I use Android on a Galaxy Note 2.
Pros: Freedom to basically do anything, no itunes needed, can drag video and music straight onto the phone
Cons: Inconsistent software, bloated touchwiz
What mobile operating system do you use, and why?
sleepyowl on 29/04/2014 - 11:02
Poll Options
- 85IOS
- 249Android
- 52Windows Phone
- 9Symbian
Comments
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At the moment with Android. Tasker is nice app to have.
Android on a Galaxy S3. It's cheaper though more buggy. It's more customi… lol jks, I just install apps/play games/take phone calls so the "freedom" to develop my own software is wasted on me along with 99% of other android users despite what everyone claims ;)
Truth be told I'm ashamed of myself for paying anything over a couple hundred $ for a phone that lasts maybe 2-3 years when I could update my computer graphics card and have a lot more fun. The worst part - I'll most likely end up doing it again when the S3 becomes unusable.
When you do the maths taking into account the less frequent updating of Apple phones and the higher resale value once you get over the higher initial buy in price it probably costs around the same to 'stay at the top' of the iDevices than it would Android.
But not all of us are like that. Speaking for myself I feel no need to "stay at the top". I have only half a dozen apps I use regularly. I refuse to get an app for every retailer and service, that's what mobile websites are for. So I buy just enough phone for the next two or thre years and by the time I upgrade, the old one is only good for hand-me-down or as a spare phone.
So really I have no particular attachment to the OS, I have no problems with either UI, it's just that Android phones are cheaper and have more range to suit my needs.
Example of bug - Samsung IAP has been "downloading" for the past day and a half. What Samsung IAP is exactly, I have no idea. When I click on it I'm taken to the samsung app store (which to this day I haven't bothered creating an account for). I say I'm not interested, skip but the download is still there. Curiously the download is 0.98kb/4.35mb complete. After a restart of the phone it's now gone, but these sort of things happen regularly on the good old S3.
I've got to say that I do like iOS, though I'm not going to pay that much for it. I'll try and get a cheap smartphone next time (cheaper than what the S3 was at the time).
iOS….just works for me.
Does what I want. Got an Android for work and just don't really bond with it the same way.
Stock Touchwiz Android. Freedom and functionality.
I have an android phone sgs3, and like the device. It works very well as a portable computer, but not he best phone. The best phone I ever had was a blackberry, because it was always a phone first, email a close second, and browser a distant third. Android is a computer first, email/messaging 2nd and phone 3rd. It takes a good 5-10 seconds to go from an app to making a call, too long in my book.
Having set up a windows phone for the mrs, they seem to be good phones but the lack of apps is terrible. So many little apps that I consider important are just missing. There is little MS can do with that as unless they can get the apps to run natively on their phone, or quickly get to at least 25% market share, they will die. Example: CFA fireready app. Very useful for country people, only in IOS and Android.
Hopefully the next gen will be better phones, and instead of windows phone maybe an iPhone for ease of use for the mrs. I will stick with android for now.
I have an Android phone. The other day I asked a colleague with an iPhone to send me via bluetooth a photo he'd just taken. In response he just gave me a balnk stare.
It was a revelation to me that that you can't do that with a $900 phone. It was a revelation to him that you can with a $100 phone.
Also, I love the ability to have one-touch connectivity with my Sony bluetooth headphones via NFC. It automatically does the following:
1) Turns on the headphones if they were previously powered off 2) Switches on bluetooth on the phone if had had been switched off 3) Pairs the headphones to the phone if the two had not previously been paired 4) Connects the headphones to the phone even if the two had been connected to different devices.NFC is not on Apple's roadmap.
apple are going to patent them instruction on how to connect devices to their system not called NFC but something like:
air connect
air wave
air bite
air tunesor the like.
Airdrop
And it's iOS<->iOS or Mac<->Mac only.
i dont mean to start crap but observing the posts i gather
- iOS users = told what to do…. sheep, yes it works but where is the fun in that the 2g UI looks like the 5s UI….. no fun at all.
- android users = taken the red pill and see how far the rabbit hole goes…. truly unique people that have a creative touch to everything and would like to make everything their own in a way which shows their personality.
More like:
- Android users who troll get iOS users who take the bait
- Vice versa
I have used an iPhone for 3 years. I had an iPhone 3G and for its time was fantastic bit of kit but it was starting to get outdated quickly, UI is what I'm talking about.
android is great as it's not controlled by an app that locks it down even more when needing to synch to a desktop.android users can theoretically backup there device without using cloud and without using a desktop.
I don't see apple being able unless one uses Googleanyway us nerds know what we want.
I use Android. Why? Because it came installed on my phone.
My last phone used iOS. Why? Because it came installed on my phone.
What's your point…
Note 2, and stll strong after 2 years of havey usage.
And was able to install note 3 apps using rom dn3
Right now best rom ever! Good bettery life very smoothmajority of ozbargain are smart people, so android is the obvious choice. S4
I prefer IOS over Android… used both parallel for work and personal.
If I am stuck in an eco system then the features need to be effortless and work out of the box.
Apple does deliver this with IOS better than any other. iMessage, Facetime, airplay, airdrop etc are integrated extremely well.
Yes Android have their equivalents but never appear to be as seamless.IOS software updates are solid and frequent, you can upgrade with confidence.
With android, because the hardware platform was so vast, I was trying to apply a one size fits all. Because it was not tailored software it came sometimes came at the cost of the user experience which made any new features bitter. Possible why so many android devices are on different platforms. With android, it was if it aint broke then don't update it.Android OS took almost half of my 16GB S4. I don't know of any device where you get half the advertised storage capacity. I got over it thanks to the good folk here posting some great deals on SD cards ;) but it did add unnecessary complexity of two storage devices now on my phone.
I found with Android it was like driving on a 3 lane highway, I could weave in and out, figure out the fastest way to my destination but there was the odd chance of getting stuck in the wrong lane. In IOS its a one lane highway which I set to cruise control, enjoyed the ride and got to my destination. Both are easy enough to use but it really depends on your "driving" style.
What I missed when using IOS
Tasker - rooted app that allowed to trigger certain actions based on conditions - e.g. connected to a particular wifi, charging etc
Easy file transfer without iTunes
Google now
NFCWhat I missed when using Android
Airplay - AllCast on Android was hit and miss, especially with multiple devices.
App store - Hard to assess reviews because of varying experiences depending on hardware
iMessage - Hangouts is frustrating. Slow and buggy as all hell
Fingerprint unlock and purchases.Android OS took almost half of my 16GB S4
As someone with a Nexus 5 I feel the need to point out a distinction here: that was not the Android OS taking up all your storage, that was Samsung's shitty bloatware.
Yep, most probably the case. Bloat ware is a neg for android I guess.
Again not android. Nexus 5 has a bit more free space than iPhone 5s
http://www.iphonehacks.com/2014/01/how-much-storage-space-16…
So companies have the ability to bloat android OS but you say its not an android issue.
…. 5C has more storage then nexus but makes no difference as android hardware has so many inconstancies.I give you an example. Telstra (and others) have the ability to lock tethering on IOS. If they do, are you going to blame Apple or Telstra?
Same thing here, Companies can add their bloat to the phone they sell.
You also have the option to get a Nexus or some other brand that do not add anything.
Windows Phone all the way for me, started with an HTC Mozart then Nokia Lumia 800, HTC 8X and looking forward to a Lumia 930. Its really come a long way, the marketplace is really fleshing out and with 8.1 its just a great o/s. Love the consistent experience, buttery smoothness, Camera, navigation and is more open than IOS a little safer than Android.
The integration with Windows and the Microsoft ecosystem is really fantastic.
Honestly I think Windows Phone is the slickest, most modern and consistent platform available at the moment.Al of the above is of course IMHO. Cheers
ios users prob cant be bothered replying because its just a war of which is better. We all use ios in this household. love the one eco system and all the fab apps. downloaded once and can be accessed by all devices. many of the best educational apps for kids are only avail on ios. best apps also usually comes out first on IOS. I sold my 3yo iphone 4 2 weeks ago. i listed it on gumtree and someone came to pick ut up that same afternoon for $300.
I sold my 3yo iphone 4 2 weeks ago. i listed it on gumtree and someone came to pick ut up that same afternoon for $300.
Really? People pay that much for an iphone 4?
I have a pretty old one.. :|I sold my iPhone 3G 16gb model for 300 on ebay just as the 4s was released.
Sold within 2 days of listing on ebay.
it was only 16g too. the only reason why i upgraded was because i need more storage. but im happy to stick with this ecosystem. theres no need to upgrade frequently. i can see myself with this 5s for years. my macbook pro is almost 5yo now and still going strong. previous laptops never lasted past 3yrs. our charger wasnt charging properly, took it to apple and they replaced it. went to cambodia a fee weeks ago with hubby and my parents and kids were anle to facetime us 24/7. btw, free wifi is better in cambodia than oz! its expensive but worth it. not worth it if u want the latest and trade up every year.
Android with galaxy s3. Why? Coz I paid for the hardware and I want to maximize it's protential. I don't want to buy a portal to Apple managed content. It's also great that you can have ad support apps on android so you can trial an app b4 you commit to buy. Form factors of android devices covers everyone's need. most importantly though they created a competitive market for us (just imagine how long you would have to wait for ipad mini, 4.6, 5.5inch iPhones, $60 baytrail x86 boards without Android succeeding).
Though there are still a lot of areas for improvement: Manufacturers are prone to slow updates, a lot of apps don't follow Google's design guidelines and lags like crazy even on top notch phones, Java virtual machines were never meant to carry such heavy market (admit it or not Android is just infinitely closed to iOS in terms of smoothness), no 3rd party headphones etc
Well, I believe Android users would (quoting Oneplus One) never settle =).
Vote ios by mistake, meant to hit Android. I can't find any way to change my vote or remove it.
iOS - even my dad who doesn't know how to text message know how to use apple FaceTime… easy and user friendly all the way… one or two clicks only and you are connected on video calls.. i can't find any other app that is as user friendly as FaceTime…
i can't find any other app that is as user friendly as FaceTime
Hangouts. Tap on the contact, then tap on the video icon in the top right.
One thing worth pointing out is the importance of staying in one ecosystem. IMO the OB mentality would probably discourage anyone from 'mixing' platforms, because of the availability of apps.
My wife is the only one in the household running the iPhone/iPad strategy, which works great for her. Number 1 son and I both run Android phone and tablet combo, and Number 2 son, who has an iPhone and an Android (Nexus 7), told me last week that he wanted an Android as his next handset because he could then 'match' his apps, rather than having to pay for them twice (ie, once in the Apple Store and again in Google Play).
I would suggest that an iPad might have a slightly longer shelf life than an Android tablet, because Google does tend to be selective with its firmware updates. Ditto for phones, though folks do tend to turn them over more frequently than they do tablets.
I am perfectly happy with my Nexus 5 ($450) and Asus HD7 tablet ($129). To get similar hardware contract-free on Planet Apple would be getting on for $1300 in cost, so I am up $700.
And going by the second-hand prices I have seen, a Nexus phone holds its value well, almost as well as an iPhone.As a long term ozbargainer and platform mixer: not an issue if you never pay for apps.
IOS FTW android is to complicated admit it
IOS FTW android is to complicated admit it
Looks like grammar is too complicated for you too.
Windows Phone. It's a great middle between the closed nature of iOS and the customisable nature of Android. Not only this, but the Nokia (now Microsoft) factor: great designed phones, superb imaging capabilities and innovation. The fluidity and consistency and striking design of the OS is great as well.
The only problem I have is the app department: I really want to see more localised apps (ANZ, Woolworths) and big name companies bring feature and quality parity to Windows Phone (i.e. Spotify, Rdio and all other streaming service).
the only issue is it is not customisable like android. The MS environment is not open, so some apps, like Inssider, a great app for checking networks, is not and apparently will never come to windows mobile. other apps, like the council parking paybyphone apps are great, but not for MS phones. Will they aver get there? Don't know, maybe I will be interested again when they do.
It might suit some people fine as a phone, and maybe have a 7" andriod/ios tablet for apps.
And for some reason, which never seems to have been explained, windows phones do not have a notification light is a call is missed or sms/email recived. I have a great android app that changes the notification led to different colours depending on what I missed and even who it is from. To me that is a very important function of a phone: seeing when messages arrive.
It may be that next years phones and OS from MS will include it, but for me now, it fails in an important way as a phone.
I thought it was hardware based? like your OS depends on the hardware.
my phone is pretty old it has android and I hate it, it's missing many basic features and doesn't get any updates.
I'm guessing because my phone wasn't $900 I'm getting the raw end of the deal. it seems it's trying to process more than it can handle (while only doing simple functions that a mobile from the 90's would do instantly with ease) it's very frustrating.Unfortunately the Android experience is very much based on hardware.
It goes back to my point that the "one size fits all OS" does not work and is the main reason why I prefer IOS.
Not really anymore. Even basic hardware (with properly tuned software) should run fast and smooth.. The problem is in the budget range, they try to cram too much crap in so it can do the same things as a High end model despite the fact it makes the phone barely useable!
I come back to the point I've made elsewhere. A Galaxy S runs fast and smooth with a custom ROM based on Jelly Bean (less so on KitKat). Galaxy S is similarly specced to the lowest end Androids available these days.
I use both android and ios. For mobile phones I prefer android because how well it is intergrated with google, and this includes how smart google now is. For tablet however I feel that iOS is more superior with its apps and stability.
Android.
Reasons:
1. Diversity of handsets available.
2. Openness of the ecosystem and developer community. With custom roms, my 3 year old galaxy S2 is still running the latest OS and runs smoother than most iPhone's I've ever used, and can do things iPhone users can't even imagine.
3. The availability of apps like Tasker and AIDE. I can automate everything I can think of, and create android apps right from my Tablet or phone.
4. Transformer Pad. I've all but gotten rid of my laptop as the TF300 works just as well for most things as my old macbook and I actually find it easier for things like coding/app making. Windows has similar products, but I'm yet to try them out, but it blows what the iPad can do out of the water.Of course, I'm a huge nerd, and things like this matter to me and don't for most people. But when people say how amazing iOS is. I can't take them seriously… It is not as intuitive as people make out, and doesn't allow for a lot of things that android does.
P.S. I own a macbook, and really love OSX over Windows, but apple went wrong with iOS to me.Android and Windows phone 8.1.
All of a sudden windows phone 8.1 has become very interesting, thanks to Cortana.
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Current: iOS on iP4. Why? Cause the phone was a hand-me-down
In a week: Android on Xperia Z2. Why? Cause the iP4 keeps disconnecting, and lags, got it through Sony X's price :D