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With the recent much-hyped releases of iOS 7 and the iPhone 5s, along with an avalanche of rumors concerning Apple's upcoming product reveals, Android devotees may be feeling a bit left out. But fans of Android devices shouldn't confuse lack of press with second-tier status. In Q3 of this year, Android dominated with an unprecedented 81% of the global market total, and in Q2 Android tablets finally outsold the iPad, even if only by a slim margin.

Four out of five cellphones are now running Google's OS, and innovations in the mobile market – e.g., the Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy S4 and myriad Android tablets – suggest that the numbers won't be shifting in Apple's favor any time soon.

The lack of hype surrounding Android's success can likely be attributed to the fact that there's no one Android phone or tablet. When Apple's sales figures make the headlines it's often a single device that's in the lead, whereas the Android operating system is the unifying factor across a wide range of manufacturers. However that said, Android's dominance shouldn't be written off as merely the result of a preponderance of devices. There are three very good reasons for Google's OS taking the biggest slice of the pie.

The Price Is Right

In terms of hardware, consumers can pay as little as $199 – sometimes less with promotions and rebates – and get a workhorse. iOS relies on the iPhone's success and a loyal fan base willing to spend big bucks for small upgrades, whereas Google's hardware partners are releasing entirely new phones and tablets all the time. Android devices appeal to a wider range of users because there is something for every budget and every need. At the same time, a flood of higher-end devices are attracting wealthier consumers away from Apple.

Endless Options

Apple exerts strict control over how its OS is used and there are fewer apps for Apple products, which can turn off consumers who prefer to heavily customize their devices' look and feel. Android devices are far more flexible both for the end user and developers who are trying to push the envelope when it comes to what phones and tablets can accomplish. And Android is the clear winner when it comes to choice in hardware – today's Android devices are fast, look good and boast plenty of battery life.

A User-Friendly OS

Finally, Android offers an interface that many – in particular those who aren't Apple devotees already – regard as more intuitive and more elegant than Apple's OS. Flexibility is also a factor that prompts people to flock to Android, which offers more apps, more sharing capabilities, and more themes.

The takeaway is this: Competition in the mobile market has become even more intense in the past two years and things are only heating up as companies like Samsung and others increase the pace of their product rollouts in an effort to attract former iPhone and iPad users. More than likely the winner in the Android versus iOS race won't be either operating system, but rather the users who ultimately reap the rewards of more innovation and decreasing prices.  

Author Bio
Jessica is a freelance journalist who loves to cover technology news and the ways that technology makes life easier. She also blogs at FreshlyTechy.com. Check her out on Twitter @TechyJessy.