primarily at the top-end of the consumer market and that’s reflected in their price.
Android phones, however, offer businesses a vast range of different costs. The competition within the Android market means that powerful and robust smartphones such as the Moto E, which are ideal for mobile workers, are now available for under £100.
Flexible friends
The choice offered by Android goes beyond the devices themselves. The whole ethos behind the Android operating system is to give the user choice. It’s designed to be configured exactly how the user wants it.
It makes it the ideal solution when used as a work tool - allowing employees and employers to adapt and mould the way their phone works. This open approach also means it’s easy to work with the Android system from a developer's point of view.
In contrast, the Apple’s iOS operating system deliberately restricts the ways it can be configured. It means that many of the options and customisations available to Android users, such as the way notifications work, are simply not available on iOS.
Tough nuts
The fact that Apple devices are primarily aimed at the consumer market also influences the way they’re built. Their slimline design and sleek looks are perfect for slouching on a settee or wasting time on a train but they’re not designed to handle the rigours of mobile working.
As a working tool, MyMobileWorkers devices need to handle being treated badly - slung around and exposed to British weather. For this kind of use, the chunkiness of a low-cost Android phone often outperforms much more expensive options.
So while the debate will continue to rage between Android and Apple acolytes, when you look specifically at what’s best for mobile working - there’s no contest.
To read more about this topic check out the blog: Are Apple supplying the right devices for mobile workers?
Full image credit: https://pixabay.com/en/android