Few rivalries spark more debate than the choice between Android and Apple. Both brands have their raving fans and critics ready to point out the genius or failure of its products.
Choosing between an iPad vs Android tablet is easy if you have you quiet the marketing noise of each brand and focus on value. Check out this quick guide to choosing between an Apple or Android tablet.
Android Strengths
One of the biggest strengths of Android is its affordability. If you’re looking for an entry-level tablet, Android is sure to have more options for you to choose from.
Unlike Apple, Android tablets come from a wide range of well-known brands like Samsung. These brands each have their own strengths in technology that enhance the features of Android tablets.
One common feature of Android tablets is the ability to run widgets, or mini-apps, from the desktop of your device. For example, if you want an extended weather forecast, a weather widget can remain open on the desktop of your table displaying a week-long forecast without interrupting any other functionality.
On an iPad, you have to close one app before you can open another. Apple currently does not offer any widgets on its devices.
One the bargain end of the scale, Android tablets are fairly basic in features but are still customizable to suit consumer needs. The lower price also means the device is easier to replace if it gets damaged.
Android Weaknesses
One of the weaknesses of the Android tablet is its design. Basic models aren’t aesthetically pleasing and appear outdated compared to Apple.
The Android operating system relies on Google Play to distribute apps. Google Play has little quality control when it comes to app publishers.
The type of apps available for an Android tablet will be consistent with major brands like Netflix but will vary drastically among independent publishers. Android operating systems aren’t universal across devices.
This can mean an app works perfectly on one device but crashes on another. Android developers can’t always offer app versions for the wide range of devices available on the market.
For this reason, Android users don’t have a universal experience. One tablet can offer a superior user experience while an off-brand tablet has crash after crash.
iPad Strengths
Apple is both a brand of devices and an operating system. This gives the company a unique advantage to brand the user experience from end to end.
The design of the iPad follows a consistent set of rules so that users that by a certain generation all get identical product options. There is no option to buy a generic tablet and connect to Apple.
Apple developers have a much easier time managing changes in operating system updates for apps. This means Apple’s app store has a higher quality experience than Google Play.
Apple has mastered the feature of handing off tasks between devices. If you own an iPhone, for example, you can finish a task on your iPad that you start on your phone.
The same goes for working on a Mac computer. Tasks started on your iPad can be finished on the desktop computer and vice versa.
Apple’s iMessaging system updates in real-time across devices keeping your conversations fluid. When it comes to accessories, Apple has Android beat.
Wireless keyboards, external speakers and high-end tablet cases make the iPad stand out from competitors. Android users must rely on third-party accessories where the quality isn’t consistent.
The iPad is currently the leader in the tablet market with faster processing speeds than other tablets. App developers ensure their apps are tailored to the latest iPad devices so that screen sizes fit the app’s content.
Android tablet styles are so varied that the content will be viewed differently across devices because screen sizing is more challenging for developers to keep up with.
iPad Weaknesses
Apple devices don’t come cheap. Getting a top of the line iPad could be three times the cost of an Android tablet.
This makes the iPad cost-prohibitive anyone on a tight budget. It means that protecting the device from potential harm becomes a necessary way to manage your personal budget.
Getting adequate protection means investing in Apple’s high-cost accessories. Another downside to the iPad is the lack of flexibility in its operating system.
There are no widgets or the ability to customize the user experience. You can move around the order or grouping of apps on your desktop, but that’s about the level of control you have over the interface.
Apple’s set up makes it harder for malware and hackers to infiltrate their devices but users can’t get access to useful tools that make their tablet experience more robust.
There’s also no option for added storage on the iPad. Android tablets have slots for micro SD cards to provide more space on the device.
If you want more space on an iPad, your only option is to upgrade your device by buying a new one. There are apps that offer cloud storage but these are mainly helpful for files and not media stored on your phone.
iPad vs Android: To Buy or Not to Buy
The question of iPad vs. Android is a difficult choice to make. Though both brands have made significant strides in the range of technical features available, both come with its fair share of setbacks.
The tablet you choose should be based on what you can easily afford and your expectations as a user. If you’re used to the option of having control of your device and its customization, Android is best for you.
But if you want a sleek device with top-notch accessories, choose the iPad. There is no universal scenario where either brand works for everyone.
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