Head-to-head: Apple vs AndroidWhich will win for your business?

When it comes to mobile operating systems (OS), chances are you’re already pretty familiar with the big two — Apple and Android.

There’s probably a device running one of them in your pocket or in your hand right now, and you’ll almost certainly have a favorite.

But it’s time to put your personal preferences aside. We’re here to talk about the needs of your business. Picking a single mobile device platform helps all of your devices (and your people) work in harmony, but choosing the right one might not be as simple as you’d expect.

In this short guide, we’ve put the two head-to-head, giving you a clear overview of how they compare, and hopefully an idea of which will win out for your business.

2Sprint Business Head-to-head: Apple vs Android

Meet our first contender: Apple

Known for sleek, snazzy design elements and simple usability, Apple devices are a favorite for millions of users worldwide. And if your business wants intuitive, user-friendly devices for work, they may just win your favor, too.

With Apple, you get:

• Highly desirable devices designed for convenience and ease of management

• Strong integration with other Apple products

• A relatively small, but highly familiar selection of devices, designed to be extremely intuitive

• Strong devices for specialist needs such as design or education

• Access to a broad range of popular first and third-party apps

• Immediate access to many of the latest major app releases

• A clear and simple upgrade path (going from one generation of iPhone to the next is far easier than going from a Samsung device to an LG device for example)

Apple devices are the perfect fit for businesses that:

• Already use a lot of Apple technology, and want mobile devices that can integrate with them

• Want extremely intuitive and streamlined technology that users can get up and running almost immediately

• Need specialist devices for tasks such as design, where technology like the iPad Pro really shines

3Sprint Business Head-to-head: Apple vs Android

Meet our second contender: Android

If you favor a little more flexibility in your devices — and a broader range to choose from — Android may be the right choice for you.

Although the open source operating system makes it slightly more susceptible to malware, it also grants huge flexibility and opens up deep customization options — enabling you to tailor devices to your specific business needs.

With Android, you get:

• An open source OS that gives you maximum flexibility and control

• Access to a huge range of third-party apps

• Devices that are highly integrated with Google offerings

• A huge range of devices for all kinds of business needs

• Lower device prices

• Easy access to Google’s complete suite of productivity tools

• Highly customizable to your business needs

• A little less consistency of user interface (UI) between devices

Android devices are the perfect fit for businesses that:

• Rely on third-party applications to do business

• Value device flexibility and want greater control over what devices can do

• Want to give each user a device that fits their own needs, and has a price tag to match

4Sprint Business Head-to-head: Apple vs Android

Who wins your business?

Both platforms have their own advantages, but which will win out for your business?

By the end of the rounds below, you should have a good idea of how they shape up against each other — and which corner you want to be in.

Apple Android

Round One: Security

Permissions : Customizable permissions for each app Permissions : Slightly deeper permission customization for each app

Locking : PIN always, fingerprint scanning as standard on new devices

Locking : PIN always, fingerprint scanning on some devices

Vulnerability: Closed-source makes the OS harder to crack, but vulnerabilities still exist

Vulnerability: Open-source may be a bit more vulnerable to malware

Round Two: Communications

Voice Calling: Standard network-based calling with support for VoIP

Voice Calling: Standard network-based calling with support for VoIP

Video Calling: Integrated FaceTime app Video Calling: Integrated Google Hangout video conferencing

Messaging: iMessage for easy instant messaging between devices with the option to use third-party apps

Messaging: Network-based messaging with the option to use third-party apps

Collaboration apps: Support for many third-party applications Collaboration apps: Support for third-party apps, and complete integration with Google Apps collaborative tools

Web Browsing: Safari browser that’s familiar to Apple users Web Browsing: Google Chrome browser that’s very familiar to many people

Round Three: Other benefits for your business

Highly desirable devices increase employee satisfaction Flexibility to “mix and match” devices from different manufacturers to account for different tastes and needs

Latest generations boast high processor power for easy multi-tasking

Pay for the power you want with device options scaling from highly affordable to premium

Upgrades are simple, and interoperability is never an issue

Easier to make changes to applications, create your own, and customize how your people use popular ones

A single manufacturer to deal with Devices may not all work together perfectly out of the box, but very little integration work is required to get them in sync

Total

5Sprint Business Head-to-head: Apple vs Android

Ding-ding-ding! Got your winner?

It’s a close bout, but there can only be one winner for your business. Whichever comes out on top, we think you’re going to like the result.

If user-friendly IT is your thing, Apple might be the best bet. But don’t forget, in the future you may need more customizable and flexible devices to please a more diverse team — and when that day comes, Android may be a better fit.

Want more help picking the right tech for your growing business?

Check out our other head-to-head guides:

Google Drive vs Microsoft OneDrive

Cloud vs On-Site IT

6Sprint Business Head-to-head: Apple vs Android

Let’s talkWe think there’s a much better way to deliver carrier services to enterprises. A way that’s optimized for agility; that makes it easy to pivot; and that lets big businesses innovate for customers and shareholders as fast as the upstarts.

Find out what Cargo Tracking solutions can do for you. Contact your local Sprint representative today to learn more. Call 1-877-633-1102 or see more details on sprint.com/business