Choosing a new operating system for a smartphone in 2021 has become more difficult than ever before. The lines between iOS and Android continue to blur, offering users unique benefits in each camp. If earlier the question was edge-on - openness versus closedness, now the battle is over ecosystems, the quality of cameras and the speed of updates.
This year, both platforms have reached incredible maturity. Apple with the release of iOS 15, it relied on privacy and seamless integration of devices, while Google with Android 12 it introduced a radically new design Material You and improved smart home control tools. The user will have to decide what is more important to him: total control over the system or guaranteed stability.
The hardware cannot be ignored either. In 2021, chips A15 Bionic and Snapdragon 888 set new performance standards, but the implementation of these powers in different OSes is radically different. Let's look at the key aspects that will help you make an informed choice.
Design philosophy and user interface
The approach to visual style has become the main battleground for designers in 2021. iOS adheres to a conservative strategy, where changes are introduced slowly and in doses. The interface remains recognizable, with an emphasis on large headings and translucent elements, which ensures high readability and ease of use with one hand.
On the other hand, Android 12 made a revolution with the introduction of the theme Material You. This feature allows the system to automatically adjust the color palette of the entire interface to the wallpaper that the user has chosen. This creates a sense of personalization that is not available in a competitor's ecosystem without the use of third-party launchers.
⚠️ Note: The Android interface can vary greatly depending on the smartphone manufacturer (Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI, pure Android), while iOS looks identical on all devices.
Navigation has also undergone changes. G iPhone gestures have become even smoother, and the backspace area is now strictly tied to the left edge of the screen, which sometimes causes confusion among newbies. In Android, the Back button remains universal and predictable, working from any edge of the screen or through a software button, which many users find a more logical solution.
Performance and system optimization
In 2021, the performance gap between top devices became minimal, but the nature of the systems remained different. iOS traditionally wins due to deep optimization for specific hardware. The processor A15 Bionic in conjunction with the operating system provides benchmark smooth animations even after several years of using the device.
However, modern flagships Android with a screen refresh rate 120 Hz and a large amount of RAM often feel even more responsive in multitasking. The ability to keep dozens of applications in the background without reloading them is an advantage of the architecture Android, which is highly valued by active users.
Tests in synthetic benchmarks often show the superiority of Apple chips, but in real scenarios, such as running heavy games or processing video, the difference is leveled out. It is important to note that iOS manages power consumption better in the background, while Android requires more fine-tuning to achieve similar battery results.
iOS performance is more stable over the long haul, but Android gives more freedom for overclocking and fine-tuning for specific tasks.
Ecosystem and device interaction
If you already own other gadgets, the choice of OS in 2021 is often predetermined. The ecosystem Apple works as a single organism. The function Handoff allows you to start an email on iPhone and finish it on Mac, and AirDrop remains the fastest way to transfer files between devices. The watch Apple Watch offers the best integration with a smartphone on the market.
Google is actively developing its platform, relying on cross-platform functionality. Services Google work equally well on Android, iOS, and even Windows. You can easily switch between devices of different brands using cloud technologies, which gives the user the freedom to choose hardware without losing data. To control a smart home in 2021, Android offers more flexible tools through an application that supports a huge number of third-party devices. At the same time, Apple's ecosystem is renowned for its highest standards of security and encryption, although it supports fewer compatible gadgets.
To control your smart home in 2021, Android offers more flexible tools through an app Google Home, supporting a huge number of third-party devices. At the same time, the ecosystem HomeKit Apple is renowned for its highest security and encryption standards, although it supports fewer compatible gadgets.
If you already have a MacBook or iPad, switching to an iPhone will save you a lot of time setting up data synchronization and passwords.
Cameras: algorithms vs. flexibility
The debate about whose camera is better is eternal, but in 2021 the approaches have become diametrically opposed. iOS relies on honest color reproduction and predictability of the result. Pressing the shutter button ensures that you get exactly what you saw in the viewfinder, with minimal post-processing. iPhone ensures that you get exactly what you saw in the viewfinder, with minimal post-processing.
Flagships on Androidsuch as the series Galaxy S21 or Pixel 6, actively use computational photography. They can significantly improve photos taken in difficult lighting conditions, adding detail in the shadows and saturating colors where the human eye would not notice.
For video, the iPhone in 2021 remains the undisputed leader thanks to support for format ProRes and stabilization Cinematic Mode. Android is catching up, offering unique features like video recording in several resolutions at once or advanced “Night Shot” modes, but the stability of Apple’s video modes is still higher.
| Characteristics | iOS (iPhone 13) | Android (Flagships 2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Photo processing | Natural, minimal | Aggressive, with improved details |
| Video stabilization | Sensor-shift (top) | OIS + EIS (good) |
| Formats | ProRes, HEIF | RAW, 8K video |
| Zoom | Optical up to 3x-5x | Periscopic up to 10x-100x |
⚠️ Attention: The quality of the camera highly depends on the specific smartphone model. A budget Android will perform worse than an older iPhone, and vice versa.
Data security and privacy
In 2021, privacy has come to the fore, and Apple has made a huge marketing emphasis on it. A feature App Tracking Transparency in iOS forced applications to ask permission to track user actions, which dealt a blow to advertising networks, but pleased users. The sandbox architecture in iOS isolates applications from each other, preventing data leaks.
The system Android also stepped forward by introducing a privacy panel, where you can see which applications and when accessed the microphone, camera or geolocation. However, the openness of the system sometimes plays against security: installing applications from unknown sources (APK files) carries risks if the user does not have sufficient digital literacy.
For the corporate sector and those paranoid about security, iOS is often the preferred choice due to the closed source code and strict moderation of the App Store. Google, on the other hand, offers regular monthly security patches for its Pixel devices and requires partners to adhere to certain standards, but the fragmentation of Android versions slows down updates on many devices. What is Sandboxing in iOS?
What is Sandbox in iOS?
It is a security mechanism where each app runs in an isolated space. It does not have access to data from other apps or system files without the user's explicit permission, which minimizes the risk of virus infection.
Cost of ownership and availability of applications
The financial aspect in 2021 cannot be ignored. The entrance fee to the world iOS is high: even past iPhone models are expensive, and accessories such as original headphones AirPods or chargers significantly increase the budget. However, the high residual value allows you to sell the device in a couple of years with minimal loss in price.
The market Android is democratic. You can choose a $150 device or spend $1,500 on an ultra-flagship. A huge variety of brands (Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus) makes it possible to find a smartphone with the necessary characteristics for any budget. Parts and repairs are also usually cheaper and available through a wider service network.
As for software, developers often release new applications and games first for iOS, considering this audience to be more solvent. The store App Store has fewer junk apps thanks to strict moderation. Google Play the choice is wider, there is a lot of free and open source software, but there is a higher risk of stumbling upon a low-quality product.
☑️ What to look for when buying
Final summary and recommendations
There is no clear answer to the question “which is better” in 2021, since both systems are at the peak of their form. iOS ideal for those who value simplicity, security, stability and are already inside the Apple ecosystem. This is a choice for conservatives who want a tool that simply works out of the box without unnecessary settings.
Android will be the best choice for tech geeks, customization enthusiasts and those who want to get the most features for their money. If you value the freedom to install software, work with a file system like on a computer, and choose from hundreds of smartphone models, this is the place for you.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal habits. Try holding both devices in your hands in a store and evaluate the ergonomics and speed of the interface. Technologies of 2021 allow you not to feel disadvantaged, no matter what platform you choose.
⚠️ Attention: Smartphone characteristics and OS functions are constantly updated. Before purchasing, check the latest specifications on the official websites of manufacturers, as some functions may be removed or changed in new software versions.
The best smartphone is the one that solves your daily tasks as comfortably as possible, regardless of the logo on the back cover.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I transfer data from Android to iPhone in 2021?
Yes, it has become very simple. Apple has released an application Move to iOS for Android that allows you to transfer contacts, message history, photos, videos, Internet bookmarks, email accounts and calendars. The process takes from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the amount of data.
Which system receives updates longer?
Traditionally iOS supports devices for 5-6 years after release. In 2021, Google and Samsung have promised to release security and OS updates for their flagships within 3-4 years, which is closing the gap, but Apple still leads in the length of support.
Where are more viruses: iOS or Android?
Statistically, malware is much more common on Android due to the ability to install applications from third-party sources. iOS is better protected thanks to the closed system and strict moderation of the App Store, but this does not mean that it is completely immune to phishing or browser vulnerabilities.
Can you play the same games on both systems?
The vast majority of popular games (PUBG, Call of Duty, Genshin Impact) are available on both iOS and on Android. However, some exclusive projects or new releases may appear on one platform first. It is also worth considering the difference in optimization for different processors.
Which is cheaper to maintain?
Usually repair and replacement of components for Android smartphones are cheaper due to the greater variety of spare parts on the market and the availability of non-original analogues. iPhone repairs often require original parts and specialized equipment, which increases the cost of services.