What is the difference between an iPhone and a smartphone?

 

Users are often interested in the difference between an iPhone and a smartphone. The question is interesting but put incorrectly since the iPhone is also a smartphone. In this article, we will look at the difference between the Apple iPhone and smartphones from other manufacturers.

What is the distinction between a smartphone and an iPhone?

A few years ago, the differences between the iPhone and smartphones from other manufacturers were significant: Apple devices differed for the better in technical characteristics, attractive design, and the use of luxury materials (glass, aluminum, stainless steel). Today, it is safe to say that Android smartphones are not inferior to the iPhone in design, quality, and technical characteristics, and some even surpass them. 

If we talk about the high cost of the iPhone, then it should be compared with the prices of top Android devices: as a rule, in this case, the cost of smartphones is equal, and in some cases, oddly enough, the iPhone is cheaper.

Difference 1: Operating system

The first and main difference between the iPhone and other smartphones is the iOS operating system. This OS is interesting because it is used exclusively on Apple mobile devices. It has several important advantages:

• Stability. Due to the fact that iOS is installed on a small range of devices, it is easier for Apple to tailor its work to the ideal. The user can be sure that even on the old iPhone model, the operating system will work correctly.

• Safety. Unlike Android, iOS is a closed operating system, which virtually eliminates virus software from entering the device. The company very carefully moderates all applications that appear in the App Store and does not allow intrusion into the file system, so the risk of "catching" a malicious program is close to zero;

• Updates: What other manufacturer can boast such long-term support for their devices? For example, iOS 11, which was released in 2018, can be installed on the iPhone 5S (this device was released in 2013); and

• Easy to use. Apple has always tried to make devices "for people": a person who first encounters the iPhone will need a few minutes to get used to the new operating system. This gives rise to an important difference from an Android smartphone for some users: the lack of advanced options for configuring the device, an advanced interface, and customization options.

Difference 2: A narrow range

In the hope of pleasing all users, many smartphone manufacturers, such as Samsung and Xiaomi, are constantly expanding their product lines. The problem lies in the choice: often, two different device models have almost identical characteristics. At Apple, things are more obvious in this regard: it is much easier to choose an iPhone that is suitable for the cost and characteristics due to the small model range.

Difference 3: There is no memory card slot.

This difference is considered by many users as a disadvantage. Many Android smartphones support the installation of a microSD memory card. When buying an iPhone, keep in mind that you won’t be able to expand the space on the device, so you should decide in advance on the amount of internal memory (and the price also depends on this).

Difference 4: The Apple Ecosystem

The Apple ecosystem can be felt if the user has other Apple devices in addition to the iPhone, such as an Apple Watch, iPad, MacBook, or Apple TV. All of them are able to interact with each other, and the Apple ID account acts as a link.

For example, you can start a conversation on the iPhone and continue it on the iPad. You can instantly transfer photos to both your MacBook and another person's iPhone that is in close proximity to your phone. Enter the Wi-Fi password on one device and it will automatically be synchronized with other gadgets. Surf the web with Safari on your MacBook, and continue on any mobile device—all tabs will be automatically synced 

The bottom line is that on smartphones from other manufacturers, you can achieve all this, but usually by installing additional applications. With Apple, the connection between devices works out of the box—the user only needs to sign in to an Apple ID account.

5th distinction: Status

There is no denying the fact that the iPhone, for many, is a status device that you want to own. And despite the fact that in terms of design, sophistication of the operating system, choice of games and programs, gadgets from Apple are moving on a par with Android devices, many still want to own a smartphone that proudly displays the logo with a bitten apple.

Today, the difference between an iPhone and a smartphone has become more transparent than, say, five years ago. To summarize, the iPhone is a device for the average user: there is no way to radically change anything, there is no access to the file system, but there is a friendly interface and a guarantee of stability and security. Advanced users will definitely like an Android device.