Beyond the Price: Why Choose the Apple iPhone or the Google Pixel?

If I asked what is the first word that crosses your mind when you think of the Apple iPhone or the Google Pixel, for that matter, “expensive” would be your answer, and you are not wrong. At the time of this writing, the Google Pixel 8 (the cheapest model) is priced at around 160,000/- while the iPhone 15 (also the cheapest model) will cost around 225,000/-. The average consumer sometimes doesn’t even consider spending such a fortune on a smartphone because, after all, with brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo manufacturing entry-level smartphones as well as high-end devices, the budget-conscious consumer has a wide array of options. Even the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra costs only 280,000/-, while the rival Apple iPhone 15 Pro costs 350,000/-. (Samsung is the most popular smartphone brand next to Apple.) Still, I have six reasons to choose an Apple iPhone or a Google Pixel phone over Samsung and other brands.

Devices that Integrate with Your Work

Both the Apple iPhone and the Google Pixel phone are designed to integrate very well with your work. To begin with, Google Pixel phones support Google Workspace right out of the box. Pixel phones are shipped with built-in support for Google Workspace apps like Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and more. You can easily add your Workspace account to your phone and access all your work data on the go. It’s not all. Pixel phones allow you to set up a work profile alongside your personal profile. This keeps your work data separate from your personal data and allows your IT administrator to manage your work profile with security policies. Pixel phones are known for their security features, which are important for enterprise use. Google Workspace also offers security features to protect your work data. Overall, Google Pixel phones are a great choice for users who need to integrate their phones with Google Workspace.

iPhones also come with pre-installed apps like Mail, Calendar, Notes, and Reminders that can be synced with your work email and calendar system. This lets you access work emails, appointments, and tasks directly from your phone. Many companies use Mobile Device Management (MDM) software such as “Jamf Pro” to manage employee iPhones. MDM allows IT departments to configure security settings, deploy work apps, and remotely wipe the device if lost or stolen, keeping your work data secure. On the other hand, if you are working for an organization heavily reliant on Apple products, work gets easier thanks to the interconnected world of Apple’s hardware, software, and services designed to work seamlessly together, known as the Apple Eco-System. For example, Universal Clipboard lets you copy and paste content across devices, and AirDrop enables effortless file sharing between them. Apple products are known for their ease of use, making them attractive to non-technical users.

Devices that Prioritize Privacy & Security

So here’s the second reason to choose an Apple iPhone or a Google Pixel phone. When apps track your behaviour, they build a profile of you. This data can be used for targeted advertising, but it can also be sold to third parties or even leaked. While some targeted advertising can be convenient, it can also feel intrusive. If apps are constantly aware of your location, it makes you more vulnerable to stalking or physical harm. Additionally, some malicious apps might use tracking data to steal your identity or financial information. As for information security, iPhones boast several strengths: The App Store has strict vetting, reducing malware risks. Apple controls both iPhone hardware and iOS software, minimizing vulnerabilities. Apple directly pushes security patches to all iPhones, ensuring everyone gets the latest protection. Apps run in isolated environments (sandboxing), limiting their access to other data and core system functions, minimizing potential damage from malicious apps.

As you see in the above commercial for Apple iPhones, you can terminate apps tracking your behaviour with the tap of a button. Although I cannot say the same about Google Pixel devices, they also prioritize user security and privacy by design. To begin with, Pixel phones come with a dedicated “Titan M” security chip that helps safeguard sensitive data like passwords and encryption keys. Just like Apple, Google prioritizes Pixel phones for security updates. They typically receive the latest patches directly from Google much faster than phones from other manufacturers, who rely on carriers or the manufacturer itself for updates. Additionally, Pixels avoids the additional software customizations loaded onto some Android phones by other manufacturers. These customizations can sometimes introduce security vulnerabilities. Overall, similar to iPhones, Pixel prioritizes security during development, making them inherently more secure against common threats.

Devices with After-Sales Service & Support

I cannot vouch for reliable after-sales service and support for Google Pixel devices, but I do know Apple iPhones have a reputation for great after-sales service and support even in Sri Lanka. Although you cannot reap the full benefits, the Apple Care+ Extended Warranty plans are available in Sri Lanka as well. Just see to it that you are buying your device from an Apple Authorized or a Premium Reseller. (I have provided a link to the list of Apple Authorized Resellers and Premium Resellers in Sri Lanka at the end of this post.) The only drawback, the way I see it, is that devices needing repairs must be sent to Singapore, and you have to bear the handling fees. It’s worth the inconvenience, however, because Apple has outstanding after-sales service and support compared to other brands. Brands other than Apple and Google advertise reliable after-sales service and support as well, but we all know they’re not always as reliable as they say.

Google Pixel Devices are Bloatware-Free

There are a vast number of smartphone brands that use Android. Estimates suggest around 1,300 brands have produced Android devices, with over 24,000 distinct Android devices in total. This high number reflects the open-source nature of Android, allowing various manufacturers to customize the platform for their devices. Unfortunately, the open-source nature permits smartphone manufacturers to load their devices with “bloatware” (software that comes pre-installed on a smartphone that you didn’t ask for and likely don’t want or need). It typically takes up storage space, consumes resources, can slow down your device, and may collect your data without your consent. Removal of these often requires “rooting” the OS. An operation the average user isn’t capable of carrying out. It nullifies the warranty. It could also make the device vulnerable to malware sometimes. Google Pixel devices, on the other hand, are driven by stock Android. Hence they are bloatware-free.

Note: While Google Pixel devices use stock Android, some carrier versions may have pre-installed apps. Please check with your carrier first.

iPhones Have a Second-Hand Phone Market

If you are concerned about the cost of upgrading your iPhone in the future, I have news for you. You can sell your old device and cover part of the cost of the upgrade because iPhones dominate the second-hand phone market even in Sri Lanka. Here’s why: iPhones are known for their strong build quality and long lifespan. They tend to last for several years without major performance issues, attracting budget-conscious buyers. Apple provides extended software updates for iPhones, even for older models, guaranteeing continued security and access to new features for second-hand iPhone users. Apple has a strong brand reputation for quality and user experience. This translates to iPhones holding their value well in the second-hand market compared to other brands. iPhones are known for their user-friendly interface, making them attractive to even non-tech-savvy users who might be looking for a reliable phone in the second-hand market. In some regions, you can even trade in your old device.

Wrap Up

In closing, let’s consider a purely non-technical reason for choosing an Apple iPhone or a Google Pixel device over Samsung and other brands: You deserve the best! Sometimes it’s not the price tag that keeps us from buying an Apple iPhone or a Google Pixel. It’s the guilt that does. There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to an expensive but reliable device like the Apple iPhone or the Google Pixel with your hard-earned money. Maybe you are a single parent or the sole breadwinner of your family. Why not reward yourself for your birthday or Christmas? If you can’t afford the latest, you can consider a second-hand device until you can afford an upgrade. Either way, always buy from an Apple Authorized or a Premium Reseller.

Apple Premium Resellers, by the way, are resellers recognized by Apple for providing superior customer service with a focus on Apple solutions, service, and support. (Click here for a list of authorized resellers.) Unfortunately, Google doesn’t have authorized resellers in Sri Lanka. However, you can check with online retailers like Daraz. Just make sure the warranty is valid in Sri Lanka and maybe shop around to get the best price. Also, make sure the phone is compatible with Sri Lankan mobile networks. It may also be worth considering buying a Pixel phone from abroad and having it shipped to Sri Lanka. This could be cheaper than buying one in Sri Lanka, but you will need to factor in the cost of shipping and import duties.

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