iPhone and Android Phone, Which Do You Prefer?

BendBridge on 21/05/2021 - 22:08

I have used 4 or 5 Android phones before moving to iPhone (a birthday gift). I have not looked back since then.

Yesterday I saw Telegram founder Durov's comments on iPhone:

Every time I have to use an iPhone to test our iOS app I feel like I’m thrown back into the Middle Ages. The iPhone’s 60Hz displays can’t compete with the 120Hz displays of modern Android phones that support much smoother animations.

The worst part of Apple’s tech though is not clunkier devices or outdated hardware. Owning an iPhone makes you a digital slave of Apple – you are only allowed to use apps that Apple lets you install via their App Store, and you can only use Apple’s iCloud to natively back up your data.

I am wondering how people out there perceive about iPhone especially from those who have used both iPhone and Android.

Mobile Apple Mobile Phone Android

Comments

- - - peterpaoliello on 22/05/2021 - 22:13
      
      +6
      
      Don't forget https://vancedapp.com/ can activate playing while phone screen is off, breakout picture-in-picture, and of course ad-free browsing experience.
      - CircularIllusion on 22/05/2021 - 22:31
        
        @peterpaoliello: Not sure what the first feature is but NewPipe also offers the last two.
        
        peterpaoliello on 23/05/2021 - 09:06
        
        @CircularIllusion: Just means the audio will continue to play while the phone screen is off. Good for podcasts etc.
    - StarvingOat on 22/05/2021 - 22:21
      
      +2
      
      This seems like Vanced with extra steps
    - dsar on 23/05/2021 - 12:02
      
      +2
      
      I don’t understand why people brag and encourage others to bypass ads on a free service. Just pay for YouTube Premium?
      - DingoBilly on 23/05/2021 - 16:15
        
        +8
        
        @dsar: Because ads suck?
        
        I could pay to remove them. Or i could remove them for free. Now what makes more sense?
        
        dsar on 23/05/2021 - 17:12
        
        @DingoBilly: I could buy or I could remove this pint of ice cream from the shop for free, now what makes more sense?
        
        Shazam1 on 23/05/2021 - 21:31
        
        @dsar: Mate. Please make some sense. Just don't reply to carry on the argument.
        
        dsar on 23/05/2021 - 21:47
        
        +3
        
        @Shazam1: To clarify, Youtube uses ads to generate revenue which they (partly) use to pay the creators and the running costs. People who use ad-block on youtube are just leeches. If they want to avoid ads on youtube, just don't use youtube. It ain't a right. It's similar to not paying the fare for public transport. You can just walk.
        
        bakemon0 on 24/05/2021 - 01:32
        
        +3
        
        @dsar: imagine simping for a multi-billion dollar company, i think you're in the wrong website mate if you really wanna pay for another exec's yacht.
        
        ThithLord on 24/05/2021 - 09:15
        
        +2
        
        @bakemon0: You are directly removing revenue from content providers. You can tell yourself w/e the heck you want as to why you can justify that, but how else do your favourite content providers make a living, mate?
        
        Do you donate on Patreon? Something tells me you wouldn't fricken dare do that.
        
        CircularIllusion on 24/05/2021 - 18:38
        
        @ThithLord:
        
        You are directly removing revenue from content providers.
        
        Not really. The content creators are not losing anything when I don't have ads loading. What they do gain is more exposure because I might share their content with other people. The only one losing is Google. However, that's a business cost they've definitely weighed up.
        
        This is not that distant to the whole argument that video game companies like to make that they're losing money from piracy when the majority of those who pirated would not have bought the game in the first place.
    - ThithLord on 24/05/2021 - 09:13
      
      +1
      
      Not sure if this qualifies but one of the best ways of using YouTube on Android is through the NewPipe app which gives you a fairly seamless, ad-free, account-free and tracker-free experience
      
      One of my favourite parts of Android v Apple threads is how easily and quickly you will admit to blatantly not supporting your favourite content providers.
      - CircularIllusion on 24/05/2021 - 18:50
        
        -1
        
        @ThithLord: Okay? I don't think there's a single person who goes onto YouTube expecting to get ad revenue from every single viewer. Some of the YouTubers I watch even encourage NewPipe. The world doesn't work the way you think it does.
  - Jolakot on 22/05/2021 - 21:24
    
    +2
    
    Two of the biggest for me are scrcpy and UIAutomator. The ability to install custom apps without a huge run around is great as well.
    
    With scrcpy I can seamlessly mirror and control my phone from anywhere in the house on my desktop or laptop.
    
    With UIAutomator I can script any actions I want on my phone using a variety of scripting languages.
    
    And obviously being able to install what I want how I want on my phone is great, so easy to make fun one off apps.
    
    None of those can't be done with iOS, but it's a hell of a lot harder. You either need a mac, paid apps, developer subscription, or all 3 for installing custom apps.
    - modiika on 24/05/2021 - 17:34
      
      i'm just not sure i understand teh practical application of scripting actions on your phone or controlling it from a desktop or laptop. If anything, the reverse, controllign a desktop or laptop remotely seems more useful to me as I would more often have my phone on me out of the 2.
      
      The only practical application i can see for scripting is home automation, and in my own experience with that, its a bit overrated. Although, maybe it would click if I went all in on automating everything in the house.
- Shazam1 on 23/05/2021 - 21:32
  
  Can you elaborate why iOS is the best to use for people who want as little to control as possible?
  - SydShopCat on 24/05/2021 - 01:04
    
    +3
    
    I'm not OP, but to me it's simple: iOS is the best to use for people who want as little to control as possible, because iOS lets you control absolutely nothing.
    
    Sorry, it does let you change the wallpaper. I forgot about that.
    - khangu on 24/05/2021 - 07:00
      
      +2
      
      Yes it does, then it hides behind a grid of icons which you can't get rid of lol.
  - Jolakot on 24/05/2021 - 10:16
    
    Most people want something that 'just works' with defaults that they never want to (or can) change. They want one way of doing something that's streamlined.
    
    iOS is heavily opinionated, it knows the right way to do something and it won't let you do it any other way.
    - modiika on 24/05/2021 - 17:35
      
      What's an actual example of something you are all customising?
      - Indomietable on 25/05/2021 - 03:32
        
        @modiika: Almost Everything!
        
        From the start / lock screen:
        https://youtu.be/WgGbSuXMwGs
        
        Customise everything on home screen : https://youtu.be/SwmpupINOBA
        
        Widgets, change system fonts, themes.
        
        Mapping physical button to custom tasks ( ie double tap on power button open camera app bypassing lock screen)
        
        Change default app, ie switch SMS app to textra which allow custom notification ringtone for each user.
        
        Automation - I use tasker to do bunch of automation. Example : When phone see work wifi, put phone to silent mode. When phone location close to home ensure wifi & Bluetooth is enabled.
        
        Add sdcard storage (On most Android phone)
        
        Some people go to the extreme with installing custom rom
        
        pogichinoy on 25/05/2021 - 21:37
        
        @Indomietable: As both an iOS and Android user, more so the former, I honestly don’t care much about the aesthetics, such as fonts, custom lock screens or home screens. Fancy effects drain the battery more and at the end of the day, I just want to be able to access my apps at ease when I need them.
        
        Automation can be done the same way on iOS using Shortcuts.
        
        I tinkered with custom ROMs on Windows Mobile platforms with XDA devices. Fun times :)
        
        Is there anything else?
        
        Indomietable on 26/05/2021 - 09:33
        
        @pogichinoy:
        
        I just want to be able to access my apps at ease when I need them.
        
        the ability to customise home and lock screen helps a lot in this area.
        
        You can change tinder icon and name to something else.
        
        You can put additional password for some apps
        
        Automation can be done the same way on iOS using Shortcuts.
        
        Not even close! Location/time/wifi/bt require manual interaction on shortcut. You can install Truecuts but requires jailbreak.
        
        pogichinoy on 26/05/2021 - 09:53
        
        @Indomietable:
        
        the ability to customise home and lock screen helps a lot in this area.
        
        You cannot make it simpler to access an app when the icon is sitting there on the home screen.
        
        You can change tinder icon and name to something else.
        
        I admit it's a feature but LOL why do I need to? To hide the fact that I'm emotionally/physically cheating on my partner?
        
        You can put additional password for some apps
        
        I used to do this years ago when my iPhone was jailbroken but in practice, and it became more of an impediment than useful.
        
        Automation can be done the same way on iOS using Shortcuts.
        
        Not even close! Location/time/wifi/bt require manual interaction on shortcut. You can install Truecuts but requires jailbreak.
        
        I only use Automation with CarPlay, and it does what I need it to do without any manual interaction. I'm not sure if you've seen it recently but all of these are readily available options.
        
        Indomietable on 26/05/2021 - 11:08
        
        @pogichinoy:
        
        You cannot make it simpler to access an app when the icon is sitting there on the home screen.
        
        Yes you can. You can put the app on the lock screen and allow direct access to the app without password.
        
        You can map physicall buttons to open an app bypassing password
        
        On iPhone, You only have limited amount of icons on the home screen before you have to swipe to the next home screen. You can make smaller icons and increase the number of icons on android
        
        it became more of an impediment than useful.
        
        This is the downside of Increased security, but at least you can enable this on android.
        
        why do I need to?
        
        You might not need to do this but this might be useful for cheaters, drug dealers, journalists, etc
        
        pogichinoy on 26/05/2021 - 15:23
        
        @Indomietable:
        
        Yes you can. You can put the app on the lock screen and allow direct access to the app without password.
        
        Again. I have no need for this. I even lock down my iPhone so that you cannot read any notifications unless it's been permitted by FaceID.
        
        You can map physicall buttons to open an app bypassing password
        
        Again, I don't like bypassing FaceID/passcode.
        
        On iPhone, You only have limited amount of icons on the home screen before you have to swipe to the next home screen. You can make smaller icons and increase the number of icons on android
        
        That's fair, but, I like the current size. Don't want my home screen convoluted.
        
        This is the downside of Increased security, but at least you can enable this on android.
        
        It's nice to have this flexibility, but again, most people don't need it. I value my security and privacy. I like that people are only limited to taking photos on my camera if they get hold of it.
        
        You might not need to do this but this might be useful for cheaters, drug dealers, journalists, etc
        
        Perfect for Android users then? >_< LOL
        
        So is there anything else that you can do on Android to customise the experience off the top of your head?
        
        Indomietable on 26/05/2021 - 18:02
        
        @pogichinoy: You can customise the locationof back button. And it's consistent across apps.
        
        On iPhone, you are at the mercy of the app developer. Sometimes the back button is in the top left. Sometimes the back button is on the top right. Sometimes there is no back button.
        
        pogichinoy on 26/05/2021 - 19:32
        
        @Indomietable: Ditto for Android but at least for the base apps on iOS it's all consistent, and even the popular apps like Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, eBay, etc
        
        For Android, I can pinch to zoom in pictures in the Gallery app or videos in the Video player app, but cannot pinch to zoom in Youtube. In Youtube, I have to drag down on the video to make it full screen, and to get out of full screen, flick the top of the screen and look for the back button.
        
        Countless times I have accidentally hit the back button unnecessarily on my S7. Worse is that it's sensitive and actions the press even if my finger is hovering over it.
        
        Indomietable on 26/05/2021 - 21:32
        
        @pogichinoy:
        
        I have to drag down on the video to make it full screen
        Not sure why you bring up a specific app when we discussing OS, but there is full screen button in YouTube app to make the video full screen with 1 finger.
        
        Countless times I have accidentally hit the back button unnecessarily on my S7.
        
        In Android, You can customise it and change the location. You can hide navigationbar and change to use gesture.
        
        Worse is that it's sensitive and actions the press even if my finger is hovering over it.
        
        Looks like you have faulty hardware. Most capacitive touch sensor should not be able to register touch using non conductive material ( ie gloves)
        
        pogichinoy on 27/05/2021 - 09:31
        
        @Indomietable:
        
        Not sure why you bring up a specific app when we discussing OS, but there is full screen button in YouTube app to make the video full screen with 1 finger.
        
        I brought it up because it's an example of app inconsistencies similar to the claims you made with iOS apps. Thankfully the gestures are universal and consistent on iOS but for Android, I will always need to customise it by downloading something else. Why isn't it standard?
        
        Looks like you have faulty hardware. Most capacitive touch sensor should not be able to register touch using non conductive material ( ie gloves)
        
        Nope. Same issue with other S7s I've used. The screen sensitivity is just poor on this model.
        
        Are there any other advantages that Android has in your personal experience? So far you've presented ways to bypass security/privacy, and superficial aesthetic changes, but anything with efficiency/productivity?
        
        I do admit, the colour shifting years ago was kinda cool which iOS later had as a Jailbreak app, then Apple later added as standard.
        
        Indomietable on 27/05/2021 - 14:21
        
        @pogichinoy:
        
        app inconsistencies similar to the claims you made with iOS apps
        
        The back button on Android I'm referring to is not part of the app but part of OS. Because iPhone does not have back button as part of the OS users are at the mercy of app developer.
        
        but anything with efficiency/productivity?
        
        On top of my head , you can do :
        
        split screen
        
        multi window
        
        picture in picture,
        
        Explore files of the internal filesystem & sd card with PC file explorer when
        
        So far you've presented ways to bypass security/privacy, and superficial aesthetic changes
        
        I think its clear that any feature is not important until Apple make them part of OS.
        Remember copy and paste feature? A lot of fanboys think this is non-productive feature prior to iOS 3.
        
        I will always need to customise it by downloading something else. Why isn't it standard?
        
        I think both iOS & Android is sht - android at least gives you options to make it less sht.
        iOS user seems to "accept" what's given and I really wish they "expect" more.
        
        pogichinoy on 27/05/2021 - 18:08
        
        @Indomietable:
        
        The back button on Android I'm referring to is not part of the app but part of OS. Because iPhone does not have back button as part of the OS users are at the mercy of app developer.
        
        There is. The back gesture. Swipe from the left part of the screen to the right.
        
        On top of my head , you can do :
        
        split screen
        
        Supported based on the app, not overall on the OS.
        
        multi window
        
        As above.
        
        picture in picture,
        
        As above.
        
        Explore files of the internal filesystem & sd card with PC file explorer when
        
        Fair enough with the internal file system. No SD card on iPhones. Recent gen Samsungs have followed suit.
        
        I think its clear that any feature is not important until Apple make them part of OS.
        
        Not at all. Apple provide plenty of features that people do not use.
        
        Remember copy and paste feature? A lot of fanboys think this is non-productive feature prior to iOS 3.
        
        I think both iOS & Android is sht - android at least gives you options to make it less sht.
        iOS user seems to "accept" what's given and I really wish they "expect" more.
        
        I think it's more to do whether it's needed. Do I want to edit the kernel or other internal files? Do I want to split screen or multi task in all my apps? When I was using an Android I didn't even want to do this.
        
        As much as how awesome Android flexibility is, it comes with plenty of caveats. Namely a plethora of poor quality apps make it on the Play store, a number of these are bogus apps that can cause malicious damage on your phone or steal your information, and having to clear cache on system apps.
        
        My sister running a S8+ had to clear cache on the Play store app because it would not let her install an app, as the app was stuck in Pending status. It's quite pathetic when a base system app fails miserably, especially one that is meant to be a gateway to install other apps.
iridiumstem on 22/05/2021 - 01:50

+7

iPhones are nice though. I don't think you can look past how much control Apple has over their hardware, OS, and everything.
If you want to do things their way, their way feels very polished.

How everything feels interconnected with another I don't think is something Android devices can have easily.
My mother owns an iPad and an iPhone for her work, how those two devices worked together looked amazing.
My Samsung tablet and my Samsung phone I don't think can do as well as what I've seen with my mother's device, at least not without me faffing around with few things here and there.

That is just few things that I noticed with iPhone. I can kinda get around using an iPhone if I need to, I just happened to not like doing things their way enough so that I've been using an Android phone for long. I think if you are used to one or the other, there is little incentives to move between OSs nowadays?
Zacard on 22/05/2021 - 03:15

+1

I use an iPhone cause it just works and my family all use it. So yes in a way I do feel kinda locked in but it doesn’t bother me too much.

In terms of the physical hardware. I wish the iPhone was more innovative like what Huawei was during its peak. Been using the iPhone 12 Pro for the last 4 months and tbh….I don’t feel any great change from my iPhone X. I had to use my old Huawei p10 while waiting for my new phone and that wowed me more.
YeemaiI on 22/05/2021 - 06:22

+4

Apple has great build quality and design, but the software, and sometimes price, is what turns me away.
- Yorkshire-Man on 22/05/2021 - 16:26
  
  +4
  
  This sums it up for me. After being on Apple for years I finally moved over. Ultimately it was the price of the iPhone & I was bored with iOS. I find android much more interesting & it's 50% cheaper for an equivalent product.
  
  Still use an iPad, apple makes the best tablet still IMO.
  - nickj on 23/05/2021 - 11:10
    
    +3
    
    Completely agree about the iPad - I had a Android tablet bought around the same time as the iPad (circa 2012). The Android tablet was very cheap (it was a $99 Optus special from ozbargain), but it had a rubbish screen, poor touch responsiveness, never got any software updates, found myself wondering why I was bothering with it when I could do all the same stuff on my phone, and stopped using it after 6 months, and it made me doubt whether tablets were even viable as a category of devices.
    
    The iPad however was used at first by us, it had different apps because we were all Android phones at the time (the mix of ecosystems was actually great as you get the best apps of both ecosystems), then also used by our child (playing kids apps, watching kids videos or ABC kids), kid later accidentally dropped it which (despite the pleather case) cracked the screen which was repaired, it got software updates for 5 years (a duration that blows away any Android device, even now), and it was used right up until end of 2020 (that was 8.5 years of active use out of a device).
    
    By the end, apps couldn't be installed (OS too old), it was continuously running out of storage space, the battery life was very poor, and the charging port didn't always work (it had been dropped, AGAIN, and despite a better case it seemed to loosen the port). So we needed a new device, and it was clear the best option was the latest baseline iPad, so that with a good case was bought end of 2020. No regrets on that purchase.
    
    I am no Apple fanboy, but unlike most of their products, the iPads really are good value. I can't say the same for their phones (I'm very happy with my xiaomi Android which cost a quarter of my wife's iPhone). But for iPads which will be used so much longer than phones, and which the kids like so much, and they like to play the same games as their friends, and which cost so much less than phones, I think the iPads are the best. Just buy a decent case, and keep running them until they're no longer supported & a new model is released, and don't buy the specced up models, just get the basic model (the price Apple charge for extra storage is pure extortion, it was 1/3rd extra just for more storage from 32 to 128 GB, if they cared about the environment they'd make the extra memory cost less so that the devices could last longer, the way they price it you pay less to replace the device as soon as it's no longer getting software updates & the updated model is released, rather than when it breaks, so that's exactly what I'm going to do from now on).
    - Jolakot on 24/05/2021 - 10:21
      
      +1
      
      Absolutely this, I've been through 3 iPads (original, 4 and now 6), and there still isn't a better tablet out there.
kerfuffle on 22/05/2021 - 06:59

+4

I can see the appeal of the iPhone, but I prefer Android myself. More customisable.

I have an iPad mini too.
- try2bhelpful on 23/05/2021 - 11:24
  
  +1
  
  Bring on the full screen mini.
  - kerfuffle on 23/05/2021 - 19:56
    
    Still waiting for iPad Mini 6 announcement 😭
    - try2bhelpful on 23/05/2021 - 21:32
      
      +1
      
      Fingers crossed it is full screen. Perfect footprint but wasted with the button. I have an iPad Pro, which is great, but I would prefer a mini on the go.
[Deactivated] on 22/05/2021 - 07:27

+22

Owning an iPhone makes you a digital slave of Apple – you are only allowed to use apps that Apple lets you install via their App Store, and you can only use Apple’s iCloud to natively back up your data.

End of thread, really.
- modiika on 24/05/2021 - 17:38
  
  Sure if there were 20 apps in the store.
  
  But given its fairly large, if not larger than android, what are people missing? Emulation, game streaming apps, piracy related stuff? But do those really even bother most people?
onetwothreefour on 22/05/2021 - 07:31

Not this again!
Lurk Hartog on 22/05/2021 - 08:02

+5

I've owned a couple of Nokias, Samsung Galaxy S3, S5, S7, and then a Pixel 3. Next phone will probably be a Pixel 6.

Have owned a bunch of PCs, and now a chromebook.

Only Apple product I've ever owned was an iPod with a scroll wheel.
dmbminaret on 22/05/2021 - 08:20

+4

Android for me, but that is purely based on RRP. I'm buying outright, so compare specs of iphone with xiaomi and price and it's a no brainer for me personally.

Digital slave or ease of use to people who don't have time to care? Apple has a refined UI that is pretty seamless across devices including when upgrading them.

Android is better for people who want to have the freedom to install third party apks and use other services.

What the guy says is exactly correct, but doesn't mean apple or android is better than the other. Different use case.
balloontree on 22/05/2021 - 08:28

I like android because I can customized it. Layout, not 4x6 even though you have a iPhone pro max.

IPhone wins because it has icloud and backup. If I lose a phone, or upgrade to a new phone, restoring it is so easy.

Android, please don't tell me about sync it using cloud. It just means that you don't use a lot of apps. I have over 400 apps and I have a 256gb android phone. I hate new phone upgrades because it would meant that I need to spend almost a week to get the new phone up. Installing the app and configuring the individual settings plus making sure data is moved across.

Iphone plus icloud, no such problems.
- rabbitt on 22/05/2021 - 09:36
  
  +7
  
  nowadays Android can do the transfer very easily, everything are transferred to the new phone, including the configuration, layout, app data, even the wifi (I find this very useful, cause I don't need to connect to all wifi again when I get a new phone), the transfer is locally ad-hoc wifi connection, not via internet, so it's really fast.
  - dmbminaret on 22/05/2021 - 11:59
    
    How? A few settings, sure. The apple experience is transferring everything. I just went xiaomi to xiaomi and most of the apps didn't transfer and of the ones that did, not the app settings. The apple transfer can be bluetooth also without cloud.
    - Mi2 on 22/05/2021 - 23:24
      
      +3
      
      I've tried moving from a Google pixel to another pixel and everything was seamless. When I say everything, I mean everything. New phone was set up just like the old one. You just have to connect the cable using the adaptor they provide and wait.
Loopholio on 22/05/2021 - 08:30

+6

Hmm just let me ask my wallet which is best for me…

Ok, yes, Wallety the wallet I know, I know. Yes very clear, I'll let them know.

My wallet says Android is the only reasonable option. Wallety the wallet is all pissed off now, flapping around the place shitting 5c coins all over the place. Thanks for that.
- ItsMeAgro on 23/05/2021 - 11:20
  
  +3
  
  If you are dumb enough to pay around $1000 for a flagship phone that's basically the same as phones that cost less than half that, in every respect, then Apple and Android look like very similar options; apple seems easier for the 80% of the general population who are scared of technology, and Android seems better for nerds who care about specs and running unauthorised ROMs and apps.
  
  For people who aren't stupid enough to buy 3% more phone for double or triple the price, Android is the only option.
  
  Apple don't make a budget phone, or even a mid-range one.
  
  That's why ozbargainers will tend to prefer Android, and be surprised to find the wider market in Australia is actually close to 50/50.
jetblack on 22/05/2021 - 08:40

+3

For the vast majority of users, either platform is totally fine and most arguments are irrelevant to them.

I prefer Android for its flexibility and hardware options, but I've also had an iPhone before and had a perfectly enjoyable experience.

I don't think the average user gives a damn beyond some irrational allegiance, or the 2 or 3 day learning curve when switching.
jallen89 on 22/05/2021 - 08:52

+10

I’ve mostly had iPhones since the iPhone 3GS. I did change to android for two years (purchased a Samsung Galaxy S2 or 3) and I wasn’t a fan. I switched back to iPhone and been in the Apple ecosystem ever since. The number one reason for me is how seamlessly all my Apple products worth together. I have an iPhone XS, iPad Air 3, Apple Watch S5, MacBook Air M1, Apple TV HD, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max with a new Apple TV 4K 2021 on the way.
I like how I can have multiple tabs open on my iMac, access them from my iPad and iPhone, all my photos are on iCloud and accessible from all my devices, take calls from all my devices with AirPods… just a couple of reasons.
Speaking of android though… a friend of mine recently purchased a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and it’s very impressive. I particularly found the Dolby atmos speaker system to sound incredible. The tiny speakers on that phone sounded a lot better than my iPad Air 3 speakers and the iPad Pro speakers.
At the end of the day, people choose which platform based on their needs and/or price point and that’s great because competition is awesome.
brokenxsmile on 22/05/2021 - 09:03

+1

iPhone.

Just over a year ago I swapped to Android, as I could get the S20 for around a grand.

I regret the decision. Mainly because it feels more 'glitchy' than the iPhone. Apps freezing, not working properly, crashing often enough to be annoying.

Plus other things like the mail app not automatically opening the next item when you delete the item you're reading - resulting in more taps / time than necessary. When I block a number, I still get a notification that it called (defeating the purpose of blocking it).

The Bixby feature also seems far less intuitive and useful compared to Siri. It hasn't been able to do many of the simple things I've asked, so now really just use it to set timers.

All round, not particularly impressed and will be swapping back to iPhone soon.
- CircularIllusion on 22/05/2021 - 09:31
  
  +7
  
  Samsung phones are honestly massively overhyped and full of bloat. I went from a Pixel 2 to a Samsung Galaxy S10. Almost instant regret. Don't let the Samsung experience shape your view on Android. 🙂
  
  I've found that it's not uncommon for people in the Android community to have similar views to mine. Stock Android is pretty great.
- dmbminaret on 22/05/2021 - 12:01
  
  +4
  
  Get a real phone, not a samsung. Try vanilla android and come back to report.
  - brokenxsmile on 22/05/2021 - 12:47
    
    -2
    
    Or perhaps I'll just get a new iPhone rather than wasting time and money on frustrating phones ;) and have something that interfaces easier with my macbook air and Apple TV.
    
    And I'll be back on iMessage and no longer be left out of group chats! My attempts at getting g everyone to use WhatsApp failed.
    - dmbminaret on 22/05/2021 - 13:00
      
      +4
      
      Absolutely if you have other Apple products, that's where they really shine.
      
      For myself, I can't warrant spending that amount of coin on an iPhone or Samsung when in reality, manufacturers like Xiaomi put out an equally good product for ~$300-400
    - nickj on 23/05/2021 - 11:24
      
      +3
      
      See the iMessage thing just annoys me. If Apple make a better product, and you want it because of that, that's free choice and it's great and I have no problem with it. But when Apple exclude people from their friends based on the device they're using, and weaponise social exclusion & user inertia for product purchases, that's the worst kind of vendor lock-in, and I want absolutely no part of enabling that kind of behaviour.
- dmbminaret on 22/05/2021 - 13:22
  
  +6
  
  The Bixby feature also seems far less intuitive and useful compared to Siri.
  
  Would anyone use bixby over google assistant?
  
  Not to sound rude, but you are the exact use case for iphone. Someone who has no interest in customisation, just use the whole default suite.
hth168 on 22/05/2021 - 09:11

+31

I’m using both. iPhone got work which is sort of like my main phone, Galaxy Note for personal. And can definitely say that I prefer Android.

Few things I hate about iPhone.
1) No finger print scanner, so have to pull my face mask down to unlock. Pretty poor for a $2k phone.
2) No pattern unlock. It’s much quicker than PIN.
3) No smart dial still. Seriously! Android has had this over a decade ago.
4) No PowerShare too charge my earphones or watch.
5) Inconsistent navigation. E.g to go back sometimes you swipe from edge of screen, sometimes up, sometimes down depending on the app. With Android, the back button always gives you the expected behaviour.
6) Can’t side load apps. E.g there’s an app I really need. On Android I can get it, for free too. On iPhone it says “not available for your country”. Bloody hell. If it was Android I could easily grab the apk and side load!!
7) What’s with the lightning cable in 2021? Why not USB-C like everyone else?
8) With Android, I can plug in a USB-C thumb drive and transfer content. iPhone - yeah right!
9) With my Samsung phone, spam call filtering is built in, and works really well. With iPhone you have to pay premium subscription for apps like Truecaller for similar experience. Yuk!
10) The lame @$$ implementation (copy) of the Android app drawer. Seriously, it automagically group your apps into predefined folders; it’s not doing a very good job of putting them in the right folder, you can’t move your apps to a diff folder, nor can you rename the folders either.
11) I missed the Samsung Knox feature that lets you create a secure 2nd user profile, for kids or for your secret stuff. Most other Android phones have this. iPhone?

That’s on top of my head right now. Maybe none of this is important to you, but they are the things that annoy me PERSONALLY.
- SitarBoy on 22/05/2021 - 12:23
  
  +1
  
  At least make it a fair comparison by posting a few things you hate about Android?
  - hth168 on 22/05/2021 - 15:51
    
    +7
    
    Sure.
    1) Sharing files between one Android phone with another is still a PITA. There's Direct Wifi, but it's nothing like AirDrop on the Apple devices.
    2) Software updates. They are good for first few years, my Note 10 is still getting the latest, but not sure how long that will last.
    3) … (will update when I can think of more)
    - Techie4066 on 22/05/2021 - 22:36
      
      +1
      
      Sharing files between one Android phone with another is still a PITA. There's Direct Wifi, but it's nothing like AirDrop on the Apple devices.
      
      Nearby Share in the quick settings? It was rolled out to all devices with Android 9 and up. It operates exactly the same as AirDrop.
      - Mi2 on 22/05/2021 - 23:46
        
        +2
        
        @Techie4066: I have Android 11 and It's so annoying that they don't make it more accessible for normal users. I'm the type of guy that follows every changes in Android every year but I almost forgot about this feature. It seems as if I've discovered today. The quick setting tile for nearby sharing was hidden by default!! The nearby sharing icon is so useless. No one even notice it.
        
        rabbitt on 24/05/2021 - 22:22
        
        @Mi2: Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and Oneplus phones can share file using "Android drop" may be different name on different brand phone, whatever, it works perfect, just like Airdrop
- Twix on 23/05/2021 - 16:38
  
  9). Apple has call filtering under Settings, Phone, Silence Unknown Callers, toggle on.
  - hth168 on 23/05/2021 - 19:48
    
    +2
    
    Thanks, but that's not what I'm talking about. There are spam callers - mostly telemarketers - who are calling from a real number. Samsung would recognise the number as a spam and shows you on the screen what it knows about that number. You then decide to pick up the call or not.
    - dny on 24/05/2021 - 10:59
      
      The one built into Samsung phones is community driven too. You have the option to flag and report numbers that call you.
BigBirdy on 22/05/2021 - 09:19

+6

I had an iPhone, but upgraded to Android for a simple reason … lack of midrange iPhones, just old models being re-dished up. Occasionally some very good, moderately priced Android phones come to market, but not iPhones. I also have an iPad (Air 2), which works well with my Android phone and Windows PC. I am curious about Android tablets if anyone wants to offer an informed and contemporary opinion of them vs iPad (iPad Air & Pro have got too expensive, and the cheap one too basic)
- scrimshaw on 22/05/2021 - 12:09
  
  +4
  
  I have been using Android tablets for 7 years now (almost continuously since the Android Kit Kat days) and am now using a 2019-era midrange Samsung Galaxy Tab A. My thoughts
  
  The user interface is kind of a hot mess and it's in need of some developer attention. Google doesn't really have a clear vision of what their Android tablet user interfaces should feel like, and because they quit making first-party Google tablets (their last product was released in 2014) they have left it to the device manufacturer to skin the Android interface in their own unique ways and add features that are non-standard to the operating system (like Samsung DeX mode, automatic background blur for video calling aps, gaming enhancements etc)
  
  This means that the look and feel of a Samsung tablet is going to be quite different from a Xiaomi one, for instance. The upside is you get choice when it comes to UI: if you don't like the default launcher you can always replace with something else. There is still a limit to the depth of the customisation though.
  
  There's also no strict UI guidelines for app developers so you'll see that many Android apps have been designed for smaller mobile phone displays, as opposed to tablets. A good number of apps you install might not be optimised correctly and you end up with what is essentially a scaled up version of the mobile app which looks weird on a 10 inch device.
  
  On the flipside almost every Android tablet retains a MicroSD card and a headphone jack.
  
  If you plan on using your tablet for work or study, the iPad OS is a much superior option since it gives you the ability to open multiple app instances, there's also the 3 finger swipe gestures for undo last action, copying and pasting. And the Microsoft One Note app is actually superior on the iPad version compared to Android.
  
  If you only plan on using your tablet for consuming media and playing games, Android tablets will fit that purpose just fine. It's far less of a laptop replacement than the iPad and I wouldn't use it for productivity, unless you can find a tablet from a manufacturer who's addressed these issues with their own skinned version of Android.
  - Techie4066 on 22/05/2021 - 22:39
    
    This means that the look and feel of a Samsung tablet is going to be quite different from a Xiaomi one, for instance.
    
    Umm… The exact same is happening with Android phones, Android TVs, Wear OS watches, the list goes on. That point is not isolated to tablets.
    
    There's also no strict UI guidelines for app developers so you'll see that many Android apps have been designed for smaller mobile phone displays, as opposed to tablets.
    
    The App Store on iOS allows searching for iPhone only apps in the filters. Google Play lists them all for you, apps optimised for only phones, and for tablets, that's the problem.
- ThadtheChad on 24/05/2021 - 08:50
  
  As much as I love Android for phones, I have always been considerably underwhelmed by the Android Tabs.
  
  As a result, after researching and playing around with a number of tabs, we (my better half and I) find the UX for the iPads unparalleled.
CircularIllusion on 22/05/2021 - 09:21

+6

I value freedom and "owning" my phone so I use a Pixel specifically. Pixel phones are bootloader unlockable which allows the user to replace the entire OS if desired and they also generally have the best compatibility with custom ROMs. There are other options that are supposedly also pretty good but I don't have any experience with then. E.g. most Motorola phones.

You don't really own an iPhone even though you paid for it. Some Android manufacturers are also pretty bad in this regard so I would also stay away from those but at least pretty much all of them allow sideloading of apps which will become even easier in Android 12.

I get that some people don't really care about ownership and just want something that works but I've seen friends in their moments where their iPhone just doesn't work due to a decision made by Apple.

Another argument which I think is fair is that Apple is generally a more private option than Android with GApps. There was a recent study that showed that Android phones with GApps sends up to 20 times more data back to Google than an iPhone although Google has contested that. An Android phone without GApps is even more private than an iPhone though.
nomoneynoproblems on 22/05/2021 - 09:47

+2

Had Android for over 10 years and decided to try apple for the first time this year. While there’s some things I miss about Android I can say I’m converted and “get it”.
rabbitt on 22/05/2021 - 09:49

+4

I like both.
iPhone has better UI and it's core built to respond user interaction more quickly than Android, that's why the 5 years old iPhone still works well, but I don't like it because it's not flexible, can't control the phone myself, like Apple want to brain wash me and only let me do what they want me to, one day I put a sim card and found the apn setting is not correct, no way to change it so no internet…
the new Android from 2018 are really impressive, from Huawei P30, still no other phones can compete with it on night view till now, not the Mi 11 Ultra, not Vivo X60 PP, not Find X3 Pro, not Samsung S21 ultra… but with Android, you can do whatever you like, I like freedom!
the cons with Android is that every 1-2 years you need to change a new phone, otherwise the app running will be slow, and different brands not consistent, you have to get used to different customized Android when you change to new phone OS.
All in all, prefer Android to iPhone
Sbog4215 on 22/05/2021 - 10:05

+3

I've never had a iPhone, and would actually be open to trying it, but aside from the ecosystem, the cost is just so prohibitive. It's like 30% more expensive than an equivalent Android iPhone which makes it hard to stomach.
try2bhelpful on 22/05/2021 - 10:06

+4

It is about the total package, not just the technology. I have the iphone, the Apple Watch and the iPad. My phone is, mostly, a management device for the watch and the hot spot for the iPad. The problem is you must have an iPhone to manage the watch. What I do like with Apple is the IOS upgrades are really simple and they continue for years. You can get some great apps that have been checked by Apple. There are lots of freebies available.

Frankly it is horses for courses. If I didn’t have the watch and iPad I would consider Android; however, everytime I’ve strayed over to Android I’ve been burnt by clunky systems, OS upgrade issues, apps not working properly, etc. When I have had issues with my Apple products I have gone to the Apple store and they’ve just given me a reconditioned replacement; even when the iPad was two years old. Look at the issues people have with getting responses for their Android phones.

As I say, it is about the package.
Exec-Matrix on 22/05/2021 - 10:17

-1

Makes me laugh when people think that having an iPhone is pRiVaCy. Trusting one of the world's largest corporations with all your data and a closed source code. Wow.

https://youtu.be/82N5SiOvStI
uowp on 22/05/2021 - 10:22

I've only ever had the dumb phones and android phones over the years. I don't focus much on customization of firmware and sideloading of apps as I found out the stock firmwares and apps from play store are much more convenient than doing it all manually for updates. Having said that, I am contemplating on moving to iOS because they just have longer OS support. My note9 isn't getting the latest android software, but my partner's iPhoneX is still getting the latest OS. My tab s2 8" isn't really getting any updates for a long time, and I can't use some of the more common apps as they just don't work anymore.
colossus on 22/05/2021 - 10:46

+1

Both have their benefits.

Apple/iOS has the best UI and consistency, best hardware/software combination, and integration with other Apple devices. The downside is restriction and lock-in to Apple ecosystem.

Android has far more flexibility and consumer choice and options however nowhere near the UI flow and consistency.

I am locked into Android, and fewer phones there, because I prefer a phone with a 3.5mm headphone jack. I've had only Android phones during the smartphone era and was ready to try an iPhone but this is the deal breaker for me.

OP: I like the way you've phrased your question. It promotes a sensible discussion rather than inciting a holy war! :-) It all comes down to people's preferences.
Grayfox on 22/05/2021 - 10:47

+1

Been using Samsung Note devices for the last 5-6 years. Will probably jump ship to iPhone on the next release. Time for a change.
wayfastwhitie on 22/05/2021 - 10:52

+1

For myself. Android. That being said the apple environment as a whole is excellent and Android needs to learn a few things. iMessage, FaceTime, seemless backups and device migrating, multi device integrations. I think apple do far better than android.
AustriaBargain on 22/05/2021 - 10:52

-4

Apple has your back. Samsung/Google rides your back.
- Indomietable on 25/05/2021 - 03:55
  
  Not sure why the neg but I agree that once you locked into Apple ecosystem, Apple do own your back!
ozbargainer88 on 22/05/2021 - 11:05

+1

Android, easily. I've got a work iPhone and can't understand how anyone would want to use it as a daily driver when the alternative is so much better. If you just wanna read Facebook I guess it's OK.
2025 on 22/05/2021 - 11:06

+1

Still prefer my Lumia 950xl :/
Don’t use it though. But if I could….
wombok2 on 22/05/2021 - 11:47

+7

Pretty stupid when Android/iPhone owners crap on each other, no different to kids at school. You should get what you like and can afford unless it was gifted to you.

I've been using Android since 2010, then changed to iPhone 12 mini last year because no Android offered the same form factor in that specification. Most flagship Android don't offer earphone jack and expandable memory anymore anyway(except for Sony). I'll list what I like about each

iPhone
~ 5 years software updates (enforcing request to track is a bonus)
~ Better resell value
~ More parts and cases available(good luck finding your OnePlus case and screen protector in a brick and mortar shop).
~ AirDrop

Android
~ External USB OnTheGo
~ Usually has higher specs for same price
~ More control and flexibility (Windows like)
~ More affordable if you're going for looking for entry/mid level phones
- Techie4066 on 23/05/2021 - 13:27
  
  then changed to iPhone 12 mini last year because no Android offered the same form factor in that specification.
  
  There are some options:
  
  Pixel 5 (or Pixel 6 this year for better performance)
  
  S21 is a little larger but still compact
  
  Asus ZenFone 8 coming soon
  
  Xperia 5 II (or 5 III coming in a few months) if you don't mind a taller narrow device.
  
  ~ AirDrop
  
  Android's equivalent is Nearby Share which was rolled out to all devices from the last 4 or so years. It operates the same, although integration with iOS obviously won't come until Apple allows, same with iMessage and RCS.
  - wombok2 on 25/05/2021 - 03:12
    
    All the phones you mentioned are bigger, heavier and slower than the mini. Mind you, I was tempted to go Xperia 5 II but no thanks to curved screen, but if they ever made a true Z5C/XZ1C successor I'd be temped to give them another go.
    - Techie4066 on 25/05/2021 - 07:47
      
      I was tempted to go Xperia 5 II but no thanks to curved screen
      
      It has a completely flat screen. The only Xperia ever made with a curved screen was the XZ3.
      - wombok2 on 25/05/2021 - 20:29
        
        @Techie4066: Apologies and my bad, the renders didn't reflect the actual hands-on photos. But either way, I still stand on the true Z5C/XZ1C successor, The 1 and the 5 is simply too long for my liking. The mini is actually a tad smaller than the iphone 6/7/8 and has flat edges which I really like.
- MagicMushroom on 23/05/2021 - 19:43
  
  ~ Better resell value
  
  Not always, some android phone hold price really well. E.g. Xiaomi Poco f2 pro and one plus 7/7T pro can be sold used for 70-100% of the purchase price.
  
  ~ More parts and cases available
  
  Not really parts because apple don't sell these to users.
  - wombok2 on 25/05/2021 - 03:22
    
    Sorry to say, but phones cant really be sold for 100% of the purchase price unless there's a shortage or you actually got it on a flash sale. Nothing wrong with Chinese phones, but I personally wouldn't pay top dollar for them, OnePlus is getting more expensive then they used to be, not sure why you'd pay that when Samsung has sales all the time.
    
    For parts I mean more like servicing and support. For example, its far easier to get parts for a toyota corolla than a daewoo matiz.
Deals For Days on 22/05/2021 - 12:39

+1

Been a long time Android user, for ages favouring them for storage expandability, customisation etc.

My next phone will be an iPhone. Primary reason is Apple's focus on privacy and the fact it will become a big selling point for them.

Coupled with the fact many androids no longer have expandable storage or removable batteries, one of the main bonuses.
- Exec-Matrix on 22/05/2021 - 13:01
  
  +6
  
  Do some research if you really think Apple care about your privacy…
  - Vote for Pedro on 22/05/2021 - 13:36
    
    dO sOmE ReSEaRCH sHeEpLe!!!
    
    Vote for Pedro on 22/05/2021 - 13:36 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)

iPhone and Android Phone, Which Do You Prefer?

Comments

New Forum Topics