As far as I'm aware, adverts in apps have little to do with the device or operation system it runs on, that's down to the app it's self.
I can't comment on windows mobile since I've never used it but I find the current Android much better then iOS. I personally can't think of a better way to open apps then to just pressing on them. Personally I have my most used apps in folder groups on the home screens of my devices anything else you can just get in the app "repository" for me it's just fast and fuctional way of doing things.
Now regarding your hardware faults I would for sure take it back, seems you just got a "bad one".