Android phone & iPad mini?

[Allenbf]

Hey folks, would appreciate some advice/insight. Right now I'm 100% Apple...iMac, iPads & iPhone. But I'm very impressed with the things Google is doing right now, with Google Now, etc. So I've been thinking...maybe it's time to dip a toe into the Android world?

Basically, I will be making the change in Sept/Oct, which yes, is a long time away. A guy can plan, right? =) I will look at the iPhone 5s and iOS 7, and I plan to see whatever Nexus/X phone is available at the time before deciding, obviously. But my reasons for considering are:

1) I don't buy a ton of apps. I don't buy a ton of music (Spotify). I don't watch movies on my iPhone, that's what my iPad is for. I'm not a gamer. < - so no worries about buying some apps/music/vids twice, I'm saying.
2) Google Now for on the go (full version, not the watered down version that iOS will always have)
3) iPad mini is awesome, can't give that up for a Nexus tablet. Plus I like iTunes & my Apple TV.
4) Best of both worlds. Thankfully, many apps now fill the "syncing void" I was missing before. For example, Dropbox for pics, or Google Drive. So no need really for a closed, 100% Apple ecosystem.

Finally I'll just add, I'd only consider the Nexus or X phone because from what I've seen and been able to experience, pure Android is sweet.

Thoughts? Anyone else do this?

 

[benson197]

I kind of do this now. My primary phone is an iPhone 5, but I also have a Nexus 4 as a backup to play with. And I have an iPad 2 for tablet stuff.

I like what Google is doing, but I always go back to the iPhone. I was all Android until the iPhone 4, since then I've been back and forth trying all the big Android phones. There are some things Android does that I miss in my iPhone, like sharing between apps and back grounding. The Dropbox app on Android can be set to always upload your photos without any user intervention while on iPhone it has to be launched.

But the app ecosystem and performance on iPhone is why I keep going back. Many apps that are similar on both have much worse performance on Android, a good example is Twitter. It lags a lot on Android, but is pretty smooth on iPhone. The sheer power of the recent Android phones should fix that mostly, but it doesn't always.

Anyway, you can't go wrong with either. There are always pros and cons to each.

 

[cynics]

It appears some Google Experience phones are coming out. SG4 is one now which is pure Android on the SG4.

But to be honest since you in deep with Apple I'd recommend a Nexus device. It's cheap (comparatively speaking) and unlocked. So while its a good device you can always jump back to the iPhone at little expense to you.

The iPhone is an ok phone in my opinion. But combined with Apples ecosystem it's a great product.

 

[Allenbf]

It appears some Google Experience phones are coming out. SG4 is one now which is pure Android on the SG4.

But to be honest since you in deep with Apple I'd recommend a Nexus device. It's cheap (comparatively speaking) and unlocked. So while its a good device you can always jump back to the iPhone at little expense to you.

The iPhone is an ok phone in my opinion. But combined with Apples ecosystem it's a great product.

Makes sense. I almost bought a Nexus 4, I'm with VZ though and didnt want a pay as you go plan with T-mo on top of my main plan.

 

[daveathall]

I have a iPad mini and absolutely love it. I also have a Nexus 4 and Galaxy S4, I enjoy the S4 slightly more than the Nexus so use it entirely but keep the Nexus in expectations of new/quicker Android updates and the hope that the Google S4 is released in the UK. I think that you will really enjoy your Android/Apple set up.

I bit the bullet and went all Google for my calendar and contacts, I still buy and use my music from iTunes but also have Google music which is superb and loads an album straight after I have bought it from iTunes. I use gMusic and Calengoo app for my iPad Mini, the app I use for mail that works superbly with my 3 accounts (@google, @me and @bt) is MailDroid.

Calengoo
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/calengoo-sync-google-calendar/id300370871?mt=8

gMusic
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/gmusic-a-google-music-player/id472342018?mt=8

MailDroid
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...ult#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5tYWlsZHJvaWQiXQ..

Contacts Sync For google mail
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/contacts-sync-for-google-gmail/id451691288?mt=12

Hope you enjoy your new setup.

 

[Allenbf]

I have a iPad mini and absolutely love it. I also have a Nexus 4 and Galaxy S4, I enjoy the S4 slightly more than the Nexus so use it entirely but keep the Nexus in expectations of new/quicker Android updates and the hope that the Google S4 is released in the UK. I think that you will really enjoy your Android/Apple set up.

I bit the bullet and went all Google for my calendar and contacts, I still buy and use my music from iTunes but also have Google music which is superb and loads an album straight after I have bought it from iTunes. I use gMusic and Calengoo app for my iPad Mini, the app I use for mail that works superbly with my 3 accounts (@google, @me and @bt) is MailDroid.

Calengoo
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/calengoo-sync-google-calendar/id300370871?mt=8

gMusic
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/gmusic-a-google-music-player/id472342018?mt=8

MailDroid
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...ult#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5tYWlsZHJvaWQiXQ..

Contacts Sync For google mail
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/contacts-sync-for-google-gmail/id451691288?mt=12

Hope you enjoy your new setup.

Thanks for these recommendations!

 

[chagla]

i'd pick a phone with memory card slot. 64gb card is so cheap. You can consider Galaxy s4, google version. I think HTC One is going to be released in pure google format as well.

have fun.

here's a really informative thread - https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1585212/

regarding "rooting" on Android, unless you're hardcore geek and want to flash roms (ie - erase partitions to run different android flavor, like erasing pc and reinstall OS), you dont really need to root. you can do 90% of android customizations without rooting. its just a matter of installing app from play store.

 

[benson197]

i'd pick a phone with memory card slot. 64gb card is so cheap. You can consider Galaxy s4, google version. I think HTC One is going to be released in pure google format as well.

have fun.

here's a really informative thread - https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1585212/

regarding "rooting" on Android, unless you're hardcore geek and want to flash roms (ie - erase partitions to run different android flavor, like erasing pc and reinstall OS), you dont really need to root. you can do 90% of android customizations without rooting. its just a matter of installing app from play store.

The only thing I'd add is there are some great apps that require root access. Titanium Backup is one, as well as some tethering apps if your carrier doesn't allow tethering.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

 

[cnev3]

Everyone should try both Android and iOS and settle on what they enjoy the most. If you haven't had an Android smartphone, i'd say give it a try. You will either like it more and be happy with the decision, or you will decide you like iOS more and go back with a greater appreciation for it.

 

[vikingjunior]

I'm in this same boat I love my android phone but the ipad has all the cool apps. I'm honestly gonna give the ipad mini a try. I hope I don't get hooked on apple.

 

[dwd3885]

I have android phones and just recently bought an iPad Mini. The only downside is you have to buy apps twice if you buy apps. That's it. The iPad is excellent. And the Nexus 4, S4 and HTC One are amazing as well.

 

[durant35]

I've had an Android phone with an iPad for years. Currently have the S4 and the mini, love it. I also have an iPod touch. I use the mini for around the house when I don't feel like sitting at my Mac and the iPod touch for all my music and movies in the car.

 

[sarcosis]

Android phone and iPad/mini is a great combo. Kinda the same for the iPhone 5 and Nexus 7/10 combo. If you want to give it a go on either platform, that is the best way to do it ago you can make an informed choice.

I went from an iPhone 4 to Android to Windows Phone to Android and now back to iOS. I still have a Nexus 4 and a rooted Galaxy Note one with CM 10.1 that I use for time to time to tinker with, but for me my iPhone 5 is the daily driver. For my uses, iOS provides me with the best experience. Only way to know for you is to give it a go. Give it a fair shot though. I think that at the end of the normal return period, you will know what you like best.

 

[ppeyton1143]

you should consider the nexus samsung glaxy s4, the upcoming nexus htc one. or wait some time google will also release the nexus 5 this year. good luck

 

[otismotive77]

i also have an android phone(GS4) and an ipad mini, i have to say that i'm extremely happy with both devices, both devices run smoothly and the software is fast and fluid. the only i have is that i have to purchase apps separately for both devices, other then that both devices are awesome.

 

[sentinelsx]

Even if you get an htc one now, you will be fine.

Sense 5 is clean, very close to stock.

And it is fast, fluid.

Only thing is compared to a nexus 4 it is expensive, but so are other devices.

I think going from an iPhone LCD to a Samsung amoled is a step down, I never liked them, and hence why even a google edition gs4 isn't going to make me switch.

Nexus 4 or htc one are my recommendations.

 

[TacticalDesire]

I currently use an iPad Mini and Nexus 4 with no problems. The key is to not lock yourself down to one platform. I choose apps and services that are generally platform agnostic.

 

[Mochi Hana]

I currently use an iPad Mini and Nexus 4 with no problems. The key is to not lock yourself down to one platform. I choose apps and services that are generally platform agnostic.

This is very true. I currently use an android phone and an iPad and am loving it. I get the best of both worlds.

 

[Allenbf]

Thanks for the advice, all!

 

[dwd3885]

I currently use an iPad Mini and Nexus 4 with no problems. The key is to not lock yourself down to one platform. I choose apps and services that are generally platform agnostic.

What do you do when you want to buy games? Buy them on both platforms?

 

[TacticalDesire]

What do you do when you want to buy games? Buy them on both platforms?

As one who doesn't game very much on their mobile devices, those are of little importance to me. I keep a few casual games on my Nexus to kill time waiting for something and whatnot and use the iPad and iPod for the few in depth games I have such as real racing 3 and whatnot. And if there's something that I absolutely must have on my Nexus, I'm not going to really cry over the extra $.99-$3 or whatever it is to buy it.

 

[mib1800]

Hey folks, would appreciate some advice/insight. Right now I'm 100% Apple...iMac, iPads & iPhone. But I'm very impressed with the things Google is doing right now, with Google Now, etc. So I've been thinking...maybe it's time to dip a toe into the Android world?

Basically, I will be making the change in Sept/Oct, which yes, is a long time away. A guy can plan, right? =) I will look at the iPhone 5s and iOS 7, and I plan to see whatever Nexus/X phone is available at the time before deciding, obviously. But my reasons for considering are:

1) I don't buy a ton of apps. I don't buy a ton of music (Spotify). I don't watch movies on my iPhone, that's what my iPad is for. I'm not a gamer. < - so no worries about buying some apps/music/vids twice, I'm saying.
2) Google Now for on the go (full version, not the watered down version that iOS will always have)
3) iPad mini is awesome, can't give that up for a Nexus tablet. Plus I like iTunes & my Apple TV.
4) Best of both worlds. Thankfully, many apps now fill the "syncing void" I was missing before. For example, Dropbox for pics, or Google Drive. So no need really for a closed, 100% Apple ecosystem.

Finally I'll just add, I'd only consider the Nexus or X phone because from what I've seen and been able to experience, pure Android is sweet.

Thoughts? Anyone else do this?

All my ipads (ipad 1 & 3) and android tablets (7.7,10.1inch) are gathering dust once I got my Note2. Doing everything on one device is so much more convenient.

 

[alertstocks]

Hi guys,
Firstly, sorry for upping a long ago thread. But I have an idea that is related to the discussion and hope I can get your feedback.

I am a dual platform guy. I use a Samsung S4 mini (never liked big phones) and the newest iPad Mini Retina. I use my iPad mainly for all the variation of wonderful apps that feel better on iOS. The phone well is just a phone. (messaging, calling, emails). On weekends, on short walks, I take only my iPad out.

But as a dual platform guy, I started to miss my Phone calls and messages when I am on my iPad. I like to keep my phone plugged in charging because Android phones have worse battery life somehow.

So I had an idea to copy my Android Notifications to my iPad. I am in the ideas stage so if you have the small problem as me, would you like to sign up for the beta?

http://www.strikingly.com/copydroid