As smartphones have become increasingly popular over the past few years, two brands iPhone and Droids are clearly the two most popular. People on both sides of the smartphone battle are extremely loyal to their particular brand. “I wouldn’t give up my Droid for an iPhone,” says one junior. Both of these phones offer all of the simple smartphone functions, such as calling, messaging, playing music, and surfing the internet, however there are many major differences between the two phones.

Appearance:
The iPhone has a very sleek design, and is wrapped in a stainless steel band. All sides are coated with a protective layer of aluminosilicate glass, a material that is 20 times stiffer and 30 times stronger than plastic, which makes the phone extremely durable. The back of the Droid is made of plastic, which is not nearly as durable, but allows Droid users to remove the battery. Although this can sometimes be useful, it is probably not going to be a deal breaker for someone deciding between the two phones. (Advantage: iPhone)

Camera and Display:
The iPhone’s highly touted retina display is a whopping 960 x 640 pixels, whereas the Droid’s screen is only 800 x 480. The Droid’s screen is also slightly larger, which makes the lower resolution all the more noticeable. Although the iPhone’s backside camera (5 megapixels) is not as good as the Droid’s (8 megapixels), the iPhone has a 1.3 megapixel frontal camera, and, unlike the Droid, offers users the ability the video chat with other iPhone owners. The iPhone also has the ability to shoot 720p videos, a feature that the Droid doesn’t have. (Advantage: iPhone)

Customization:
Droid owners, on the other hand, point to its customizability as the main appeal. “I like the fact that I can customize my apps and widgets,” says a junior. The android OS allows for widgets to be displayed and used without opening any apps. Users can look up sports scores, write notes, check their calendar, and play music, all without leaving the home screen of the phone. The Droid and the iPhone both allow users to organize their apps into folders, but the Droid goes a step further by allowing users to put widgets on the home screen. (Advantage: Droid)

Apps:
Although the iPhone’s app store is much larger than the Android Market, all of the popular iPhone games, except for Tiny Wings, are available for Android. The Droid also comes with the free Google Maps application, which provides turn-by-turn navigation, an extremely useful tool for new drivers. The iPhone offers a free maps application, but does not offer a free turn-by-turn navigation. (Advantage: Neither)

Media:
Both of these phones can play and download music. The iPhone uses the iTunes store, which is larger than the Amazon MP3 library from which Android users can choose. The iTunes store, unlike Amazon MP3, also offers videos that can be downloaded directly to the phone. Amazon, however, offers music that is slightly less expensive, and that is compatible with all MP3 players. The Droid’s external speakers also have a higher quality than the iPhone’s. (Advantage: Neither)

When their features are stacked up side by side, the iPhone has the clear advantage. It has more apps, movies, and music available right on the phone, a more durable casing, more memory, a longer battery life, and a better display. The Droid however is more customizable, has a higher megapixel camera, higher quality speakers, as well as free turn-by-turn navigation. If you are looking for a smartphone that is generally superior, the iPhone is clearly for you. However, the Droid offers certain extremely useful features that the iPhone does not have.