Life of a Girl with Unpopular Opinions: Androids

With both the iPhone 14 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold scheduled to come out in 2022, a familiar debate on which phone is better has been sparked anew. Ever since smartphones started coming out in the early 2000s, people have been divided on whether Apple or Android reigns supreme. While the majority of my friends would argue that Apple is the king of the smartphone arena, I believe that Android phones are superior because of their better chargers, prices, and software options. 

Defense 1: Charging

It seems like one of the scariest things that can happen in the 21st century is going to turn your phone on only to realize it has died. If you have an iPhone, you’re in a tough spot because they require specific chargers in order to be restored, which could mean waiting until you get home to charge your phone. However, the majority of Android phones have switched over to USB-C chargers, meaning that any USB-C charger will quickly juice up your phone and allow you to continue using it. Regardless of which brand you use, whether it’s Samsung or LG, a USB-C charger will get the job done, allowing you to share freely with people who have different brands and charge your phone without stressing about finding the correct charger. Android phones are also equipped with removable batteries, which means a failing battery can simply be replaced instead of having to spend nearly a thousand dollars to buy a completely new phone like most Apple users. 

Defense 2: Price

Android phones consistently cost less than Apple phones and run just as efficiently. For example, the iPhone 13 costs a minimum of $800, while the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 is significantly less, costing around $550. Android phones also cover a wider range of prices, providing customers with reliable phone options within their price range. While there are some more expensive options, such as the Samsung and Google phones, other companies, such as Motorola and LG, offer cost-effective alternatives that still work just as effectively as other more expensive phones. 

Defense 3: Software

Whenever my friends get new iPhones, I always joke about not realizing they got a new phone because it looks exactly like their old ones, which is completely true. Apple prides itself on its consistent interface and software design; however, its extreme control limits customization options for users. In contrast, Android phone users are free to download third-party applications, creating a phone aesthetic as specific as they want. Thousands of widgets are available for use on Android devices as compared to the handful that Apple offers. Android also allows more freedom in the core operating system and gives the users the ability to design their phones to work better for them. 

Bonus Defense: Brand Options

One final reason for the superiority of Android is the many different brand options available. There are many different brands beneath the Android label, whereas under Apple, there is only one: Apple. These different brands are constantly competing with each other to create the best phone, which leads to better products. Dr. Cobanli, an Italian designer, says, “Competitors push you to achieve more.” This idea stands true for Android phones as each company seeks to present the most innovative phone at the most reasonable price for customers. 

Between the accessible charging, friendlier price tags, and less restricting software, it’s easy to see the strong appeal of Android phones. Although many people still cling to the idea that Apple phones are the ruling class of smartphones, I believe that more people will begin switching over to Android due to the many valuable benefits they hold over Apple. Thus, for all you diehard iPhone fans, next time you upgrade your phone, think outside the Apple and consider switching over to Android instead. 

Avatar

Emilee Speier

Emilee Speier is a senior studying journalism and criminal justice. In addition to working at the Daily Runner, she has also completed internships with Lifeway Christian Resources and the Virginia Beach General District Court.