A friend is looking to purchase a smart phone soon and they cannot decide between an iPhone or an Android. OBBVIIOOUSSSLLYY the Android is a better pick 
but I want to be as fair as I can in describing them the Pros & Con of each phone. If you're bored, I would appreciate a read on the stuff below -- as well any comments/suggestions. Thank you.
Note: This is stock vs stock, no hacks. Changes using custom roms or hacked phones are not permitted for comparison.
iPhone, Android, and Windows Phone comparison
---------------------------------------------
Windows Phones are simply trash. Do not even consider buying them. Now to the real competition...
Battery Life: iPhones have superior battery life. Androids are not likely to last as long without an extended battery.
Look & Feel: This is entirely preference but I believe most feel the iPhone has a nicer, sleeker look. However, I favor Android phones due to the larger screens and the four buttons (Home, Menu, Last Screen, Search) opposed to the iPhones single(Home) button.
Syncronization Ease: The iPhone recently had an update which lets you syncronize through your wireless router, or 'the iCloud.' I'm unsure how this works, but I imagine it is mostly ideal for small files as larger files or bulk music files would take longer to syncronize. Without use of iCloud you would have to use iTunes or another application to syncronize your phone.
The Android uses the charger (USB to Micro SD adapter) to plug into your computer and drag+drop to manage files; this looks and feels as if you were moving files in Windows - no special application is needed.
Speed: The newer iPhones are fairly fast. I believe this is due to the simplicity of the platform(iOS, Apples phone software), as well the phone hardware. However, any competitive Android can match the fluidiness of iPhones with the proper hardware -- it mostly depends on which phone you buy and what hardware is inside.
Interfacing: The Android has a more flexible interface than the iPhone. The iPhone interface is very simple and basic. In order to have applications on your iPhone they must sit on your home screens, although you can place them in folders.
Androids on the other hand do not require your applications to sit on your home screen. Addtionally Androids are highly customizable. There are many applications that enhance how your Android looks and handles, as well most phones come with various preset themes.
Keyboard Use: iPhone definitely has a better stock keyboard. It does seem to flow better and is more accurate with key presses.
There are keyboard alternatives for the Android. You may not get the same feel as the iPhone but many are very close, and also offer Swype technology. There are also Androids available with sliding QWERTY keyboards.
Product Expansion & Gadgets: There are many companies which make utilities for phones. iPhones are likely to have more accessories and cases; additionally, a lot of stereos support iPod/iPhone docks which not only charge the device but produces a better sound quality than the auxiliary output.
Market Applications: iPhones offer more applications on their market, however there are many redundancies in application types -- and Android has a very competitive market as well. Over all, there is very little difference. Androids do have the ability to obtain applications outside of the market -- if you know what I mean *wink wink ... Arrrg Matey.*
Security and Stability: In the earlier stages, Androids were known to be less stable than iPhones. Androids have come a long way since, and are equally as stable as iPhones now.
Security is not an issue for either phone. There are anti-virus applications on the market, but are not even remotely needed unless you are hacking your phone and making mistakes on the way; in other words, don't waste your time with anti-virus applications.
Media Player and Media Market: Many like iTunes to easily purchase music. Android does not have a music purchase center. Additionally I find I like the navigation and feel of the music player on the iPhone as opposed to the stock Android player.
Modern Android phones do however support Flash, which is used mostly on entertainment websites. This may not be a necessity.
Voice Commands: The iPhone 4S has introduced Siri, a voice command interface capable of many things. Android does have a similar voice command feature, although not as advanced as Siri. Stock voice commands should be plenty to get you what you need on the Android though. This is more of a preference feature.
3G and 4G Networking: Andriod phones are superior in the sense of network speeds. Some Androids offer the use of 4G networks which can reach speeds of 14-18Mbps, while iPhones use 3G which can commonly only reach speeds of 1-3Mbps. Although, the iPhone 4S does use new 3G technology that can reach competetive speeds of 8-12Mbps. However -- ... both the boosted 3G speeds and 4G speeds are commonly only available in more populated areas such as large cities. These features may not apply to Maine.
Integrated Media: Android is far better for social media. The iPhone currently only supports most social media groups by third party applications while the Android has these built in. This means your notifications are more likely to come in quicker, as well flow much more smoothly with the interface and everything within the phone itself(contacts, photos, ect).
Camera Quality: The iPhone 4S has recently released an 8megapixel back camera, which is pretty decent. However, most Androids have just as good back cameras, and often better front cameras. Remember that Android hardware is dependent per phone, and the only way to be sure which is better is to test.
Phone Storage: iPhones come in the sizes of 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB. Each extra interval is an added 100$. Androids often have an internal storage of around 2-8GB, but offer SD Card storage. SD Card storage is generally 25% the price of what Apple is asking for the same storage. Additionally you can remove, replace, and expand your SD Card storage. I favor Android's storage options.
Reception and Call Quality: The iPhone 4 (not 4S) has a nasty issue with dropping calls and providing poor call quality. This is however not an issue to concern yourself with on the iPhone 4S. Android phones have no known reception or quality issues.
Carrier and Phone Options: iPhones are becoming available on more carriers on a regular basis, but at the time Android phones are more widely available. These also leads to cheaper Androids should yours become damaged outside of warranty and in need of being replaced. There are also a larger variety of Android phones.
Features
--------
Built in Screenshot: The iPhone has a built in screenshot option, the Android requires an application to do this. While the application works, it is more work and some times a hassel - even though an Android fan I am not impressed with them for exluding a stock screenshot feature.
Free GPS: Android is Google based, which means google features are included. Androids come equipped with a free GPS application called Navigation, which is not available on the iPhone. The iPhone does offer 'Maps' for free, which uses Google technology; this application however does not give you lane assist or detailed instructions, nor does it give you voice as Navigation does.
Wonderful Widgets: Android has widgets which are essentially small applications on your home screens. This allows you to quickly check the weather, word of the day, facebook, various other events.
Data/Storage Management: Due to Androids ability to plug and play they are much easier to manage data on, beyond the interface level. You can also clear data applications have stored on Androids, which is more difficult to perform on iPhones. This is more of a power user feature, and is likely not a concern for casual use.
Android has a cuter logo: There I said it.
Extra Thoughts
--------------
Screen Resolution: iPhones tend to have better screen resolution, producing a sharper image. Although, I do not see this as a significant issue. If you are fine with how the picture is on the phones you preview, differentials in resolution shouldn't matter.
Software Updates: Receiving updates often means you are getting new features, and bug fixes. More consistent updates is generally better, and Apple tends to produce updates regularly. While an Android fan, I favor Apple for pushing more updates.
Which to choose: I believe, and in one quick sentence: Androids are for power users, and iPhones are for simplicity.
but I want to be as fair as I can in describing them the Pros & Con of each phone. If you're bored, I would appreciate a read on the stuff below -- as well any comments/suggestions. Thank you.Note: This is stock vs stock, no hacks. Changes using custom roms or hacked phones are not permitted for comparison.
iPhone, Android, and Windows Phone comparison
---------------------------------------------
Windows Phones are simply trash. Do not even consider buying them. Now to the real competition...
Battery Life: iPhones have superior battery life. Androids are not likely to last as long without an extended battery.
Look & Feel: This is entirely preference but I believe most feel the iPhone has a nicer, sleeker look. However, I favor Android phones due to the larger screens and the four buttons (Home, Menu, Last Screen, Search) opposed to the iPhones single(Home) button.
Syncronization Ease: The iPhone recently had an update which lets you syncronize through your wireless router, or 'the iCloud.' I'm unsure how this works, but I imagine it is mostly ideal for small files as larger files or bulk music files would take longer to syncronize. Without use of iCloud you would have to use iTunes or another application to syncronize your phone.
The Android uses the charger (USB to Micro SD adapter) to plug into your computer and drag+drop to manage files; this looks and feels as if you were moving files in Windows - no special application is needed.
Speed: The newer iPhones are fairly fast. I believe this is due to the simplicity of the platform(iOS, Apples phone software), as well the phone hardware. However, any competitive Android can match the fluidiness of iPhones with the proper hardware -- it mostly depends on which phone you buy and what hardware is inside.
Interfacing: The Android has a more flexible interface than the iPhone. The iPhone interface is very simple and basic. In order to have applications on your iPhone they must sit on your home screens, although you can place them in folders.
Androids on the other hand do not require your applications to sit on your home screen. Addtionally Androids are highly customizable. There are many applications that enhance how your Android looks and handles, as well most phones come with various preset themes.
Keyboard Use: iPhone definitely has a better stock keyboard. It does seem to flow better and is more accurate with key presses.
There are keyboard alternatives for the Android. You may not get the same feel as the iPhone but many are very close, and also offer Swype technology. There are also Androids available with sliding QWERTY keyboards.
Product Expansion & Gadgets: There are many companies which make utilities for phones. iPhones are likely to have more accessories and cases; additionally, a lot of stereos support iPod/iPhone docks which not only charge the device but produces a better sound quality than the auxiliary output.
Market Applications: iPhones offer more applications on their market, however there are many redundancies in application types -- and Android has a very competitive market as well. Over all, there is very little difference. Androids do have the ability to obtain applications outside of the market -- if you know what I mean *wink wink ... Arrrg Matey.*
Security and Stability: In the earlier stages, Androids were known to be less stable than iPhones. Androids have come a long way since, and are equally as stable as iPhones now.
Security is not an issue for either phone. There are anti-virus applications on the market, but are not even remotely needed unless you are hacking your phone and making mistakes on the way; in other words, don't waste your time with anti-virus applications.
Media Player and Media Market: Many like iTunes to easily purchase music. Android does not have a music purchase center. Additionally I find I like the navigation and feel of the music player on the iPhone as opposed to the stock Android player.
Modern Android phones do however support Flash, which is used mostly on entertainment websites. This may not be a necessity.
Voice Commands: The iPhone 4S has introduced Siri, a voice command interface capable of many things. Android does have a similar voice command feature, although not as advanced as Siri. Stock voice commands should be plenty to get you what you need on the Android though. This is more of a preference feature.
3G and 4G Networking: Andriod phones are superior in the sense of network speeds. Some Androids offer the use of 4G networks which can reach speeds of 14-18Mbps, while iPhones use 3G which can commonly only reach speeds of 1-3Mbps. Although, the iPhone 4S does use new 3G technology that can reach competetive speeds of 8-12Mbps. However -- ... both the boosted 3G speeds and 4G speeds are commonly only available in more populated areas such as large cities. These features may not apply to Maine.
Integrated Media: Android is far better for social media. The iPhone currently only supports most social media groups by third party applications while the Android has these built in. This means your notifications are more likely to come in quicker, as well flow much more smoothly with the interface and everything within the phone itself(contacts, photos, ect).
Camera Quality: The iPhone 4S has recently released an 8megapixel back camera, which is pretty decent. However, most Androids have just as good back cameras, and often better front cameras. Remember that Android hardware is dependent per phone, and the only way to be sure which is better is to test.
Phone Storage: iPhones come in the sizes of 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB. Each extra interval is an added 100$. Androids often have an internal storage of around 2-8GB, but offer SD Card storage. SD Card storage is generally 25% the price of what Apple is asking for the same storage. Additionally you can remove, replace, and expand your SD Card storage. I favor Android's storage options.
Reception and Call Quality: The iPhone 4 (not 4S) has a nasty issue with dropping calls and providing poor call quality. This is however not an issue to concern yourself with on the iPhone 4S. Android phones have no known reception or quality issues.
Carrier and Phone Options: iPhones are becoming available on more carriers on a regular basis, but at the time Android phones are more widely available. These also leads to cheaper Androids should yours become damaged outside of warranty and in need of being replaced. There are also a larger variety of Android phones.
Features
--------
Built in Screenshot: The iPhone has a built in screenshot option, the Android requires an application to do this. While the application works, it is more work and some times a hassel - even though an Android fan I am not impressed with them for exluding a stock screenshot feature.
Free GPS: Android is Google based, which means google features are included. Androids come equipped with a free GPS application called Navigation, which is not available on the iPhone. The iPhone does offer 'Maps' for free, which uses Google technology; this application however does not give you lane assist or detailed instructions, nor does it give you voice as Navigation does.
Wonderful Widgets: Android has widgets which are essentially small applications on your home screens. This allows you to quickly check the weather, word of the day, facebook, various other events.
Data/Storage Management: Due to Androids ability to plug and play they are much easier to manage data on, beyond the interface level. You can also clear data applications have stored on Androids, which is more difficult to perform on iPhones. This is more of a power user feature, and is likely not a concern for casual use.
Android has a cuter logo: There I said it.
Extra Thoughts
--------------
Screen Resolution: iPhones tend to have better screen resolution, producing a sharper image. Although, I do not see this as a significant issue. If you are fine with how the picture is on the phones you preview, differentials in resolution shouldn't matter.
Software Updates: Receiving updates often means you are getting new features, and bug fixes. More consistent updates is generally better, and Apple tends to produce updates regularly. While an Android fan, I favor Apple for pushing more updates.
Which to choose: I believe, and in one quick sentence: Androids are for power users, and iPhones are for simplicity.
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My Computer
- Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
- Toshiba A505-S6960
- OS
- Windows 7 Home Premium x64
- CPU
- Intel Core 2 Duo T6500 / 2.1 GHz
- Memory
- 4.0GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 398MHz (6-6-6-18)
- Graphics Card(s)
- Onboard - Intel GMA 4500MHD 128MB
- Sound Card
- Onboard
