The rivalry between Android and iOS is as fierce as ever, even though the systems are, these days, more similar than most people think. However, there are still notable differences that can be decisive when choosing one operating system over the other when buying your new smartphone. If you're wondering what practical advantages Android offers over iOS , here you'll find the most comprehensive comparison based on information from leading industry publications.
Let's take a detailed look at all the features, characteristics, and freedoms that Android users enjoy and that iPhone users simply don't have (or not in the same way) . From extreme customization to the most technical options, including everyday details that make all the difference. It's time to discover why so many people switch to Android and never go back!
Installing applications from any source
One of Android's biggest advantages over iOS is the freedom to install apps from outside the official store . Android users can download and install APKs from any website, use alternative app stores like F-Droid or Aurora Store, and even modify existing apps. In contrast, on iOS, sideloading is blocked, and Apple only allows app installations from its App Store by default, which severely limits your options.
Complete customization: change the look and feel of your phone to your liking
If you like having a truly unique phone, Android makes it easy. Android is the undisputed king of customization . You can install launchers that completely change your home screen, icon packs, themes, and widgets tailored to your preferences. There are even advanced custom interfaces and tools like Shizuku for the more technically inclined. While iPhones have made progress in recent years, they still lag far behind Android in terms of customization.
Personalization on Android includes:
- Fully configurable widgets and customizable, even created by the community or by yourself.
- Alternative launchers to change the home screen experience, icon grid, app swipe, animations, etc.
- Diversity of icon packs that you can download to give your smartphone the visual style you like best.
- Modify fonts, colors, interactive backgrounds, and complete themes.
- Options for cloning applications and use multiple accounts at the same time on apps like WhatsApp or Facebook.
App Drawer: Organization and Quick Access
One of Android's most beloved features is the app drawer , a section where all your installed apps are located and which you can easily search or navigate. Many Android phones even allow you to customize this drawer or add it if your launcher doesn't have it by default.
On the iPhone, although the "App Library" was introduced, its functionality doesn't allow for the same freedom: apps are automatically organized and can only be accessed at the bottom of the desktop, which significantly limits the personalized organization offered by Android.
Split screen and floating windows: real multitasking
Would you like to use two apps simultaneously on your screen ? Android has supported split-screen mode for years , perfect for watching a video while replying to WhatsApp messages, checking your email while browsing the web, or taking notes while studying. Furthermore, some manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Motorola allow floating windows (apps that can be moved on top of other apps), a very convenient feature that greatly expands multitasking capabilities.
On iPhone, split screen is limited to iPads, and the use of floating windows is highly restricted or limited to specific apps, with no deep customization options.
Copy text from the open applications view
Android lets you copy text from the thumbnails of open apps in multitasking, a very useful feature for those who make extensive use of the clipboard. Simply access your recent apps and select the text you need to copy it directly, without having to open and close each app. This feature, while it might go unnoticed by some, saves time and becomes almost indispensable once you discover it. This feature is not natively available on iOS.
Full access to external storage and peripherals
Another advantage of Android is full access to USB flash drives, external hard drives, and peripherals like keyboards or mice connected via USB-C or OTG adapters. You can browse files, transfer data, edit documents, and much more . On iPhones, access to external storage is very limited and controlled by the system, and it also lacks full compatibility with many peripherals.
Always on Display
Many Android phones include the Always On Display feature , which allows you to show key information (time, notifications, battery level) on the screen when it's off, saving energy and making it easier to check data without unlocking the phone. While newer iPhone models have integrated some similar features, the customization and possibilities of Android's Always On Display are still far superior.
Advanced app permission management
On Android, permission management is much more granular and comprehensive . You can decide which permissions to grant to each app (location, camera, microphone, files, notifications, etc.), revoke those you don't want, and see each app's access details. This increases control over your privacy and the security of your personal data. While iOS has made significant progress in this area, Android still allows users more precise and detailed overall control.
Enlarged and scrollable screenshots
Want to save a conversation, an entire article, or a social media feed all at once? On Android, you can take scrolling screenshots , which allow you to stitch together multiple screens into a single image—ideal for saving and sharing large amounts of information. On iOS, you can only take scrolling screenshots in Safari (the web browser), not in every app like you can on Android.
Background data synchronization (for real)
Android allows apps to sync data and update in the background even with the screen off . This is very useful, for example, for downloading music on Spotify or photos on Google Photos without having to keep your phone on all the time, saving battery and time. On iOS, many apps restrict syncing to when the screen is on, which slows down processes and can frustrate demanding users.
Full integration with the entire Google ecosystem
If you're a Google user , Android will be your paradise. The integration of apps like Gmail, Drive, Photos, Maps, Google Assistant, and YouTube is seamless. Not only is it possible to install all the apps, but the synchronization and connection between them is native and much deeper than on iOS. On iPhone, some apps in this ecosystem aren't even available, or they have limitations and a lower level of integration.
Flexible handling of navigation in the system
Android still offers the option of using traditional navigation buttons or gestures , according to user preference. You can choose between buttons (home, back, multitasking) or swipe gestures, depending on your personal preference. On iPhone, gestures are mandatory starting with the iPhone X, except for older or specific models (like the iPhone SE), which can be inconvenient if you're coming from Android and prefer classic controls.
Multiple users and guest accounts
Android phones allow you to create multiple user or guest accounts , ideal if you share your phone temporarily with someone or want to separate work and personal life. Each account can have its own apps, settings, and separate data. This functionality isn't natively available on iOS, which can be a drawback in many situations.
Installing custom ROMs and root access
For more advanced users, Android allows unlocking the bootloader, installing custom ROMs, and gaining root access . This opens the door to completely modifying the operating system, installing new features, accessing unofficial updates, or keeping the device updated beyond official support. This level of freedom is impossible on iPhones without resorting to dangerous jailbreaks, which are increasingly limited and carry significant risks.
When comparing these specific features, it becomes clear that Android prioritizes freedom, customization, and complete control over the device . These differences continue to tip the scales year after year in favor of users who want to get the most out of their phones, adapting them to their tastes and needs, or who simply want to feel less restricted by the manufacturer.
