android-studio-vs-intellij-idea

Android Studio and IntelliJ IDEA are both development tools designed to help development teams create applications with ease. Android Studio is actually based on IntelliJ IDEA, but specializes in developing for the Android platform.  In contrast, IntelliJ IDEA is a more generalist IDE that helps developers create code for any platform.  Both are popular with businesses of all sizes, depending on the use case of the organization.

Features

Both Android Studio and IntelliJ IDEA can be used to develop new applications, but they have a few standout features that set them apart from each other.

Android Studio is a specialized mobile app development tool for the Android platform.  In addition to offering basic IDE features, Android Studio provides features that make it easier to interact with mobile functions such as push notifications, or integrations with cameras.  Businesses using Android Studio are able to easily create and publish Android applications.

IntelliJ IDEA is a generalist IDE with plugins for specific platforms.  For example, a user creating an Android application may use the Android plugin for IntelliJ IDEA.  The generalist approach of IntelliJ IDEA allows businesses to use it to develop for multiple platforms, using plugins to select what specialized features they need.

Limitations

Though Android Studio and IntelliJ IDEA have many surface level similarities, they also have some limitations that are important to consider.

Android Studio is built for Android application development, so it has great tools for that platform, but no special features for other platforms.  This makes Android Studio a poor choice for businesses that want to develop for other platforms.  Android Studio may still be a good complementary choice to another IDE for businesses that develop Android applications among other things.

IntelliJ IDEA supports development for multiple platforms, but is missing some of the specialized features included in Android Studio, such as APK support.  Android Studio may be a better choice for businesses that develop primarily Android Applications.  It is worth noting that Android Studio is based on IntelliJ IDEA, so for businesses that develop for multiple platforms, IntelliJ IDEA still offers some support for Android development in addition to other platforms.

Pricing

Android Studio is a free to use development tool.  In contrast, IntelliJ IDEA starts at $499.00 per year with a discount for each year beyond the first.