The world needs no introduction regarding the rivalry between iOS and Android smartphones. While the applications and facilities provided by Android and iOS operating systems are very different, the world’s phone customer base iis hugely affected by each new launch from these giants. While iOS devices are known for their high-end modern smartphones, the Android operating system enables people to access all advanced technologies at affordable prices.
Every time a new device from either manufacturer is introduced in the market, the whole world eagerly compares it. This trend has been followed for the last few years, and it does not seem to end anytime soon. With the release of Android L and iOS 8 in the coming fall, this rivalry is expected to get a new boost, and the famous war between these two will surely bloom.
Given this persisting rivalry, how can we avoid making comparisons between Android L and iOS 8? Without wasting any more time, let’s take a closer look at Android L (running on Nexus 5) and iOS 8 (running on iPhone 5S).
READ MORE :
- Android Mobile Operating System
- Best Phones to Buy in 2017
- WordPress or HTML?
- Install Google Experience Launcher on Your Android Gadget
- Make Money Blogging Using These 8 Secret Blogging Tips!
Lock Screens and Home Screens
Taking a look at the lock screen of Android L, it has gone through some commendable changes. Earlier, we had to pull down the screen from the top to read the notifications, but now we can see the reports right in the middle of the screen. This feature, somehow, seems to have been adopted from iOS. By double-tapping a report in Android L, that particular app will get launched, and to dismiss it, all you need to do is swipe it to either of the two sides. While a swipe on iOS 8 can reply to an email or mark it as READ. These features are well-justified in both Android L and iOS 8.
In iOS, the notification light will be on for a long enough so the user can read the message, while in Android L, the RGB notification light will go off. Also, there is a shortcut to the Phone application on the lock screen of Android L, which is not there on iOS 8. But the camera application is on the lock screens of Android L and iOS 8.
Interestingly, iOS 8 has room for third-party widgets in its notification area, while Android L has no such provision. As a consumer, this will surprise future users of Android L. Simply pulling down the notification panel in iOS 8 will give users access to these third-party widgets.
Distinctively, the home screens in Android L and iOS 8 have been kept similar to their earlier versions. Android L is a great choice for people who want to personalize their smartphones, and iOS 8 is great for people who want a personalized look with a touch of simplicity.
Contacts, Keyboard, Dialer
The keyboard in Android L has been slightly modified, but it is no different from the regular keyboard we use on Android devices. All the features, such as auto-correct, emoticons, and word prediction, are a part of Android L. But Apple has efficiently included some remarkable word- predictions in iOS 8. The context and purpose of the ongoing conversation are understood by an algorithm, which then makes some brilliant predictions.
Android L’s Phone app has gone through some commendable changes. All the starred contacts are now conveniently placed at the screen’s bottom edge, giving them quick access. Meanwhile, the Search and Last Dialled contacts are at the top. On the other hand, no changes have been made to the Phone app in iOS 8, which is understandable. Still, Apple leads here due to features such as blocking texts and calls from desired contacts.
Android L’s contact list is compact compared to before, with little space between each contact and a small profile picture. In iOS 8, there is no space for a profile picture, probably because the developers know that most of them will remain blank.
Multitasking, Notification panel, Quick controls
Android L has done a commendable job listing the notifications according to their priority. The most important ones are placed at the top, and so on. For instance, all emails are placed at the top, while updates are at the bottom. However, Apple has taken a more organized path, and by pulling the notification panel down, weather reports and the user’s daily schedules will also be displayed. Notifications are now placed separately, and the order in which these are listed can be changed by going into the device’s Settings.
Like before, a Quick Controls menu is present in the pull-down panel of Android L. This new design is a plus point, with the brightness slider and an added toggle for adjusting the screen’s orientation. Similarly, the Quick Control menu in iOS 8 is also loaded with commendable features. However, one must be careful while scrolling down any webpage as this might pull the panel downwards.
Camera and Gallery
In Android L, the Camera app from Google has been used as usual. You can easily access this app from the Play Store. This app needs no introduction and is known for its easy-to-use interface. The built-in camera modes in Android L are supposed to satisfy every casual user. On the other hand, the iOS 8 camera certainly has a few good features to boast about. Shooting time-lapse videos, controlling focus, self-timer, and independent exposure are some features of iOS 8.
In Android L, the Photos app enables us to view photos. Two separate tabs for managing photos and highlights, and one containing all pictures. This app has automatic backup and arranges your photos in different folders, depending on their date. There are various editing tools; you do not have to be a PRO to use them. Similarly, iOS 8 also arranges your pictures by date and time. Backup is also available to ensure that you never lose any of them. The editing features in iOS 8 are fewer than Android L, but the simplicity and ease of use are something to appreciate.
Conclusion:
These are just some of the features that we have drawn a comparison between. However, Android L and iOS 8 will undergo some changes before their launch date. It is entirely up to the users to decide which smartphone to invest in. Looking at the current trends, Android and Apple will again be at loggerheads.
