In the biz world, Windows crushed Apple to become the preferred operating system for the office. (Seriously, I ADORE my Macbook. This twisted little reality I shall never understand. Just sayin’.)
So just what was Window’s evil little plan to achieve such technological world domination? Deceptively simple really. They did it by granting other manufacturers access to their operating system.
The Windows OS showed up inside many different brands of computers. On the flip side, if you wanted the Apple OS, you could only get it from Apple—at a premium price at that. Apple did wind up taking a brief departure from that stance, but it didn’t last.
The question is, how is that battle stacking up in today’s mobile environment? Is one operating system trumping the rest? And does it really matter which phone you choose for business?
Here’s a candid look at the sitch from lil ole me’s vantage point.
The Current State of Mobile
According to International Data Corporation (IDC), a global market intelligence provider, the smartphone market grew by more than 25 percent from the second business quarter of 2013 to the same period in 2014. Who the heck captured the most market share, you might ask? It might surprise you, but Android realized a whopping 84.7 percent, granting just 11.7 percent to Apple.
Who the heck captured the most market share, you might ask? It might surprise you, but Android realized a whopping 84.7 percent, granting just 11.7 percent to Apple.
Analysts point out that Google’s willingness to allow other manufacturers to install the Android OS in their devices, coupled with Apple’s tight-fisted grip on the iOS, is driving the numbers, just like days of old with Windows.
That could be why Android’s share of the market grew over 5 percent for the year while Apple’s dropped. Windows is the closest competitor, with 2.5 percent of mobile device volume at the end of Q2 2014.
But what does it mean to business in the trenches? Is there a clear winner in functionality or capability? Why glad you asked dear reader. Glad you asked. To determine that, let’s compare the two flagship models to see how they match up.
Galaxy s5 vs. iPhone 6: The Beatdown
Which one is best for entrepreneurs?
There is one place at company headquarters where you are more likely to find Apple computers in use: the creative department. For design functions, Apple got the jump on Windows back in the day. Some would say they are still better for design.
Others of course, would disagree.
Since the best mobile phone for you may just boil down to your particular needs, here’s a brief look at the main contenders and functionalities that may impact you.
The View:
Until the release of iPhone 6, many entrepreneurs shied away from Apple phones because of screen size. Previously, you either lived with a 4-inch (diagonal) view or bought something else. iPhone 6 ups the game, getting closer to Samsung’s viewing ability:(diagonal) view or bought something else. iPhone 6 ups the game, getting closer to Samsung’s viewing ability:
- iPhone 6 screen size: 4.7 inches
- Galaxy S5 screen size: 5.1 inches
Mobile big-screen fans love the Samsung Galaxy Note and its 5.7-inch screen. Apple has now countered with the iPhone 6 Plus and a 5.5-inch screen.
If you’re thinking the differences have shrunk, you’re right. The critics love to argue over which is “really larger,” but the nuances really don’t matter where business is concerned. Resolution and clarity of the display are extremely similar. The bottom line is that either phone delivers an amazing view. Checkmate anyone?
The Functions:
A criticism of Apple revolves around the same strangle-hold on applications the company maintains with its iOS. Google’s Android OS is open-source and the code is available to anyone who wants to play with it to create their own apps. Meanwhile, iOS applications are available only through Apple and most have a price tag attached. Some say that opens Android up to far greater security issues, but all mobile phones are under scrutiny for potential data theft problems.
Meanwhile, iOS applications are available only through Apple and most have a price tag attached. Some say that opens Android up to far greater security issues, but all mobile phones are under scrutiny for potential data theft problems.
Some say that opens Android up to far greater security issues, but if we’re being 100% honest, all mobile phones are under scrutiny for potential data theft problems.
The Galaxy S5, for instance, leaves the S4 in the dust with its new security technology (Knox) right out of the box. On the keyboard, Apple is touting the introduction of SwiftKey technology, yet word from the field is that the Samsung keyboard still feels better. Android users counter they like the Google Keyboard app better, and SwiftKey is available free in the Google Play anyway. For taking photos, the general consensus is both are excellent, though there have been reports of color flaws with iOS6.
Android users counter they like the Google Keyboard app better, and SwiftKey is available free in the Google Play anyway. For taking photos, the general consensus is both are excellent, though there have been reports of color flaws with iOS6.
Android users counter they like the Google Keyboard app better, and SwiftKey is available free in the Google Play anyway. For taking photos, the general consensus is both are excellent, though there have been reports of color flaws with iOS6.
The Rest:
Some have criticized Apple for placing appearance over durability. The iPhone 6, however, appears to have addressed most of that criticism. And really… if you can’t tell I’m an Apple fan, Otter Box anyone? 😛
One advantage to the Samsung is a waterproof enclosure, especially important to someone who spends much time on or near the water. On the payment processing side, Apple Pay is standard on the new iPhone, something Apple says will allow you to go shopping without your wallet. Most stores, however, aren’t going along with that technology just yet. And PayPal is absolutely livid over the idea.
On the payment processing side, Apple Pay is standard on the new iPhone, something Apple says will allow you to go shopping without your wallet. Most stores, however, aren’t going along with that technology just yet. And PayPal is absolutely livid over the idea.
Most stores, however, aren’t going along with that technology just yet. And PayPal is absolutely livid over the idea, as you might imagine.
The Bottom Line
Setting aside brand loyalty, the truth may be that there isn’t a whole lot of difference between the iPhone 6 and Samsung mobile devices. You will find entrepreneurs on both sides of the line.
The choice may come down to whether or not you and the people you do business with are fans of Google’s other products, especially gmail and calendar. Android is hooked straight into Google applications.
Apple prefers to hang out with Apple—a proclivity that has been part of the Apple culture from the beginning.
The choice may come down to whether or not you and the people you do business with are fans of Google’s other products, especially gmail and calendar. Android is hooked straight into Google applications. Apple prefers to hang out with Apple—a proclivity that has been part of the Apple culture from the beginning.
Android is hooked straight into Google applications. Apple prefers to hang out with Apple—a proclivity that has been part of the Apple culture from the beginning.
At the end of the day, no matter which phone you choose, you will still be able to say with the utmost of assurance: “There’s an app for that.” <insert maniacal giggle here>
Over to You
So, which mobile device do you lean toward in running your biz? I’d love to hear what works for you and what doesn’t. Feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments below.