Though most of us are only short of upgrading to Android Marshmallow, Google developers have not slowed down a bit, with the next version of Android , the Android N's release right around the corner. But how does it match up to Apple's iOS which has been bumped up to version 9.3? Here is how the Android N and iOS 9 compare:

Android N vs iOS 9: Release date

A Developer Preview version of Android N was was made available to the public on March 17. It still far from reaching its final finished stages, but it bundles quite a few new features with the final version set to be released in the Fall.

Apple's iOS 9 was introduced to users in 2015, with the iOS 9.3, which happens to be the third version of iOS 9, being made available on March 2016, to all compatible devices.

A beta program is offered by both Apple and Android developers, for the purpose of allowing users to test a version of next software prior to its official release.However, users are always warned against using these betas on their precious devices, due to the nature of betas which are usually unstable and a bit buggy.

Android N vs iOS 9: interface

Android N is expected to go through a ton of changes on its interface between now and its final release, however there are a few noticeable differences in comparison to Android Marshmallow. These include a redesigned notification tray which now lets you reply to messages directly from the notifications area, as well as newly introduced multi-window mode, which initially meant to be introduced as an Android M feature. Google has revealed that efforts are being made on Project Svelte to add a smoother feel on older devices.

The most major changes evident on iOS, was a while back with the controversial iOS 7. iOS 9 features a new 3D touch which optimizes the functionality of a few app icons, although surprisingly there are still some disappointing elements on its interface such as the Music app. Nevertheless, iOS 9.3 does come with one significant UI feature, the Night Shift which automatically matches the color balance to reduce the effects of the screen brightness on your sleep.

Android N, Google Now vs iOS, Siri

Though Android N's Google Now is yet to see any major transformations, the tweaks Google adds to its edges still make it an overall better option than Apple's Siri for most of us. Aside from the accuracy of voice recognition, Google Now is also a lot more useful in comparison to Apple's Siri.

Android N vs iOS 9: battery

Android N takes the crown when it comes to battery life. This mostly because whilst the huge iPhone 6S is the only Apple device that truly offers a worthy enough battery capacity to power users, the Doze mode that came as part of Android Marshmallow greatly boosts battery life in all Android devices, regardless of size. Android N tops this up with an enhanced Doze feature that improves the battery saving feature that becomes effective as soon as the screen is turned off. This should make Android lats much longer.

Android N vs iOS 9: mobile payments

In this department, Apple is way ahead, with banks all around the world embracing Apple Pay. Google has revamped and re-branded its mobile payments system which is currently known as Android Pay, though as of yet, it hasn't been introduced in markets such as the UK. Hopefully, the retailers that offer their support to Apple Pay will in the future give the same support to Android Pay as well.

Android N vs iOS 9: security and privacy

In this sector, both Apple and Google take different approaches. Apple sticks to security and privacy restrictions, whereby it only allows the installation of apps from the Apple app store, hell! even the FBI isn't allowed to decrypt users' iPhones. On the hand, Google takes an open approach, allowing users to download apps from other sources, thus security risks from third-party stores, as well as malicious apps are always likely.

Android N vs iOS 9: Conclusion

Android N is already a powerful software from what we have seen so far but we are yet to see the best of its features.

Compared to the former iOS 8 and Android M, both the iOS 9 and the Android N mostly feature improvements made to the existing versions of the operating systems. This means they are only better than their predecessors and not entirely new OS versions. Android has a better advantage in terms of battery life and accuracy in voice recognition, whereas Apple delivers when it comes to elegance, though its experience is a bit more controlled.

In conclusion, the choice between the two competing operating systems boils down to personal preferences. What do you think about the two OSes? Which has a better edge over the other? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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