Not long ago, Google has launched its Android Q Beta version, which comes with a dark mode and provides owners with increased management regarding their privacy. Apple has now attempted to also win over more fans and users with its new iOS 13, which comes with an overall dark mode and numerous adjustments that make the smartphone much more comfortable to operate.
The two tech giants have launched yearly updates to their smartphone’s operating systems, enhancing them with voice assistants, smart tools, powerful camera lenses, optimized maps, and messaging apps in various ways to boost the user experience.
Google announced that its Android Q would be available in the fall, just like Apple’s iOS 13. Based on what both companies disclosed on their new releases, we decided to compare the two mobile operating systems.
Android Q Vs. iOS 13 – Which One Has Better Features And Functions
Dark mode
Aside from allowing you to shift it from a bright white screen, the dark mode can come with lots of other benefits such as preserving battery life by enabling only a few pixels on display. Google incorporated a dark mode into an Android Pie update this year, but it didn’t make it available everywhere.
However, in the first Android Q betas, the dark mode is spread more uniformly across the operating system. Even so, few of Google’s app, such as Gmail and Chrome, are not introduced with the dark theme option.
Apple first introduced the dark mode for desktop and launched it in MacOS Mojave back in 2018. With the upcoming iOS 13, Apple will incorporate the dark mode to its mobile devices as well. The giant behind iPhone devices will fold the dark theme to a lot of places, including the wallpaper, widgets, notifications, to Calendar and Messages. The upcoming iOS 13 will offer a broader spectrum of dark experience across the iPhone devices.
Winner: iOS 13
Running mobile apps on other devices
Apple announced at its last year’s developer conference that it would move a few of its iOS app to MacOS utilizing a tool called Marzipan. This week, the company stated that it would allow iPadOS developers to transfer their iPad apps to Mac in a program named Project Catalyst.
Google also allows developers to transfer software among its platforms by offering users of new Chromebooks access to Android applications via the Google Play Store. However, the initiative has a few shortcomings such as internet connection requirement, and lack of renown and widely used operating system apps like Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop.
Winner: iOS 13
Apple Arcade vs. Google Stadia
Apple Arcade will allow you to play games on your iPhone via iOS 13, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV devices. Also, the company has stated, interestingly enough, that Arcade will function with Xbox One S and PlayStation DualShock 4 consoles.
Google Stadia service will allow you to play anywhere as long as you can find a Chrome browser. The service will come with its console and function with third-party controllers.
Both Arcade and Stadia are not coming until late this year, but we think that Google Stadia might be a perfect fit if you like console games and have access to a good internet connection. If you are an occasional gamer who plays mobile and indie games, Apple’s service might be better for you.
Winner: Android Q and Google Stadia
iOS 13 Messages and FaceTime vs. Google Duo, Hangouts, and Messages
Apple’s FaceTime and Messages are too good to be overpowered by other video and text apps. Communications are end-to-end encrypted, and the messaging transfer between the future iOS 13 and MacOS Catalina devices is flawless. You can also design Memoji with Apple’s messaging app.
Google’s messaging concept on Android Q would be much more diverse. Also, Google has Duo and Hangouts for voice and video calls, Google Voice for dedicated voice calls, Hangouts Chat and Meet for business chats, and Android Messages for text messaging. Hangouts website can be used on Mac and Windows devices, too, and you can text message through the web variant of the app. The web version is good, but not seamless.
Winner: iOS 13
Google Assistant on Android Q vs. Siri on iOS 13
Apple has first introduced the voice assistant into its devices. Siri is available worldwide, functioning on iOS, MacOS, and WatchOS devices. Since the iOS 12 introduced Siri shortcuts, you can create customized tasks that the assistant can do for you. iOS 13, for its part, would improve Siri.
Google first released its Google Assistant in 2016, namely the Google Home smart speaker, but not much time passed until the Google Assistant took over and overpowered Siri. Google implemented its smart assistant on Pixel devices, in the Google Home Mini, and Google Home Max, and into cars as Assistant Driving Mode. The company unveiled at its Google I/O conference a series of its assistant customization features, especially on the upcoming Android Q.
Apple announced at its WWDC19 a range of useful additions to Siri, such as searching for WatchOS apps on the Apple Watch and reading and responding to incoming messages via AirPods and stream radio stations. The upcoming iOS 13 will also feature Siri Shortcuts.
Winner: Android Q
User’s privacy
Apple is making a selling point from keeping user data private, unlike Google, which depends on targeted ads based on user information. Instead, Apple gains profit from its hardware, apps, and services it provides users with. Apple announced at WWDC19 that it would offer its users more control of location permissions with applications. It also revealed a brand new sign-in technique that enables you with more control over your private information.
Because of the vast source of revenues that its ad business represents, Google has a more difficult time to offer as much privacy protection as Apple does. However, its upcoming Android Q is said to provide users with more control over what type of data they allow to be seen via Google’s apps and services.
Winner: iOS 13
Android Q Vs. iOS 13 – Conclusions
In conclusion, iOS 13 scored more points overall, but Android Q should not be taken lightly as it had some huge advantages on some categories over Apple’s operating system. However, it all depends on what you want and what you need.
Tim M. Hill helped bring Digital-Overload from a weekly newsletter to a full-fledged news site by creating a new website and branding. He continues to assist in keeping the site responsive and well organized for the readers. As a writer to Digital-Overload, Tim mainly covers mobile news and gadgets.
