iOS, Android, WP three major mobile operating systems horizontal contrast

If you are planning to buy a new smart phone (this may be your first smart phone), how to spend money so that their satisfaction is very important. And the choice of smart phones are actually a large part in the choice of operating system. If you are not sure what to buy entangled in between iOS, Android or Windows Phone to do, then recently DigitalTrends on foreign technology website dedicated to all aspects of the three major operating systems were horizontal contrast, for each of the functions and categories winners will be selected, I hope to help you buy your desirable smartphone.

Value for money

Mention the price, Apple is always doing my part, no matter what generation iPhone is one of the smart phone market was the most expensive. $ 200 (about 1230 yuan) of the contract price and the $ 650 (about 4000 yuan) of bare metal price is higher than most rivals some. Even such a cheap version of iPhone 5c cheaper $ 100, still not really cheap.

And now been acquired by Microsoft Nokia has always been good at producing good quality and low price products. Nokia launched a different price WP phone system, locked in bitter rivals such as Android and iOS in the entry-level market space to play. And including Samsung, ZTE, LG, Lenovo and Huawei in the future will also become Microsoft partners to introduce more low-cost smartphones.

Of course, compared with the Android WP in terms of product categories and scale can not be compared. There are a lot of manufacturers are on the Android platform make every effort to have the high cost of production of various models, while Android's free strategy also further help to reduce the cost of the product. The main source of Samsung, Sony, LG, HTC, ZTE, Huawei and other vendors are Android system products.

Wins: Android

Interface



Guided by the WP, the three major systems are beginning to interface simple, flat, easy to operate and colorful style changes. The biggest difference is due to the many Android phone manufacturers have devoted themselves to customize the operating system, so there are many changes. Although the three systems now essentially the same interface structure, such as drop-down notification center to activate the application Dock and icons etc., but in the diversity of the interface, Android is still stronger than iOS and WP.

The just-released Android L is opened a new "Material Design" style, minimalist and simple animations perfect combination, designed to create a new Google platform and application style. But it is unclear what will bring much Android L impact of the operating system market.

Apple iOS 7 start from the system design will become flat and bright, depth of field switch looks very cool, and the icon changes is also very easy to understand. And this change is since the 2007 advent of the first generation iPhone the most obvious difference. However, there are still many people change iOS system is not satisfied, more like the original design to be materialized.

WP is the use of a magnetic stick-style grid-based design, and can adjust the size. It looks like Windows 8 system, but not the desktop tools. In the eyes of some users, WP style is much more stylish than iOS and Android.

Win: draw

Applications

On the application of quantity and quality, WP happen lags far behind iOS and Android, the two mountains.

Android: 120 million;

iOS: 120 million;

Windows Phone: 24.5 million.

iOS on the number and quality of applications have been among the best, but also the developer's favorite platform. While the recent trend of Android seems to have caught up, and Google Play store free applications and games more and more, but on the kind and quality, or can not be compared with iOS.

Winner: iOS

Ease of application store



In fact, the three platform application stores are unable to provide a perfect user experience, you want to find really want is not easy in the hundreds of thousands of applications. But relatively speaking, than the Apple App Store Google Google Play on classification and recommended more specific, while Microsoft's Windows Phone Shops in the interface, regardless of aesthetics or ease of use, are ranked last.

Winner: iOS

App Store diversity

Android system, whether connected to the computer with a USB copy or direct download, install applications are very convenient. In addition there are many third-party Android application store platform to choose from, although this will increase the risk of malware infection. If you want more options and simple installation shops uninstall way, then the result is obvious. Android than two competitors more open and friendly.

Wins: Android

Battery life and management



As one of the biggest challenges of smart phones, battery life is always the biggest factor. Since the three hardware platforms is not common, it is difficult to directly compare. While the iOS system mAh battery are optimized for each to the extreme, but it can easily Android devices with larger capacity battery. In addition, there are many applications the Android system can accurately estimate the remaining capacity, and most vendors also provide power-saving mode, you can reduce the performance or turn off background programs when low battery to a certain level and so on.

The Android L is the built-in battery protection options will be, but WP system allows users to turn off unnecessary back-office functions and other features to save power. Although Apple at the press conference described in more detail on the battery system iOS 8 statistical methods, but still a lack of effective lighting management applications or measures. In a power comparison, iOS 7 system consumption rate is very fast.

Wins: Android

System Update

Three platforms on the system updates are done well, will push to upgrade every few months a relatively large range of variation to fix bug, adding new features. In addition, as Apple and Microsoft are themselves in control system upgrades rhythm, so even better than Android on compatibility and real-time.

Although Apple last year will leave some products sold in the market, but the system rags fragmentation problems are best solved. And then Microsoft abandoned Windows Phone 7 users, Google's most serious fragmentation problem, let us memories. Unless you are using a Nexus device, the first time will receive updates from Google, otherwise either Sony, Samsung or LG, if the OEM manufacturers do not act, you may never be able to upgrade. Another part of the user or restricted to operators, is not necessarily qualified to experience the latest Android or WP system characteristics. Therefore, Apple has done the best in this regard.

Winner: iOS

Customizability



Although the three systems have a lot of elements that can be customized, but have to admit, this definitely is the Android advantage. The new machine arrived, you can make various settings according to their own experience; desktop launcher can also be installed to change the user interface of the system; set lock screen, multi-context switching, arbitrarily adjust the size of the desktop components and the Quick Launch icon. The iOS and WP can only offer limited options, can set the background and Quick Launch icon.

WP system can change the size and color of the tile, in WP 8.1 is added in the background picture function; while iOS 8, although some small parts can be added in the future, but it is only limited to the notification center. In addition Google has allowed users to install third-party Android input method, although Microsoft has been improving the default input method, but never open the door for a third party. And that will be officially released in the fall of iOS 8 began on third-party input method uses an open mind.

Wins: Android

Rooting, bootloader and jailbreak

For Android devices, once Root privileges, you can change the system arbitrary. Although this is not for everyone, but you can get more applications, without having to wait to install the latest system, the latest user interface, operators get rid of the bloated pre-installed software, or even a substantial increase in speed or battery life of the device time.

Many Android vendors even provide an official bootloader tool, you can customize their phones deeper. And this situation is that Microsoft and Apple are absolutely not allowed. Only a small part of the WP models can Rooting and bootloader, and jailbreak iOS system is always with Apple tit for tat. Even the jailbreak App Store just to bypass part of the system to install the application and plug-ins only.

Wins: Android

Phone and SMS



Three platforms on the functions are different. Google has everything integrated into Hangouts, the Wi-Fi network can call, send text messages and even video calls. The iOS platform FaceTime and iMessages can do almost the same thing. Microsoft provides is the deep integration of Skype, and in addition to Windows also support other platforms. The Hangouts not work on Windows, iMessages and FaceTime also only supports communication between the iOS and OS X systems.

Win: draw

E-mail

Android, iOS and Windows Phone default e-mail services are very easy to use and can be quickly set up. You can switch between multiple e-mail accounts, and view in the same inbox. Another Android and iOS also offers a large number of third-party e-mail service applications.

Win: draw

Peripheral Products

Survey data show that, iPad and iPhone users than Android and WP users are more willing to spend money to buy matching peripheral products. Apple has teamed surrounding iOS device manufacturers to establish a complete ecosystem. Many manufacturers have launched their own for the iPhone products, while Samsung Galaxy S5 is followed. On the other hand, Android and WP have adopted the standard microUSB interface, while Apple insist their Lightning interface, so if you are not using the iPhone, so you can more easily find common charger. And you do not need extra pay big bucks to purchase additional converters. Although peripheral manufacturers still will iOS users as the main target, but now want to find a device does not support the microUSB interface is also very difficult.

Winner: iOS

Cloud Services



Apple in terms of cloud storage and automatic backup, but behind a lot. Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive provides 15GB free space for cross-platform (although the Google Drive does not support the WP platform), and iCloud users 5GB of free space, but only can be used, and only for Windows, Mac and iOS. Also, if you need to spend money to buy extra space, Google Drive cheapest, 100GB capacity just $ 24 (about 145 yuan), Apple 50GB $ 100 annually per year (about 615 yuan), while Microsoft 100GB charged 50 year dollars (about 307 yuan).

Wins: Android

Photo Backup

If you use Google+ service on Android devices, you can automatically back up all of the photos and videos in the iOS system can also use Google+. OneDrive supports automatic backup of all three systems, and Apple's iCloud will only back up in the past one month after the most recent 1000 photos, and does not include video. Although you can back up photos, like the other two permanent system in iOS 8 system, but only 5GB of space compared with Google Drive and OneDrive 15GB of capacity, or stingy.

It is also worth noting that, Google Drive Backup unlimited photos and videos, and only the original resolution pictures just take up space.

Wins: Android

Voice assistant



In the recent past, about between Siri, Google Now and Cortana comparison can be really a lot, three voice assistant can explain or execute various commands. Siri like a simple assistant, set up calendar appointments, Web search and call; Google Now, you can provide additional useful information, do not specifically ask users; If you allow Google Now collect the data, then it will automatically offer give you the nearest restaurant or favorite team's game results.

Cortana can not complete the work of Siri and Google Now, while you can also make calls and reminders in third-party applications, and even send messages to contacts. Microsoft looks at Cortana put a lot of energy, and the future will be a huge advantage WP platform in the face of iOS and Android.

Wins: Windows Phone

Connectivity

All mobile platforms support Bluetooth and Wi-Fi network connection, while Android and WP is more good support NFC technology can be more convenient for close-data exchange and mobile payment services, but iOS is currently not enough. NFC can be used to quickly transfer files, share contacts, or web links, and even mobile audio player can also control the music. However, support for NFC WP currently not very good, but in the latest in WP 8.1 will improve.

Wins: Android

Security

Most of the malicious applications target all Android devices targeted, so security is always the biggest obstacle to Google to face. But as long as users are no longer able to do non-Google Play store to download App, will not face too many security problems. And manufacturers like Samsung to develop their own application store, the same security.

Apple has done in this regard is very much in place, for the average consumer safety is guaranteed, especially in the latest Touch ID fingerprint recognition and cooperation with IBM for business users, Apple can help better ensure the safety of customers. This is also one of the advantages of iOS compared to Android's largest. As for the Windows Phone system, now due to the popularity is not enough, and therefore did not have much interest in malicious software on WP. But Microsoft's security business users is relatively good reputation.

Winner: iOS



Three platforms offer excellent solutions map, most of the features are similar, including offline download, traffic analysis and navigation. But Google Maps absolutely have to do a better job in this regard, it can provide a more detailed points of interest, more detailed information and accuracy.

Wins: Android

Webcam

Camera is another area Apple has a huge advantage. Although the pixel, Galaxy S5, Lumia 1020, etc. must go beyond iPhone 5s of 8,000,000 pixels, but you have to say, only the iPhone 5s most satisfied people in the color, details and the overall effect of the photo.

Another camera application interface iOS system is also faster and better use, not too many adjustments and settings responsible, anytime, anywhere to shoot. The Android because many OEM manufacturers will add their own applications into the camera, so many features is actually useless gimmick. Apple is undoubtedly a winner.

Winner: iOS

Ease of Use

Currently three major platforms after years of development, have become very intuitive and easy to use. If you are a user on the age, then for Android such as some complex operations it is not appropriate. But like Samsung developed a special "Simple mode" to simplify the operation of the phone, or you can also install third-party applications to achieve the same purpose. Whether it is Android or iOS has many specialized applications for the elderly to use.

Some people think that Android is more complicated than iOS, but a little too absolute. As long as you do not want, do not need a deeper level of customization. The WP is at the interface more intuitive, after a simple setup, and no more options can adjust the depth.

Win: draw



To sum up

Android system is by far the most comprehensive platform, coupled with the support of Samsung, LG and other manufacturers, consumers have more choice of products at different price points and more free space to play and customization options, you can create one to your liking perfect smartphone.

Google's cloud services and applications but also to attract a large power consumers. But the biggest advantage of Android also brings the greatest negative impact that the system fragmentation problem. Experience gap flagship model with entry-level model is too large, but also caused many users of Android consequences of poor impression, although Google has been trying to close this gap.

iOS is a very stable, mature platform, and provides a unified interface. The best application store, the most peripheral equipment selection, the best camera, Apple will have to fulfill all the things easier. Another version of the Apple system update is also strictly controlled, either consumers or business users, are able to experience the first time the latest version of the system.

The drawback of iOS is overpriced, too closed, the lack of customizability and less kind of cloud services.

In this contrast, Windows Phone due to the advent of the shortest time, so it seems always in a "soy sauce" position, but Microsoft is through unremitting efforts to catch up with Apple and Google's footsteps. WP 8.1 system in the future, we can see that very significant progress, especially advantage Cortana voice assistant. But the problem is the lack of quality applications WP platform biggest weakness. However, the ease of use, WP can point not lost iOS and Android. Microsoft's powerful cloud services, as well as the popular Office tools can attract a lot of business users. But now, in addition to Cortana, it seems there is no other reason to have a strong appeal to consumers.