Meanwhile, the incumbent, Google Drive and its associated apps, have been building out features.
Today, we compare the two on mobile.
Comparing a list of features probably isn’t the most useful test.
One suite may have more, but you probably won’t need every function.
These tests were done on the Android preview, though it seems that most features are shared across platforms.
They’re also more accessible than in Docs.
Whereas Docs only has a few buttons in the action bar.
The result may seem like a more cluttered interface, but on mobile, the fewer taps the better.
Docs
Google Docs' biggest advantage is in collaborative editing.
Resumes may be personal, but most of us have probably wanted input at some point or another.
Even basic features like adding an image are available on the web, but not mobile.
But for most everything else, Word will be better.
The Verdict:Word is incredibly fully featured for a mobile app.
Round 2: Creating a Budget (Excel vs.
Therefore, we’ll look at a simple example that employs plenty of the basics: a budget.
Or function, as the case may be.
The ribbon-like interface helps bring a lot of functionality to the forefront.
The Formulas tab organizesfunctionsinto categories with a drop-down menu to explore them.
This is particularly handy if you don’t know the exact name of a function you’re looking for.
There are also plenty of options for coloring and formatting text, to make your spreadsheets more visually appealing.
The Insert tab provides options to add images, text boxes, or charts.
Sheets does allow you to edit cell colors, font sizes, and other basic formatting.
However, you might’t create charts or add images.
The Verdict:It’s not surprising that Microsoftexcelsat spreadsheets (I’m so sorry for that joke).
The gap in functionality, though, is pretty large.
Sheets seems best suited to viewing spreadsheets you’ve already created or making small changes.
Excel, on the other hand, has a feature set that’s comparable to actual desktop software.
Attach abluetooth keyboard and maybe a mouseto it and you might not even miss your desktop for most things.
Round 3: Giving a Presentation (PowerPoint vs.
Slides)
Giving presentations isn’t something most people do on a daily basis.
Here’s how the two stack up.
PowerPoint
Editing in PowerPoint for mobile is impressively simple.
Presenting the slideshow would perhaps best be done in a screen-mirroring mode.
PowerPoint also includes options to highlight information in this mode.
you might point to something on your tablet and viewers will see it on the big screen.
Slides
Unfortunately, Google’s offering is sparse, bordering on unusable by comparison.
The app allows you to view your slides, but editing them is almost impossible.
There are no options to insert images or even text boxes.
Existing text boxes can be edited, but not much beyond that.
It’s actually a bit of a let down.
Playing back presentations is slightly better, but still not ideal.
There’s also no methods for highlighting information like in PowerPoint.
you’re able to swipe between slides back and forth, but that’s pretty much it.
The Verdict:Unfortunately, this particular comparison is so one-sided it’s almost not fair.
When you do, it’s pretty clear that the latter is far more useful for giving presentations.
However, they handle it a bit differently.
With Google, it’s assumed you’re using Drive and so the cloud backups happen invisibly.
With Microsoft Office, on the other hand, you have some choices.
For the privacy conscious, this can be invaluable.
The downside to Microsoft’s approach is that you still need to save on purpose.
Google will save all your changes as you make them.
While Microsoft has auto-recovery options, it won’t automatically save.
Double-edged sword and all that.
Final Verdict
All in all, Microsoft has created an impressiveand more importantly, professionalediting suite.
In some cases, it’s the only usable option between the two.
