Understanding Video Calls: FaceTime on iPhone vs. Google Meet on Android

Video calling has become an easy and fun way to stay connected with friends and family, whether they’re next door or across the globe. Today, we’re going to explore two popular video calling apps: FaceTime on the iPhone and Google Meet on Android phones. We’ll also cover how to set up calls, find contacts, and even turn a regular phone call into a video call.

What is FaceTime?

FaceTime is a video calling app made by Apple, and it comes pre-installed on all iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. It allows you to make high-quality video and audio calls to anyone who also has an Apple device.

How to Use FaceTime:

1. Opening the App:

   • Tap the FaceTime icon on your iPhone (it looks like a green box with a white video camera inside).

2. Finding a Contact:

   • In the FaceTime app, you can either:
     • Tap the “+” button in the top right corner to type the phone number or Apple ID of the person you want to call, or
     • Select a contact from your Contacts list within the app.

3. Making a Call:

   • Once you’ve chosen the contact, you can either:
     • Tap the “Video” button for a video call (camera icon), or
     • Tap the “Audio” button for a voice-only call (phone icon).

4. Switching Cameras:

   • While on a video call, tap the camera switch icon (a circular arrow) to flip between the front and rear cameras.

5. Turning a Phone Call into a FaceTime Call:

   • While on a regular phone call with someone who also has an iPhone, simply tap the FaceTime icon on your screen to switch from voice to video.

What is Google Meet?

Google Meet is Google’s video calling and conferencing app. Though it’s not pre-installed on Android devices, it’s easy to download from the Google Play Store and is widely used for both personal and professional calls.

How to Use Google Meet:

1. Opening the App:

   • Download Google Meet from the Play Store (if you haven’t already). The icon is a white video camera inside a green and blue hexagon.

2. Finding a Contact:

   • Open the app and tap “New Meeting” to start a meeting immediately or tap “Join with a code” if someone has sent you a meeting link. To call a contact directly, you can share the link with them or schedule a meeting in advance.
   • You can also access your Google contacts through the Google Meet app if you have synced them to your Google account.

3. Making a Call:

   • Once your meeting is set up, you can invite participants by sharing the meeting link via text, email, or a messaging app.
   • Tap the “Start Meeting” button to begin.

4. Switching Cameras:

   • During a video call, tap the camera switch icon (usually looks like a small camera with two arrows circling it) to toggle between the front and rear cameras.

5. Turning a Phone Call into a Google Meet Call:

   • While you cannot switch a traditional phone call into a Google Meet call directly, you can start a Meet call from within your call screen by:
     • Ending the regular call and opening Google Meet to start a video call, then sharing the link with the person you were talking to.

Comparing FaceTime and Google Meet:

Accessibility:

• FaceTime is only available on Apple devices (iPhones, iPads, Macs). Both you and the person you’re calling need an Apple device.
• Google Meet is cross-platform. It works on any device, including Android phones, iPhones, iPads, and computers, making it more flexible for meetings with different devices.

Features:

• FaceTime offers group video calls and lets you easily switch between voice and video. It’s great for quick, easy-to-set-up video chats with people who also have iPhones.
• Google Meet has additional features, such as screen sharing, and is ideal for both personal calls and professional meetings. It’s built to handle larger groups of participants.

Ease of Use:

• FaceTime integrates directly into your iPhone’s Contacts app and the call screen, making it very user-friendly. You can start a call from your regular phone dialer or contact list with just a tap.
• Google Meet requires an app download and usually a few extra steps, like scheduling or sharing meeting links. However, once set up, it’s very reliable for both casual and business video calls.

Call Quality:

Both FaceTime and Google Meet offer high-quality video and audio. The quality of the calls will largely depend on the strength of your Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Internet Connection: A stable connection is key to high-quality video calls. Make sure you’re connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network or have a good data plan.
• Device Compatibility: FaceTime works exclusively on Apple devices, while Google Meet works across all platforms.
• Battery Life: Video calling apps can drain your battery faster than regular phone calls, so keep an eye on your battery or plug in during longer calls.
• Privacy: Both apps offer options to block unwanted callers or report misuse. Make sure your settings reflect your comfort level.

Whether you’re planning a family chat or hosting a virtual event, both FaceTime and Google Meet offer excellent ways to stay connected. Choosing the right app depends on your device, the number of participants, and your needs—whether it’s a quick call or a large meeting.

Happy Video Calling!

~Jeremy