Why the iOS vs. Android Debate Rages On

Much like religion, sport, and politics, the debate about Android or iOS being the better mobile gaming platform is one that gets emotions running high. Both operating systems have their fans and their foes, and the question is one that is unlikely to be resolved any time soon.

Take a look at some of the factors that continue to stimulate the debate with us below.

iOS Gets Games First

Truly dedicated players are not always known for their patience when it comes to waiting for new game releases. They wait for the release date with eager anticipation, and download the app as soon as it appears.

Unfortunately for players with Android devices, it is usually those players with iOS devices who get to download new games first. This is simply because most game development studios develop games for iOS first.

There are several reasons for this. The time and money involved in developing, testing, and tweaking games for iOS is much less than it is for Android, plus there is also the fact that games for iOS generally make more money for developers than those available to players with Android devices.

Look and Feel

Another factor that swings the debate in the favour of iOS is that mobile games generally have a much better look and feel on those devices. This is generally down to something known as frame rates.

Much like cinema photography, the visuals of games are actually many still frames that move fast enough to create the optical illusion that the images are moving. This is all fine and well until players realise that iOS and Android devices cap the frame rate.

Many of the newer mobile games have a frame rate of between 30 and 60 frames per second. iOS smartphones and tablets are more than capable of handling that. Android devices, on the other hand, usually cap the frame rate at somewhere around 44 frames per second.

It is because of iOS devices’ ability to handle a higher frame rate that most games look better on those devices.

Cost Comes Into It

Affordability is a subject that pushes Android devices up in the estimation of many players. Not every player earns tons of money. That certainly doesn’t mean that they are not dedicated players; it just means that they are players with a budget.

iOS devices are notoriously expensive, and that is not all. Players also need to pay for many of the gaming apps for that operating system.

Android devices, on the other hand, are generally far more affordable, which is why devices with the operating system are so popular in developing countries. Mobile gaming app piracy also features here.

iOS is a closed operating system, and one that does not make it easy to pirate games. Android, however, is no such thing. This makes it easier to pirate games.

While pirated games are seldom as good as the original, paid-for versions, it does mean that players on a tight budget are generally able to play games for free.

Fewer Bugs on Android

The number of bugs found in many new iOS mobile gaming app releases is something that frustrates many players. However, players with Android devices seldom have to face the same number of bugs.

This is because most of those issues have been fixed by the time the gaming app is finally available for Android download.

As you can see, there is no easy answer to the iOS VS Android debate. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference and what players can afford or are willing to pay.