Apple and Samsung are the two biggest smartphone brands in the world, but they have very different takes on smartphones. Apple prioritizes simplicity, while Samsung focuses on versatility and customization.
They both have their advantages and disadvantages, and after using smartphones from Samsung and Apple side by side over the past few years, here are the six reasons why I feel Galaxy phones are better than iPhones.
More versatile cameras
Every year, the best smartphone cameras are from Apple and Samsung. However, Galaxy smartphones have more versatile cameras. As we tested last year, the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s camera turned out to be way more versatile than the iPhone 13 Pro Max. The Galaxy S21 Ultra has a better telephoto camera and ultrawide cameras. And the Galaxy S22 Ultra has only widened that gap.
Galaxy phones also feature a full-fledged Pro mode and Director’s View for professionals. Newer phones even have a dedicated first-party app for even better control over the cameras. Those who want to have fun with their smartphone cameras can use features like AR Zone and Single Take.
At any price point, Galaxy phones have relatively more versatile cameras. For example, the Galaxy A53 and the Galaxy A73 offer a lot more camera features than the similarly priced iPhone SE 2022. If you want fun and engaging cameras on your phone, you better choose a Galaxy phone over an iPhone.
Deeper customization options
One UI is the best Android skin in my opinion. It has a sophisticated design but still offers dozens of customization options. You can change the wallpaper, themes, call screen, home screen and app drawer layouts, fonts, and even icon packs (via Good Lock).
In comparison, the iPhone only lets you change the wallpaper. Yes, changing app icons is possible on iPhones, but it’s a very lengthy process, and it involves using the Shortcuts app. You can’t even customize lock screen app shortcuts. A Galaxy phone would serve you better if you like customizing your phone.
Better file management
Although iPhones have the built-in Files app, Galaxy phones offer much better file management. You can easily connect external storage devices or even cloud storage services using the built-in file manager.
Renaming or moving files or working with files across the software and third-party apps is way easier than iPhones.
Better multitasking
Also, downloading files or third-party app data in the background is a horrible experience on iPhones. For example, the Spotify app stops downloading music files for offline listening a few seconds after minimizing the app or switching to a different app.
If you want to use two apps simultaneously, you can’t do it on an iPhone. At most, you can watch a video in the picture-in-picture mode while using another app, and that’s about it. You can use two apps side by side on Galaxy phones and have a third app in the floating window.
Better Typing Experience
Earlier, the keyboard on the iPhone used to be faster and more responsive. However, the situation has reversed, and Galaxy phones have more keyboard and layout options, faster response times, better word predictions and suggestions, and the option to add a dedicated numbers row. With One UI 4.1, Samsung has even added language suggestions through Grammarly integration.
The iPhone’s stock keyboard feels slow and fails at predicting words. I often face typing errors while typing on an iPhone. I am not sure if it’s just the keyboard layout and design or the algorithms. Although the iPhone also offers the option to use third-party keyboards, the experience is just not as good as you would find on a Galaxy device.
Since using a smartphone involves a lot of typing, Galaxy phones usually offer a better experience.
Faster, More Convenient Charging
iPhones have always lagged when it comes to charging speeds. Most Galaxy phones can be fully charged in around an hour. Most iPhones take at least 50% more time for a full charge.
Moreover, Galaxy phones have a USB Type-C charging port, and finding a USB Type-C cable is easier than finding a Lightning cable. You can use the same cable to charge your earbuds, laptop, and other accessories.
These are the primary reasons I find Galaxy phones better to use than iPhones in general. What do you prefer?