There are currently three main contenders fighting for a place in every business as THE smart phone of choice.
They are the
- Apple iPhone
- Google Android
- Blackberry
We have left mobile producers bespoke software off the list, as there is quite frankly a rather lot of them out there, we have also missed Windows Mobile. Whilst it is becomming a bigger player in this field, we dont feel its quite got the exposure to be considered a top contender just yet.
So then as an IT provider, we thought we should share our views on the pro's and con's of each platform.
Lets begin with the most obvious function a business wants from a smart phone...
For us, the iPhone and Android phones come out smelling like roses in this test. Both the iPhone and Android platform have built-in Microsoft Exchange compatability*. Within 5 minutes of taking either phone out of the box (and allowing for the iPhones initial set up) both are connected up to an Exchange server, and with this connection can synchronise not only your e-mails, but your contacts and calendar as well. Being able to ensure that all your employees have access to each others contact details and appointments right away is certainly a thumbs up in our book.
In fact we have PDF guides available that will instruct you on how to do this, you can find them on the right hand side menu on this page.
The blackberry however slipped somewhat here. There is a simple tool for setting up e-mail access. You need only go to the blackberry website and give them your e-mail address, username and password (Erm... security no no! - You should never give your password out to a third party). This is the easy way to access just your e-mails. Whilst this system is simple, it is also prone to errors. We have seen in the past that should the internet connection to the server fail, even if for a few moments, or if the server is restarted, the connection is lost and must be set up again. What a hastle.
The next, rather complicated, method is by installing a Blackberry server alongside your Microsoft Exchange server (And it is recomended that they are not run on the same system - so thats another server to buy folks). This then connects to your exchange server and creates a nice secure connection for you. However this method still only allows you to recieve e-mail contacts and calender updates dependant on model. And certain software variants, are not compatabile with the Blackberry Server itself. Poor show.
This round goes to the Apple iPhone and Google Android. (For fairness we should also note that Windows Mobile phones also have this feature as standard)
(* Compatabile since Windows Server 2003 R2 - Released in 2006)
Battery Life
For Android phones this is dependant on model, however compared with most Blackberrys both the iPhone and Android typically have much larger screens, more powerful processors, and built in gps. Meaning that the Blackberry will typically outlast its competitors. Expect to frequently charge smart phones.
This round goes to the Blackberry.
Screen
The Blackberry (majority of models) have fairly small screens, more akin to a traditional mobile phone. The likes of the Blackberry Torch have been an improvment, however the iPhone and Android based phones have the potential to supply much bigger and much better quality screens. Apple still seem to be leading on touch screen technology.
This round is a bit of a none starter, with the range of Blackberrys and Android phones this test simply wouldnt be fair.
Keypad
Given that most Android phones do not feature a keypad, and the iPhone is famed for not doing so, you might think that this is a no brainer. However, we found the Blackberry kepad that difficult to use, we have decided even they have lost this round.
If you want a keypad, I would suggest moving back to the 2000's.
Other alternatives, Nokia and HTC offer a range of phones with keypads on a variety of operating systems, including their own bespoke software, Android, and Windows Mobile.
Apps
We've all seen the adverts on TV, Apples App Store is the biggest in the world, however its apps are tightly regulated, and Apple take a slice of every sale. So whilst the Android store may be smaller, we support their open platform style.
Unfortunately for this test we were still trying to work out the Blackberrys keypad, so we didnt get round to checking out their apps.
This round goes to Google Android
Storage
Whilst Apple boast some large storage sizes on the iPhone, it can not be expanded. Many Android Phones and Blackberry's will accept external memory cards, allowing for much larger memory capability.
This round goes to Google Android and Blackberry
Ease of Use
As previously explained, Blackberrys are tough to use and unsurprisingly, failed this test. Whilst the Google Android has a lot of nice features, many of them make it touch to use straight out of the box. The iPhones simplistic nature has put it top of this test for us. Point and click, may be old fashioned, but it certainly works.
This round goes to the iPhone
Processor and Memory
The blackberry tend to be fairly short on either of these stats, as they are sticking to their guns on the traditional mobile phone appeal. Whilst the iPhone offers a powerful dual core processor and a stack of memory to go with it, many Android phones are now bettering this. Our experiance shows that if you are willing to spend the same amount of money as for an iPhone, you can get a far better spec phone on the Android platform.
This round goes to Google Android
Security
Blackberry offer a secure and complex form of encryption that can provide high security for your data. However, this only works as every packet of data goes through Blackberry servers. We dislike this option as it requires you to hand all your data over to another third party (aside from your carrier). It also means that should Blackberry have a failure, despite your carrier still working - you can lose internet and messaging services. So whilst there is a pretty big lure, the catch is also pretty substantial. iPhone and Android don't offer any speciality security, however both are fully compatible with the secure connectivity that already exists on many business servers, meaning the only greater risk to loss of data... is the loss of your phone. All three devices provide options for remote security wipes, and security codes for access.
This round is going to go to the Apple iPhone and Google Android
The Winner?
Whilst this only barely covers the many many features available on these devices, it gives you an idea of each.
Our recommendation is to aim for the Android or iPhone, Blackberrys have made our steer clear list. Whilst the main draw to a Blackberry is its keypad and 'security', we don't feel this enough to convince us their way.
The features, usability, weight, and even aesthetics of the iPhone and Android make them winners for us.
Before deciding on a model, perhaps get in touch with us for advice on which suits what you want it to do better than the other.