I have used smartphones and PDAs since their inception. I have used both android and iOS, as well as Palm, Microsoft phones, and blackberry. I have had this very conversation with many of my 70+ users as their phones are all becoming due for upgrade. These are users that run the gamut of both technical ability and what we'll call technical patience. :-)
If you want a device that is a great phone, will always stay updated, is locked down, just works, and has solid construction; get an iPhone.
If you want a good phone, cool widgets, customize-able interface, solid syncing with gmail and all google apps, and a wide range of levels of construction; get one of the android phones. Best current android phone depends on carrier.
I will say that most non-geek types will prefer iPhones and the iOS ecosystem. Those of us that like to tinker and putz around go for android.