Are you wondering the main differences between an iPhone and a smartphone? Chances are that you are not alone. To start with, these devices have revolutionized the way people communicate. As we speak, you can easily send an email, make video calls and even browse the internet from the comfort of your home. Both the iPhone and smartphone can enable you to undertake these activities seamlessly. Apart from this, these handsets offer app-based functionality. These features make people think that these devices are the same.
However, they are different in several ways. For instance, the iPhone is a mobile phone that is exclusively designed by Apple Incorporation. However, a smartphone refers to a mobile phone produced by any phone manufacturer and is capable of accessing the internet and also offers software, phone, and multimedia capabilities through a touch-based screen interface. Technically, an iPhone is a smartphone, but not all smartphones are iPhones. In this article, we shall take a closer look at the two devices so that you can know what sets them apart.
What is an iPhone?
Like we have mentioned above, an iPhone is a mobile phone that is exclusively designed by Apple Incorporation. Besides manufacturing this phone, Apple Incorporation also markets this device all over the world. It is important to note that this handset was first introduced in the year 2007 by Steve Jobs, who is the renowned CEO of Apple Incorporation.
Since this handset is a smartphone, it usually used a touchscreen-based interface. Here, you will be able to access a plethora of apps by just swiping your finger across the screen. Since this handset has an intuitive screen touch interface, it looks more stylish and classy. When using this handset, you will be able to enjoy an immersive experience.
When it comes to the operating system, this handset runs on the iOS mobile operating system. Unlike other phone manufacturing companies, Apple does not allow other companies to use this operating system. Therefore, iOS is exclusively limited to Apple devices. Some of the Apple devices that run on this operating system include iPhone, iPad, Apple computers, MacBook, and so forth.
If you want to download any app for your Apple device, you just need to visit the Apple App Store, and you will download the app you please. As we speak, Apple App Store is the 2nd largest app store in the world. Here, you can get more than 1.85 million apps for your Apple device.
When it comes to the cost of this device, it is relatively higher than other smartphones. This is because Apple always tries to use the latest technology when making this device. For instance, this device comes with a number of security measures that help optimize the privacy of different iPhone users out there. Finally, it is estimated that more than 728 million people use this device all over the world.
What is a Smartphone?
Unlike an iPhone, a smartphone refers to any type of mobile phone that comes with a touch-based screen interface. With this handset, you can readily access the internet, multimedia functionalities, and other phone services seamlessly.
By just swiping your fingers, you will have access to a plethora of apps. From Facebook to WhatsApp, there are many apps that you can find on a smartphone. As we speak, the largest smartphone producers globally include Huawei, Samsung, Sony, Tecno, Oppo, and so on.
When it comes to the operating system, this device runs on the Android operating system. Generally, this operating system is based on Linux and other open-source software. The android operating system was developed by Google and Open Handset Alliance. By 2019, it was estimated that more than 2.5 billion devices were using the Android operating system. Since we are in 2021, this number must have increased drastically.
It is imperative to note that smartphones come with basic apps already installed in them. However, you are at liberty to download other apps from the Google Play store and install them on your device. As we speak, there are more than 2.2 million apps on Google Play Store. You just need to visit Google Play Store and then download the app you please. Since some apps might need more space, you can consider plugging in a microSD card to your device. It is important to note that microSD cards come in various capacities, such as 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, and so on.
When it comes to prices, most smartphones are affordable. In fact, they are cheaper than iPhones. As a result, most people tend to own smartphone compared to iPhone. To put this into perspective, over 2.7 billion people own smartphones all over the world. This number is bigger than those who use iPhones the world over.
Main Differences Between an iPhone and a Smartphone
Although both handsets come in a touch-based screen interface, there are a number of differences that set these devices apart. Some of the differences between these two handsets include:
1. Manufacturer
Like we mentioned above, iPhones are designed and marketed by Apple incorporation while smartphones are made and marketed by different phone manufacturers. From Samsung to Tecno, there are many manufacturers that design and sell smartphones all over the world.
2. Operating system
iPhones usually run on the iOS operating system. However, most smartphones run on the Android operating system. It is also important to note that no other handsets run on the iOS operating system apart from Apple devices. This is actually what makes iPhones quite expensive more than smartphones.
3. Number of users
Both handsets have many users all over the world. However, the number of users of each handset is different. For instance, over 728 million people use iPhones. However, the number of smartphone users is more than 2.7 billion.
4. Price
Like we mentioned above, iPhones are generally costlier than smartphones. This is because iPhones usually come with the latest technology. Besides this, most of them have stylish features that make these devices to be desired by many. On the other hand, smartphones are made using cheap technology and are usually produced in large numbers. This makes the price of smartphones to be relatively affordable compared to that of iPhones.
5. Number of apps available for each handset
Both apps can access a number of apps, either on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. If you are using an iPhone, you will have access to over 1.85 million apps on the Apple App Store. On the other hand, if you are using a smartphone, you will have access to over 2.2 million apps on the Google Play Store. All you need to do is to visit either of these platforms and then download the apps you please and then install them on your device.
6. Ability to customize the home screen of your device
We all like customizing the home screens of our devices every now and then. If you are using a smartphone, you will have an easy time customizing the home screen of your device. However, if you are using an iPhone, you will not be able to customize its screen the way you please. Generally, there are limited personalization options for iPhones.
7. User-friendliness when one is using either Google Play Store or Apple Store
Over the years, the Google Play Store has improved. As we speak, it has become easy to navigate. Besides this, it is more straightforward and therefore more user-friendly. However, Apple App Store is different as it is not as polished and friendly as its counterpart. Most users say that they usually have an easy time downloading apps from Google Play Store than when they are using Apple Play Store to download apps.
8. Presence of a back button
If you are using an iPhone, you will note that it does not have a back button. However, there are buttons inside apps and gestures that work the same as a normal back button. Smartphones are different as they have back buttons, among other buttons.
9. Frequency of getting updates
Both handsets usually get updates from time to time. However, if you are using an iPhone, you are bound to get regular updates from the manufacturer. The situation is different when you are using a smartphone. Sometimes, you have to wait for a while before you get updates on your smartphone.
Apart from this, updates from Apple make iPhone and other Apple devices work faster than before. However, some smartphone users complained about their devices becoming slower than normal once they received updates from the manufacturer.
10. Privacy
When it comes to privacy, iPhones do not disappoint. Although Apple usually collects the data of its users, this data is usually kept safe. In fact, this data is not given to the FBI and other investigative bodies whenever they want to reach you. However, Google is not so much interested in keeping your data private.
Instead, it wants you to keep your data safe. This is because Google usually makes its money from your data by selling adverts to you every now and then. However, Apple’s income does not come from ads. Instead, it comes from the sale of its devices. Therefore, your data might leak when using a smartphone than an iPhone.
11. Availability of expandable storage
If you are using a smartphone, you will note that it allows you to insert microSD cards, among other hardware options. However, iPhones hardly allow you to insert a microSD card. Therefore, you should be keen when buying an iPhone as you might have issues when you want to expand its memory. The only advantage that most iPhones have is that they come with large internal memory. As a result, it might take a while before you need extra storage space.
12. Presence of third parties
When it comes to downloading apps, iPhones are very strict. You can only download apps from the Apple App Store. However, when using a smartphone, you can download apps from the Google Play Store or other third parties. This poses a risk as your smartphone might get malware from third-party apps. The good news is that your iPhone will remain secure as it does not allow you to download apps from third parties.
Final Thoughts
Both iPhone and other smartphone are excellent devices that can help you communicate effectively and even browse the internet. However, these devices are different in several ways. From their manufacturers to their ability to accept third parties, there is a myriad of differences between these two devices. Note these differences today, and you will be able to make a wise choice when buying either of these devices.
