Two Competitors Take a Bite Out Of Apple

Students’ Takes On iPhone Versus Android Debate

One of the biggest debates of the 21st century just got bigger. Apple and Android have been competing with each other for an entire decade already, and the smartphone industry isn’t dying out anytime soon. Now, with the more recent addition of Apple Music, the debate has escalated to include a rivalry between Spotify, a veteran music platform and Apple’s new challenger.

This battle began when Apple released its first smartphone, and Android did the same only eight months later. Now, almost 11 years after the first smartphone was released, consumers are still faced with a decision: should they buy an Android or an iPhone?

However, some buyers don’t have a choice. This could be because of their age or their budget. For junior Carla Parra, her parents determined which smartphone she would get. Although she didn’t have a choice in the matter, she has come to terms with her parents’ decision.

“I’m glad I’m on the Android because for some reason iPhones scare me. They’re too advanced,” she said.

Apart from that, Parra also said she doesn’t like how often iPhones need to be updated. She’s not a fan of how expensive they are or how similar qualities can be found between her Android and an iPhone.

“For example, when I see people taking pictures on an iPhone, it comes out great. But an Android can also take great pictures, depending on the phone,” she said.

Also an Android user, junior Danny Tu said he prefers his Samsung because of Apple’s Virtual Assistant Siri. He also dislikes the notch in iPhones, and how limiting iOS can be.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, freshman Emily Collins prefers her iPhone over Androids for the abundance of applications, as well as the phones’ physical appearance. Though she owns and prefers Apple products, she still acknowledges Android.

“As for Androids, I feel like they are an amazing brand, but it’s just a preference of mine to have Apple,” Collins said.

Also on the Apple side is senior Kevin Phan. He says that, if he had a choice between the two, he would still prefer an iPhone over an Android because “the quality an Android gives isn’t the best.”

Between the two rival music platforms, Parra says she prefers both. She enjoys how they both offer different varieties of music, and her choices aren’t limited. Her music preferences range from classical to R&B, and these two platforms accommodate all of her musical needs.

“They have any type of music to suit your mood any day,” Parra said.

When asked which she liked more, Collins chose Spotify. She prefers this platform because Spotify is free, whereas Apple Music’s monthly prices range from $9.99 to $14.99. This factor influenced Collins’s decision greatly. She also thinks that “you get a better deal with Spotify.”

The debates are still raging, and new opinions are still being voiced. Whether it’s price, quality, security or personalization, there’s always something to discuss and improve in the smartphone industry.