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The worst part of Apple’s tech though is not clunkier devices or outdated hardware.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

  • Zondor on 24/05/2021 - 14:04
    +1

    Android but only because Siri is trash, I use google assistant heaps in the car to change songs, read texts, etc.

  • jace88 on 24/05/2021 - 14:23
    +1

    My current two phones are an iPhone 12 and a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2. Prior to this was an iPhone XS Max and a Poco F1.

    Generally, I find I prefer my iPhone for simplicity/everything working/app store reliability, etc… but I'm also not one to shy away from paying for relevant subscriptions/services where I see value (eg Youtube premium, Google One, iCloud, Netflix, Office 365) and also have a large library of music and video purchases on iTunes Store (dating back to my OG iPod Mini). Apps feel more polished on iOS and seem to get new features first (eg Google Photos supports syncing of favourites, OneDrive can upload photos by folder, etc) and mainstream apps historically have just run better than Android (eg Facebook and Instagram), albeit part of the challenge is my Android phone is a Fold 2 which is probably an anomaly in UI element scaling. The iPhone works well (enough) in the car on Carplay, and my workplace mobile management and apps which ironically include GSuite apps has historically had a superior experience on iOS. I also have an iPad Pro 11" so enjoy the seamless transitions between them both.

    However, whilst the Poco F1 (and my even older Xiaomi Mi Max) were not supported with our work data, the last time I used an Android phone for work was the Samsung S7 Edge (long time ago) and since then Android has evolved significantly. On my Fold 2, I really enjoy the personal/work profile separation and how you can disable the work profile, and you aren't forced to let the work profile manage a personal profile app like on iOS (as there's no dual app type functionality on iOS).

    Beyond the work aspects though, the openness of Android obviously has benefits and I enjoy having access to various apps/games/emulators/etc which isn't possible on iOS. The flipside is Google Play store has some very unoptimised games which just didn't run properly without relying on mods/Samsung Goodlock to muck around with screen ratios/etc to even be playable… something which wasn't ever an issue on iOS/App Store. I also found that iTunes/App Store on iOS are more willing to refund if there's an issue/dissatisfaction whereas on Google I have not gotten a refund in my limited experience when I complained about apps not working properly as I took too long to raise an issue.

    The other thing is Android also has more choice in core apps eg multiple gallery apps, multiple messaging apps, etc… but in doing so, I actually found some aspects really frustrating like the Samsung Gallery being the default app but trying to force me into using their OneDrive merging feature which took me a lot of headaches/Googling to try and resolve when I just wanted to keep OneDrive backup separate. Whilst I appreciate Android prompting me to choose a PDF viewer when opening a PDF file, on the flipside, I like how iOS has the inbuilt native PDF viewer which works really well (especially on iPad with pencil) and doesn't make me feel like I'm being "sucked into" a subscription or freemium app.

  • jsediv on 24/05/2021 - 15:40
    +1

    iPhone. I like their OS, aesthetics and after-sales support.

  • cheapjack on 24/05/2021 - 18:37

    Google assistant is better than siri

  • hsc21 on 24/05/2021 - 18:55

    My rules are pretty simple, I'll always go for an iPhone against a Samsung flagship.
    If I wanted to go Android, I'd get a cheaper alternative like Oppo / Xiaomi.

    • BendBridge on 24/05/2021 - 19:39

      That makes good sense. I think OnePlus is worth a look as well.

  • digitizer on 24/05/2021 - 21:46

    I write apps for iPhones for a living and used to do Android too. Have an Android phone still, wife has an iPhone 12. Agree with Pavel - after even a 90hz screen the iPhone 12 is a disappointment at double the price of a comparable Oppo with more storage, ram, battery, cameras, zoom, features etc etc..

  • yummypinacolada on 24/05/2021 - 21:48
    +1

    As a true ozbargainer, I'm always after a flagship phone with the best value and I switch to newer phone every 2 years. Android used to be my choice because I can look for a deal within a couple of months of its release and iPhone just seems to expensive for a phone.

    But then I tried moving to iPhone X, which is the highest I've ever spent on a phone(with just a little discount of 5-10% I can't remember). This decision make me never look back to Android anymore. I noticed all of my android phones only perform really well before a major Android update. By the time a major Android update comes, a battery drain issues always come up which I really hate. I didn't experience any of this with iOS update which make the experience much better.

    In terms of price, I used to assume that iPhone is a huge waste of money. However, after I owned iPhone I realised how high the resell value of an iPhone is. I could sell my iPhone that I owned for 2 years for more than half of the price I paid. So in the end, I ended up spending just as much as my flagship android phones.

    Also a bonus point for apple which is better warranty compare to any other smartphone brand I know.

  • sct911 on 25/05/2021 - 01:43

    Last two phones were android , note 8 and note 10plus . Just bought a iPhone 12 max earlier in the year and I do prefer the iPhone experience more.

    Everything just works , easy to use and no battery drain that android phones seem to have when not using the phone . Samsung phones would chew threw 2% every hour overnight , iPhone just 0.5%

  • FallaM on 25/05/2021 - 08:33

    Was Android, then shortly iPhone, back to android for a few gens and now back to iPhone and felt like I've made the right decision. Samsung's prices are getting absurd, their bloatware is frustrating, Bixby was a huge and annoying mistake and their general U.I is incomparable to iPhone

  • jaimex2 on 25/05/2021 - 10:39

    I do a lot of power user stuff so Android has been my go to. iOS is pretty but locked down.

    Things I do that I could never on iOS.

    • Display whatever I like on the car screen ( in my case off-road navigation apps )
    • Host ISOs from my device and boot up install CDs / Live CDs
    • Tasker triggers for Home Automation, nothing on iOS comes close
    • Run my music collection like I actually own it
    • Run Kodi and not be locked in to streaming services
    • Run a real browser, not Safari
    • My wallpapers are really cool - https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/live-wallpaper-mario-live…
    • I can transfer files back and forth really fast to any device, not just Apple devices

    I could go on forever.

    Skinny of it is I can do whatever I want and I don't have to own every item in the Apple store to do so.

    My phone is currently a OnePlus 6

    • BendBridge on 25/05/2021 - 11:45

      I think Melbourne’s blue sky makes the phone best wallpaper 😀

      I was using OnePlus 5 until someone gave me XS Max. Then I just use the OnePlus as my mobile hotspot.

      I think the iOS and Android design philosophy is different. Once getting used to it, both are good and capable. Like many others have pointed out, iOS UI is more polished and many things simply work out of the box.

  • [Deactivated] on 25/05/2021 - 11:32

    i didn't really notice a huge difference, although iphone UI felt more polished and stable. I don't really take advantage of the higher HZ screen because it drains the battery faster and the one thing that really annoys me day to day about smartphones is the battery life, or lack thereof. currently using oneplus 7 pro, definitely feels less polished than the samsung android but it has longer battery life and no camera in the screen.

  • umoddbro on 25/05/2021 - 11:33
    +1

    Used iphone and android over the years and always go back to android. My biggest pet peeve with ios is that it feels so restrictive.. You cant install alot of apps i.e vanced and that alone is a deal breaker

  • hj34g7jh34 on 25/05/2021 - 11:45

    used android since it was first released.

    Tried iPhone few months ago and can't see myself going back to android. Everything just feels nicer.

    Appstore is not as good though,

  • denz02 on 25/05/2021 - 12:38

    Without a doubt iPhone. I was a strong supporter of Android but once you give an iPhone a proper try with open mind you will not look back.

  • Zacard on 25/05/2021 - 12:54
    +1

    people using the iphone. how do guys go about doing the following:

    1. keeping personal photos separate to work photos.
    2. transferring photos from the iphone to windows pc.
    • whatgift on 26/05/2021 - 20:54
      1. Not sure, I don’t know how many people have work photos? That being said, iPhones only really have one photo library, but wondering whether third party camera software allows you to save it separately.
      2. Plug the phone into the PC with a USB cable, windows sees it as a camera and you download the photos like a digital camera using the photos app.
  • Thatsgold on 25/05/2021 - 13:35

    iPhone is like using one hole wheres android lets you use all holes to explore and enjoy…
    "Whatever I Do What I Want - Cartman"

  • iDroid on 25/05/2021 - 15:29

    As a developer iOS is a right pain and I loathe having to develop for it. Android on the other hand is just a walk in the park in comparison.

    From a user POV, I'd also side with Android. I find iOS cumbersome and annoying.

    • jaimex2 on 25/05/2021 - 15:41

      I'll never understand why any developer not into sadism writes apps for iOS.

  • markb28 on 25/05/2021 - 16:44

    Can't stand iOS, Android is streets ahead for phone UX. Obviously not all Android phones are created equal, some are bloody terrible and/or cheap and nasty. The latest Note's and the S21 Ultra are great phones but it's a shame that the latest Pixels are just average. I also like that you can just sideload whatever you like and prefer Googles take on the key functions Gmail/Photos etc.

    I do however like some things about iPhones, the cameras are always good, the apps just work, they hold their price well and they are built quite tough in recent years.

  • Gnilgorf on 25/05/2021 - 17:26
    +1

    Personally, Android.

    However, to each their own and I can understand why some may choose an iOS phone.

    I carry some bias from PC vs Mac discussions, where my preference is to be able to tinker and repair my own devices rather than being restricted from doing so. As such, I never bought into the Apple ecosystem given their tendency to use their own proprietary systems, and lack of expandability / access to DIY repairs. This naturally extended to my choice of phones.

    Now with that being said, for those who just want a complete package, the iOS phones are better 'out of the box' so to speak. Less fuss for the most part, until things go wrong then its a load of fun. As long as the user is happy to also pay the premium associated, though this has somewhat diminished of late with a lot of brand getting quite expensive.

  • Nebos on 25/05/2021 - 19:14

    Love android but specifically, Galaxy fold! Each to their own though, iPhone are solid also just over priced in my view.

  • Wiede on 25/05/2021 - 20:02
    +1

    Tachiyomi + snes9x/fpse = Android for my personal phone

  • pull the lever on 25/05/2021 - 21:34

    iPhone.
    Been an Android user for 10 years but once iOS caught up to Android, I was happy to switch. For all its flaws and bad perception, the Apple ecosystem more or less “just works”, and I was sick of the duality of Samsung bloatware and Android, plus how non-hidden its processes are (I had a Google Nexus phone, but even Google doesn’t support their own phones as long as Apple does).

  • foxpants on 25/05/2021 - 21:45

    My work recently gave me an iPhone 11 Pro MAX 256gb to test/use for a month (MDM Trial, but the trial basically failed and the phone was vanilla the whole time).

    I used to use iPhones way back, a 3G and then a 4 before moving to android. Since then went though a Nexus, a few Samsung's till I found Oneplus, had a 3T now a 7 Pro. My sister is always singing the iPhones praises (and in fairness for her it works brilliantly) and really wanted me to give it a red hot go when I told her I was getting one for a month.

    I really tried to give it every chance to turn me but it unfortunately it did the opposite of growing on me over time, I'm more turned off than ever, here's a few of my personal thoughts and findings.

    • I found the camera (photos) downright average (admittedly I use GCAM on my OP) - video however was excellent, especially stabilised while walking. Photo's generally came out soft and warm/bright to my eyes. Certainly not garbage, but far from being wow'd (which I was by video)

    • I just can't get on board with the gesture navigation and the UI style and navigation as a whole, I use on screen nav bar buttons on my OP and can't give them up, plus even that is super customisable. The iPhone never got to a 'natural' state for me, it just managed to frustrate me on the daily and you just need to roll over and get used to it.

    • Setting up the home screens/layout/controls/UI/UX etc the way you want, iOS felt like a cruel joke coming from the world of Android.

    • lack of high refresh and animation customisation. I can literally see the individual frames as I navigate, my 7Pro feels like greased lightning compared to the iPhone (also 0.5x animation, 90hz forced at all times), this was something I expected the 'smoothness' if iOS to make up for, it did not. Not even close. It wasn't laggy, it wasn't choppy, it was just slower with animations I couldn't adjust at all.

    • No fingerprint scanner and using FaceID. When it worked it was fine but it was awkward and let me down many times for various reasons.

    • Massive, ugly, notch. No, I didn't ever forget it was there.

    • heavy, heavier than my OP 7 pro, which isn't in itself bad, but unexpected.

    • Very nice build quality but I'd say the 7Pro is right there too, perhaps every so marginally behind. If the iPhone's are a 10/10, my 7Pro is a 9.5/10 imo.

    Now don't get wrong, I can truly see why and how so many people love them, but boy I found it inferior for my personal use and taste by a country mile. There is so much that I can't account for an test in only 30 days that I know counts in their favour, long term in the ecosystem, when you upgrade from and older one to a new one, timely updates to name just a few. Some of these often count doubly against android in a reverse situation.

    I'm willing to grant that my 7 Pro setup isn't what you'd call out of the box, but it's MY comparison so and I set them both up as best I can for MY own taste and uses. I just could not make using an iPhone enjoyable, where by comparison just the act of using the 7 Pro, launching/switch apps, working my way around the UI is delightful. Clearly the OxygenOS/high refresh type experience is right up my alley, and it's not for everyone, but damn neither is using iOS - and I don't think 120hz on it's own is going to fix that.

  • CuteWittleCorgi on 25/05/2021 - 22:23

    iPhone because Tim Apple.

    • ECE on 26/05/2021 - 10:04

      Tim Cook/s Apple 😷

  • OzHunterNSW on 26/05/2021 - 10:03

    I am due for a new phone and thought to completely change to Xaiomi … but then saw the NEW Samsung s22.
    Apple phones are 5 years out of date

  • AG_ACT on 26/05/2021 - 13:22

    I prefer the Android OS, but I use an iPhone.
    Reasons:
    * Cheaper over the long term, my phone is an iPhone 8, and feels modern. I'd def want a new phone by now if I had an Android
    * Easier/cheaper to find/buy accessories
    * So many accessories that just work - both Third party
    * I love the apple watch - particularly the fitness features
    * It's easier to use once you get used to it…
    * everyone has one, so chances are someone will know how to do something you are having a problem

    I wish I could change:
    iCloud
    iTunes
    You can't TRULY delete an app.
    inability to use the phone storage as I see fit
    How expensive it is to upgrade

    • foxpants on 26/05/2021 - 16:52

      When you say an iPhone 8 'feels' modern, can you elaborate? because they look straight out of 2016 in an age of full screen phones.. If you mean runs smooth without slowdown I can see that.

    • whatgift on 26/05/2021 - 21:27

      When you say “truly delete an app”, you mean the Apple built in apps right? When you delete a third party app from your phone it is completely removed, unless it has data stored in iCloud maybe?

    • CrispyChrispy on 03/06/2021 - 13:54

      If you bought a Google Pixel 2 or S8, which were released same time as the iPhone 8, I wouldn't say that they would feel old and not modern anymore. I have used both since their release and they hold up perfectly fine.

  • 2025 on 26/05/2021 - 17:46

    One thing I’m quite impressed with is Apple’s HomeKit. I’ve tried Alexa and Google Home devices in my home as an easy way to override things if I need to for a mixture of ZWave gear, Lifx bulbs and a hobbled together collection of other devices. HomeKit kills the other two in responsiveness because it’s all local communication. My request to turn off the light or unlock a door doesn’t drift up into the cloud then float down before it happens. It’s done the instant I finish the sentence to Siri.
    I don’t use HomeKit for the automation, that’s a separate controller, but I must say that it is by far the best voice operated interface for simple commands and such that I’ve tried.

  • BendBridge on 26/05/2021 - 18:42

    It seems that at this point more people prefer Android to iOS. This probably reflects the ratio of users of both platforms.

    What's interesting though, as an observation (this might turn ugly), the words and expressions used by those who prefer Android are mostly more fiery and uncompromising.

    • whatgift on 26/05/2021 - 20:59
      +2

      It’s generally about control - people don’t like Apple mainly due to the locked down nature and less flexibility. To others that it’s selling point, it’s made for regular users who don’t need endless customisations and options.

      Some people treat the difference between Apple and Android as almost a moral or religious argument, which gets quite silly from both sides.

      • BendBridge on 26/05/2021 - 23:48
        +1

        Nicely put. Some might even feel that Apple has encroached their freedom.

        • whatgift on 27/05/2021 - 10:07

          The funny arguments are the ones that’s state that Apple doesn’t care about consumers only money, unlike every other company in the world haha!

          The main reason Android and Android phones are so flexible is that it makes the companies money, and they have to find ways to differentiate themselves in a crowded market. It’s not just about the consumer as such, people just like to believe it is.

          • BendBridge on 27/05/2021 - 22:18
            +1

            @whatgift: I have not dealt with Apple support or warranty myself.

            When there was an iphone battery issue a few years back, a colleague of mine got his iphone 4 or 5 battery replaced at no cost. That was way past the warranty period.

            • whatgift on 28/05/2021 - 08:38

              @BendBridge: From my experience Apples support is way above most other companies, although it still falls short for some circumstances.

              • pogichinoy on 28/05/2021 - 15:01
                +1

                @whatgift: Agree. Dunno how recent but they no longer repair iPads, and only offer replacements.

                Plus their plans in place to prevent people from repairing their devices privately or by a third party is restrictive. Maybe it could be because it's difficult to prove if fraud if someone uses cheap parts to fix a device and attempt to bring it back to Apple.

                Samsung repair experience is ridiculous according to my friends. They've had to wait weeks for a replacement where as Apple can provide one on the spot.

                • whatgift on 28/05/2021 - 15:06
                  +1

                  @pogichinoy: I think there’s a point where repairing costs too much in labour time to be worth while, hence the replacement.

                  There are valid reasons for not allowing third party repairs, but only in the instance that you want subsequent service from Apple.

                  I’ve heard of cases where people purposefully disable devices in order to get replacements from Apple, and do it as a regular and organised operation.

  • parcus on 26/05/2021 - 19:31

    Daily driver is an iPhone (12 pro max currently), but I always have at least 1 android device as a backup phone/android muckaround device (currently a samsung galaxy s21 + note 9)

    Honestly just can't bring myself to like/enjoy using android, it's so finicky and overall a less nice experience to using iOS. Ease of use, design of the OS, how it plays with other parts of the ecosystem, quality of hardware, processor power advantage, software updates, third party accessories, all are superior with iPhones imo.

    The app situation is less of an issue these days, but there are a fair few of my daily used apps from indie developers that just aren't on android (e.g. fantastical, halide, darkroom, ulysses - the alternatives aren't as nice). Camera's important for me and sure there was a period pixel might've had a slight advantage, but that's no longer the case so not missing out on anything on that front. Right now that S21 has some niceties that the 12PM doesn't have - inscreen fingerprint reader and 120hz (notchless) screen - I appreciate those but nowhere near enough to consider jumping ship.

    Then again not losing anything having both + the trade in deal for the latest galaxy phones are just too good to pass up (price definitely gets a point in android's favour)

  • netjock on 27/05/2021 - 13:57

    Note that rich tech owners only speak for their own benefit, how to line their own pockets.

    Good advice is expensive don't expect to get it for free.

  • satriamjati on 04/06/2021 - 01:42

    As iPhone user, was an Android user too, pretty satisfied with this old phone. I've been using iPhone 5s for years. This phone still better compared to cheap android phones (mic, speaker, camera) for music and recording.

    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 definitely disagree with this opinion.

    iOS has App Store, Android has Google Play Store, and (back then) Windows Phone has Microsoft Store. It makes sense. I know iPhone won't let you to install apps from 3rd party, but I think most users won't trade in their security to use 3rd party even if allowed. Android users (which I know) always all of them using Google Play Store to install apps, except users who install illegal apps. If you want to install illegal apps in iPhone, you can use a method but won't get in details here.

    iCloud will always be iPhone default to back up data but many alternative in App Store. I've been using One Drive for documents and Google Photos for pictures and videos. Even for iPhone user, I'm disappointed with new Google Photos agreement which limit its service to 15 GB (back then unlimited). For other smaller data, your free iCloud can help you.

    I don't know much smartphones nowadays, but that's my experience.

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