Battle: Google Android Market vs. Amazon Appstore for Android Apps
Purchasing apps isn't what it used to be — especially if you're an Android user. With the introduction of Amazon's Appstore, users now have two major stores to choose from to buy Android apps. But how does the latter stack up with Google's Market, and which store, if any, offers the best deals? We compared the two stores to find out.
Google Android Market vs. Amazon Appstore for Android
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Installation
Google's Android Market comes pre-installed on most Android phones. As a result, downloading an app is as easy as launching the Market app, selecting the app you want and clicking install. Unlike Market, Amazon's Appstore is not as seamless and requires that you first install the Amazon Appstore app (to date, no phones have it pre-installed) and then create or sign into your Amazon account before you can begin browsing/downloading apps. In addition, users must remain signed into their Amazon accounts from their Android phone in order to use apps purchased via the Amazon Appstore. In addition, as one of our readers informed us, more troubling is the fact that AT&T currently does not support the Amazon Appstore, although they plan on adding support in the near future.
Winner: Android Market
Interface
Since its 2008 debut, the Android Market has morphed from a phone-only app used to browse and download apps to a Web-based storefront complete with movie rentals. Browsing from your phone is quick and very straightforward. Each app has its own landing page with user reviews, screenshots, app recommendations and (if browsing from a desktop) a video of the app and its features. Tabs also help categorize apps by "top paid," "top free," or "just in." However, even Google's best efforts fail to compete with Amazon's online retail prowess. The Amazon Appstore is much easier to navigate, dividing apps by "top paid" and "top free." A sliding tab in the middle lets you select apps by category. Even better, if you're browsing via a desktop, the Amazon Appstore lets you test drive select apps before you buy them, all straight from your browser.
Winner: Amazon Appstore
Quantity
According to Google's numbers, the Android Market currently offers 200,000 apps. If there's an Android app out there, chances are high you'll find it in Android Market. By contrast, Amazon's Appstore launched in March with just 3,800 apps, according to AllThingsD. That's less than 3% of what you'll find on Android Market and the biggest strike we found against Amazon's store. But expect that to change fast, as app numbers tend to grow exponentially.
Winner: Android Market (for now)
Deals & Exclusives
Finding great deals on iPhone/iPad apps hasn't been much of a problem. Unfortunately, Android users haven't been able to reap the same benefits. As far as deals go, Android Market doesn't offer any. Amazon, however, is looking to change that. For its debut, it nailed a massive exclusive when it offered Angry Birds Rio before anyone else. Since then, the store has offered a "free paid app" every day, undercutting Google's Android Market on several occasions. Recent freebies have included popular apps like Namco's Pac-Man, Cardio Trainer Pro and Plants vs. Zombies. Just browse through a few popular apps and you'll notice that Amazon usually has the better price of the two Android stores. That said, there is no guarantee that the Amazon Appstore will always be your least-expensive option. For that reason, we recommend cross-checking prices with Android Market, and even checking the developer's website, before making a purchase.
Winner: Amazon Appstore
Return Policy
Unhappy with your last purchase? Google offers a 15-minute refund policy on select apps, so if after 15 minutes of use you're unsatisfied with your purchase, you can hit the "uninstall & refund" button to get a full refund. Amazon has yet to offer such a policy on its Appstore.
Winner: Android Market
Conclusion
Make no mistake, we're big fans of Amazon's Appstore for Android, but the Android Market's massive app catalog and helpful return policy give it the edge needed to defeat Amazon's Appstore. However, Amazon's track record with obtaining exclusives (even if for a few days) and its free-app-of-the-day deals make it impossible to overlook and make a must for any Android owner.
Winner: Android Market
jmh111870 - Have you tried going to the Amazon Market from your computer and having the Amazon program sent to your phone?