If you have ever wondered why some users prefer Android instead of iPhone, despite the obvious advantages of the ecosystem Apple, the answer lies in the flexibility and openness of the platform. Android offers opportunities that owners iOS can only dream of - from deep customization of the interface to advanced technical functions that are not available on a “closed” system Apple.
In this article we will not compare which platform is better - each has its own advantages. Instead, we'll focus on specific functions and capabilitiess that are available exclusively on Androiddevices. Some of them are useful in everyday life, others are for tech enthusiasts, but all of them demonstrate how Android a flexible and powerful tool can be in the hands of the user.
It is important to understand that some functions may depend on the smartphone manufacturer (for example, Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel), version Android or even regional restrictions. However, most of them work on most modern devices with Android 12 and newer.
1. Full customization of the interface without jailbreak
One of the key features Android is the ability to change the interface beyond recognition without the need to hack the system. On iPhone this will require a jailbreak, which voids the warranty and creates security risks. On Android it is enough to install launcheran icon pack or widget.
Examples of popular tools:
- 🎨 Nova Launcher - allows you to customize animations, gestures, icon size and even hide applications.
- 🖼️ KWGT — widget constructor for creating unique elements on the home screen.
- 🔄 Tasker — automation of actions, for example, turning on silent mode on a schedule or launching applications when connected to a specific Wi-Fi network.
- 📱 Icon Packs — thousands of themes for icons in Google Play, from minimalistic to futuristic.
On iPhone you can change the wallpaper and rearrange the icons - but nothing more. Even widgets in iOS have strict restrictions on size and functionality. While on Android you can create a completely unique interface that will reflect your style and needs.
2. Installing applications from any sources (sideloading)
Owners iPhone are tied to App Store —the only official source of applications. On Android you can install APK files from any trusted sources, which opens access to:
- 📱 Beta versions of applications (for example, through APKMirror or official developer channels).
- 🎮 Emulators and retro gamesthat do not pass moderation App Store.
- 🔓 Modified versions of applications (for example, YouTube Vanced with ad blocking).
- 🌍 Regionally blocked services (for example, some banking applications or streaming platforms).
Of course, installing an APK from unverified sources can be dangerous - there is a risk of contracting a virus or spyware. However, with the right approach (checking hash sums, downloading only from trusted sites) sideloading gives incredible freedom.
⚠️ Attention: Before installing an APK, always check the application permissions in the menu Settings → Applications → Permissions. If the messenger requests access to SMS or geolocation for no reason, this is a reason to be wary.
On iPhone installing third-party applications requires jailbreaking or the use of certificates developer (who Apple regularly recalls). This makes the process extremely inconvenient and risky.
3. Split screen and multitasking at a new level
The split screen function (split-screen) appeared in Android 7.0 Nougat and has since become an integral part of multitasking. On iPhone this feature is limited - you can only pin a video in a small window (Picture-in-Picture), but not work with two applications at the same time.
On Android you can:
- 📱 Simultaneously use WhatsApp and Google Maps (for example, chatting and looking at routes).
- 📝 Copy text from the browser directly into a document Google Docs without switching between windows.
- 🎮 Stream the game on Twitch and follow the chat in one window.
Some manufacturers, for example Samsung, went even further and added support three active windows (on tablets) or a function Pop-up Viewwhere applications open in floating windows.
| Function | Android | iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| Split screen (2 applications) | ✅ Yes (with Android 7.0) | ❌ No |
| Floating windows (Pop-up View) | ✅ Yes (for some manufacturers) | ❌ No |
| Picture-in-Picture (video in a small window) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (limited) |
| Simultaneous copying between windows | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
On smartphones Samsung You can quickly open an application in split screen by holding its icon in the multitasking menu and selecting "Open at top/bottom of screen."
4. Using your smartphone as a full-fledged USB drive (OTG and MTP)
On Android you can connect your smartphone to your computer and work with its memory like a regular flash drive - copy files, edit them directly on the device, or even run executable files (if supported). On iPhone to transfer files you need to use iTunes, Finder or cloud services, which is not always convenient.
In addition, Android supports:
- 🔌 OTG cables for connecting flash drives, hard drives, keyboards, mice and even game controllers.
- 🖱️ DeX mode (on Samsung), which turns a smartphone into a full-fledged computer when connected to a monitor.
- 📁 File managers with access to system folders (for example Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
For example, you can connect a Androidsmartphone to a WindowsPC and simply drag files into the folder Internal Storage or SD-cardas with a regular flash drive. On iPhone for this you will have to use iCloud, AirDrop or third-party applications like Documents by Readdle.
⚠️ Attention: When connecting viaMTP(Media Transfer Protocol) file transfer speed may be lower than when using an OTG drive. For maximum speed, use the modePTP(for photos) or connect the OTG flash drive directly.
5. Replacing standard applications by default
On iPhone the default browser will always be Safari, and the mail client - Mail. On Android you can select any application as the main one for:
- 🌐 Browser (Chrome, Firefox, Brave).
- 📧 Mail (Gmail, Outlook, Spark).
- 📞 Phone calls (Google Phone, Truecaller).
- 📝 SMS (Messages, Textra, QKSMS).
- 🎵 Music (Spotify, YouTube Music, Poweramp).
This allows you not only to personalize the user experience, but also to optimize performance. For example, if Safari on iPhone slows down on complex sites, you can't do anything about it. Android you can install Firefox Focus for fast work or Brave to block ads.
To change the default application:
- Open
Settings → Applications. - Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select
Default applications. - Select a category (for example, "Browser") and specify the desired application.
Open Settings → Applications|Click "Default Applications"|Select a category (browser, mail, etc.)|Specify the desired application-->
6. Advanced network settings: dual SIM, 5G, VPN without restrictions
Android offers much more options for working with networks than iOS. Here are some examples:
Dual SIM card (Dual SIM) is available on most Androidsmartphones, while iPhone supports it only in models XS and newer (and not in all regions). At the same time, Android you can:
- 📶 Assign different SIM cards for calls, SMS and mobile data.
- 🔄 Quickly switch between operators manually or by schedule.
- 📞 Use one SIM for work and the second for personal calls.
5G and advanced mobile network settings also more flexible. On Android you can manually select the network type (2G/3G/4G/5G), disable specific bands, or even use ##4636## to access the engineering menu (on some devices).
VPN without restrictions: on iPhone some VPN services may not work due to policy Apple. On Android you can install any VPN, including OpenVPN or WireGuard, and also configure them through configuration files.
⚠️ Attention: Using the engineering menu (##4636##) can lead to unstable network operation. Change the settings only if you understand their meaning.
7. Full control over notifications and automatic processing
The notification system in Android is much more flexible than in iOS. You can:
- 🔔 Customize notification priority (for example, so that messages from the boss are always shown on top of others).
- 📵 Block notifications from specific applications forever or for a certain period.
- 📱 Group notifications by topic (for example, all messages from Telegram in one block).
- 🤖 Use Tasker or MacroDroid to automatically process notifications (for example, turn on vibration only for important contacts at night).
On iPhone you can only enable or disable notifications for the application, as well as select the style of their display (banners or icons). There is no way to fine-tune priorities or automatic filtering.
In addition, Android you can reply to notifications directly from the panel (for example, quickly reply to a message in WhatsApp without opening the application). On iPhone this feature is limited.
How to turn off notifications from a specific chat in Telegram on Android
Open the chat → Click on the three dots at the top → "Notifications" → Select "Disable" or configure exceptions.
8. Access to the file system and system settings
On Android you can access the root folders of the system (if you have rights root), edit system files or even remove pre-installed applications (bloatware). On iPhone without jailbreak this is impossible.
Even without root access Android allows:
- 📁 Use file managers with access to folders
/dataand/system(with restrictions). - 🔧 Change system fonts, animations and sounds through Substratum or analogues.
- 🗑️ Remove unnecessary system applications (on some firmware).
For example, if you do not like the standard font on Samsung, you can install another one via Settings → Screen → Font size and style. On iPhone the font cannot be changed.
Also on Android you can use ADB commands to deeply customize the system. For example, disable unnecessary services Google or change performance settings:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.chromeThis command will disable Google Chrome for the current user.
⚠️ Attention: Changing system files or using ADB commands can lead to unstable operation of the device. Before experiments, make a backup copy!
Android provides access to the file system at a level not available for iOS, which allows experienced users to optimize the device to suit their needs.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the capabilities of Android vs iPhone
Is it possible to iPhone install the launcher like on Android?
No, on iPhone it is impossible to change the launcher without jailbreak. Apple strictly controls the system interface, and all icons, wallpapers, animations are strictly tied to the standard launcher. The maximum that can be done is to change the wallpaper and rearrange the icons.
Why can you install APK on Android, but not on iPhone?
This is due to the security policy Apple. The company only allows the installation of applications from App Storeto minimize the risk of viruses and malware. Androidbeing an open system, it allows installing APKs from any sources, but this requires the user to be more careful.
Is it possible to use two SIM cards at the same time on an iPhone?
Yes, but with reservations. Starting from iPhone XS, Apple added support for Dual SIM, but only in the form of one physical SIM card and one eSIM (electronic). Not all operators support eSIM and this feature may be disabled in some regions. However, most smartphones support two physical SIM cards. Android Most smartphones support two physical SIM cards.
How to disable advertising in applications on Android?
There are several ways:
- Use modified versions of applications (for example, YouTube Vanced).
- Install Blokada or AdGuard to block ads at the DNS level.
- Enable an ad blocker in the browser (for example, Brave or Firefox with extension uBlock Origin).
On iPhone ad blocking is only possible through VPN or Safari extensions, but it is less effective.
Is it possible to change the standard application for calls on the iPhone?
No, on iPhone the "Phone" application will always be the standard one for calls. You can install alternative applications (for example, Google Voice), but they will not replace the standard one.