iOS vs Android Battle: iOS 8 or Lollipop?

One of the biggest debates on the technology market and a subject always throwing up plenty of controversy is the ongoing clash between iOS vs Android. Ever since they first locked horns back in 2008, the battle has been a constant one.

So even now, over six years since it all began we’re back again with two brand new updates for both systems, battling it out to be named the best of the bunch. Android has given us Lollipop whilst iOS has ushered in its eighth instalment, both of which offer some great features. But which operating system takes the biscuit?

Design: iOS vs Android

The way an operating system looks is vitally important, and iOS and Android have both poured plenty of time and money into their user interfaces to make them look as good as possible. iOS has always opted for simplicity, whilst Android has tended to go for customisation, but is there any change in these mantras?

iOS 8 has stuck to its guns, thanks mainly to the amount of design changes that were made with iOS 7 which meant little work was needed this time around. Apple’s design is very user-friendly; its colours are pastel-esque, making for a solid and easy to use experience which is as pleasant as ever.

Android 5.0 Lollipop, however, has undergone a lot of change from the Android KitKat offering of last year. The new Material Design style goes with a similar approach to that of iOS 8, using simplistic and bold colours to make for a more modern look. Customisation is still superior on the Android front, but the ease of use is still edged by Apple, making this decision between the two a hard one.

iOS 8 vs Android specs

The specs of each piece of software have always been close to call. The general consensus normally stands as that both systems are equal, hence the argument between which is best. But can we spot any noticeable differences between the two?

Android has effectively caught up with iOS by adding 64-bit support, something which was introduced for Apple handsets earlier on in iOS’s lifetime. Google has also opted to use its ART engine for the first time too, offering more speed than ever before seen on the operating system.

iOS 8 has already got 64-bit support, implementing it back with its previous instalment, whilst it has introduced its own programming language on iOS 8. Whilst this doesn’t mean too much for you or me using the device, for developers it means less problems and more security behind the scenes, which should make our experiences with iOS better.

iOS features or Android Lollipop Features?

iOS and Android have rarely got on when it comes down to features, with multiple law suits claiming that one company stole the other’s ideas and visa-versa. But with new updates come new features, so what can we expect to see them bickering over this year?

Apple Watch vs Android Wear

Both Apple and Google are taking on the wearable market this year, with the Apple Watch joining the already healthy supply of Android powered smartwatches.

Apple iOS translates nicely onto its wearable debutant, showing off a number of functional and practical features. The digital crown is the vocal point for controlling the system, whilst its touch screen is also used to select apps and control functions.

Android Wear is Google’s version of Android for wearables, and offers similarly useful features. One which is particularly impressive is the way it can be used to offer hints and tips about places you’re planning on going, which is a great help when you’re travelling in unfamiliar terrain.

Both Android Wear and iOS for wearables link with the operating systems on our phones so will sync messages and other information to allow for messages and calls to come through.

Android Auto vs CarPlay

Both systems are also hitting our cars in the near future, with several big name manufacturers jumping at the opportunity of making smart cars. But can Android or iOS take pole position in this race?

Both systems offer similar features, displaying texts and other contact information through a built-in display. Calls can be made through your in-car system using voice commands, as well as offering maps information to act as a built in satellite navigation system.

Google Wallet and Apple Pay

Apple has already shown off Apple Pay, which turns your NFC enabled iPhone into a copy of your credit or debit card to let you splash the cash when you’re out and about. But as ever, Android isn’t too far behind, offering its own version of the tech, called Google Wallet.

With Google Wallet you can simply pay for thousands of products and even withdraw cash at an ATM just using your phone.

Verdict: Android or iOS?

Both Apple and Google have once again outdone themselves, giving us two supreme pieces of software. Apple has targeted the user-friendly market yet again, sticking with its impressive and successful marketing campaign with iOS 8. Android however, has added a new style design to give Lollipop 5.0 a fresh and new feel about it whilst offering the same customisation options.