iPhone vs Smartphone: Difference and Comparison

In 2007, the iPhone was introduced as one of the best touchscreen-based phones. This device brought a revelation to the telecom industry.

It was the first intuitive device that offered multiple functionalities in a phone. Soon after, other companies followed the iPhone design and made various other Smartphones.

On the surface, the iPhone and other Smartphones have many design similarities. Both of these devices offer app-based functionality.

For this reason, many people think that both of these devices are the same. However, they are entirely different from the inside.

Key Takeaways

  1. The iPhone is a specific line of smartphones designed and marketed by Apple Inc. It is known for its sleek design, user-friendly interface, and seamless integration with other Apple products and services.
  2. Smartphones encompass a wide range of mobile devices from various manufacturers, running on different operating systems like Android, Windows, or iOS (for iPhones).
  3. iPhones are popular for users seeking a premium, cohesive experience, while other smartphones offer more variety in price, features, and customization options.

iPhone vs Smartphone

iPhone is any mobile phone that is exclusively designed and marketed by the company Apple Incorporation. Smartphone is any type of mobile phone that is produced by different manufacturers and features a screen touch-based interface, internet, software, phone, and multimedia tools.

iPhone vs Smartphone 1

 

Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisoniPhoneSmartphone
What is itThe iPhone is a class of mobile phones exclusively designed and marketed by Apple Incorporation.The Smartphone is a type of mobile phone produced by various manufacturers and offers phone, internet, software, and multimedia functionalities through a touch-based screen.
ProducerApple IncorporationSamsung, Huawei, Oppo, etc.
Operating systemiOSAndroid
User728 Million2.7 Billion
App1.85 Million2.2 Million
PriceExpensiveAvailable at different price points.

 

What is iPhone?

The iPhone is a class of mobile phones exclusively designed and marketed by Apple Incorporation. All iPhones use a touchscreen-based interface.

The intuitive screen touch interface has replaced the functionality of buttons. It offers the user an immersive experience during phone usage.

Renowned Apple CEO Steve Jobs first introduced the iPhone in the year 2007.

All iPhones use Apple’s proprietary iOS mobile operating system. Apple does not permit other phone manufacturers permission to use this operating system as a company.

For this reason, it is exclusively limited to Apple devices like, iPad, iPhone, Macbook, and Apple computers. Even though Apple incorporated designs and markets the phones, it does not manufacture the iPhone.

Apple contracted Foxconn and Pegatron for iPhone manufacturing.

iPhone offers various functionality through various apps. Apple has a dedicated Apple App store for its devices like the iPhone and iPod.

According to an estimate, it is the second-largest app store in the world. It currently offers over 1.85 million apps for the iPhone, iPod, MacBook, and other Apple devices.

Compared to other phones, the iPhone is a little bit more expensive. The primary reason behind this price point is Apple always uses the latest technology in the iPhone.

They also incorporate various security measures to ensure a secure privacy standard for the users. Currently, over 728 million people use iPhone, which is considered a premium brand in the phone market.

iPhone
 

What is Smartphone?

The Smartphone is a type of mobile phone produced by various manufacturers and offers phone, internet, software, and multimedia functionalities through a touch-based screen. Currently, the largest Smartphone producers in this world are Samsung, Huawei, Oppo, etc.

Most Smartphones in the world currently use the Android operating system. It is an operating system based on Linux and other open-source software.

This operating system is exclusively designed for touch interface-based devices. Google and Open Handset Alliance is the primary developer of this operating system.

In 2019, Google announced that Android is the most installed operating system in the world, with 2.5 billion device installations.

Smartphones offer their functionality through various apps. Some essential apps come with the phone as bundled, but users can download multiple apps from the Google play store.

According to an estimate, 2.2 million apps are available for Smartphone users. Another benefit of the Smartphone is storage expandability.

A user can plug in a MicroSD card to increase the memory space of any Smartphone.

Compared to the iPhone, the price of most Smartphones is much lower. The prime reason behind this price parity is that most Smartphones incorporate cheaper technology in their phones and mass produce them.

According to an estimate, there are over 2.7 billion people in the world who use Smartphones.

Smartphone

Main Differences Between iPhone and Smartphones

  1. The iPhone is a class of mobile phones exclusively designed and marketed by Apple Incorporation. On the other hand, the Smartphone is a type of mobile phone produced by various phone manufacturers.
  2. The producer of the iPhone is Apple Incorporation; Even though Foxconn and Pegatron manufacture the phone under contract, apple design and market the iPhone. However, most Smartphones are designed and manufactured by different phone companies like Samsung, Huawei, Oppo, etc.
  3. iPhone uses the iOS operating system, while most Smartphones use the Android operating system.
  4. According to an estimate, around 728 million people use the iPhone. However, the number of Smartphone users is much more significant, about 2.7 billion people.
  5. Compared to other phones, the price point of the iPhone is much higher. However, all other Smartphones are available in the market at different prices.
  6. On the Apple App Store, over 1.85 million apps are available for iPhone and other Apple devices. However, over 2.2 million smartphone apps are available on Google Play Store.
Difference Between X and Y 2023 04 08T091943.872

References
  1. https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/2371574.2371577?casa_token=_lZkZxZTpGQAAAAA:EhGwq_oUsM4mOJIUAwteR4B2_UrpjNoDDziGAZgHJFbvw2zMjbon-Trs1PRSlvTFRzFXKfWp11V6p5s
  2. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.7227/IJEEE.48.3.6

Last Updated : 11 June, 2023

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22 thoughts on “iPhone vs Smartphone: Difference and Comparison”

  1. The detailed explanations of both the iPhone and smartphones provide valuable insights into the distinctive features and characteristics of these devices, helping consumers make well-informed choices.

    Reply
  2. The iPhone’s introduction truly marked a turning point in the mobile phone industry, setting a new standard for design, functionality, and user experience.

    Reply
  3. The iPhone’s introduction in 2007 revolutionized the smartphone industry and set the standard for touch-based interface phones. Its user-friendly interface and integration with other Apple products make it a standout among smartphones.

    Reply
  4. The comparison table provides a clear overview of the distinctions between iPhones and other smartphones, shedding light on the specific features and capabilities of each.

    Reply
  5. The comparison of the iPhone and smartphones effectively highlights the distinctive characteristics and user experiences offered by each, contributing to informed decision-making for consumers.

    Reply
  6. The detailed breakdown of the features and functionalities of iPhones and smartphones provides a comprehensive understanding of the nuanced differences and unique offerings of each device.

    Reply
    • Agreed, this comprehensive comparison allows consumers to make informed choices based on their individual needs and priorities.

      Reply
  7. The key takeaways clearly emphasize the differences between the iPhone and other smartphones, highlighting the unique user experience and cohesive ecosystem that Apple offers.

    Reply
  8. The distinction between iPhones and smartphones is crucial, as it delineates the specific characteristics and experiences that consumers can expect from these devices.

    Reply
    • Absolutely, understanding these differences empowers consumers to make well-informed decisions when selecting a mobile device.

      Reply
  9. The historical context and evolution of iPhones and smartphones demonstrate the transformative impact of these devices on the way we communicate and engage with technology.

    Reply
  10. The comparison table and detailed descriptions of iPhones and smartphones offer an insightful analysis of the unique features and offerings of each device, enriching consumer knowledge and decision-making.

    Reply
    • Indeed, the comprehensive breakdown of these devices enables consumers to evaluate their options effectively and select the best fit for their needs.

      Reply

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