At the moment, the world of mobile operating systems has three major names – Apple iOS 8, Android 5.0 Lollipop, and Windows Phone 8.1. Not many people have had the opportunity to experience the three operating systems through their smartphones or tablets. So, below is a comparison of these popular mobile operating systems.
Android 5.0 is more friendly to developers than its Apple counterpart, iOS 8. Apple’s software is more prone to glitches, even when compared to its earlier version iOS 7. Android 5.0 is more stable than iOS 8. However, these differences do not vary by much, as all the three operating systems offer a decently stable environment for both users and developers.
Android 5.0 separates between apps and widgets through its app drawer feature. On the other hand, neither iOS 8 nor Windows 8.1 offer a similar feature. Apple’s iOS, however, has effective third-party widgets. In general, however, Android 5.0 has a broader selection of widgets than either iOS 8 or Windows 8.1.
All the three operating systems allow users to switch between different apps. However, iOS 8 has an edge in this regard due to its smoother and more functional interface.
The lock screens on the three mobile operating systems are also quite similar. The three systems allow users to view notifications easily in addition to showing the clock. The lock screen interfaces for the three phones are also quite easy to use.
The home screen in all three operating systems is customizable. With Android 5.0 and iOS 8, you can place the important apps at the bottom of the screen. With Windows 8.1, you only have the option of placing your favorite apps in the home screen. The apps on the Windows 8.1 homescreen are arranged vertically whereas the apps on the Android 5.0 and iOS 8 are arranged horizontally.
With Android 5.0 and Windows 8.1, you can access the full list of settings directly from the notification screen. However, with iOS 8, you can only access a short list of settings from its control panel.
The keyboards on the three operating systems all support predictive text. However, while Android 5.0 and Windows 8.1 support the “swype” feature, iOS 8 does not offer this feature.
Android 5.0 and Apple iOS 8 are now at par when it comes to design efficiency. Initially, iOS 8 had an edge in terms of its efficiency due to a smoother interface. Windows 8.1 features a somewhat unusual interface that is also relatively efficient, although its no match for what iOS 8 and Android 5.0 have to offer.
Android 5.0 and iOS 8 have considerably more apps than Windows 8.1. However, apps developed for the three operating systems continue to grow in size. Additionally, most major apps are present in all the three platforms.
Clearly, Android 5.0 and iOS 8 offer more customization options than Windows 8.1. With Android 5 and iOS 8, you can change themes and colors. Windows 8 comes with many present settings that limit the user’s ability to edit the appearance of the home screen.
Conclusion
On many fronts, iOS 8, Android 5.0 and Windows 8.1 are very effective mobile operating systems. However, the Android 5.0 platform is considerably more similar to the iOS platform with regard to design. Windows 8.1 offers a noticeably different use experience which , nevertheless, quite efficient. However, in general, the three systems all offer several handy features to their users.
Related ItemsAndroid 5.0 LollipopAppleiOS 8Windows Phone 8.1
