Android Q Vs iOS 13 – Is There a Clear Winner This Year?

If we sit down to list all “which is better” debates going on in our world, the Android Vs iOS debate would definitely come at the top.

Every year, both Google and Apple launch a new version of their operating systems.  This year, Google introduced Android Q, while Apple introduced iOS 13, both packed with exciting new features and improvements.

Now, before we start comparing Android Q with iOS 13 to see which operating system is better than the other, let’s quickly go through the new features introduced in both operating systems’ new versions.

Android Q Features

Following are the important features Google will be releasing with the Android Q update.

• Dark Theme
• Vulkan Graphics API
• Pixel Presence
• Screen Recording
• Fully Gesture Navigation
• GSIs for Treble Support
• Foldable Phone Support
• Bubbles & Seamless Notification
• Better Sharing

These are the new features that are expected to be launched in Android Q. Now, let’s look at the new features that are expected to be seen with iOS 13 update.

iOS 13 Features

Following are the new features Apple is expected to release with its iOS 13 updates.

• Reminders with a New Look
• Location Data Limits
• Sign-In with Apple
• QuickPath
• Dark Mode
• Animoji & Memoji
• Revamped Maps
• Overhauled Photos App
• Find My iPhone

Now that we’ve gone through a list of new features to expect from both companies, let’s compare them to see who the clear winner is.

Android Q Vs iOS 13 – Which is Better & Why?

Android or iOS, whatever smartphone you’re using, you’re likely to find similarities in features of both operating systems.

But, the question is, which company made its operating system better? – Google with its Android Q or Apple with its iOS 13?

Let’s find out!

1. Privacy Enhancements

This year, both Google and Apple have added new privacy enhancements in their respective operating systems.

For instance, Apple has added ‘Location Data Limits’ and ‘Sign-In with Apple’ feature to stay committed to privacy and protecting users’ identity, while Google has improved the location settings to deliver greater control in its Android Q update.

However, Apple is still a clear winner when it comes to protecting users’ privacy.

Winner – iOS 13 

2. Dark Mode

With iOS 13 and Android Q, both Apple and Google have added a Dark Theme/Mode, which users can manually activate. All default apps on both platforms will get automatically updated, while third-party mobile app developers would have to update their apps to add the functionality.

However, Apple has done a better job with its Dark Mode from the design point of view. The colors in iOS 13’s Dark Mode are balanced perfectly right whereas, in Google’s Android Q, it’s not the case.

Winner – iOS 13

3. Voice Assistants

Though Apple’s Siri was first ever voice assistant to get launched in the market but this year Google’s voice assistant stole the show.

To explain in simplest words possible, Siri still sounds like robotic, while the Google Assistant sounds a bit more natural.

More importantly, Google Assistant does a better job at deciphering and matching search results due to its massive search database, while Apple falls behind at both tasks.

Winner – Android Q

4. Maps

Though this feature comparison is debatable but here’s what we think:

Apple Maps does a better job of traveling from point A to point B. But, Google Maps has a lot to offer in addition to providing directions. For instance, Google Maps provide more precise addresses and street view in 3D, the functionality Apple added in iOS 13 named ‘Look Around’.

But, even with the new functionality, Apple still lags behind.

Winner – Android Q 

5. Photos App

Google Photos app has everything a user would want in a photo service app. It is packed with amazing photo editing tools, the convenience of photo sharing, provision for backup, and finding people that are tagged.

With Android Q, Google has even added a Screen Recorder functionality to capture videos.

Apple, although, has also added a wide range of editing tools, but it still lags behind as Apple Photos provides only 5 GB of free space while Google Photos provide 15 GB of free storage space.

Winner – Android Q

6. First-Party Messaging Apps

Apple has always focused on improving its existing two messaging platforms – Facetime and Messages, which is the main reason for its incomparable quality.

Google, on the other hand, had a wider focus on its messaging platforms. For example, it has Duo and Hangouts for voice and video calls, Google Voice for voice calls, and Hangouts and Chat for business, while messages for texting.

As a result, the quality of all of its messaging platforms is compromised.

Winner – iOS 13

7. Real-Time Reports

With Android Q, Google has introduced ‘Digital Wellbeing’, a similar feature to Apple’s ‘Screen Time’ that lets users know about their digital habits in real-time.

Using this feature, Android users can now also keep track of how much time they actually spend on their smartphones and set limits on them.

However, the main difference between Apple’s ‘Screen Time’ and Google’s new ‘Digital Wellbeing’ is that Apple allows its users to block apps category-wise, while Google is yet to introduce that option.

Winner – iOS 13 

And The Winner Is…

iOS 13!

Though Android Q and iOS 13 are quite different from each other, and we’ve declared iOS 13 as a winner based only on the similarities two of them have.

So, the ultimate decision of which is better between Android Q and iOS 13 largely depends on the users’ needs in an operating system.