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The Android vs. iPhone debate is seemingly an endless showdown. Each side races ferociously to close existing gaps and get ahead. Still, they persistently provide unique strengths that call for sacrifices whenever you pick sides. This piece covers eight essential freedoms an Android offers you won’t enjoy on an iPhone.
Replace the Launcher and Customize the Home Screen
Android devices allow many tweaks, from customizing icons to installing entirely different launchers. Some brands — like Oppo, Vivo, Asus, and Realme — even include pre-installed theme apps that let you change your phone’s theme, fonts, and icons under one roof.
These launchers allow you to customize how you interact with your phone, increasing productivity and boosting visual appearance. They can closely resemble the stock launcher or be more complicated or minimalistic. What’s more, you can always return to the stock launcher or install another one.
Apple tried to catch up by allowing the addition of widgets to the home screen and the use of custom icons on iOS 14 going forward. However, The iOS process is complicated and often results in lag because the customized icons are only shortcuts to the actual apps’ shortcuts.
Apple is loosening its restricting grip on customization options, but Android remains miles ahead.
Root Access and Custom ROM Installation
Root access is the epitome of Android’s open nature. It gives you absolute control over your phone, allowing you to install various customization mods. For example, you can overclock the CPU to boost performance or underclock it to improve battery life. You could also extend your RAM to include some of your phone’s internal storage.
On the flip side, the closest you can get to rooting an iPhone is jailbreaking, a much more complex process that doesn’t match the level of access its counterpart provides. Additionally, jailbreaking doesn’t work for recent iPhones.
Another of Android’s liberties is the installation of custom ROMs, which you can perform after rooting your device. Custom ROMs are modified Android versions that may give you better functionality and open up more customization possibilities. For example, you could get a different UI, an up-to-date Android version, and extra features.
Run Multiple Apps in Split Screen Mode
Android phones give you excellent multitasking, thanks to the split screen feature introduced on Android 7.0 back in 2016. Additionally, Android 12 made the multi-window mode default for all apps, making it much easier to multitask on all subsequent Android phones.
This feature works better on larger screens, and that’s probably why Apple only has it on iPads. Galaxy Z Fold 5 even allows up to three apps in split-screen mode. Still, the feature presents many multitasking opportunities on any screen size.
For example, it’s possible to have a messaging app on one side and a browser on the other, allowing one to keep up with chats while playing free online casino games between replies, or perform calculations and easily refer to a spreadsheet by running Google Sheets and a calculator app concurrently. The possibilities are endless.
Upgrade Your Storage
One of the most significant advantages of Android phones over iPhones is the memory expansion slot that almost all carry. Our storages run out fast as our phones become integral to everyday life. From shooting high-quality pictures and videos to storing our favorite songs and movies, the need for more space is always imminent. Fortunately, you can always add a micro SD to your Android phone.
Apple has consistently restricted the amount of space you get. Sure, they provide several options, from 64GB to ProRaw’s 1TB. Still, each upgrade attracts a steep price difference that you can easily avoid by purchasing a lower storage device with room for expansion. Remember, MicroSDs are more affordable than internal storage.
Install Apps from Other App Stores
Google doesn’t keep you on a short leash like Apple does. Your Android handset often gets Google Play Store by default. Still, other manufacturers like Samsung and Amazon can add their app stores. You can also install Android apps from unofficial sources, much like on a Windows P
However, Apple is notoriously selfish with its product line. You can only run apps from the Apple store on your iPhone, especially now that jailbreaks are no longer possible.
Admittedly, Apple’s restriction on sideloading is bound to change as the EU Digital Markets Act aims to limit the power of such large companies in multiple ways. For instance, Apple may be forced to accommodate third-party apps, but that’s just for the EU. We don’t know how these laws will affect the rest of the world.
Fold Your Device
The days when smartphones were dull solid slabs are over, but Apple is yet to join the new age. This should be no surprise, considering it has always struggled to catch up with exciting new smartphone ideas. Case and point: increased screen sizes, widgets, and other customization options mentioned before.
Fortunately, foldable smartphone pioneers such as Samsung’s Galaxy Z series and Motorola’s Razr have introduced us to broader utility and a more fun handset world. The Galaxy Z fold 4 and 5, for example, unfold into a 7.6-inch tablet. They make it easier to get stuff done on the go without dragging your laptop around.
Create Multiple Users and Guest Mode
Sharing your phone is easier and more stress-free on Androids than on iPhones, thanks to the possibility of multiple accounts. This feature first surfaced on Android 5.0 in 2014, but Apple has persistently ignored it.
A guest account allows you to share your phone with siblings or kids while limiting their access to your private stuff. For example, the guest may only be able to access default apps and cannot log into any of your accounts.
In Summary
iPhones have always played catch up with Android gadgets. For the longest time, you couldn’t use widgets, charge wirelessly, or set default apps on an iPhone. These features remain limited even after they were introduced on iPhones. Apple has breached the gaps for the most part. Still, Android phones continue to offer superior freedoms, flexibility, and innovativeness in crucial areas.
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