I get it under the assumption that the person buying the phone has never used a smartphone, isn't into customization, will use the phone for at least three years, and doesn't care about specs. He's covertly attacking the camera achilles heel of *some* android smartphones. However, that is a moot point given the plethora of choices.
The iPhone 5S has 2011 specs. With that said, the combination of optimized software, battery, lack of carrier bloatware, and camera make it the choice for a newb. For an experienced smartphone owner Android is the way to go. The M8, Nexus 5, OnePlus One, GS5, Note 3, and Desire are solid choices.
Miss me with fanboy criticism.