Apple iOS or Android: Which Plays Bingo Better?
The Rise of Mobile Bingo…
We’ve all heard about the rise of online bingo, about how it’s getting more and more popular to pop open your laptop for a few rounds in the rooms. However, what we aren’t quite as aware of is the rise of mobile bingo. Statistics show that mobile bingo will soon over take desktop games in popularity over the next couple years.
This of course raises many questions, including; which phone is best to play bingo on? Well, after some investigation, the experts here at WDW are ready to answer! The main toss-up was between operating systems Android and iOS (from Apple), so let’s see who comes out on top…
Graphics
Android definitely has the better range of screen sizes and more customisation in terms of graphics. With a wide range of tablet and phone screens, some seriously giant, you can be sure to get good visibility with an Android phone. Even Kindles can run bingo games by using Android these days! The newer Android phones feature some of the highest resolutions available – making their bingo graphics clear and crisp, just a step above iPhones.
In general, the difference in graphics between the two operating systems has steadily decreased over these last couple years. Just watch out for Flash gaming software! You want the more responsive games created from HTML5 when surfing your favourite bingo sites. Plus, stick to downloading apps directly from the Google Play or App store, otherwise you might have some problems with compatibility/stretched images.
Speed
Now, speed is a lot more important to an online bingo game then it first appears, especially with apps. The better the speed of a game, the better its fluidity and the less likely you are to come across glitches or freezes. One thing is clear – an Android or iOS phone will always run faster than a Blackberry. Both systems are speedy and efficient, so the speed you come out with in the end rather depends on the age/make of your phone, instead of its operating system.
Regardless of your phone type, an internet connection of 3G, 4G or decent strength Wi-Fi is always necessary for good speed.
Gameplay
Although speed does have a huge effect on gameplay, so does navigation (aka usability). The chat room feature can be especially difficult to work into the smaller screens offered by a 4-6 inch mobile. Apple has the benefit of its MultiTouch Retina technology, allowing players a heightened level of control on the screen.
Then again, it is important to note that Android allows more personalisation in terms of phone design, as you are able to choose from several brand layouts; HTC, Samsung, Motorola, etc. In this way you may choose the phone style that your hands will feel most comfortable with whilst gaming, whereas Apple will restrict you to a single layout.
Since 2013, Android for the first time has the leading market share in the mobile industry. Therefore, more and more focus has been put on developing its software, which many experts now believe has surpassed Apple in terms of navigation.
Range of Games/Apps
Plenty of mobile bingo apps are available for download in the App Store and on Google Play. However, we have to say Apple App Store takes the prize in this category for their huge range. This is only to be expected considering the long standing dominance of iPhones. Not to mention, many online bingo games are blocked from Android phones completely, yet perfectly visible on iOS. For instance, Android players don’t receive The X Factor or Bin-Glo options at Mecca Bingo, one of the UK’s most iconic bingo brands.
One great example of an Apple store bingo app can be found at LadyLucks.co.uk, which allows users to play mobile bingo as well as a diverse selection of mobile slots. Indeed, many mobile bingo sites/apps offer slots, scratch card and casino games for players to take advantage of as well.
Then again, the most significant benefit of Android over iOS is that all of its systems and programming are open source. Developers can have a look into the raw code and do with it as they please. In this sense, Andriod apps are more open to tweaks and updates then their Apple counterparts.
Remember, users of BlackBerry and HTML5 devices in particular will have a lower selection of mobile instant games to choose from. Also, be careful; not all of the apps you will find are released by reputable bingo brands.
In Conclusion
Android seems to come out on top – but only by a margin. Both systems have their unique advantages and drawbacks. In the end, as long as you don’t buy a Blackberry, you should be good to go bingo!
