Social Saturday: IOS Apps vs. Android Apps

Social Saturday IOS Apps vs. Android Apps

Social Saturday IOS Apps vs. Android Apps

Facebook user Thomas B. asks: “For me its about phone functionality, I have the nexus s 4g, and am unhappy with the apps available for the android market. I hear the quality of apps for ios are more secure and worth the price, would the iphone 5 be worth the switch?”

The iOS App Store is home to over 425,000 applications whereas the Android App Market only offers a little over 200,000.

Now, the amount of apps doesn’t necessarily indicate the quality. I’m sure there is quite a large percentage of iOS apps that are utterly useless – soundboards, fart apps, and the like. Though, the same can be said of Android applications.

Either way, definitely keep in mind that the number of useable applications on both platforms is probably significantly lower than the total number of apps.

As far as the variety of apps available, I imagine the selection is relatively similar on both platforms. However, one thing I’ve noticed in the short time I’ve had with friend’s Android gadgets is that, at least with games, there seems to be a lot of iOS overlap.

What I mean is that an app that starts out being iOS exclusive will gain popularity and eventually an Android version will be released. A perfect example of this is Angry Birds.

However, for those apps that are platform exclusive, I must admit that I much prefer the look and feel of iOS applications. This is largely due to the polished look of iOS, but I find App Store apps more appealing than similar applications for Android.

I’m sure there are people who wholeheartedly agree with me, and those that vehemently disagree, but the point is there’s definitely a noticeable difference between the two. Two very similar apps on each respective platform can look and feel entirely unique from one another.

What’s more, I’ve never once had an issue with the Apple App Store. There’s virtually an app for anything you could ever want to do with your device (within the Apple guidelines, that is). Due to Apple’s stringent, and often confusing approval process, iOS customers can rest assured that the app advertised is the app they’re downloading.

So, in my opinion, the iOS App Store is the best mobile application marketplace out there. It was the first, it’s the largest and it’s undeniably awesome.

That being said, I’m not going to tell you to go out and buy an iPhone 5 as soon as it comes out. There’s no guarantee that you’ll love the iOS App Store. What I am going to say is that, if you’re displeased with the Android App Market, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll find something that better suits your needs in Apple’s environment.

Definitely don’t buy a device, Apple or otherwise, without first getting some hands on time with it. Go to an Apple store, or ask to borrow a friend’s iPhone and see how you like it. Remember, you’re going to be using it multiple times daily. My guess is, though, that you won’t be disappointed with the apps iOS has to offer.

I know the whole Android vs. Apple battle is a hot topic for many of you, and I’m sure you all have some strong opinions on the matter. Which application solution do you prefer – iOS App Store or Android App Market – and why? Let me know in the comment below or send me a tweet!

Thanks again to Thomas for the question! If you think you have a question or thought that would make a good article, you can submit it to be part of Social Saturday in one of two ways. Either tweet it to me at any time with the hashtag #SocialSaturday, or comment on the Social Saturday post on our Facebook page on Saturday morning.

IOS Apps vs. Android Apps

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