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Why Android users are smarter than iPhone users

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Admit it … you’ve thought this before: Android users are intellectually superior to iOS users. I am not trying to troll you, so I want to be transparent about the purpose of the article: I'm just playing devil’s advocate. At AndroidPIT, we are aware that our readers are Android and iPhone users. I don’t want to generalize or to offend. I hope this post generates healthy discussion. Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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Let's debunk the Apple superiority complex. / © ANDROIDPIT

You’re reading this article

If you’re an Android user reading this article, you probably want a few laughs at the expense of Apple. If you’re an iPhone owner, you’re probably a bit of a masochist. Let’s use a safe word, so that Apple users can leave if things get too intense.

iOS is an operating system for children

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Careful, Apple users. Don't let the Android tablet scare you. / © ANDROIDPIT

All right, now I will get into the meat of my argument. The iPhone has been called “intuitive” and “sleek”. Others see iOS has a “fast” and “simple” operating system.

Let’s face it: “simple” is a synonym for “dumb”. If you appreciate the simplicity of an iPhone, it might be because you can’t handle a grown-up Android phone.

If I were to buy a phone for my grandmother – who is basically computer illiterate – I would get her an iPhone.

Price

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Save your money and buy an Android phone. / © ANDROIDPIT
  • Best cheap Android tablets
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In the Android vs. iPhone debate, price is an important issue. Why would anyone spend hundreds on a device when you spend a fraction on an Android phone?

I’ll point to the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, the LG G3 and the Sony Xperia Z3 as contenders against the iPhone. Aside from the landmark phones, some budget Android phones are equally impressive. With the OnePlus One, the Nexus 5 and the LG G2 selling for half the price of an iPhone, why not try one out?

I will concede, there can be some downsides to Android ownership. On stability and speed, an iPhone often bests Android.

Imagine you’re making two machines (apps): one for a paved road (iOS) and one for a twisty, bumpy road (Android). Yes, sometimes the Android app may take a few seconds to load, or may crash unexpectedly. But consider that the Android app can run on phones from dozens of companies, using about 21 versions of Android. Impressive, right? There is a cost to freedom, and sometimes the cost is waiting a few seconds for an app to load.

The iPhone is the device of sheep

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Want to stand out from the crowd? Become an Android user! / © NextPit

As a brand, Apple is fashionable. The iPhone wasn’t the first smartphone - or the best - but its release did spark an interest in the masses.

Soon, elites were rushing to buy iPhones. They gained a certain cache as a status symbol. Then, Android came along. It was a free, open platform that allowed developers to get creative. Android phones became affordable and fast … but somehow never gained the cult status of the iPhone. In short, the iPhone is a phone for the rich, the elite or anyone else who drank the Apple Kool-Aid.

Conclusion

At the beginning of the article, I promised that I wouldn’t troll you. Gotcha! I have made some big assertions, which might get me in trouble. Bring it, Apple fans!

iphone vs android 01
Chitika correlates iPhone ownership with education levels. / © Chitika

I will leave you with this map of the United States, from the advertising agency Chitika. Over the Christmas holidays, it collected data about hundreds of millions iPhone users nationwide. Their findings? iPhone users had higher levels of education.

Before you get excited, this data is biased. To be included in Chitika’s poll, iPhone users had to click on mobile ads from Chitika’s platform, Cidewalk. To be a truly accurate data set, the iPhone users would have to be chosen at random. Because certain iPhone users self-selected by clicking the ad, this data is skewed.

My point? As the Android vs. iPhone battle is volleyed across the internet, many of the arguments are up for interpretation.

Where do you weigh in on the Android vs. Apple debate? Do you consider yourself superior to iPhone users?

[This article was originally published on AndroidPIT.it by Mattia Mercato]

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Go to comment (45)
Mattia Mercato

Mattia Mercato
Freelance Editor

A big fan of computer science and videogames for as long as he remembers, Mattia now has the chance to cultivate his passion developing apps and games for Android. His deep interest for the open source operating system goes from hardware specs to software procedures like rooting and bug fixing, or simply by trying out new apps and features.

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  • Wolf Six 4
    Wolf Six Nov 28, 2017 Link to comment

    "Their findings? iPhone users had higher levels of education."

    Biased data aside, let me leave you with this. You spent $500 on a phone, hundreds of thousands on an education...and you still can't get rid of a random U2 album on your phone.

    Good job.


  • Jek Porkins 1
    Jek Porkins Sep 13, 2016 Link to comment

    who cares which is better, just live your life and have fun


  • 1
    Graem Nyaks Jul 15, 2015 Link to comment

    I love technology and have been keeping two phones with me for a long time. The two phones are an iPhone and a Nexus. Both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses and their rivalry is healthy for it's advantageous to us users. I am already using Android M and IOS 9 preview editions. I am thrilled at how these platforms are different but the same somehow as they both tends to borrow features from each other. As a user of both Android and IOS, I don't know if I am smarter or not and after all smarter than who.


  • 2
    Paradigm Jul 4, 2015 Link to comment

    The apple users that are all in an uproar about the article, search for the article about apple users being smarter than android users written BEFORE this article. Honestly you can't make a blanket statement and expect everyone to fit within the boundaries. That said, using a device that is much simpler and is not near as comprehensive as the other, doesn't make you smarter. Most people got the iPhone because celebrities use them. If you're only capable of using a simpler item, that in no way implies that you're smarter than the person using the more complex item.
    Androids allow more creativity, freedom and ingenuity. They're not restrictive and exclusive like Apple is. Most smarter people like a challenge and the ability to mod and do all they can with their SMARTphone.
    In short, tying the word "simple" to "smart" is a dumb move. There's a reason they're called SMARTPHONES and not SIMPLE phones.

    Darren Moran


  • 1
    Tiffany White Jun 8, 2015 Link to comment

    I'm smarter because of the phone I use? Wow Android users feeling some type of way that they've got to do all this dick waving. It's a shame. Use what the fuck you want.

    You have no empirical data to suggest Android owners are smarter just rehashed arguments about iOS, "Lols crapple". It's a shame. Most of you boys, that's what you are, couldn't hold an intellectual candle to some of the people I know with Apple devices. But lol iSheep. Grow up and use what suits you. Quit trying to conflate your argument with ad hominems and childishness


    • 2
      Greg B Oct 23, 2015 Link to comment

      You accuse Android users of generalization (iSheep?), but in fact you're the one generalizing. Yes, I do think that paying for Apple devices when you can get the same performance with Android at approximately half the price tells something about people. (Not necessarily that they are stupid, but that they are easily manipulated by marketing.) One a sidenote, I am a university instructor with two doctoral degrees and an IQ of 142. I've never seen an intellectual candle myself, but it sounds fascinating, so if you can get me one of those, I'll gladly hold it to whoever you want.

      Kali Kat


  • 2
    Isaa Bencil Capaldi Jun 3, 2015 Link to comment

    We all know that iOS is a crapy-like locked down operating system. Americans believe that the whole world should own an iphone just because it's an American thing. That's the cold truth...iFools...lol

    Kali KatDarren Moran


    • DB N. 2
      DB N. Jun 4, 2015 Link to comment

      Hey now, don't generalize Americans as iphail users! I started with ANDROID at its inception, tried crapple and the 4s came out , and came back to Android with the Galaxy Nexus and won't be going back to that terrible platform! LOL

      Kali Kat


  • 2
    Amer Hozifa Jun 2, 2015 Link to comment

    we all now we are smarter than all apple users and the apple users them self know in their heart that we are smarter than they are :p

    Kali Kat


  • 4
    Les A. Feb 20, 2015 Link to comment

    I'm a retired I.T Mgr who has an Apple computer at home, along with two Microsoft Surface Pro's. I infinitely like the Surface Pro's more. My wife and me, and our older son have Galaxy phones (mine is a Note 4), while our younger son has an iPhone. He, by the way, works for Apple in Cupertino and has always felt that the iPhone and other related Apple products are superior. And yet, those of us with non-Apple products really love our Androids. We have all had our hands on iPhones for short durations, and still wouldn't want to have one long-term. Say what you will, I'll happily stick with a product that I feel I'm in control of rather than the other way around.

    Kali KatDarren MoranGayle GriffinAmer Hozifa


  • 3
    sh[OG]un Feb 18, 2015 Link to comment

    I'm not saying anything.. except that any android owner could kick any Apple owners ass... straight up, and bench-press way more, and steal their girlfriend.. and probably tell way funnier "yo mamma" jokes!

    Kali KatAmer Hozifa


    • 2
      Amer Hozifa Jun 2, 2015 Link to comment

      +1


  • 6
    Victor Martino Feb 17, 2015 Link to comment

    Iphone users mostly care about photography (besides the Note 4, there isn't a single Android phone with a camera that rivals the iPhone's. Not so much for detail, but for color reproduction and good exposure, as well as good post processing. I've tried all of the flagships of 2014, and none of them stacked up to it. Also iphone users care about having the coolest apps before everyone else. Android doesn't have Camera+, Notability, Cortex Camera, Hyperlapse, plus apple's apps like Garageband and imovie. None of these apps have a good alternative available on Android, NONE! So I think iphone users are smarter because they don't get to feel jealous very often. The things that android has iphone users don't care about, but the contrary can't be said as seen by the hundreds of people begging tap tap tap to make an android version of Camera+, for example.

    Tiffany Whitejack lin


    • Martin Harvey 7
      Martin Harvey May 19, 2015 Link to comment

      wasn't the new Galaxy camera rated superior to the iPhone 6?

      Amer HozifaDenis Erceg


    • 2
      Darren Moran Jul 14, 2015 Link to comment

      My s6 edge camera wipes the floor with my wife's iphone 6 camera so where are you looking for your facts ? 1 click for a cracking photo none of that "can you just stand still buisness" 😉chin up eh...

      Kali Kat


    • 1
      Debojit Mandal Oct 13, 2017 Link to comment

      iPhones camera<<<<<<<<<< s6,S7,s8,pixel,lg g5,g6,v20,v39


  • 3
    Warren Case Feb 16, 2015 Link to comment

    Yep - I agree with the author of this article. To summarize: iPhones exist inside a 'closed system' where there is no price or feature competition - which for Android, drives greater innovation. As a result, Apple mobile devices are over-priced and technically underwhelming (Apple has been ripping-off gullible customers for years; I know, I'm a software engineer and was once an Apple sheeple victim - before I knew better). iPhone customers are usually not all that technically savvy, i.e. they could be doctors and lawyers - but not so much engineer types. In other words, they can be generally smart and financially well off - but they're somewhat technologically challenged - to the point where they feel they need a phone or tablet with 'training wheels' - that also 'holds their hand' regarding anything to do with all things mobile.

    Kali Katjack linCarmelo Rivera


    • Carmelo Rivera 20
      Carmelo Rivera Feb 16, 2015 Link to comment

      Once again I agree with you. The control and tight grip Apple has on the iPhone resonates to their customers. Look, as an American company, I'm glad Apple is successful, because I'm an American citizen. But I just don't trust them! Since the debut of the iPhone, I've always thought that something is just not right with that company. I can't put my finger on it. Why the secrecy? Secret societies hide the truth in plain sight.

      Denis Ercegjack linDwarfer66


    • 1
      Tiffany White Jun 8, 2015 Link to comment

      Get off the not technically savvy argument. Look at the millions of developers with iOS devices and somehow we're not tech savvy. As a developer I choose iOS and my Mac. Guess I'm not tech savvy enough because I don't want to use an Android. I've already done that dance and it didn’t suit me. I started with Android and always grew frustrated with the performance. Ya I flashed ROMS, used Cyanogen Nightlies, stock ASOP flashes as well. Just didn't want to have to hack my device in order to make it work because I needed it for work. That's why I left. I'll never go back.

      Your argument that iOS users are inept isn't supported by data. There are millions of Android users as well that aren't tech savvy. Your point is moot.


      • 1
        Debojit Mandal Oct 13, 2017 Link to comment

        Trust me if 1million Android users r not tech savvy,then 1 0 million iphone users r not tech savvy.


  • 8
    jack lin Feb 16, 2015 Link to comment

    From personal eperience.
    I'd say that
    Andriod users enjoy the performance, diversity, and customization.
    Iphone users enjoy mostly the brand name.

    Kali KatDenis Erceg


    • 7
      Johnathan Burger Feb 16, 2015 Link to comment

      Except Apple devices outperform android devices in almost all tests.


      • 8
        jack lin Feb 16, 2015 Link to comment

        I'd agree with you.
        However, please think, you can always modify your software for testing data instead of real performance.
        I'm not saying iPhone is not a good one, too.
        But choose what you need, and pay reasonable money.

        Kali KatDenis ErcegCarmelo Rivera


    • Carmelo Rivera 20
      Carmelo Rivera Feb 16, 2015 Link to comment

      I think the same thing. Apple has made the iPhone into a "fashionable" product no matter how limited in functionality it is. That company tells you what you can or can't have on your phone. No freedom to choose.

      Kali Katjack lin


  • Dwarfer66 25
    Dwarfer66 Feb 16, 2015 Link to comment

    Haven't the "crapple" people got there hackles up over this article!


    • 6
      Andy W Feb 16, 2015 Link to comment

      I think anyone with a brain is probably feeling this way. I think team android v team iOS is such a sbhool yard argument. I use both, see the plus and minus of both. But one sided most opinion articles like this make Android users look stupid, not smart.

      Tiffany WhiteDwarfer66


  • 5
    Carolyn Flaherty Feb 16, 2015 Link to comment

    I think one of the big reasons why Android is preferred by many is the price. iPhone are very much expensive compared to Android that are budget-friendly.


    • 6
      Andy W Feb 16, 2015 Link to comment

      Unless you are buyingna flagship phone or a nexus 6, in which case they are about the same price as an iPhone.

      Johnathan Burger


  • 6
    Andy W Feb 16, 2015 Link to comment

    This article is just another reason why I am not coming back to this website again

    Tiffany White


  • 11
    Stuart Male Feb 15, 2015 Link to comment

    It's simple. I own an android. That's why we are smarter.


  • 12
    Russell Wilson Feb 15, 2015 Link to comment

    Yes! no words to describe the awesomeness of this!


  • 3
    Blue Feb 15, 2015 Link to comment

    Okay, this was a terrible article. And I shall explain why.

    This just continues this "feud" of Android and iOS, and even if the author himself is merely playing devil's advocate, it's very bad since I'm sure that all the Android evangelicals will just use it to continue trashing iOS instead of actually using their phones and tablets. Seriously? Saying that users of a phone/tablet OS is "intellectually inferior" to users of another OS is silly at best, and pure click baiting fanboyism at worst. Especially when you consider that some people could say that buying Android based devices are not the best thing to get in the long run.

    Like in the subject of device support and how some companies will release devices only to completely abandon them. With my first and likely only Android phone, LG never sent me an update forever leaving me on Gingerbread. I understand that cheap phones tend to get this treatment. Would you consider someone smart if they bought something that will likely not get any software updates? Especially when they are major security patches? If someone chooses to go iOS or WP for that reason alone I'd would say that they are on the right track and are definitely not children, even possibly not as computer illiterate as they seem.

    And speaking of simple, there is nothing wrong wanting simple. Why am I child for liking my iPad Mini and Lumia 635, preferring not to use the OS that gets it's complexity from having far too many cooks stirring the pot and destroying an otherwise great example of open source software? Simple means that you focus less on your tech (which is meant to help you, not consume most of your free time) and more on what you want to achieve with it. I shouldn't have to root my phone just to get rid of crap I don't use or update my OS.

    As for stability, it's gotten a lot better, a few family members have some low end Visual Land tablets and Kit-Kat runs nicely, the battery life sucks on them but they are happy. I wish my Android experience was that nice, since my low end phone would randomly reboot, lag constantly with making phone calls, and would barely last a day even after replacing the battery. Phones that I bought as cheap MP3 players would suddenly boot loop or try to update then lock up. So, I'll admit my bias, because I've experienced a lot of (BAD) cheap devices prior to Kit-Kat. And WP 8.1 was much better stability wise, especially with the multiplat apps.

    On the subject on price, I'd say that if you are going to spend 300-700 bucks on a phone, you might as well get the iPhone just for the sake of updates and Apple products are pretty good despite a few downsides. Then if you are buying cheaper phones like 200 or less (which is the selling point of Android), I feel that WP are excellent as far as price and performance is concerned, even with the "app gap" it's a good choice.

    And then the classic "sheep" attack, after Apple iPhones and iPads, I see mostly Samsung products. At my work place, you typically see iPhones and Galaxies. If Apple is for sheep then so is Samsung. I'd also argue that it's "hip" to trash Apple and Mircosoft products.

    I went all over the place, but the point is that this "war" should just end, because it make the Android community look like a bunch of Starscreams whenever Apple is brought up, OS superiority is completely subjective and people getting defensive of their brand and bashing the competing brand and it's users with lame attack articles like this (whether in jest or not) will not help us come to an answer for ourselves. Apple makes good products, Samsung makes good products, Android is good but flaw, and so is iOS and WP. Just quit playing into this brand war, it helps no one.

    Tiffany WhiteJordon Corstonyanick


    • 4
      Jordon Corston Feb 16, 2015 Link to comment

      I think you should write articles. I'd definitely read them.

      Tiffany Whitejack lin


  • phatmanXXL 6
    phatmanXXL Feb 15, 2015 Link to comment

    Apple and the media....it's bullshit feeding back onto bullshit. Bloggers (many of whom are stock holders and Apple users) give glowing reviews to Apple products and low reviews to competitors, and downplay negative news, in exchange for access to "leaks" and early access to products to review or invites to media events that gets them clicks (not to mention it helps the stock price). Brokerage firms are routinely seen in articles talking up Apple products (and the stocks they make money pushing). Hardcore fanboys in the comment sections resolutely shill their products while denigrating competitors. Mainstream media outlets get their cues from these people and then hype Apple products to the hills.

    Apple sales result in all of them justifying the whole media machine that Apple depends on to make their sales! Apple sells lots of stuff because of the media shill machine. But the media shill machine says it exist because Apple sells lots of stuff.

    Eventually a cog is going to slip and the whole thing will fall apart.

    Kali Katjack linJeff Garland


    • 7
      Johnathan Burger Feb 16, 2015 Link to comment

      Samsung flat out bribes or bullies people into good reviews. Plenty of evidence around.
      Nowhere is there any evidence of Apple doing the same.
      also, Samsung spends far more on advertising.


  • 4
    KID ANDROID Feb 15, 2015 Link to comment

    The article States that yeah IOS might be more stable but think about how impressive it is that Android apps have to work on multiple devices right. Well what's more impressive is the fact that Android is in reality now more stable then IOS since Android 4.4.4 and above (so Jelly Bean & Lollipop), now that's impressive.

    Guy De Vosjack lin


    • 6
      Andy W Feb 16, 2015 Link to comment

      I have a nexus device and I use iOS. I am also a developer. I can promise you iOS is more stable in every way than Android. I use both devices and have no vested interest in one winning over the other. Android is litreraly a mess compared to iOS.


  • Carmelo Rivera 20
    Carmelo Rivera Feb 15, 2015 Link to comment

    Every time I tell my neighbor about any Android setting or feature, he tells me that it's not necessary or needed, or gimicky until Apple implements it in the iPhone. Or when I put a custom rom and totally change my phone, he tells me that people don't customize and personalize their phones anymore just because he can't make his iPhone his very own. You know, jealousy!

    Ihsan Ullah AasimWarren CaseBojan M.jack linStuart MaleKID ANDROIDphatmanXXL


  • 19
    Moni Mihailov Feb 15, 2015 Link to comment

    Of course android is better than apple. it beats it in every aspect now that lollipop is out.

    Ralph R.Warren CaseStuart Malejack linphatmanXXLPratheek


    • Madars G 10
      Madars G Feb 15, 2015 Link to comment

      lol. nice joke :D android will always sucks


      • phatmanXXL 6
        phatmanXXL Feb 15, 2015 Link to comment

        Ironic you come to an Android website to tell us android sucks, and of course, couldn't dispute any of the points in the article. :-P

        Ihsan Ullah AasimGints K. KulikovskisRalph R.Bojan M.jack linJeff Garland


      • Madars G 10
        Madars G Feb 15, 2015 Link to comment

        becouse i dont have so perfect language to explain to you why.


      • Madars G 10
        Madars G Feb 15, 2015 Link to comment

        design,the best gaming performance,best graphic on games , everything comes first on the iphone... i could tell you more, but there is too many things


    • 8
      Kishin Feb 15, 2015 Link to comment

      I will admit that iOS beats Android in speed and the way everything seems to work seamlessly on iOS; but Android triumphs over iOS in everything else.

      Stuart Malejack linJeff GarlandAmat MulishaMadars G


      • Madars G 10
        Madars G Feb 15, 2015 Link to comment

        Yup, thats true!

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