Tech Transformers

Alphabet's Eric Schmidt admits he's an iPhone user, but says Samsung is better

Does Android have a monopoly in Europe?
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Does Android have a monopoly in Europe?

You may have heard of Eric Schmidt — he's the executive chairman of Alphabet, the parent company of Google that makes the Android mobile operating system.

But Schmidt has admitted that he uses an iPhone 6s — made by rival Apple.

During a "fireside chat" with CNBC at Startup Fest in Amsterdam on Tuesday, Schmidt said he was an iPhone user, but also has a Samsung Galaxy S7, which runs Android.

And guess which one he prefers.

"Samsung S7 is better. It has a better battery. And those of you who are iPhone users (know) I'm right," Schmidt said.

CNBC's Arjun Kharpal

Apple has not responded to a request for comment when contacted by CNBC.

In March on a trip to South Korea, Schmidt was caught taking pictures with an iPhone. But now he has openly admitted that he uses the device.

While executives using rival products always stoke a laugh, it may not be that surprising Schmidt has an iPhone. After all, many of Google's apps are available on Apple's iOS. And it would make sense for Schmidt to know what his rivals are doing, so Alphabet can get ahead.

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