Are you torn between iOS 9 and Marshmallow as your preferred operating system?
Ios 9 Vs. Marshmallow has long been debated among tech enthusiasts, each offering its unique features, advantages, and drawbacks.
In this article, we will compare the user experience, performance enhancements, multitasking capabilities, customization options, and app interface of both iOS 9 and Marshmallow.
Let’s find out more!
Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) Review
Android 6.0 Marshmallow showcases a range of innovative features that enhance user experience, device performance, and personalization options.
The redesigned App menu, App search bar, and Memory Manager improve app accessibility and streamline memory usage, resolving issues seen in previous Android versions.
1. App Menu Redesigned for Enhanced User Experience
The Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) operating system significantly overhauls the App menu, removing app pages and replacing them with a user-friendly long horizontal list of apps.
This design, reminiscent of Windows Phones and the HTC Sense Android interface, allows users to view and select applications easily. The apps are arranged alphabetically, simplifying app access and execution, even with a lengthy list of applications.
2. App Search Bar for Effortless App Discovery
Marshmallow introduces an innovative App search bar at the App menu’s top. When users search for an application, the system first checks the app menu and, if unsuccessful, automatically proceeds to the Google Play Store to find the desired app.
The App search bar also intelligently features four slots displaying frequently or recently used apps using a special algorithm, further enhancing efficiency.
3. Clock Redesign and Memory Manager for Better Performance
The new operating system boasts a redesigned clock, providing sharper visuals and a refreshed look. The date text now appears in all caps, with thicker font characters on the screen’s top. Android 6.0 addresses previous memory consumption issues by incorporating a Memory Manager.
This manager analyzes app memory usage, highlights memory-hogging apps, and presents a comprehensive view of memory activities within the last 24 hours, empowering users to take necessary precautions.
4. Personalization with Lock Screen Messages
A noteworthy addition to Android 6.0 is the ability to add a custom text line to the lock screen. Users can conveniently add their preferred text, displayed in lowercase, which subtly contrasts the clock-related font.
This feature enhances personalization and allows users to display essential messages on the lock screen.
5. Battery Optimization for Improved Efficiency
Building on the battery-saving features introduced with Android Lollipop, Android Marshmallow introduces Battery Optimization. This feature optimizes app energy consumption, significantly extending battery life.
Users can exempt important applications from optimization, ensuring crucial apps perform optimally while conserving battery power.
6. Enhanced Volume Controls and Convenient Do Not Disturb Mode
Android 6.0 addresses user concerns by reintroducing essential silent mode functionality. Dubbed “Do not disturb mode,” this feature allows users to silence certain alerts temporarily while retaining alarm settings.
The new volume controls offer separate management options for various volume settings, giving users full control over their device’s audio output.
7. Nexus Imprint Fingerprint Scanner and Android Pay
Marshmallow introduces native hardware support for the fingerprint scanner, known as Nexus Imprint, which is featured in Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P devices. This feature enhances device security and facilitates seamless user authentication.
Google has recently unveiled Android Pay, a promising payment platform that aims to compete with industry rivals like Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.
iOS 9 Review
iOS 9 is a feature-rich and user-friendly operating system, providing a seamless experience across Apple devices.
With its vast device support, multitasking enhancements, and improved applications, iOS 9 is a commendable upgrade for Apple enthusiasts, offering enhanced performance, convenience, and efficiency.
1. Expansive Device Support and Multitasking Capabilities
The latest iOS 9, crafted by Apple, brings many exciting features designed to elevate the user experience. This new operating system boasts improvements in battery life, a low power mode for extended battery usage, an upgraded Siri, and enhancements to the Notes app.
iOS 9 introduces improved applications, including News and Apple Maps, aiming to simplify navigation and provide a comprehensive news feed.
2. Wider Device Compatibility and Enhanced Multitasking
iOS 9 offers impressive device support, accommodating models ranging from the iPhone 4S to newer Apple devices, including the iPad Air 2, iPad Mini, and iPad Pro.
The highlight of this upgrade lies in the tablets, as the OS introduces innovative multitasking features like split view, allowing users to run applications side by side.
Other multitasking capabilities include picture-in-picture support and the slide-over feature, enhancing productivity and convenience.
3. Enhanced Siri for Accurate Assistance
The new digital assistant, Siri, in iOS 9 demonstrates marked improvement compared to its predecessor. With increased accuracy and specificity in search results, Siri now offers reminders, efficiently catering to user needs and tasks.
4. Proactive and Convenient Search Feature
iOS 9 introduces a more proactive search feature, accessible by swiping right to the home screen or down. Users can easily search for contacts, calendar dates, and messages and make calls.
The search feature intelligently displays frequently used contacts, nearby interesting locations, and app suggestions, streamlining the search experience.
5. News Aggregator
Apple’s News feature aims to centralize user interests into a customizable news feed. Users can select topics of interest, save articles for later reading, and swipe between stories.
While the concept is commendable, some users find the news feed organization slightly disorganized, indicating room for improvement in the reading experience.
6. Maps with Public Transit Routes
The Maps application on iOS 9 integrates public transit routes, facilitating easier travel planning. Users can tap on bus stops or train stations to view relevant lines and departure schedules.
Although Apple Maps offers unique features, some users still prefer Google Maps, but the current offering is considered a promising start.
7. Empowered Notes App with Versatile Tools
The Notes app in iOS 9 distinguishes itself with its advanced tools, allowing users to sketch and doodle, create checklists, add images, and share information with other applications. The app supports formatting options and enables users to add styles, further enhancing note-taking capabilities.
With iCloud support and the ability to create folders for organization, the Notes app presents itself as a promising option for future note-taking needs.
8. App Switcher and Keyboard Enhancements
iOS 9 introduces a refreshed look for the app switcher, showcasing open apps in a condensed format, facilitating seamless app shuffling and multitasking.
The keyboard offers a convenient shift key feature, automatically toggling between capital and lowercase letters, simplifying tasks like entering passwords.
9. Improved Battery Life and Low Power Mode
Apple’s claim of an extra hour of battery life with iOS 9 has been confirmed, delighting users with improved battery performance.
Moreover, the new low-power mode functions similarly to Android’s Battery Saver, optimizing power consumption for prolonged device usage.
10. Embracing Change and User-Focused Features
iOS 9 encourages users to embrace change with its array of user-focused enhancements. The refined Siri and proactive search feature demonstrate Apple’s commitment to providing accurate and convenient assistance, making daily tasks and information retrieval effortless.
Integrating public transit routes in Maps and the improved News aggregator reflects Apple’s dedication to simplifying travel planning and informing users of relevant news.
While third-party alternatives in the past may have overshadowed the Notes app, the sophisticated tools, and iCloud support now position it as a robust contender in the note-taking realm.
11. Boosting Productivity with Multitasking and Keyboard Convenience
iOS 9’s multitasking capabilities, including split view and slide-over features, cater to users seeking enhanced productivity on their iPads. The redesigned app switcher allows for smooth app navigation, fostering a seamless multitasking experience.
Meanwhile, the keyboard’s shift key innovation streamlines text input, providing a convenient solution for varying capitalization needs.
12. Battery Life and Low Power Mode
Apple’s focus on optimizing battery life is evident with iOS 9, where users enjoy an extra hour of device usage compared to previous versions.
Introducing the low power mode extends battery life by intelligently managing power consumption, ensuring devices can keep up with users’ busy schedules.
Android 6.0 Marshmallow vs iOS 9: A Comprehensive Comparison
While Android 6.0 Marshmallow and iOS 9 have different strengths and features, the gap between them has narrowed significantly. Users’ preferences, customization needs, and device compatibility will play a vital role in determining which operating system suits their requirements best.
Here are some key differences between iOS 9 and Marshmallow:
Visual Design and Interface
Android 6.0 Marshmallow and iOS 9 maintain their distinct visual styles. Android’s Material Design offers a vibrant and card-based interface, while iOS boasts a more refined and elegant look. Users’ preferences play a significant role in choosing between the two, and both approaches have their merits.
iOS 9’s Split View and Slide Over modes excel on tablet screens, making it a more attractive option for tablet users. However, Android can sometimes appear cartoonish and stretched on larger devices.
Personalization
Android retains its customization crown, allowing users to add widgets, install alternative launchers, and replace default apps for a personalized experience.
On the other hand, iOS offers limited customization options and sticks to its stock apps, providing a more uniform experience across devices.
Security
iOS 9 highlights Apple’s emphasis on privacy, with Siri data remaining on the device and not shared with Apple. Android now supports hardware encryption but lags behind iOS regarding privacy features.
Availability
iOS enjoys an advantage in terms of updates, as they are simpler, faster, and available on older devices. In contrast, Android’s fragmentation issue, except for Nexus devices, can delay receiving the latest updates.
Compatibility with Third-Party Devices
Android’s cloud-based approach makes it easier to use non-Apple hardware in conjunction with Google’s ecosystem. Conversely, using Apple devices with non-Apple hardware can be less straightforward.
All the Similarities
Both Android 6.0 and iOS 9 share several features, including NFC support, mobile payment systems, and similar notification pop-ups and actions. The latest iOS update even brings it closer to Android regarding Settings app search and other visual similarities.
Google Now on Tap vs Proactive Siri
Google Now on Tap and Proactive Siri receive major upgrades in their respective OS versions. Google Now focuses on personalization, while Siri gains contextually aware features and some Google Now-style capabilities.
Both digital assistants have their strengths, with Siri excelling in app-specific actions and Google Now providing broader information gathering.
Native Apps and Ecosystem
Both Android and iOS continue to enhance their native apps, with Google’s revamped Photos tool standing out.
The competition between Google Photos and Apple’s iCloud Photo Library remains ongoing.
| Aspect | iOS 9 | Android 6.0 Marshmallow |
| Visual Design | Refined, elegant look, Split View and Slide Over modes for tablets | Vibrant Material Design Can appear cartoonish on larger devices |
| Personalization | Limited customization options, Uniform experience across devices | Extensive customization with widgets, alternative launchers, and more |
| Security | Emphasis on privacy, Siri data stays on device | Supports hardware encryption, but lags behind in privacy features |
| Updates | Simpler, faster updates, available on older devices | Fragmentation can lead to delays in receiving updates (except Nexus) |
| Compatibility | Limited compatibility with non-Apple hardware | Easier integration with non-Apple |
| Third-Party Devices | None | hardware in Google ecosystem |
| Similarities | similar notification pop-ups and actions | Similar notification pop-ups and actions |
| Support | NFC support, mobile payments | NFC support, mobile payments |
| Digital Assistants | Siri gains contextually aware features and app-specific actions | Google Now focuses on personalization |
| Native Apps | Continual improvement of native apps | Native app enhancement ongoing |
| Ecosystem | competition between Google Photos and iCloud | Google Photos standout |
The Choice Between iOS and Android: A Comparison
The choice between iOS and Android ultimately depends on individual preferences, existing hardware investments, and desired levels of customization and privacy.
While both platforms continue to evolve and offer compelling features, the decision to opt for iOS or Android will likely be influenced by one’s current ecosystem and preferences.
Hardware Integration and Ecosystem
The decision between iOS and Android goes beyond the web interface, with hardware integration and ecosystem playing a significant role. iOS is the natural choice for those invested in Apple hardware, as it offers a seamless experience with other Apple devices.
While Apple Music may soon be available on Android, most apps remain exclusive to iOS and OS X, making switching within the Apple ecosystem easier.
App Selection and Availability
IOS and Android boast strong app selections, with major new apps often launching simultaneously on both platforms. However, smaller startup-developed apps may debut on iOS first due to the complexities of coding for various Android devices.
Although the app choices are vast, a few noteworthy iOS apps remain exclusive to the platform.
Android vs. iOS Philosophies
Android and iOS have established their unique philosophies, evident in their recent major updates. Android prioritizes openness and customization, offering users greater freedom to personalize their devices.
On the other hand, iOS focuses on providing a less fragmented and more private experience.
The Challenge of Switching
As the distinctions between iOS and Android become less apparent, transitioning between the two platforms becomes more challenging.
Users may find it increasingly difficult to jump from one ecosystem to another due to the cohesive experiences offered by both operating systems.
Apart from exploring the differences between iOS 9 and Marshmallow, do you know which trends are reshaping the mobile app development industry? Then, checking out our in-depth guide is a must!
Conclusion
When it comes to comparing iOS 9 vs Marshmallow, both operating systems have their unique strengths. iOS 9 offers a seamless user experience with its performance enhancements and multitasking capabilities.
The ability to switch between apps effortlessly and the improved battery life make using iOS 9 a smooth and efficient experience.
On the other hand, Marshmallow provides users with customization options and personalization features that allow them to make their devices their own.
From changing themes to setting up app permissions, Marshmallow gives users more control over their Android devices.
