JustinVoelker.com

Does the world really need another Apple vs. Android article? Nope, but I’m going to write one anyway. Being an iPod Touch owner with a new Android phone I have been asked by a couple friends which is “better” and which I prefer. Well, “better” depends on what you are looking for but hopefully the following can help.

I have been waiting for over 2 years for Apple to bring the iPhone to Verizon.  I am on my third iPod and wanted to consolidate my phone, music, and apps onto one device.  Growing tired of waiting and seeing Android pick up momentum with Verizon I decided to do a little research.  I didn’t really care for the original Droid’s slide out keyboard and it just didn’t seem like it had what it takes to replace my iPod.  Enter the HTC Incredible (or the “Droid Incredible by HTC” for those of you that buy into the moronic Verizon idea that any phone running Google’s Android operating system is a “Droid” which is not the case).  The HTC Incredible seemed like a device to actually replace my iPod so I pulled the hypothetical trigger and made my purchase tying me to Verizon for two more years.  After a month of thoroughly enjoying my new phone I have the following comparison to offer.  (If you want a technical comparison look elsewhere–this is purely from an end-user usability standpoint and doesn’t compare pixels and GHz.)

Physical Device

In terms of the physical device, the two are about equal.  The Incredible screen is slightly taller and when comparing the two side-by-side, the iPod does not look nearly as bright and vibrant as the Incredible.  They each will give you 16 apps per page (7 pages on the Incredible and 9 on the current iPod) but while the iPod can only have that many apps installed the Incredible can have many more apps, just not all displayed on one of the 7 pages; they can be accessed from the “All Programs” menu.  Both devices are extremely responsive to touch and scroll smoothly through web pages and anything else that needs scrolling.

Applications

Apple still appears to have the lead when it comes to apps.  I have a few apps on my iPod that aren’t available on Android although Android seems to be catching up.  Although Apple has more apps, Android doesn’t require developers to use a Mac and purchase their software.  Just as a test I built a quick Hello World application for Android and within an hour (that includes downloading and installing the software) had it running on my Incredible.  The real benefit here is that Google doesn’t approve apps before they are added to the Android Market in the way Apple does with it’s App Store.  Anyone can publish anything in the Android Market with minimal effort.

Overall Interface and Usability

The iPod’s interface is simple.  Really simple.  However, with simplicity comes lack of control.  You can only place shortcuts to apps on the different pages, and those icons must be placed from left to right, top to bottom.  With Android you can place any app icon anywhere on any page.  Also, you get Widgets–mini programs that run on the page without having to open an applications.  The calendar is a great example.  On the iPod, you click the “Calendar” icon to view your appointments.  On Android, you can have a Calendar widget–it takes the place of multiple icons but it shows your calendar without having to open an app.

Other

The iPod has just one physical home button while the Incredible has 4 touch-sensitive buttons for home, menu, back, and search.  After using my Incredible for a while, I miss having these buttons on my iPod.  Although I use my Incredible for nearly everything (email, facebook, twitter, rss feeds), I still use my iPod for my music.  So, I’m not able to completely consolidate my two devices yet, but, my Incredible follows me everywhere while my iPod sits at home waiting to go for an evening bike ride.

Final thoughts

There is plenty more to talk about when comparing these devices but some points I could not compare fairly as I do not own an iPhone but just an iPod.  The above points are valid for the iPod and iPhone so I think they can be made fairly.  I can wrap up this entire comparison by saying that I was a die-hard iPod fan and desperately wanted the iPhone to come to Verizon.  After purchasing my Incredible I haven’t looked back and no longer care if Verizon ever gets the iPhone.  There was a time when I’m sure Verizon “needed” the iPhone–I’m willing to bet that has changed and it is now Apple that needs Verizon as Android is gaining momentum and shows no sign of stopping.

To anyone wanting the iPhone on Verizon–go Android–you’ll be glad you did.  Apple had better watch what’s coming up from behind before it’s too late and Android takes over.