When I advised my niece recently on which phone to get, she obviously wanted an iphone but was concerned about its price considering what they're doing to sell android phones with better offers. You really shouldn't be that wrapped up in hardware..all the makers make decent hardware.
It comes down to what you want to do or be able to do with your phone. Brands rule in apps as you see on the frontpage. Apple has them. Amazon, Facebook, MS, Google, and yes, Apple. All those ecosystems can be accessed (which can't be said for the competition) and are optimized (for the most part) for iOS. Plus it can never be ignored that iOS is made for the iphone and vice versa. Then there's continuity with ipad, Mac, apple tv, etc. iOS 8 will enable significant improved apps and new kinds.
Throw in value retained when reselling, support, Applecare warranty and it becomes an easy choice. You don't have to deal with carriers or mobile places such as best buy. Apple usually swaps your phone if it's not working right. Done.
So perhaps an android works better for some. Unless you're diehard Google or there's just an android feature that you can't live without, then it usually boils down to the fact that person wanted a larger screen or could save a few bucks initially. Soon enough, that screen size differential won't be a factor.
Why limit yourself to certain ecosystems or services? Get an iphone and have it all.