Apple Inc. (AAPL): Why This Loyal iPhone User Finally Bought An Android

The ugly
Within apps, iOS still has the clear advantage. Since Android also faces hardware fragmentation and innumerable device configurations, many developers rely heavily on scaling algorithms to have their apps fill up the available space. This frequently results in apps that aren’t fully optimized for displays, and you end up with empty and unused space.

For example, here is the CNN app on both platforms. The iPhone version is much more engaging.

CNN on iOS (left) vs. CNN on Android (right). Source: Screenshots from author’s devices.

This gets even worse on tablets. Since iOS has only three smartphone resolutions (and most are on two), developers can better optimize content to take full advantage.

A matter of perspective
Since buying the Nexus 4, I’m able to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of each platform, which should provide me a better competitive perspective as an investor. Overall, I still believe iOS to be the superior platform for users, developers, and for the platform operator. I may have just bought my first Android, but my primary smartphone will always be an iPhone.

The article Why This Fiercely Loyal iPhone User Finally Bought His First Android originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Evan Niu, CFA, owns shares of Apple. The Motley Fool recommends and owns shares of Apple and Google.

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