People always want to know what phone I'm using -- which is one big reason why I started gdgt -- and I often get asked why I don't use an iPhone. The launch of the iPhone 4S this week presented me with yet another opportunity to pass over Apple's offering, so I thought I'd lay it out my reasons for sticking with Android.
Let me preface all this by saying that this is not a criticism of your choice of phone. If you like your phone I am really happy about that. Seriously. There's a reason why we call it "personal technology" and that's because it's stuff that is an intimate part of our lives and anything that is that important by definition has to be a personal choice. I should also mention that my decision to use Android isn't because of some particular devotion to it as a platform, I'd switch in a second to something that I thought better suited my needs (and it's been promising to see all the improvements in Windows Phone, they just need to hit more of the very specific things I'm looking for). And anyone who knows me knows that it certainly isn't because I have some issue or problem with Apple -- I own three Macs and an iPad, all of which I quite like.
So here's why I'm an Android user:
Gmail - This might be the biggest single thing I like about Android: you simply can't get a better Gmail experience on a smartphone. My work life revolves around Gmail and my entire workflow is based on managing all of my email through the web-based and mobile versions of Gmail. Yes, you can access Gmail on an iPhone via the browser or the mail app, but you can't do the sorting and starring that is critical to how I get things done.
Larger screens - I don't care what anyone says, 3.5-inches is too small for me. I find it easier to type on a 4-inch or 4.3-inch screen and watching video is generally a better experience and I like that there are plenty of Android phones that come in those sizes now.
Replaceable batteries - This isn't an option with every single Android phone, but it is with most and I really appreciate being able to swap in a new battery -- or better yet, replace the one the phone came with for an aftermarket replacement with more mAh.
Better keyboards - I've never loved the default keyboard in either iOS or Android, but the good thing about Android is that I can actually do something about it. I've used a handful of different keyboards over the years, including Swype (which deserves all the love it gets), but for the past few months I've been using SwiftKey, which does the predictive text thing in a way that really suits me.
Customizability - This isn't actually that big of a factor for me, but I do like that I can tweak things the launcher and icons on my phone and add widgets to my desktop.
Google Voice - This is something that means a lot to me that might not mean much to you, but now that I've switched over to Google Voice having it tightly integrated into my phone is a game changer. Yes, you can use Google Voice on an iPhone, but it's not as smooth or as easy to use as on Android.
Is iOS smoother, more responsive, and just generally better designed? Yes, though I think the gap is much smaller now with Gingerbread than it was before and will likely close even further with ICS. Are there iOS apps I wish were available for Android that aren't? Absolutely. But when I think about the things that I most want out of a phone right now -- like Gmail, Google Voice, etc. -- those experiences are better enough on Android to outweigh iOS's other advantages. Maybe someday that balance will change, but so far with the iPhone 4S it doesn't seem to have. (I will admit that Siri is impressive, I just don't think I'd use it all that much.)
The funny thing is that I think the situation is reversed with the iPad and Honeycomb tablets. I have both the iPad 2 and the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and feel like Honeycomb's shortcomings (especially with respect to UI) are glaring and that the iPad is a significantly better product in the things I look for in a tablet (which are mainly consuming media). I also like having a foot in both camps, I think there's something healthy about not relying entirely on one ecosystem, and it also helps you better evaluate the qualities and shortcomings in each. When it comes to smartphones, Android fits better into what I want and need -- and I think that ultimately gdgt is about each of us finding the gadgets that suit us best.
I'm always a little hesitant to post stuff like this, but I have a lot of faith in the awesomeness of the gdgt community to have a good, respectful discussion about these things. I hope your responses to this will be thoughtful and positive. What is important to you in a gadget might not be important to someone else, so please keep that in mind when replying!
Discussion about
Why I don't use an iPhone
This isn't necessarily true. My first Android phone, the Samsung Moment, went from 1.6 to 2.0 to 2.1 before they stopped updating it, but it was getting old by that point. The EVO has received an update to every version that has come out since it was released. For how much longer, we won't know. The Photon has only been out a few months and it has received 3 or 4 updates already. On the other hand, my wife's LG Optimus T has not. So, we can't make honest blanket statements like this.
Also, don't forget that Apple stops updating older model iPhones after a similar period of time, so they are doing the very same thing as the average norm among Android handset models. There have been a few handsets along the way that were exceptions and never got updates, but the lager majority do, and tend to be supported for almost as long as the iPhone models.
Also, don't forget that Apple stops updating older model iPhones after a similar period of time, so they are doing the very same thing as the average norm among Android handset models. There have been a few handsets along the way that were exceptions and never got updates, but the lager majority do, and tend to be supported for almost as long as the iPhone models.
Not all, but I know a few people who bought 1.6 Android phones back in the day and a few months later 2.x came out and were left behind because the phone didn't have the specs to update. Also why is the market share of Android phones stuck at Froyo (2.2) at 45.3% and not Gingerbread (2.3) at 38.7%... because handsets stop supporting them. Before iOS5 release on Wednesday, I bet 90%+ had iOS4... and now the update cycle for iPhone's is now 3 model years with them updating 3GS to the current iOS5. Android update cycle your lucky to get 1.5 years.
Fair enough. To be quite honest, though, as an Android user and advocate, I am still trying to figure out why people are getting heartburn about being on 2.2 rather than 2.3. The only quantifiable change I noticed on the EVO was a slightly decreased battery life. I am sure there must be some apps out there that require 2.3 to install, but I have never run into any. Even Netflix requires 2.2 or better (or at least it did when I installed it), so people who feel like they are missing something if they are on 2.2 can calm down and take a deep breath.
That's why I bought a Nexus S. I wouldn't buy any Android device other than the Nexus line. I want the latest and greatest without carrier/handset manufacturer interference.
Language is one of the reasons I use an iPhone although I like the larger screens and flexibility of Android.
Chinese for instance. iOS comes with out of the box support for Chinese input. The input interface is easier to use and offers more options. Chinese language related apps are usually first to come out on the iPhone and are usually easier to use. Dictionaries like Pleco, Nciku. Flashcard apps like Anki. Learning apps like ChinesePod. Some of the above apps were available for years before their Android equivalents were available and when they are available, they are playing catchup in terms of features and stability.
Also there is no version of Instapaper on Android. Yes, there are equivalents, but none are as good as Instapaper.
And for those who own an iPad, the extra benefit of universal apps, apps that have iPad versions that take advantage of the iPad's screen size is another benefit.
I think eventually the Android OS and its app ecosystem will eventually catchup and who knows maybe surpass iOS. Don't forget about Windows Phone 7 too. Until then, I'll take what is available now.
Chinese for instance. iOS comes with out of the box support for Chinese input. The input interface is easier to use and offers more options. Chinese language related apps are usually first to come out on the iPhone and are usually easier to use. Dictionaries like Pleco, Nciku. Flashcard apps like Anki. Learning apps like ChinesePod. Some of the above apps were available for years before their Android equivalents were available and when they are available, they are playing catchup in terms of features and stability.
Also there is no version of Instapaper on Android. Yes, there are equivalents, but none are as good as Instapaper.
And for those who own an iPad, the extra benefit of universal apps, apps that have iPad versions that take advantage of the iPad's screen size is another benefit.
I think eventually the Android OS and its app ecosystem will eventually catchup and who knows maybe surpass iOS. Don't forget about Windows Phone 7 too. Until then, I'll take what is available now.
Do you even know what site you're on? Look at his profile. Though it seems that he has all the phones.
6? I am a tech guy but spent a year in Japan and had no phone...I was free. It was nice but now that I am back I am torn between iPhone 4S or Nexus Prime. Podcasts are huge since I listen to them at work all the time. My wife has a 3GS and if I get a 4S every upgrade she can just use my old one [she opted for the 3GS since it was cheaper than the 4], and I will be on upgrade cycle with Apple. So many hard choices!
I use an OG Moto Droid for my personal phone, and a company-issued iP4 for work. I found the iPhone to be all but unusable until I deactivated auto-correct. And I have nothing good to say about the notifications system in iOS 4 (I'm waiting just a little longer to take the iOS 5 plunge).
Completely agree re: Android integration with Google services. I have over 6k contacts, so I appreciate the ability to easily add and edit contacts in Gmail and automatically sync to Android OTA. Not sure if the new iOS OTA features include this function.
There are some small details that always come up: I put phone numbers in Google Calendar appointments - Android allows me to hit the number to automatically dial a call at the right time, where iOS does not always (ever?) recognize a phone number in a calendar subject field...
Google Navigation is vastly superior to the Nav app in iOS, although not yet sure about instructions and navigation with Siri.
I also like the way services like Google Music are consistent across multiple devices - I used a Zoom tablet for a while, and it was truly magical to have my music collection automatically sync'd across devices. I think this is now available in iOS 5 as well.
It does seem like iOS is catching up in some areas - they've integrated a notification bar similar to Android, an important change.
That said, I also value the option to use Swype or Swiftkey, turn off animations, and generally set preferences without repeated invitations to "allow badges and notifications" seemingly 20+ times per day in iOS. I really don't enjoy the repetitive animations in iOS. iP4S is supposedly much faster than iP4 - but you know what would be really snappy? NO REPETITIVE ANIMATIONS, that's what.
My phone is primarily a tool to make calls, manage contacts, check schedules, and email. After that, a web browser and a good music app is nice - but iOS and Android have near parity in these categories, IMO. Increasingly, apps that I use frequently like the Pulse news reader deliver a consistent experience on both platforms.
I can see how gamers and users who have strong app preferences can make an easy argument for iOS. And Apple HW is beautiful.
At the end of the day, for my needs and preferences l think my next personal phone will be a 4G Android - possibly Nexus Prime or the next great Moto handset.
Completely agree re: Android integration with Google services. I have over 6k contacts, so I appreciate the ability to easily add and edit contacts in Gmail and automatically sync to Android OTA. Not sure if the new iOS OTA features include this function.
There are some small details that always come up: I put phone numbers in Google Calendar appointments - Android allows me to hit the number to automatically dial a call at the right time, where iOS does not always (ever?) recognize a phone number in a calendar subject field...
Google Navigation is vastly superior to the Nav app in iOS, although not yet sure about instructions and navigation with Siri.
I also like the way services like Google Music are consistent across multiple devices - I used a Zoom tablet for a while, and it was truly magical to have my music collection automatically sync'd across devices. I think this is now available in iOS 5 as well.
It does seem like iOS is catching up in some areas - they've integrated a notification bar similar to Android, an important change.
That said, I also value the option to use Swype or Swiftkey, turn off animations, and generally set preferences without repeated invitations to "allow badges and notifications" seemingly 20+ times per day in iOS. I really don't enjoy the repetitive animations in iOS. iP4S is supposedly much faster than iP4 - but you know what would be really snappy? NO REPETITIVE ANIMATIONS, that's what.
My phone is primarily a tool to make calls, manage contacts, check schedules, and email. After that, a web browser and a good music app is nice - but iOS and Android have near parity in these categories, IMO. Increasingly, apps that I use frequently like the Pulse news reader deliver a consistent experience on both platforms.
I can see how gamers and users who have strong app preferences can make an easy argument for iOS. And Apple HW is beautiful.
At the end of the day, for my needs and preferences l think my next personal phone will be a 4G Android - possibly Nexus Prime or the next great Moto handset.
You are about as far from the typical Android user as you can get. All your points are spot on for the small Nerd niche. Tinker with that phone till it's exactly what you want and nothing like how it shipped. I'm that way, jailbreak my iPhone, get in there and tweak the hell out of it, but it's work. And I'm not normal. :)
On the other hand, my mom's Android phone is still in default mode. Most users still use phones as phones and not the pocket computers we nerds treat them like. I think the real question what phone would you buy your mom and dad, or your aunt?
On the other hand, my mom's Android phone is still in default mode. Most users still use phones as phones and not the pocket computers we nerds treat them like. I think the real question what phone would you buy your mom and dad, or your aunt?
For me = Android phone + iOS tablet.
Android is my pocket computer and wifi hotspot. You don't want a small screen for a pocket computer. It's also great at communication (taking advantage of telcos + Google communication products), which is what you need a phone for.
The polish of iOS is awesome for my wifi-only iPad. I want that polish for my phone, but Android's phone benefits are heavier.
Got a BlackBerry to do most of the SMS/BBM and calling. Physical qwerty ftw. Nice whenever I touch type on the move.
Android is my pocket computer and wifi hotspot. You don't want a small screen for a pocket computer. It's also great at communication (taking advantage of telcos + Google communication products), which is what you need a phone for.
The polish of iOS is awesome for my wifi-only iPad. I want that polish for my phone, but Android's phone benefits are heavier.
Got a BlackBerry to do most of the SMS/BBM and calling. Physical qwerty ftw. Nice whenever I touch type on the move.
Finally stating your preference is like coming out of the closet, yeah?
I have the Samsung Galaxy S II and the iPhone 4 so it's been pretty easy for me to decide which I like better.
People are always asking me which one is better and the answer always changes depending on who asks - Android is for the more tech inclined, or those are are heavily reliant on Google's services, and iOS is for people who just want a great phone that is easy to use and will be great fun to own during the whole duration of their contract. It's a 2 year decision most people have to make, it's important to remember that.
I also feel like android is just too difficult for most people to use, so they don't end up getting the most out of it. It is a lot easier to start using an iPhone and be able to understand how it all works. I've met so many people with android phones that are just too afraid to fiddle with anything, but the phone was a lot cheaper than getting the iPhone, and that was the only reason they got it.
I've had to customize the f*** out of my GS2 to finally end up with a phone I enjoy using, but my iPhone was a joy to use out of the box. If I had to choose one to actually live with id choose my iPhone every single time! It's just slicker, and most of it's shortfalls are addressed by the apps. I also hate the bigger screen on my GS2.
I have the Samsung Galaxy S II and the iPhone 4 so it's been pretty easy for me to decide which I like better.
People are always asking me which one is better and the answer always changes depending on who asks - Android is for the more tech inclined, or those are are heavily reliant on Google's services, and iOS is for people who just want a great phone that is easy to use and will be great fun to own during the whole duration of their contract. It's a 2 year decision most people have to make, it's important to remember that.
I also feel like android is just too difficult for most people to use, so they don't end up getting the most out of it. It is a lot easier to start using an iPhone and be able to understand how it all works. I've met so many people with android phones that are just too afraid to fiddle with anything, but the phone was a lot cheaper than getting the iPhone, and that was the only reason they got it.
I've had to customize the f*** out of my GS2 to finally end up with a phone I enjoy using, but my iPhone was a joy to use out of the box. If I had to choose one to actually live with id choose my iPhone every single time! It's just slicker, and most of it's shortfalls are addressed by the apps. I also hate the bigger screen on my GS2.
I enjoyed reading this post. I appreciate it when people can rationally and logically explain their choice and not just flame orhers' choices without proper reasoning.
While I do prefer iOS (for better polish, integration, out of the box experience and wider app variety), I agree with the issues regarding Gmail and text input on the iPhone.
I don't expect much to change soon on the keyboard front, but i know that "Sparrow" is working on an iOS app, so I hope the Gmail experience in iOS will get a lot better soon.
While I do prefer iOS (for better polish, integration, out of the box experience and wider app variety), I agree with the issues regarding Gmail and text input on the iPhone.
I don't expect much to change soon on the keyboard front, but i know that "Sparrow" is working on an iOS app, so I hope the Gmail experience in iOS will get a lot better soon.
I have 2 phones. Tmobile was my personal carrier and then work gave me an ATT iPhone a couple years ago. I was still under Tmobile contract and had a unlocked and jailbroken iPhone 3G. Work gave me the 3GS. I didnt feel the need to carrier 2 iPhones. So I sold the 3G that was unlocked and started 'CHEATING" on Apple with a TON of GOOGLE phones.
I got a G1. Rooted it and slapped Cyanogen on it. It was great. Someone at the mall noticed mine was different and they had a MyTouch 3G. They wanted to trade right then and there in the middle of the mall, so I did! I found out how to Root the MyTouch 3G. So on and so forth.
Now I am waiting for my work iPhone 4S to show up and I am rocking Samsung Infuse (UNLOCKED AND ROOTED) for my Tmobile phone.
Using them both daily keeps me appreciating each platform in their own way. There will never be a perfect phone. Once there is, they will become boring to us. We wont have anything to complain about or review or wish for.
To each his own. But, I suggest that everyone try out the other platforms. I loved WebOS on the Palm Pre Plus, but it was too small. I was waiting for the Pre 3 to come out, but that is not going to happen. Looking forward to getting the HTC Titan and Windows 7.5 MANGO!
I got a G1. Rooted it and slapped Cyanogen on it. It was great. Someone at the mall noticed mine was different and they had a MyTouch 3G. They wanted to trade right then and there in the middle of the mall, so I did! I found out how to Root the MyTouch 3G. So on and so forth.
Now I am waiting for my work iPhone 4S to show up and I am rocking Samsung Infuse (UNLOCKED AND ROOTED) for my Tmobile phone.
Using them both daily keeps me appreciating each platform in their own way. There will never be a perfect phone. Once there is, they will become boring to us. We wont have anything to complain about or review or wish for.
To each his own. But, I suggest that everyone try out the other platforms. I loved WebOS on the Palm Pre Plus, but it was too small. I was waiting for the Pre 3 to come out, but that is not going to happen. Looking forward to getting the HTC Titan and Windows 7.5 MANGO!
If you still have that MyTouch laying around and am interested in selling, hit up my groovechicken account on gmail. I have been looking for one of those because she desperately needs a keyboard.
These are the exact reasons I defend Android very often, usually when I get into a debate with someone about iOS vs. Android.
However, I am an iPhone user. I love the Android OS, it is incredible. I love android hardware (nexus prime? holy hotness!!). At the end of the day, what matters the most to me is the software. Aside from google stuff, Android software (aka THE APPS) is just bad when compared to what is available on iOS. I wish it was the way around, and I'd be a happy little nerd. Alas, it isn't. Software trumps hardware/OS.
A 4.3" iphone would have made my year.
However, I am an iPhone user. I love the Android OS, it is incredible. I love android hardware (nexus prime? holy hotness!!). At the end of the day, what matters the most to me is the software. Aside from google stuff, Android software (aka THE APPS) is just bad when compared to what is available on iOS. I wish it was the way around, and I'd be a happy little nerd. Alas, it isn't. Software trumps hardware/OS.
A 4.3" iphone would have made my year.
This is one of the best Android articles I've ever read Peter. You list some really good reasons why Android is a good OS phone choice (and yes I love My FULL Google Voice on my Galaxy II work phone) and it doesn't really bash Apple at all. As a matter of fact this whole Androids vs Apple comment has completely ruined my enjoyment of reading comments on tech blogs completely. People are biased because we are all selfish and only want to see our product of choice succeed.
But for me though I'm gonna stick with iOS on my phones for a bit longer. I've always wanted a cell phone that allows me to do banking and easily browse the web back since my Sidekick days and Apple was the first company that made a device that fit my needs. There are companies that a successful because they give the users choice like Google, and then there's companies that knows what the consumer needs and gives them a closed and polished user experience like Apple.
But for me though I'm gonna stick with iOS on my phones for a bit longer. I've always wanted a cell phone that allows me to do banking and easily browse the web back since my Sidekick days and Apple was the first company that made a device that fit my needs. There are companies that a successful because they give the users choice like Google, and then there's companies that knows what the consumer needs and gives them a closed and polished user experience like Apple.
Interesting how you've shut off comments in Google Plus forcing us to comment here Peter. ;)
I'm using a Nexus S now and am evaluating whether to switch back to the iPhone 4s.
Unlike you I think Gmail on the iPhone is better than on the Nexus S. The interface on the Nexus S is flat out UGLY compared to the iPHone. Adding To: and CC: contacts is a mess. The keyboard gets in the way and only gives a couple lines for adding text of the email. Since sorting and starring is irrelevant to me I disagree with you on that front.
I too would like a larger screen and was hoping for an iPhone 5 with a larger screen. That was a let down.
I've never wanted/needed to replace my Nexus S battery. It lasts through the day for me just fine and I can recharge at work, in the car and on most trains, airplanes and coffee shops as needed.
I, too, use and love SwiftKey, but its not near enough to keep me with the Nexus S.
Customization and using non-Steve approved apps is a big deal and the strongest argument for continuing with the Nexus S for me.
Since we don't get Google Voice in Canada it's an irrelevant consideration. Lack of MMS support makes Google Voice a difficult option for me even if I could use Google Voice here.
There is ever so much more to consider. I'm teetering. I will make my decision next week, after Google announces the final Ice Cream sandwich details.
...Dale
I'm using a Nexus S now and am evaluating whether to switch back to the iPhone 4s.
Unlike you I think Gmail on the iPhone is better than on the Nexus S. The interface on the Nexus S is flat out UGLY compared to the iPHone. Adding To: and CC: contacts is a mess. The keyboard gets in the way and only gives a couple lines for adding text of the email. Since sorting and starring is irrelevant to me I disagree with you on that front.
I too would like a larger screen and was hoping for an iPhone 5 with a larger screen. That was a let down.
I've never wanted/needed to replace my Nexus S battery. It lasts through the day for me just fine and I can recharge at work, in the car and on most trains, airplanes and coffee shops as needed.
I, too, use and love SwiftKey, but its not near enough to keep me with the Nexus S.
Customization and using non-Steve approved apps is a big deal and the strongest argument for continuing with the Nexus S for me.
Since we don't get Google Voice in Canada it's an irrelevant consideration. Lack of MMS support makes Google Voice a difficult option for me even if I could use Google Voice here.
There is ever so much more to consider. I'm teetering. I will make my decision next week, after Google announces the final Ice Cream sandwich details.
...Dale
Android is Good for Geeks
Android is certainly more customizable and is good for the geek or at least the technically inclined. There is nothing wrong with that. However, you seem far to young to be having issues with 3.5 inch screens. Personally, I like something I don't need to mess with too much anymore as I have spent way too many hours dinking around operating systems and would rather spend my time doing other fun things. Also don't like having to carry around extra batteries because my phone can't get me through the day. You must have bigger pockets :) Android has come a long way since the G1 and is a decent phone OS, and that has helped make iOS better with the competition.
Android is certainly more customizable and is good for the geek or at least the technically inclined. There is nothing wrong with that. However, you seem far to young to be having issues with 3.5 inch screens. Personally, I like something I don't need to mess with too much anymore as I have spent way too many hours dinking around operating systems and would rather spend my time doing other fun things. Also don't like having to carry around extra batteries because my phone can't get me through the day. You must have bigger pockets :) Android has come a long way since the G1 and is a decent phone OS, and that has helped make iOS better with the competition.
All good points. I've yet to own an iPhone (have had Android, webOS, and windows mobile) mainly because there were always a few critical things that it was missing for me. The big 2 were multi-tasking and a decent notification system - both of which have been fixed. So I'm at the point now where I'm seriously considering getting one, though I do like Android so it will be a tough call.
I don't recall who made this point (might have been Gruber), but I like it: the iPhone has always seemed to be about a year ahead of everyone else in hardware, and about a year behind in software. But recently - and particularly with iOS5 - they seem to be closing some of the gaps on the software side.
Windows phone seems really nice, but the biggest hurdle for me is that I just am not in the Microsoft ecosystem in any way. I'm kind of a mix between google services (gmail, calendar, contacts) and iTunes/iPhoto/iMovie. For gaming I use a PS3 not an Xbox. So while the OS looks really slick, I just think it wouldn't be the right fit for me.
Peter: are there any apps (other than gmail) or "things" you do in Android that just can't be done in iOS?
I don't recall who made this point (might have been Gruber), but I like it: the iPhone has always seemed to be about a year ahead of everyone else in hardware, and about a year behind in software. But recently - and particularly with iOS5 - they seem to be closing some of the gaps on the software side.
Windows phone seems really nice, but the biggest hurdle for me is that I just am not in the Microsoft ecosystem in any way. I'm kind of a mix between google services (gmail, calendar, contacts) and iTunes/iPhoto/iMovie. For gaming I use a PS3 not an Xbox. So while the OS looks really slick, I just think it wouldn't be the right fit for me.
Peter: are there any apps (other than gmail) or "things" you do in Android that just can't be done in iOS?
I could name several things that Android can do, but one of the lesser known features that Android has that iOS is severely lacking is sharing options. With iOS, you can share with email and now Twitter, if at all. On Android, you can pretty much share everything through any app you have installed that has that sort of capability.
While Android is much more flexible in this regard, iOS has gotten closer thanks to some various hooks that developers can add into their apps. Basically, you can download a file management app such as GoodReader (awesome, btw), and it registers itself with iOS as being able to support basically any file type with certain extensions (.zip, .pdf, .html, .jpg, etc).
I've seen a number of third-party iOS apps start utilizing this as of late. It's not perfect -- you often don't have any idea whether or not an app can support a specific file type until you try to send a file somewhere from another app.
Android does handle this a lot better.
I've seen a number of third-party iOS apps start utilizing this as of late. It's not perfect -- you often don't have any idea whether or not an app can support a specific file type until you try to send a file somewhere from another app.
Android does handle this a lot better.
Totally agree in regards to liking the look of Windows Phone 7, but not being a part of their ecosystem. Its a shame really as if they hadn't been so late to the game I would have definitely considered one. However while they took a whole year to get started, I've switched to Apple, and once jailbroken and tweaked a bit, I really love iOS with both an iPhone 4 and iPad 2.
I've also spent too much money on iOS apps now, and learnt to like managing all my apps and music with iTunes. I've moved all my web services over to Google too, and barely even touch Office products these days, with the flexibility of Google Docs and apps. There's no way I want to sign back up to Windows Live\Office etc.
There's no doubting the Gmail experience is superior on Android, but one cool thing about iOS is that is you can set up Gmail via exchange and get perfectly synced contacts, calendars and contacts, just like Android. However for labeling etc you obviously have to use the Gmail web app, or one of the many 3rd party iOS Gmail apps.
If you don't mind jailbreaking there's very little you can't add to iOS, to make it more like Android. Not just cosmetically either, but in regards to a proper file manager, file sharing etc. Worth considering anyway :)
I've also spent too much money on iOS apps now, and learnt to like managing all my apps and music with iTunes. I've moved all my web services over to Google too, and barely even touch Office products these days, with the flexibility of Google Docs and apps. There's no way I want to sign back up to Windows Live\Office etc.
There's no doubting the Gmail experience is superior on Android, but one cool thing about iOS is that is you can set up Gmail via exchange and get perfectly synced contacts, calendars and contacts, just like Android. However for labeling etc you obviously have to use the Gmail web app, or one of the many 3rd party iOS Gmail apps.
If you don't mind jailbreaking there's very little you can't add to iOS, to make it more like Android. Not just cosmetically either, but in regards to a proper file manager, file sharing etc. Worth considering anyway :)
The Gmail thing is really Google's fault, not Apple.
The larger screen on Android phones is very nice, but it does make the device bulkier and harder to use with one hand.
I completely agree with regard to the swappable battery, keyboards and Gvoice integration. These things do make Android phones more appealing. It all depends on what you need and what you are used to.
The larger screen on Android phones is very nice, but it does make the device bulkier and harder to use with one hand.
I completely agree with regard to the swappable battery, keyboards and Gvoice integration. These things do make Android phones more appealing. It all depends on what you need and what you are used to.
I actually find all the operating systems appealing: iOS, Android and Windows phone 7. I personally use an iPhone because the response seems smoother and well, more responsive. In my line of work, design, I use mostly apple products, so I'm pretty well invested at work and a little at home. I like the appeal of Android for all the customization you can do, from overclocking, skin changes, keyboard changes, etc. I also like Windows 7 for the simplicity of the design and the potential it has a phone OS. I'm also not disappointed in iPhone 4S because i love the industrial design of the iphone. My only wish is that they redesign the OS a little bit. It's become a little outdated now. Well there's my 2 cents....
Understandable on all accounts from your perspective. You are excited to try new operating systems and aren't concerned with protecting it with a case or getting the newest games or apps. I also would like to have a Android phone just to try it out. Economically it doesn't make sense since I have an iPhone and just to "try it out" would cause me to lose many different apps that I use everyday and having to wait for a new contract to switch back. My wife has one and likes it, but when her upgrade comes I'm sure she'll come over to iPhone. It wasn't offered on Verizon when she got her Droid Incredible back in July 2010.
Now that the iPhone is cross carrier I expect Android to take a significant hit in growth, mainly attributed to people who have something against Apple. That segment obviously doesn't include you, but should not be undermined, even with Jobs death. Apple either turns people on or off, there really isn't much in between. The higher price of their laptops certainly doesn't help or the restrictions on the app store.
I really like creating a system. More developers make apps for iPhone than anything else. Yes you can get some crazy apps on Android, but I'll take biggest app market over a few winners here and there any day. There are more peripherals, chargers and products that work with the iPhone than anything else.
No one is going to make a stereo dock for the newest Droid X, whereas you can walk into any BestBuy, Radioshack, Sears, Fye, Walmart or Kmart and buy a stereo that you can simply plug your iPhone into. Using my Airport Express has been cool and there is no shortage of cases/screen protectors, etc that you can get cheap and easily for the iPhone. Getting a case for an Android device is not so easy. Amazon makes it easier, but the selection is certainly limited.
Now that the iPhone is cross carrier I expect Android to take a significant hit in growth, mainly attributed to people who have something against Apple. That segment obviously doesn't include you, but should not be undermined, even with Jobs death. Apple either turns people on or off, there really isn't much in between. The higher price of their laptops certainly doesn't help or the restrictions on the app store.
I really like creating a system. More developers make apps for iPhone than anything else. Yes you can get some crazy apps on Android, but I'll take biggest app market over a few winners here and there any day. There are more peripherals, chargers and products that work with the iPhone than anything else.
No one is going to make a stereo dock for the newest Droid X, whereas you can walk into any BestBuy, Radioshack, Sears, Fye, Walmart or Kmart and buy a stereo that you can simply plug your iPhone into. Using my Airport Express has been cool and there is no shortage of cases/screen protectors, etc that you can get cheap and easily for the iPhone. Getting a case for an Android device is not so easy. Amazon makes it easier, but the selection is certainly limited.
Why I use an iPhone:
I bought a 2nd gen iPod Touch in 2008 on apple.com. It got here. There was a fold out instruction manual in the box, Basically a quick start guide. I thought "ridiculous, how will I figure out how to work this thing". I turned it on. I realized I didn't even need the fold out. I was hooked. I decided " I want my world to work like this". And it for the most part does (overloaded servers on release day excluded).
My 4S left Kentucky at 12:38 PM. Not a minute too soon. My 13 tear old nephew can hardly wait for his hand me down iPhone 4. Therein lies the future.
I bought a 2nd gen iPod Touch in 2008 on apple.com. It got here. There was a fold out instruction manual in the box, Basically a quick start guide. I thought "ridiculous, how will I figure out how to work this thing". I turned it on. I realized I didn't even need the fold out. I was hooked. I decided " I want my world to work like this". And it for the most part does (overloaded servers on release day excluded).
My 4S left Kentucky at 12:38 PM. Not a minute too soon. My 13 tear old nephew can hardly wait for his hand me down iPhone 4. Therein lies the future.
This is an almost verbatim explanation to what I have been telling people when they ask me what I prefer. The only thing that I do not include in my list is the battery just because I steer towards the phones that will get me through the day so I don't have to carry an extra battery.
From now on, when people ask me why I use Android, I am going to send them to your post.
From now on, when people ask me why I use Android, I am going to send them to your post.
I am in the same situation. I have an Android phone because I like it better than iPhone, but have an iPad 2 for the same reasons.
I use an Android phone because Android seems better at communications-related functions, from Gmail to interchangeable keyboards to Talk, Voice, web browser that has Flash if you need it. iOS seems better at games and media, so I keep an iPod Touch around for that, which I would probably replace with an iPad if it died.
I've got a lot of reasons for preferring to use Android phones. Here are some in no particular order:
- Free turn-by-turn navigation
- Freedom to install whatever I like with choice of two major app stores plus the option to install from other sources
- Huge number of custom ROMs
- Text reflow
- System-wide voice transcription
- Wide availability of tethering apps
- Widgets
- Flash
- Better Google Voice
- Better GMail
- Alternative keyboards
- Amazon MP3 app (with Cloud Player) is awesome
- Amazon free app of the day is a fun bonus
- Dedicated search, menu, back, and home buttons
- Flickr app
- LTE
- Bigger screen
- Hardware choices (eg, I chose a phone with a kickstand and added an extended battery)
OK. You're making me envious again. Those are a lot of the reasons that made me try Android like 4 different times. Have you ever noticed, however, how iOS optimizes text to make it easier to read? The font is clear and large, and lines are spaced further apart. Even on a high resolution, larger display with Android I still had problems reading text in some apps.
