Google’s Quick Share and Apple’s AirDrop: Differences, Similarities and Comparisons

Quick Share is the combination of Google’s Nearby Share and Samsung’s Quick Share. Google has collaborated with Samsung to combine their two sharing softwares into one; Quick Share.

Quick Share was announced by Google at the CES 2024. Here is everything that was announced at the event that day. However, Google refers to Quick Share as a “new way to share files.”

In 2022, Google introduced Nearby Share to enhance seamless files transfer between Android devices. Samsung has Quick Share that also enables seamless files sharing between users while Apple also has Airdrop.

“Collaborating with Samsung, we’re bringing the best of our sharing solutions together into a singular cross-Android solution under the Quick Share,” said Google.

Majorly, we are not going beyond Google’s Quick Share and Apple Airdrop in this article. I am going to explain their similarities, difference and comparisons in this article. Hence, let dive straight in to the primary reason of the article.

Quick Share and AirDrop

Quick Share is a peer-to-peer content sharing software or application. It make transferring of files across all types of devices in the Android (both Google and Samsung) and Chromebook ecosystems even more seamless.

With QuickShare, you can peer/connect with available nearby devices (both small screen and large screen devices) and send videos, pictures, audios, documents and texts with just a simple tap on the “Quick Share Icon”.

Apple’s AirDrop, on the other hand, is another sharing software or application on the Apple devices. It allows you to share and receive photos, documents, and more with other Apple devices that are nearby.

Unlike QuickShare that’s getting expansion to big screen devices like Smart TV and Laptops, AirDrop works on iOS, iPadOS and MacOS. In addition, Google said its “working with leading PC manufacturers like LG to expand Quick Share to Windows PCs as a pre-installed app.”

QuickShare is a developing sharing application for Google and Samsung Androids while AirDrop is an established sharing application for Apple devices.

Differences between Quick Share and AirDrop

In today’s hyper-connected world, seamlessly sharing files between devices is more crucial than ever. Enter Google Quick Share and Apple AirDrop, two native file-sharing technologies vying for dominance in their respective ecosystems.

However, knowing how they differs to each other is also crucial especially when you contemplating on which one to use between the two apps to share your files and documents. Here, I’ve summarized the differences between Quick Share and AirDrop; explore now!

Device Compatibility

You can choose AirDrop when you’re in the Apple’s Community because AirDrop shines within the Apple ecosystem. It seamlessly working across iPhones, iPads, Macs and even some WatchOS devices.

Quick Share, on the other hands, while primarily aimed at Samsung Galaxy devices and Google Pixel devices, you can also use it on other Android phones and tablets, with larger screen compatibility planned for the future.

Connectivity

Speaking of their “transfer gange,” Quick Share boasts a wider range than AirDrop. With QuickShare, you can reach up to 50 feet compared to AirDrop’s 9 feet (30meters) connection’s longitivity.

Hence, I would say go for for Quick Share when you’re in a larger spaces or environments with signal obstacles. It will actually be advantageous but sharing files might slow when the distance in much.

However, AirDrop has better higher transfer speeds in optimal conditions.

Features

Furthermore, it’s important to let you know that Quick Share has come with additional features like file previews, estimated transfer times, and group sharing with multiple devices simultaneously. AirDrop, on the other hands, is lacking some of these features for now.

Cross-platform Sharing

AirDrop remains confined to Apple devices, limiting its reach. Quick Share, with its growing Android compatibility (e.g Google Androids, Samsung Androids, and other Androids like iTels and Tablets) stands to bridge the ecosystem gap and potentially become a more universal file-sharing solution.

Similarities between AirDrop and Quick Share

So, are you wondering about the similarities between Quick Share and Airdrop? Here are ways the sharing apps are similar:

1. Both Quick Share and AirDrop prioritize ease of use. Simply select the desired file, choose the recipient from a nearby device list, and hit send. No cumbersome pairing codes or Bluetooth tinkering required.

2. Both leverage Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for lightning-fast transfers, making them ideal for sharing even large files. They automatically switch between technologies based on proximity and network availability, ensuring seamless file delivery.

3. Both operate independently of internet connectivity, making them invaluable for sharing files in Wi-Fi dead zones or data-restricted environments.

4. Both integrate robust security measures, allowing you to control who can see your devices and request confirmation before accepting incoming files.

AirDrop vs. Quick Share: exploring the similarities of AirDrop and Quick Share. Overall, Both AirDrop and Quick Share offer fast, convenient solutions for transferring photos, videos, documents, and more.

How to use Quick Share

Firstly, you need to install the Quick Share App on your Android device to use it. However, the Quick Share App will come pre-installed to latest launch Android devices.

To use Quick Share to transfer files, videos, audios, photos and documents, tap on the “Quick Share Icon” and place your phone near a nearby device(s), select the desired files and hit “SEND”.

You can use Quick Share to send files in groups and to multiple devices at a time.

Final words: Quick Share vs AirDrop