iPhone vs Android: One in five iPhone users would never date someone with an Android
One in six smartphone users believe in stereotypes around iPhone and Android owners, with Android users considered ‘less adventurous’ by iPhone fans[1]
19% of iPhone owners would never date an Android user[2] while the majority (52%) of iPhone owners refuse to switch to an Android[3]
Brits think iPhone users are 90% more likely to cancel plans with friends, and Android owners are 43% more likely to help you move house[4]
Uswitch mobiles expert Simrat Sharma shares the best smartphone deals in advance of the latest iPhone launch
With the latest iPhone set to be unveiled this month, new data from Uswitch.com, the comparison and switching service, reveals a cultural divide between iPhone and Android owners.
One in five iPhone users (19%) would never consider dating someone with an Android device—a preference that rises sharply among users aged 18-34 (32%). In contrast, only 10% of Android users would avoid dating iPhone owners[2].
Beyond dating preferences, one in six (16%) smartphone users admit they believe in stereotypes about iPhone and Android owners[1].
Some of the most common assumptions about iPhone users are that they are 236% more trend-led than Android owners, 228% more likely to be fashionable and 81% more likely to be social media obsessed. Apple fans are also considered 90% more likely to cancel on plans with family/friends[4].
According to the research, Android users are perceived to value practicality over style, are more eco conscious and also more likely to buy you a drink[4].
iPhone users are considered 87% more likely to ignore a phone call than Android users and 42% more likely to leave you a long voice note, while Android users are 43% more likely to help you move house[4].
| iPhone owner is most likely to | Android owner is most likely to |
| Be more interested in brands / trend-led (77%) | Value practicality over style (74%) |
| Be more fashionable (77%) | Be value conscious (74%) |
| Be up to date on pop culture trends e.g. Brat Summer, Demure and Mindful (72%) | Buy second hand (62%) |
| Take lots of photos (70%) | Be environmentally friendly/eco conscious (62%) |
| Cancel on plans with family/friends (66%) | Help you move house (59%) |
| Ignore a phone call (65%) | Drink tea (59%) |
| Use social media (64%) | Pick you up from the airport (54%) |
| Be adventurous / thrill-seekers (60%) | Buy you a drink (52%) |
| Leave you a long voice note (59%) | Enjoy classical music (51%) |
| Be more knowledgeable in the more technical aspects of smartphones (56%) | Drink coffee (41%) |
Over half (56%) of Android users say they refuse to switch to an iPhone. iPhone owners are only slightly more flexible, with 52% not willing to entertain the possibility of using an Android[3].
The top reasons many Brits would never want to switch to a different operating system are a preference for ‘sticking with what they know’ and not being familiar with the other system[6].
Over half (56%) of Android users felt the price of other devices was too high while a third (30%) of iPhone users thought other devices wouldn’t be easily compatible with their existing tech like headphones or a smartwatch[6].
Other features keeping iPhone users loyal are the camera (20%), the way other devices look (19%) and AI features (13%)[6].
Simrat Sharma, mobiles expert at Uswitch.com, comments: “The launch of a new iPhone is one of the most anticipated tech events in the calendar, with many Brits expected to upgrade to the latest model when it’s released.
“We know people are fiercely loyal to their smartphone, be it Apple or Android, but brand loyalty is often driven by perception or habit, rather than what might be best for your needs.
“Mobile users may be missing a trick if they don’t explore the wider market to find the device with the best features for them at the best value for money.
“Those who value a seamless experience between devices and already own other Apple tech may find an iPhone most useful, while those who aren’t loyal to one brand will find a wealth of options with Android devices, often at lower prices than Apple.
“Even if you choose to stick to the same type of phone, you could make savings of up to £84[7] per year if you switch from an existing handset contract to a new one, so it’s always worth exploring the different deals available.”
For more information and comparisons on the best deals for new smartphones, go to Uswitch.com.
Opinium surveyed a sample of 2,000 UK adults from 27 August to 30 August 2024.
Respondents were asked “How far do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements?” 16% of respondents selected “Agree” and “Strongly agree” with “I don’t believe any specific stereotypes about Android/iPhone users”
Respondents were asked “How far do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements?” 19% of iPhone users selected “Agree” and “Strongly agree” with “I would never date someone with an Android phone”. 10% of Android users selected “Agree” and “Strongly agree” with “I would never date someone with an iPhone”.
Respondents were asked “How far do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements?” 52% of iPhone users selected “Agree” and “Strongly agree” with “I would never change to an Android phone”. 56% of Android users selected “Agree” and “Strongly agree” with “I would never change to an iPhone”.
Respondents were asked “In your opinion, what type of phone users are more likely to…” [behave in a range of ways]. Responses covered both iPhone and Android users.
Respondents who had an opinion on whether Android or iPhone users were more likely to behave in a certain way were asked “In your opinion, what type of phone users are more likely to…” Responses covered both iPhone and Android users.
Respondents were asked “You mentioned you would never switch to a different phone type. Why is this? Please select all that apply.” Responses covered both iPhone and Android users.
Switching from an existing handset contract to a new handset contract with a top smartphone could save you £84 per year, or £7 per month. This calculation is based on the price of the top selling 24 month handset contract on Uswitch.com from Oct 2021 (Apple iPhone 13 Pro with 100GB data), against the most popular 24 month handset contract on Uswitch.com in Oct 2023 with a similar amount of data (Apple iPhone 15 with 100GB data).
Harriet Atkinson
Telecoms PR Manager
harriet.atkinson@uswitch.com
About Uswitch
Uswitch is one of the UK’s top comparison websites for home services switching, including energy, broadband and mobiles.
More people go to Uswitch to switch their energy, broadband and mobile than any other site, and we have saved consumers over £2.7 billion off their bills since we launched in September 2000.
Free mobile app Utrack also helps households manage their home energy usage and make potential savings.
Uswitch is part of RVU, a group of online brands with a mission to empower consumers to make more confident home services, insurance and financial decisions.