It’s an ongoing mystery that befuddles business analysts: How does Apple – which comes out with one phone per year – maintain such a stunningly large market dominance in the smart phone market.

The answer is not easily arrived at – or maybe it is. Most students enjoy the simplicity of the iPhone’s interface and design. Android-based phones, in contrast, can lack the design elements that make their competitors such a popular choice. Android definitely wins however on the flexibility of the software with a wider range of apps and capabilities. In fact Android has a lot of advantages to the iPhone, all of which adds to the mystery of Apple’s dominance in the smart phone sector.

In addition to the flexibility of the software, Android also is widely regarded to have a better camera than iPhones in the most recent Galaxy models. With the ability to store unlimited photos, compared to Apple’s iCloud, Google Photos is clearly superior. Another feature built in to Android devices is Google maps, a program known to be better than Apple’s map application. Google maps can show traffic all over a city grid and it also can give you multiple route choices when things are really gridlocked. The notifications on Android’s are better, showing “priority” notifications based on your choices as well as clear them with a simple swipe.

Here in our halls, there are Android aficionados including sophomore Nicolas Prada-Rey. “Androids have better battery life, a better camera, better screen durability, and the ability to download apps off of the internet is very convenient,” he said.

Apple doesn’t lose in all categories and they dominate in a lot of useful places. The iPhone has a sleeker design and a better phone and messaging service. The service iMessage trumps all of Android’s attempts at a better one, with the ability to send free text messages to all other iPhones. Along with iMessage, Apple’s introduction of FaceTime and FaceTime audio stomp on Android’s inferior calling methods. Not only is it free, but when you’re in more remote areas without service, with WiFi you can make calls all around the world.

“I like having the simpler interface, the bigger selection of apps, and reliable customer service,” said sophomore Jack Butler.

Even though Android has innovative capabilities Apple hasn’t caught up to, Apple’s conveniently simple interface and exterior designs are clearly why during “iPhone season” Apple’s profits go through the roof. Many strongly believe that Android is better, however with the influence of the masses Apple is able to beat Android no matter the product due to reputation, design and presentation.