What's The One Biggest Thing Keeping You from Going to an iPhone?

O15 on 19/09/2022 - 14:09
Last edited 19/09/2022 - 18:08

Obviously this is a question for those folk with an Android phone (and those still desperately clinging to a Windows phone?).

Years ago, Android had many objective benefits over iPhone and I didn't really like anything iOS or iPhone related.

These days, the current iPhone design (12, 13 & 14) is by far my favourite design of any current phone, iOS has almost completely closed the feature gap and iPhones cameras are fantastic.

However, the one thing which I appreciate too much to give up is how easy it is to connect my phone to any Windows PC and transfer files to and from it.
I don't have to f around with iTunes or any other third party program. Just plug in and do what I need to do.

On the flip side, when someone brings me their iPhone and asks for help getting photos or a video off of it, my day is instantly ruined.
Plug it into a Windows PC and you have to figure out the arbitrary folder structure to find photos. Oh and you're sure as hell not going to copy files to the iPhone this way.
Even if I connect the iPhone to a Mac, sometimes the Photos app just doesn't want to do it. I've had it show some photos but not all with no apparent explanation as to what's happening.

As long as this remains the case, I will never buy myself an iPhone.

Does this bother anyone else? Do you have other reasons?

Mobile Apple Mobile Phone

Comments

    • Diji on 24/09/2022 - 20:42
      +1

      No headphone jack (over the years, this stopped me purchasing a number of Android phones too!)

      I miss this on my current phone but the price was right so I sucked it up. Even though the audio quality is better compared to the jack on my old phone, having to have an extra thing is so annoying.

  • UFO on 22/09/2022 - 19:05

    I'm still rocking an iPhone 6S Plus, purchased on release Sep 2015.
    I've had the battery and speaker replaced during it's life, but that's it.

    It still suits my needs fine, but yes… now battery life has once again dropped, and I am now considering an upgrade. But again, not because it isn't good enough… it's just time.

    I'm not normally cheap when it comes to purchases (I can appreciate good quality and will pay for it for other items), but for what is basically a phone, email client, web browser, music storage (attached DAB), and Netflix casting device, I don't see how anyone can justify $1500 on a phone!

    I use this thing for hours every day and love it. I tried Android on the previous phone, but it didn't work out. For all its fans, no one can say without question that everything "just works" like it does on Apple. Do I like be tethered to the Apple universe? Of course not. But it just works… every single time.

    I'll probably upgrade to a 11 or 12 brand new from Apple, but no way I'm paying for a 13 or 14 at these prices.

    • ihfree on 22/09/2022 - 19:40
      +1

      For all its fans, no one can say without question that everything "just works" like it does on Apple.

      I think "just works" only works if you're familiar with a platform. I use iOS and it doesn't "just work" for me. To get to "just works" there would be a learning curve. There are a lot of frustrations as a Windows, Mac, and Android user.

      What specifically are you referring to with this?

    • CrispyChrispy on 24/09/2022 - 00:45

      I tried Android on the previous phone, but it didn't work out. For all its fans, no one can say without question that everything "just works" like it does on Apple.

      When did you get/use this Android phone?

  • quikchip on 22/09/2022 - 19:14

    Not being able to select multiple files and attach to email.

  • imme1386 on 23/09/2022 - 00:44
    +2

    Samsung Dex - Ability to use my phone on my pc wirelessly

  • CrazyBargainCatcher on 23/09/2022 - 06:53
    +2
    • Apple fanboys supporters camping out days maybe a week for a (profanity) phone and some overpriced earbuds that sound like their wired equivalents.
    • Price
    • Greed, refer to point 2.
  • Jonzay on 23/09/2022 - 07:30

    I am a Tasker power user. I have automations to automate my automations. I need the granular control.

  • maverickjohn on 23/09/2022 - 10:39
    +2

    It wouldn't take much for me to go to iphone. I currently dont sit on any camp and just go with whatever i would enjoy. Currently have a z fold 4 and previously held a z fold 3.
    One thing and the only thing really is the gestures on android. I wish apple would have swipe gestures. So convenient swiping from edge of screen to go back

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 23/09/2022 - 12:08

      That would be a massive downgrade. The Folds are far superior.

  • Noblejoker on 23/09/2022 - 12:29
    +1

    I literally just traded from a Pixel 4 with Ticwatch Pro 3 to an iPhone 12 with apple watch 5
    Less than a month later, I was back to Android

    My 2 cents:
    * Apple is excellent hardware - very snappy and responsive - not a deal breaker but nice
    * Great battery life (I have since upgraded from Pixel 4 to Pixel 5 which has reduced this advantage a lot)
    * Compatibility of IOS is stellar e.g. Bluetooth in my car, the in car system actually updated itself via IOS connection (didn't happen with Android)
    * watch is excellent, lots of features, low profile, good battery
    * I found Siri better than Goog Assistant, esp on watch

    So why change back:
    * By far the best reason is Android Messages and SMS which I still use a lot in browser and via shortcut on tablet - so good. Imessage is awful - doesn't even sync well between a mac and phone. I am convinced that whatsapp and other message apps only exist because ios messaging is awful
    * Android more straight forward - the gestures are more natural - sipe left right up down - at least to me. Settings are more obvious. You can heavily customise iphone settings etc. - but on Android you dont have to
    * usb c - so handy
    * price - I was prepared to pay for quality - but not that much difference in quality. 2nd hand my iphone 12 was $700, Pixel 5 $400 - similar quality, almost half the price

  • Joxer on 23/09/2022 - 13:34
    +1

    I used to use an iPhone since the iPhone 3G, which I still have at home. Don't use Apple thanks to the flexibility of Android. Not to mention their closed system which shafts everyone including app makers by forcing their 30% profit margin. No one should support their monopolistic practices.

  • StefanH on 23/09/2022 - 13:41
    +1

    I keep a list, as I'm still tryna work out which OS to stick with.
    Keep in mind, this is specific to the Pixel, I'm on an iPhone 12 Pro at the moment and this is what I miss.

    • Bedtime/Do Not Disturb mode is automatically activated when the phone goes on charge at night (can be partially replicated through shortcuts app).
    • Back Gesture: Makes navigating your phone so much faster, takes the guesswork how to get out of a menu/screen or reduces the need to swap/stretch your hands.
    • Double-click power button to access the camera, makes accessing the camera so much quicker even when the phone is off, can even use the camera without having to look at my phone with the volume buttons.
    • Swiping the backspace key to erase whole words instead of trying to judge when to let go of the backspace key on iOS.
    • USB-C: Compatible with everything, only need one type of cable with me for everything.
    • Charging other devices with USB-C: There's a notification that allows you to pick whether you want the device you've plugged in to charge you, or whether you want charge them.
    • Reverse Wireless Charging: You can save your friend's phones :)
    • WiFi to WiFi hotspots: Really good at uni, and at hotels being able to share your wifi connection to others through WiFi.
    • Also my Pixel just seems to be the device that seems to be the most reliable with connecting to WiFi hotspots which are a bit dodgy, and then you can just share the WiFi connection to your other devices :)
    • Schedule Sending Text Messages: Good for reminding people to do stuff for you.
    • Calculator App with Calculation History: No brainer, you can work with a lot of numbers at once.
    • There's an app (forgot it's name) that enables you to keep checklists and reminders directly in the notification centre, I really miss that.
    • Google Opinion Rewards: Quite easy to rack up more than enough play credit to spend on stuff you don't need, with really quick surveys.
    • Flexibility in where to put icons on Home Screen, good to put them down the bottom near your hand.
    • Text Selection from the app switcher, enables you to copy and paste text from apps even if you aren't usually able to in the app. (links in people's Instagram picture descriptions)
    • Image Selection from the app switcher, enables you to copy, save, share images directly from apps that wouldn't let you, again, like Instagram pictures.
    • Email address text suggestions, even in text fields not designated for email addresses (good for constant account switching).
    • The dynamic wallpaper selection, they just look and feel really cool :)
    • Unlimited photo storage on Google Photos, or at least with the Pixel 5 and downwards.
    • Scrolling screenshots system wide, not just safari.
    • Swipe down on the back fingerprint reader to access notifications and quick settings.
    • Web version of google messages allows you to send and receive messages from any device.

    Pretty much the only upside to iOS is that it's a lot smoother and refined, which does mean a lot to me, but then I'm losing all the above, so such a toss up.
    Also, dark mode on Snapchat :)))

  • unhuman on 23/09/2022 - 13:53

    I use both android and iOS. But main factor to avoid iOS would be file system ( nobody can change my mind on it, it’s pain to transfer file, music and photos ), and stupid lighting charger plus the price.

  • OwMeKnees on 23/09/2022 - 21:17
    +1

    The fact that iOS is 2-3 years behind on everything. Or worse, look at widgets

    • ihfree on 23/09/2022 - 21:44

      Which areas do you feel iOS is behind in?

      • GrueHunter on 23/09/2022 - 23:32

        Green text bubbles apparently

        Sorry, should have included a trigger warning

    • netsurfer on 24/09/2022 - 00:00

      You make it sound like every Android phone can get the latest Android OS easily. Nowadays, Android and iOS just keep on copying each other.

  • Fimbulvetr on 23/09/2022 - 21:41

    I think the ability to shop around according to my current phone wants is pretty important to me. Apple only presents so many choices, though I do understand there's comfort in that reliability but that assumes I'm already entrenched in it.

    It's probably more appropriate to talk about why I have thought about getting an iPhone and settled on "no" during my last phone purchase:

    • Restrictive pricing.
    • Unable to migrate my apps and configurations
    • Unable to sideload apps
    • Lightning charger

    I usually take buying a new phone seriously. Even when i'm not spending more than $800- and even though buying android phones can be a crapshoot, usually I feel im more likely to get the phone I want.

    With the power of foresight I would easily have gotten an iPhone instead of a Nexus 6P back in the day- That was an expensive garbage fire and a betrayal of a line of phones I used to love dearly. Toting the Galaxy S20FE right now and it might be the best phone I have owned.

    Incidentally one annoying con to shopping around and buying more niche phones is how hard it is to find a good case. Especially if it's already a 6-12 month old phone.

  • Hahuh on 23/09/2022 - 23:19
    +1

    It's never a sole reason but:

    • Inability to to install what I want
    • Inability to arrange the app icons, hide app icon labels, icon packs
    • USB 2
    • File system access on phone and when connected to windows (only read on the PC side)
    • Quick launch settings
    • Number row?
    • Fact that a phone costing as much or more than a laptop (why I don't buy 1K+ phones in general)

    I mainly like the hardware aspect of the iPhones. Screen, soc, sensors and radios all working correctly, nvme

  • GrueHunter on 23/09/2022 - 23:21
    -1

    iPhone users: ok

  • Zhotan on 24/09/2022 - 10:48

    Tasker, and forced default apps on iOS like Safari (all browsers on iOS use webkit) and Siri being tied to Apple Maps

  • initiateit on 24/09/2022 - 10:53
    +2

    The fact it's apple? They are scumbags who overcharge, brick devices, use proprietary connectors just to overcharge, purposely limit upgradability, spyware and data miners….

    I could go on and on about the shady practices they get away with.

    Their OS looks pretty though but android is good enough and you couldn't pay me to use their desktop OS.

    Some of their hardware like the M1 is also a class above.

  • [Deactivated] on 24/09/2022 - 12:15
    +2

    Do you have other reasons?

    My main reason is an ethical one. I see Apple as anti-consumer and simply don't want to give them any support.

    I hop between Android hardware brands on a regular basis.

    I have to use an iPhone for work and it's loaded with the bare minimum apps required by the company.

  • shaybisc on 24/09/2022 - 16:30
    +2

    Apple's reputation for innovation is considerably overrated, but to give them their due they were first to use the Double Irish tax dodge, the largest tax avoidance tool in history.

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_Irish_arrangement

  • BinnyC on 24/09/2022 - 19:49
    +1

    The notch is now called Dynamic Island, what a gimmick, lol.

    It still blocks the screen though and reviewers are like it is so much better..

  • Diji on 24/09/2022 - 20:39
    +2

    There's no iPhone in my budget. I don't really care for the resale value argument since upfront cost is of more concern to me. I'm probably in minority of phone users though, I just use it for web browsing and chat, so I don't need all the bells and whistles that flagships have. Cheapest iPhone is double what I paid for mine so it's a non-competitor for me.

    Second thing would probably be my dislike for iOS but I've only used it on an iPad and I have no idea how comparable that is to the UI/UX on Apple's phones. If Apple ever launched a phone around the $350 mark I'd maybe give it another look though.

  • RedSky on 24/09/2022 - 22:04
    +1

    Used to have a 3GS, what convinced me to move is when my hard drive died on my primary PC and my music collection on my iPhone became inaccessible because of Apple's arbitrary restrictions around registering the iPhone to an iTunes install on my dead hard drive.

    • Adblocking / root - Adaway/Vanced/root means no ads anywhere. Not in apps, youtube, not on any websites. I remember unlocking/rooting with 3GS and it was a massive pain.
    • Phone selection - I can prioritise the phone features by choosing brand/model. iPhones offer a good feature mix but battery life is relatively average. I've been really happy with the Poco F3 - 120hz/OLED, great battery life, near top tier chipset, good enough camera (have a mirrorless for quality night pics).
    • Flexibility / customisation - With the right launcher / home screen / rooted apps / firmware, you can make your UI look like anything you want. It's not a big deal but is great if you enjoy tinkering / curating things for yourself.
    • Battery life control - Root level apps like Greenify/Naptime offer a tremendous amount of control on what apps can do with your phone while you're not using them or your phone is off. I still get 70% battery remaining in the evening with light use on my Poco F3 after 1.5 years ownership.
    • Custom ROMs - The ability to install a custom ROM with minimal bloat, QOL features (I use Arrow OS) is nice. It's admittedly a bit of a hassle to initially set it up but once loaded it's set and forget.
    • Direct file system access - I still keep my main music library (about 120GB) on my phone. Using data / relying on internet access / losing access to niche or international albums doesn't appeal to me with Spotify/Apple Music etc. Turn on SFTP network on phone, load from PC wirelessly. If it's large file, e.g. a movie on a plane ride, I use USB.
    • Competition / business approach - Apple's ecosystem makes its tech work together seamlessly but I hate the lock-in / anti-competitive aspect of it as I think this kills innovation / leads to higher prices in the long term. It's what allows them to get away with continuous price hikes / removing accessories / staying on Lightning so long. It's why they arbitrarily lock your iPhone's parts to your phone by matching on serial number. If you try to swap in a logic board from a genuine identical model, Apple locks some arbitrary features to give the impression that it's malfunctioning which is truly asinine.

    I was curious on the iPhone 14 primarily because of the Apple Watch (Pixel Watch is still looking pretty underwhelming and Android Wear app ecosystem is mediocre) but I think I will hold out. The lesser data points that Apple collects appeals to me but now that Apple is getting more and more into the ad market, I don't think this will be a meaningful advantage going forward. Ironically, the true privacy option is something like GrapheneOS on a Pixel phone, but that comes with more compromises that I'm willing to accept.

  • Wilson Wallace on 25/09/2022 - 07:54
    -3

    I’m using my iPhone because I had 3 faulty pixels, pixel 6 pro had a faulty modem in it.

    Now I know I can pay $2000 for an iPhone, peace of mind, subscribe to extra cloud storage and the ability to go to an Apple Store and receive instant help by a human, lose my phone and get a replacement.

    What more do you want?

    Ohhhhhh mummy I can’t get my photos from the phone because it’s too hard, oh mummy. I can’t install custom apps mummy.

    Shut up :)

  • Bec-a on 25/09/2022 - 08:38

    I always thought iPhones were overpriced as I wanted a cheap phone. However when I finally did get one I realised how good the longevity is. Still using iPhone se from 2016 and it works fine, never got that with android phones.
    My Sony Ericsson x10 only lasted 6 months and they wouldn’t even repair it under warranty, still sour a decade later haha

  • pandaoncoffee on 25/09/2022 - 14:58
    +1

    You get Apple if you use their ecosystem. The phone alone is probably not worth switching from Android if that is what you are used and enjoy the kind of flexibility it offers.

    What I like about the ecosystem:
    -Apple TV pairs well with the phone, ipad and watch. You can use your iOS devices as a remote for the Apple TV or as input (e.g. if searching on youtube, you can type it on your phone instead!). Siri also works well with Apple TV. I use the apple watch to do workouts with using apple fitness.
    -Apple subscription services - I get music, news, storage and apple fitness all in one subscription. I can share it as well. I enjoy Dolby Atmos offerings from apple music.
    -Headphones - can connect to multiple devices. It comes in handy when I jump onto Zoom on my iPad or Macbook.
    -Things sync between devices

    Apple Care's recent upgrade is pretty good - covers theft now if you get the plus version.

    What I don't like about Android's ecosystem
    -It's fragmented and doesn't work seamlessly between devices
    -Australia doesn't get the best choice selection without having to import some. I also hate that we get the worse offering in Samsung's line in terms of processor.

    What I like about android phones
    -Usually has the innovations first,
    -I long preferred the OLED screens the samsung over many generations of the iPhone
    -Cameras usually better in the pixel and samsung lines in particular
    -Fast charging on some flagship phones of other brands work really well
    -You get more options to choose something that best suits your scenario at your price point

    What I hate about both systems
    -Costs - apple's premium costs for…everything
    -Samsung's fluctuating prices make me feel ripped off when the price drops immediately or they start the release with a sale. If I don't need a new phone at the start of the release cycle, I'm sure as heck not going to buy it when I finally do need it and the release sale price/perks are gone!
    -Pixel range is no longer premium

    • netsurfer on 25/09/2022 - 21:18

      Apple devices generally work well with each other. However, there are still some cons:

      • While headphones / airpods could connect to multiple devices, it's NOT perfect when you do need to switch between a larger number of devices.
      • Non-Apple bluetooth devices, if you run into compatibility issue, Apple doesn't care.
      • Apple TV+ subscription…. well, it cannot compare to other ones for now (contents wise).
      • The widening of gap between iPhone non-Pro vs Pro is NOT a good sign for customers.
      • If you are not into the Apple ecosystem, the experience is not as good.
      • If you don't upgrade to latest iOS, there will be apps you won't be able to get the latest version.
      • Older apps (inc. paid ones), if the developer abandoned the apps (i.e. not updating for a few years), those apps cannot be used on recent devices.
      • Bye bye 32-bit apps. If you paid for those and developers didn't introduce or offer a free upgrade to 64-bit version, can't use them.
      • Apple did a remote kill on one of my iPhones which I purposely not upgraded iOS to have the ability to run 32-bit apps. Apple forced me to upgrade the iOS (basically Apple de-activate the device so the only way to re-activate it is to upgrade to the latest iOS). The worst part was I had to use iTunes, put the iPhone in DFU mode, manually download the latest iOS. I bought the phone outright, but it feels like Apple can zap the phone if it feels like it.

      Just did a jailbreak on an old iPhone recently. Interesting enough, a lot of tweaks I installed essentially make it behave more like an Android phone.

  • franco cozzo on 27/09/2022 - 06:32
    +1

    just to not to be an 'apple user' for starters…

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