Apple’s latest mobile operating system, iOS 18, packs useful new features like custom Control Centers and expanded Tapback options, making the iPhone even more appealing. Despite the added polish, iOS is still lacking in a lot of ways. In fact, the clunkiness of its new message scheduler (a more intuitive feature that Android has had for some time) inspired us to ask an important question: What else does Android do better than iOS?
If you're on the fence about your next phone, check out these five features that may sway you toward the Android camp.
(Credit: Google, PCMag)1. Hold for Me
Everyone must make business-related calls, whether to the DMV or a bank’s customer service team. These tasks are the epitome of monotony, since you'll spend a lot of time on hold. Elevator music doesn’t distract from this tedium, but Android makes those calls somewhat bearable.
Hold for Me is a unique feature you activate via your Android phone's Settings menu. Afterward, whenever you call a business, you'll see a message stating that Google Assistant will stay on the line. Simply tap the Hold for Me icon when you’re put on hold, so Google Assistant can monitor the call and notify you when someone picks up on the other end. It’s a spectacularly convenient feature that iOS lacks.
(Credit: Google, PCMag)2. Convenient Access to App Settings
One seriously understated Android feature is opening an app’s settings without backing out to the home screen. Many Android apps either include a Settings cog icon or let you enter the menu from within the app.
On iOS, you must back out of the app, head to the Settings menu, and scroll until you find what you want. Sure, you can swipe up and use the app switcher to quickly cycle between the app and settings menu, but this adds a layer of tedium that Android lacks. Just select settings from the app, and you’re in. It's simple.
(Credit: Apple, PCMag)3. Intuitive Message Scheduling
iOS 18 finally lets you schedule messages. This is a cool idea, but its current implementation is clunky, especially compared with Android. The problem? More menu surfing. To schedule a message, you must tap the plus icon on the bottom of the screen, and select Send Later from the menu. This adds a time option for selecting a date and hour to send the message. You shouldn't need an explainer, but here's ours.
Android's message scheduling is far more streamlined. You simply press and hold the send button to launch the scheduler. You can even choose suggested times or go the custom route. That's it!
(Credit: Apple, Google, PCMag)4. A Superior Keyboard
iOS’s keyboard layout leaves much to be desired compared with Android’s. It lacks a number row, so you must swap to the number tab to access it. Swapping between key functions makes message-crafting unnecessarily irksome, even though iOS’ keyboard is snappy and responsive.
On Android, letter, number, and basic punctuation keys are available by default. If you hide the number keys to reduce the keyboard's size, you can still access those digits by long-pressing the keys on the top row (or enable symbols via a long-press). Functionally, it’s leagues better than what iOS offers. Sure, third-party keyboards make your iPhone keyboard more intuitive, but why go through the trouble when this rudimentary function should be available by default?
(Credit: Google, PCMag)5. Restriction-Free Sideloading
Apple has eased its restrictions on iPhone sideloading to comply with European Union regulations. Sideloading opens the door to software or services beyond the Apple App Store, letting you install third-party browser engines and a wide array of apps from different stores (or a developer's website). Unfortunately, this is only true in Europe; the rest of the world doesn't enjoy this luxury.
Android, on the other hand, supports sideloading without regional limitations. Google's made this process slightly more restrictive to protect the tech illiterate from compromising their phone’s privacy and security, but savvy users have carte blanche to download whatever they want onto their phones. We appreciate Apple’s commitment to security, but if Europe has iPhone sideloading, everyone should, too.
Android fans, what else does your operating system do better than iOS? Apple lovers, where does Android drop the ball? Sound off with your thoughts in the comments below.