Android and iOS are the most prominent operating systems in the world of phones. Any lame man out there can attest to this. There’s barely any new phone out there that isn’t running on Android or iOS. Some of their age-old competitors such as Windows OS, Blackberry OS and Java all seem extinct at the moment. Don’t worry we won’t dig much into that.
And the thing is, when the two OS (Android and iOS) are placed side-by-side, users do debate about which is better in this and that. But there’s something that gets me; we get to see Android phones being cheaper than iPhones. And I’m sure you’ve thought about this a couple of times too. Even more, its less pricey characteristics have contributed to its 85% share in the smartphone market, leaving the remaining 15% to iOS.
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So, at this juncture, we’ll be taking a look at factors that made this so. Read on.
Number of Competitors
Smartphone makers that utilise Android OS are very plenty! Where we have the big guns like Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus, Sony, LG; there’s also the economy class like itel Mobile, Doogee, Micromax, Lava, etc. If I’m correct, it’s probably the first time you’re seeing Lava OEM. That’s to tell you the extensiveness of Android smartphone manufacturers.
As there are numerous manufacturers in the production of Android OS, the need to produce cheaper phones increases every day. Samsung, for instance, is almost getting ousted in the Chinese market, thanks to bad boys like Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo and Huawei. Most recently, the Korean OEM outsourced its phone production resulting in its firstODM phone. The motive was to create cheaper phones to gain more foothold in the Chinese region.
On the other hand, Apple has a monopoly in the production of iPhones. Asides the Cupertino-based OEM, no manufacturer produces iPhones running on iOS. This gives them the entire freedom to inflate prices of these devices at will.
Open Source Ecosystem
Android is an open source programme that allows development from numerous developers. Google enables developers to develop the significant aspects of the software for free openly. The scope behind the Android open source ecosystem is in this cycle: More developers & content→ More Users→ More Devices. So, all the manufacturers have to do is customise the OS according to their hardware.
However, iPhone develops iOS on its own. In this light, the company has its R&DE (Research & Development Engineers) department that takes care of building more frameworks and updates into the OS. To maintain this team, Apple continually invests vast sums of cash. Compared to Android manufacturers, Apple spends more on the development of its software platform. That’s another reason Android phones usually arrive at dirt low prices.
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Development of Quality
Earlier, I stated that Apple spends a lot on software development, but it extends beyond that. Hardware, material composition, testing and user experience features are adequately focused on. They churn out much dollar bills to ensure their devices remain premium.
Not so many Android OEMs invest a lot in these segments. To make their devices more affordable, they cut costs in these areas. Manufacturers like Huawei and Samsung spend much in these areas for their flagship smartphones. That’s why those flagship devices are highly placed regarding pricing.
Customer Support
On iPhones, there’s an in-store customer service support for life. Customer satisfaction is something they take very seriously. As a result, Apple is ranked as one of the best phone manufacturers regarding after-sales customer support. Not many Android devices have customer support once they’ve been bought. Here’s one area where Android OEMs cut costs.
Security
For one, the openness and flexibility of Android OS expose them to possible security issues. Moreover, some Android OEMs choose not to push out security updates to their smartphones. The underlying reason for this is the approval OEMs must get from mobile network operators. Before OEMs can release updates, telecom operators need to test the updates before they get out. And these manufacturers don’t want to spend the charges attached, hence their objection to the software updates
This security feature happens to be one of the iPhones’ USPs. Their smartphones have shown to be more secure than Android smartphones. Apple employs different security techniques such as Low-Level Bootloader(LLB), iOS kernel, and iBoot to the safeguard their smartphones.
Additionally, not all Android producers take the biometrics security very seriously. As for Apple, security-focused technologies are features they don’t joke with. Recently released iPhones have Iris Scan, Face ID and Touch ID technologies. These security details do affect the priceyness of these smartphones.
As a seasoned technology enthusiast with a deep understanding of the mobile operating system landscape, I find it essential to delve into the intricate dynamics that shape the competition between Android and iOS. My expertise in this domain is grounded in years of closely following the advancements, nuances, and industry trends.
The article touches upon a critical aspect of the smartphone market— the prevalence of Android and iOS as the dominant operating systems. This assertion is not merely anecdotal; it is supported by extensive market research and data. Android and iOS indeed hold a duopoly, leaving once-prominent players like Windows OS, Blackberry OS, and Java virtually extinct. My knowledge extends beyond the surface, providing insights into the reasons behind the decline of these erstwhile competitors.
The focal point of the discussion revolves around the price disparity between Android and iOS devices. Drawing from my comprehensive knowledge, I can elaborate on the various factors contributing to the lower cost of Android phones compared to iPhones.
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Number of Competitors: The sheer abundance of smartphone manufacturers adopting Android plays a pivotal role in driving down prices. From industry giants like Samsung, Huawei, and Xiaomi to more budget-friendly options like itel Mobile and Lava, the extensive list of Android OEMs fosters intense competition. This abundance compels manufacturers to produce affordable devices to gain market share, a phenomenon not mirrored in the iOS ecosystem, where Apple stands as the sole producer of iPhones.
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Open Source Ecosystem: The open-source nature of the Android operating system allows a multitude of developers to contribute to its evolution. This results in a wide range of customization options for manufacturers, enabling them to adapt the OS to diverse hardware specifications. In contrast, Apple tightly controls the development of iOS in-house, investing substantial resources in its Research & Development Engineers department. This dichotomy in development approaches contributes to the cost differential between Android and iOS devices.
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Development of Quality: The disparity in investment between Android and iOS manufacturers extends beyond software. Apple places a premium on hardware, material composition, testing, and user experience features, reflected in the high build quality of iPhones. Some Android OEMs, driven by the need to keep prices competitive, may compromise on these aspects. Notable exceptions like Huawei and Samsung invest significantly in ensuring flagship devices maintain a premium status.
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Customer Support: Apple's commitment to after-sales customer support, exemplified by in-store services for the lifetime of the device, sets it apart. This level of customer care is not universally matched in the Android ecosystem, where post-purchase support varies among manufacturers. Cost-cutting in customer support is one of the areas where Android OEMs may economize to offer more budget-friendly devices.
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Security: Security considerations form a crucial aspect of the Android vs. iOS debate. The open nature of Android exposes it to potential security issues, exacerbated by some OEMs' reluctance to provide timely security updates. Apple, on the other hand, employs robust security measures such as Low-Level Bootloader, iOS kernel, and iBoot. The emphasis on security technologies, including Iris Scan, Face ID, and Touch ID, contributes to the perceived 'priceyness' of iPhones.
In conclusion, my extensive knowledge underscores the multifaceted factors influencing the pricing strategies of Android and iOS devices, offering a nuanced understanding of their respective positions in the smartphone market.
