Whether you’re a power user or a casual one, knowing which smartphone fits your budget and functionality requirements is important. Subsequently you don’t need to bring a brand new iPhone 4 home only to find out that you don’t need to surf on-the-go as much as the billing company thinks you should. So let’s go over some of the pros and cons of the various options to give you more information so that you can make a knowledgeable decision.
Cost:
There is alot more to a smartphone than its price tag, and although the $199 sticker price of the iPhone 4 can seems pretty expensive, it’s does compare to various Android phones, and this includes the Evo 4G (Sprint), Droid Incredible (Verizon) and Nexus One (T-Mobile). Long-term, whether one will cost more than the other including ongoing plan fees will largely depend on what kinds of mobile features you select and how much of a power user you are, but in the end, the 24 month cost for all four models falls within $500 of each other. See all of Wired’s calculations for a detailed breakdown.
Pre pay is where Apple falls down, and Android are winning. With Android set to be coming to Virgin Mobile USA and Cricket planned later on this summer, the potential for Android to inch ahead of Apple could be comparatively important.
Hardware:
A speedy comparability check of the most crucial features of the various smartphones on the table:
· Memory and storage: These range from 256MB RAM to 512MB RAM, though some lag behind with one 8GB of storage or less, where the iPhone leads with 16 and 32GB.
· Processors: Most have similar processors – 1GHz is pretty common, though the Motorola Droid has only 550 MHz.
· Cameras: While most now have LED flash, the iPhone 4 has only a 5 MP camera which is low compared to the 8 MP in some HTCs. That said, iPhone 4 has the cool dual camera that allows you to see and be seen simultaneously.
· Video: If you’re looking for a camera with video capability, iPhone 4 is definitely leading the pack, though HTCs are close behind.
· Display: By the numbers, the iPhone’s 3.5 inch display seems slightly behind 4.3 inch HTC display available on the EVO 4G, but with iPhone 4′s new Retina Display high resolution IPS screen, theirs is superior by a good distance.
Functionality:
But a phone is more than the hardware, too. Features such as iTunes and MobileMe, mean that the iphone 4 has some of the best features on a phone. The iPhone apart from being easy to use, also has boosted features such as MobileMe and iTunes that inflate the phones use. So how do the Androids stack up?
· MultiTouch: iPhone’s is still superior
· Multitasking: Androids are slightly better here
· Sync/Backup: Similar capabilities, though Androids will automatically get apps on new phone with Google login, making this a little easier
· App install: Easier with an Android
· Music download: Quite a bit easier with Android
· Gaming: Apple has a much wider selection, though Android will likely be more powerful in the future because of its OpenGL APIs, etc.
· Internet: Faster on the Androids
· Navigation: Android phones give you free access to Google Maps Navigation, the same as on the iPhone but for a charge
So, Apple or Android? Your choice will largely depend on how you use your phone. Talk to an expert about your requirements and do more research online to find out the ideal match for your needs. But if you’re a prepaid user who’s been waiting for a smartphone like the iPhone or Android options, wait a while and you’ll soon be rewarded with access to Virgin Mobile or Virgin Cricket!
