If flexibility or apps are important, go for an Android. Different categories matter more for certain people. Some people will value hardware choice more, while others will care more about battery life or mobile gaming. Both platforms offer good choices for different people.
Apple's iPhone and Samsungs's Galaxy have different strengths and weaknesses, so which one is better depends on your needs. Samsung phones tend to have better cameras, battery life, and display quality, even on budget models. However, iPhones do offer better software support and data security.
An android phone can be modified and customised in various ways, but the basic features of its operating system are much more complicated and confusing than the iOS system. If you value an easy to use and good smartphone for basic use, an iPhone is the obvious choice.
security. While iOS may be considered more secure, it's not impossible for cybercriminals to hit iPhones or iPads with malicious software. Because of this, the owners of both Android and iOS devices need to be aware of possible malware and viruses, and be careful when downloading apps from third-party app stores.
Our pick for the best phone overall is the Samsung Galaxy S23, thanks to its large display, long battery life, and 256GB of base storage. Check out all of our picks for the best phones of 2023 below, no matter your budget or your preferred phone manufacturer.
Best premium: iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max
The iPhone 14 Pro models offer unprecedented value for a Pro series iPhone compared to the standard iPhone 14 models, as they include an unusually longer list of upgrades than you'd expect between the standard and Pro iPhones.
Compared to Android, iPhones have fewer pre-installed apps, which allows the device to perform better. Plus, users can remove certain pre-installed apps on iPhones to enhance their experience. But the pre-installed apps cannot be removed from Android devices.
Fast processors for better performance. The iPhones have a series of processors that reportedly deliver better performance than most Android phones. In addition, Apple blends hardware and software well, making the iPhone more efficient and effective.
Androids offer more control over apps, permissions, and processes that run in the background. This serves to protect your privacy, extend your battery life, and keep your device running smoothly all day.
A Luxury Product
You are not buying the product but the feeling associated with it. They perfectly associated iPhone with luxury. People don't buy iPhones because they want a new smartphone, they buy an iPhone for the same reasons as they buy Gucci or Chanel Bags. To have that privileged feeling of luxury.
Over 53% of respondents said they moved to iPhone because of problems with their Android smartphone. Specifics cited were “their old phone did not serve them, because it was aging, needed repair, or had some deficiency that affected their user experience.”
Fast software updates for many years: The biggest advantage iOS has over Android is its software updates: Apple generally supports new iPhones and iPads with iOS updates for five to six years after their release date, and all of those devices get the same updates at the same time.
Average lifespan of a smartphone: A smartphone has an average life span of 2.58 years. According to reports, iPhones last 4-10 years, while Samsung phones last 3-6 years. Many factors affect a smartphone's lifespan, including the condition of the screen, the hardware, and the battery's health.
Moreover, Samsung devices have a wider range of prices than Apple, from budget to high-end. You can get a Samsung phone for less than $200, while the cheapest iPhone will cost you nearly $500.
iOS market trend over the years. You see, there's a unique trend that's been remarkably consistent over the past few years: Android holds a huge market share lead over iOS around the world. iOS holds a solid market share lead over Android in the U.S.
Android devices run on open operating systems, while Apple devices run on closed systems. If it's important to you to be able to make changes to your phone's software, then you might prefer an Android phone.
Compared to all other Android OEMs (maybe aside from Google), Samsung offers the most cohesive experience. Almost every Samsung app and facette of One UI has a clear purpose, and there's a lot of consistency across the company's designs and One UI features and apps.
For low light and macro shooting, the Samsung seems to produce slightly better results, but for Portrait mode, the iPhone just about edges it. Video quality is great between both models, but again, the Samsung has greater flexibility and also has the headline specification of 8K, just in case you need it.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 11 verdict
The iPhone 11 is an excellent phone. But, battery life aside, the iPhone 12 is a better phone in every way.
Release Date and Availability
The iPhone 15 models will likely be released in September 2023 if Apple follows its traditional September launch timeline.
The iPhone 13 (128GB) is available for $699 on the company's official website or even less during online sales. At this price, it's hard to find a medium-sized flagship that ticks all the essential boxes. Hence, those considering an iPhone 13 in 2023 should go for it without second thoughts.