iPhone/Android Comparison (from amazon.com)

Android vs. iPhone

The Apple iPhone has become one of the best-selling mobile phones worldwide, but it's not the only smartphone in town. Android devices have grown up over the last 18 months thanks to a diverse selection of mobile handsets packed with cutting edge hardware and technologies, an upgraded operating system, and an expansive platform of apps that continues to grow in number and quality.

Android Hardware

Device Selection, Impressive Hardware Driving Android Adoption

Because of Android's manufacturer diversity, you have more choice. There are more than 60 Android devices currently on the market - from top manufacturers like Samsung, Motorola, LG, and Sony - with several premium Android devices offering processor power, camera specs, and screen resolutions that meet or exceed what is available on iPhone 5. If the 4-inch screen of the iPhone 5 is too small, there are several Android-powered handsets that provide more screen real estate — from the 4.3-inch Motorola DROID RAZR MAXX to the 4.8-inch Samsung Galaxy S III or the super-sized 5.5-inch Samsung Galaxy Note II.

Android Operating System

Customizable Android OS Brings Sweet Improvements with Jelly Bean

While hardware specs are often touted upfront when talking about smartphones, it's the operating system software that gets the motor running. With the latest version of Android's operating system — Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) — significant improvements have been made to a create smoother user interface with a more responsive touch experience.

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean also introduces Google Now, which not only enables you to ask your phone questions using natural language (like Apple's Siri) but can also deliver the info you need without asking in the first place. For example, Google Now can deliver updates on your favorite sports team, weather reports, public transport alerts, traffic conditions, and more based on your location, time of day, and previous usage patterns.

Android Platform

Open Platform, Apps at the Heart of the Android Ecosystem

The hardware's backbone and OS software's brains combine to create the apps platform that truly defines the modern smartphone. Since its inception, Android has been an "open" platform, meaning that device manufacturers can add their own tweaks and users can discover and purchase new apps from a variety of sources. The number of Android apps available via the Amazon Appstore and Google Play has been growing steadily and now exceeds 600,000 titles - from popular games like Angry Birds to highly rated productivity apps such as Quick Office Pro.