Compared to the rest of the market, the iPhone isn't a top 10 smartphone.

[animalx]

What you find lacking, I find easy to use. My 5s is perfect for me for what I need it for. And that's the whole thing in a nutshell, a quad core, 3gb phone does not make it a better tool for me. Simplicity is the key, less choices is the key for me. What you describe is more than what I need my phone to do.

I get that it's more than you need, but that doesn't necessarily mean that less choices is better. The fact that more choice is there, doesn't add any level of complexity to it. It's one of those things where it's there if you need it, and if you don't, then don't worry about it. Of course if you don't need those features, then it would be inconsequential either way.

The kicker is that I can unlock my phone as I take it out of my pocket.

I can definitely understand how the small conveniences are nice. I like that my phone can disable the lock all together when I'm in the car or when I'm at home, but keep itself locked when in other places.

 

[ravipiero]

A situation came up two days ago, where because I had an Android phone, I was able to help a friend of mine whereas if I were using an iPhone, I would not have. While I was at her house, she was in need of a Windows 7 image so she could reinstall it on her laptop. Her home internet is horribly slow, so it would have literally taken several hours to download the 3.8gb Windows image from Microsoft. Since I have unlimited internet on my phone, I downloaded the image straight to my phone. From there, I just connected to her computer and copied the image file over to the thumb drive that was attached to her computer. With that, I was able to complete the OS installation for her. Had I been using an iPhone, I would not have been able to do that, and she'd just have been stuck.

Granted, this type of scenario doesn't come up often, but it's definitely nice to have a device that's capable of handling that type of situation when it does come up. After all, a smartphone SHOULD have smart capabilities (in my opinion).

You can do this with iPhone. But you need iTunes to transfer data from iPhone to PC.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I get that it's more than you need, but that doesn't necessarily mean that less choices is better. The fact that more choice is there, doesn't add any level of complexity to it. It's one of those things where it's there if you need it, and if you don't, then don't worry about it. Of course if you don't need those features, then it would be inconsequential either way.

Can you simplify what you see these days? I used to hate dragging the settings menu up on my previous phones and seeing hundreds of complex options. It all got a little confusing. At the end of the day these are mobile phones so sometimes too many options can be considered a turn off, for me anyway. Obviously you see it differently which is why its great to have choice for everybody. The iPhone for me is no fuss and simple. It does what its designed to do and has an attractive interface that is pleasant to use. Apps follow a similar theme to each other and everything seems polished in that respect. Horses for courses and all that.

 

[animalx]

You can do this with iPhone. But you need iTunes to transfer data from iPhone to PC.

If I'd had a computer with me, then there wouldn't have been a need for me to use the phone to do that, as I could have downloaded and formatted everything straight from my own computer lol. Considering that most people don't randomly carry their computer with them, that isn't much of a solution. The fact that you are LIMITED to iTunes, severely limits what you can do when you're out and about (in that type of scenario).

----------

Can you simplify what you see these days? I used to hate dragging the settings menu up on my previous phones and seeing hundreds of complex options. It all got a little confusing. At the end of the day these are mobile phones so sometimes too many options can be considered a turn off, for me anyway. Obviously you see it differently which is why its great to have choice for everybody. The iPhone for me is no fuss and simple. It does what its designed to do and has an attractive interface that is pleasant to use. Apps follow a similar theme to each other and everything seems polished in that respect. Horses for courses and all that.

Could you give an example of what you mean?

 

[ravipiero]

If I'd had a computer with me, then there wouldn't have been a need for me to use the phone to do that, as I could have downloaded and formatted everything straight from my own computer lol. Considering that most people don't randomly carry their computer with them, that isn't much of a solution. The fact that you are LIMITED to iTunes, severely limits what you can do when you're out and about (in that type of scenario).

----------





Could you give an example of what you mean?

In that type of scenario, you connected your phone to her computer to transfer data. If you have an iPhone, you just need to download and install iTunes to her computer and you can also transfer data. You can also create a personal hotspot and let her computer download the file.

So even if you use iPhone, you can still complete that task.

 

[Ulenspiegel]

In that type of scenario, you connected your phone to her computer to transfer data. If you have an iPhone, you just need to download and install iTunes to her computer and you can also transfer data. You can also create a personal hotspot and let her computer download the file.

So even if you use iPhone, you can still complete that task.

And here we go again... iPhone can do the same you just have to download iTunes (by the way it was said that she had very slow Internet), you just have to do this and that...etc.

Well, nobody is saying that Android is better. It is not. It just works for those whose needs are a little bit more than iOS can provide. And basta! That is all what it is about.

What concerns the main subject: I think that iPhone should be in the top 10. It is a very reliable, capable mobile that does perfectly what you expect of a cell. And what it does is done better than in Android phones. At least that is my experience and I use both.

 

[Shanghaichica]

The first part of the bolded is directly contradictory to the second part.

The only way to measure, OBJECTIVELY across a large group of people, whether a device is "top 10" or one of the best out there is by sales numbers.

Different people will value different things. To say the iPhone isn't top 10 is ludicrous because not everyone has the same criteria as you do. I think the iPhone 6+ is the best smartphone out there. That's because I value the OS over all and I much prefer iOS.

What sales numbers tell you is, generally speaking, more people find the iPhone to be acceptable/the best option (for a variety of reasons that differ from person to person) than other competing devices.

Apple is going to set records this quarter - mark my words. The 6 and 6+ will go down as the most popular/sold smartphones of all time. I'm not sure how else one can objectively measure "top 10". If the demand for these devices indicates stagnation, I think Apple wishes they had "stagnated" a long time ago.

I think subjectively people may feel that it isn't a top 10 phone. My opinion is the same as yours. I suppose objectively we could look at the reviews, most of which put in the top 5, with a good portion putting it at the top. I like to use reviews to see if phones have any bugs or issues but I don't really use them to formulate my own rankings. If I listened to the reviews I would have owned a HTC one or one M8 by now, but I've never rated those phones.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Could you give an example of what you mean?

I have managed to get the answer myself not to worry, thanks.

 

[ravipiero]

And here we go again... iPhone can do the same you just have to download iTunes (by the way it was said that she had very slow Internet), you just have to do this and that...etc.

Well, nobody is saying that Android is better. It is not. It just works for those whose needs are a little bit more than iOS can provide. And basta! That is all what it is about.

What concerns the main subject: I think that iPhone should be in the top 10. It is a very reliable, capable mobile that does perfectly what you expect of a cell. And what it does is done better than in Android phones. At least that is my experience and I use both.

The same goes with Nexus 5 and Mac where I have to download Android File Transfer to move data. Doing this simple step (this and that) doesn't make Nexus 5 "less smart" though.

 

[Kariya]

Ok, so show a screenshot with the things I mentioned.... Also, the fact that you even had to sit there and try to come up with a workaround, just to send a simple email speaks volumes. In the meantime, I'd love to see how you would go about attaching the files I previously stated.
For your reference, with the Android OS, I simply open my email client, tap attach, and proceed to attach the files I'd like to include in the email. Simple as that (see attachment for an example).

I showed one with a word doc. I'm sure the same holds true for xls and ppt. iBooks (and other dedicated apps) handles PDFs last i checked. I didn't sit there. Went to an app with the docs, chose to send by email and inserted a pic too. Done.

Of course it's easier on Android since it has a visible file system. I'm just letting you know, if I want to email docs and pics it's not impossible on iOS. Even if it takes one or two more clicks.

Personally I use Dropbox for everything so it's never been an issue for me eitherway.

 

[Ulenspiegel]

The same goes with Nexus 5 and Mac where I have to download Android File Transfer to move data. Doing this simple step (this and that) doesn't make Nexus 5 "less smart" though.

And here we go again...First of all we were talking about a specific situation mentioned by the OP. In that sepcific situation an iPhone would not work. That was the statement.
You react not on that specific situation, but bring up another one.
Anyway, to transfer data from an Android phone to a Mac can be done in a number of ways and you don't have to download and install anything. Just one example: Bluetooth file transfer.

 

[ravipiero]

And here we go again...First of all we were talking about a specific situation mentioned by the OP. In that sepcific situation an iPhone would not work. That was the statement.

You react not on that specific situation, but bring up another one.

Anyway, to transfer data from an Android phone to a Mac can be done in a number of ways and you don't have to download and install anything. Just one example: Bluetooth file transfer.

If you see my response to him, I already gave 2 solutions where iPhone works in that situation:
1. Install iTunes (if she doesn't have one)
2. Personal hotspot

Bluetooth is another this and that, not to mention slower especially in transferring big files.

 

[lowendlinux]

If you see my response to him, I already gave 2 solutions where iPhone works in that situation:
1. Install iTunes (if she doesn't have one)
2. Personal hotspot

Bluetooth is another this and that, not to mention slower especially in transferring big files.

Those both will work providing the computer is functional enough to do those things.

 

[animalx]

In that type of scenario, you connected your phone to her computer to transfer data. If you have an iPhone, you just need to download and install iTunes to her computer and you can also transfer data. You can also create a personal hotspot and let her computer download the file.

So even if you use iPhone, you can still complete that task.

And pray tell, how would you have gone about using iTunes on a second computer? Wipe the phone? Or another workaround?
As for the hotspot comment, 1) It was a desktop (no wifi) 2) My hotspot data is not unlimited.

Well, nobody is saying that Android is better. It is not. It just works for those whose needs are a little bit more than iOS can provide. And basta! That is all what it is about.

Bingo!

I showed one with a word doc. I'm sure the same holds true for xls and ppt. iBooks handles PDFs last i checked. I didn't sit there. Went to an app with the docs, chose to send by email and inserted a pic too. Done.

Of course it's easier on Android since it has a visible file system. I'm just letting you know, if I want to email docs and pics it's not impossible on iOS. Even if it takes one or two more clicks.

Personally I use Dropbox for everything so it's never been an issue for me eitherway.

No the same DOES NOT hold true. You are very limited in what you can attach to one email. Furthermore, it's ridiculous that you have to use such a cumbersome workaround just to attach the two things you did manage to attach. It shouldn't be an arduous task to do something so basic. As it relates to what I was saying, if you can actually manage to attach the things I showed in one email, I'd love to see it.

----------

If you see my response to him, I already gave 2 solutions where iPhone works in that situation:
1. Install iTunes (if she doesn't have one)
2. Personal hotspot

Bluetooth is another this and that, not to mention slower especially in transferring big files.

1. That in itself is a problem, for the reasons I stated above.
2. Hotspot is not an option for the reasons I stated above.

Despite your attempts at a WORKAROUND, the iPhone does not suffice in that situation.

 

[Ulenspiegel]

The same goes with Nexus 5 and Mac where I have to download Android File Transfer to move data...

False. You don't have to download any application to transfer files from an Android device to a Mac with Bluetooth.

Bluetooth is another this and that, not to mention slower especially in transferring big files.

Since when a phones' built-in feature (i.e. Bluetooth) became a "this and that" category when you have to make extra efforts to fulfill a simple task, in this case to transfer a single file? Nice try, but irrelevant.

Is it really slower (and btw on a PC with slow Internet connection) than to download and install an application prior to transfering a single file?

Your suggestions are and stay a "this and that" category, i.e. downloading iTunes to a computer with slow Internet connection or making a personal hotspot in order to transfer a single, bloody file to a PC.

Nothing wrong with your solutions. But it takes to run 3 circles with the iPhone around the poor PC to fulfill a task that an Android device - in this case - can do just pushing 2 buttons.

 

[ravipiero]

And pray tell, how would you have gone about using iTunes on a second computer? Wipe the phone? Or another workaround?

As for the hotspot comment, 1) It was a desktop (no wifi) 2) My hotspot data is not unlimited.

You have no idea how iTunes works, do you?
You can copy apps data from and to unauthorized computer. What you can't with an unauthorized computer is sync photos, music, books, basically application from Apple.

It's funny how you can rate iPhone out of top ten even without knowing that basic function.

 

[Ulenspiegel]

You have no idea how iTunes works, do you?
You can copy apps data from and to unauthorized computer. What you can't with an unauthorized computer is sync photos, music, books, basically application from Apple.

It's funny how you can rate iPhone out of top ten even without knowing that basic function.

Nobody knows how iTunes works. It is capable of doing things you can't imagine or know of. Just to give you an example: if you connect a bluetooth headset to your Mac, when paired iTunes starts. And it sits in your Dock. Nobody knows why. Apple does not have an answer and has not solved this well-known issue for some time.

Rating iPhone has nothing to do with iTunes as the latter is a standalone application. Or you imply that iPhone is a one-handed giant w/o iTunes?

 

[ravipiero]

False. You don't have to download any application to transfer files from an Android device to a Mac with Bluetooth.







Since when a phones' built-in feature (i.e. Bluetooth) became a "this and that" category when you have to make extra efforts to fulfill a simple task, in this case to transfer a single file? Nice try, but irrelevant.



Is it really slower (and btw on a PC with slow Internet connection) than to download and install an application prior to transfering a single file?



Your suggestions are and stay a "this and that" category, i.e. downloading iTunes to a computer with slow Internet connection or making a personal hotspot in order to transfer a single, bloody file to a PC.



Nothing wrong with your solutions. But it takes to run 3 circles with the iPhone around the poor PC to fulfill a task that an Android device - in this case - can do just pushing 2 buttons.

Okay let me clarify from the beginning. This is OP's initial statement:
"Had I been using an iPhone, I would not have been able to do that, and she'd just have been stuck. "

I was just giving a workaround on how you can do this using iPhone, and I also stated in the beginning that it might need an extra step, which is installing iTunes if she doesn't have one installed. But the point is, IT CAN BE DONE.

Anyway iTunes is only around 100mb in size. I have a very slow internet with only 1mbps bandwidth but I can download iTunes in less than 20 minutes. Compare to 3.7gb windows installer, it's almost nothing.

 

[animalx]

Okay let me clarify from the beginning. This is OP's initial statement:
"Had I been using an iPhone, I would not have been able to do that, and she'd just have been stuck. "

I was just giving a workaround on how you can do this using iPhone, and I also stated in the beginning that it might need an extra step, which is installing iTunes if she doesn't have one installed. But the point is, IT CAN BE DONE.

Anyway iTunes is only around 100mb in size. I have a very slow internet with only 1mbps bandwidth but I can download iTunes in less than 20 minutes. Compare to 3.7gb windows installer, it's almost nothing.

Out of curiosity, how would you have gone about getting the Windows image file on the iPhone to begin with?

On a side note, with my LTE speeds, it took around 20 minutes to download the entire Windows image file. So with what you are suggesting, IF you could even manage to do it, would take a minimum of twice as long (40+ minutes versus 20).

 

[Kariya]

No the same DOES NOT hold true. You are very limited in what you can attach to one email. Furthermore, it's ridiculous that you have to use such a cumbersome workaround just to attach the two things you did manage to attach. It shouldn't be an arduous task to do something so basic. As it relates to what I was saying, if you can actually manage to attach the things I showed in one email, I'd love to see it.

First it was xls, images and pdfs. But sure enough, you changed the scope of the argument to be as esoteric as possible. I don't have a zip file on hand and i'm too busy to start scavenging for one. And like i said in the begining, not every esoteric use is covered. But theres your original pdf, image and xls option. Not as restrictive as you think.

It may not be as straightforward as Android due to the hidden filesystem. But its not impossible and didn't take me more than seconds.

I'm bored now. We get it you like Android more than iOS. Fair enough. Enjoy.

Me, i like all three OSes.

 

[Ulenspiegel]

Deleted. No sense dwelling on unequivocal issues.

 

[animalx]

First it was xls, images and pdfs. But sure enough, you changed the scope of the argument to be as esoteric as possible. I don't have a zip file on hand and i'm too busy to start scavenging for one. And like i said in the begining, not every esoteric use is covered. But theres your original pdf, image and xls option. Not as restrictive as you think.

It may not be as straightforward as Android due to the hidden filesystem. But its not impossible and didn't take me more than seconds.

I'm bored now. We get it you like Android more than iOS. Fair enough. Enjoy.

Me, i like all three OSes.

...the pictures are inside the zip file....and the zip file was made on the phone.... Believe it or not, businesses don't tend to like it if you send them an email full of separate pictures. They'd much prefer you zip the pictures in a single file, to keep things properly organized.
Getting back to the point at hand. What you are proposing is really just a workaround predicated on a particular app being able to use a certain file type. The problem with that is, when you run across a situation where that app can't handle all the file types you need to send, then what?

 

[ravipiero]

Nobody knows how iTunes works. It is capable of doing things you can't imagine or know of. Just to give you an examle: if you connect a bluetooth headset to your Mac, when paired iTunes starts. And it sits in your Dock. Nobody knows why. Apple does not have an answer and has not solved this well-known issue for some time.



Rating iPhone has nothing to do with iTunes as the latter is a standalone application. Or you imply that iPhone is a one-handed giant w/o iTunes?

Speak for yourself, iTunes is one of my favorite iPhone feature since it can do a seamless data backup, restore, and managing my library better. But I can understand if others don't like it.

I will check your iTunes-Bluetooth issue, since I also have a bluetooth headset and never notice that before. Probably because I have my iTunes open most of the time though.

OP is a good example. He doesn't know how iTunes works, and assume that simple task can't be completed with iPhone.

Out of curiosity, how would you have gone about getting the Windows image file on the iPhone to begin with?



On a side note, with my LTE speeds, it took around 20 minutes to download the entire Windows image file. So with what you are suggesting, IF you could even manage to do it, would take a minimum of twice as long (40+ minutes versus 20).

Download the file using download manager or browser with built in download manager (UC browser is my favorite).
Transfer the file using iTunes to Windows.

Suppose while waiting your download to complete on your phone, you also download and install iTunes on PC with slower computer, it will take the same 20 minutes.

What makes difference in your case is your unlimited LTE, not your smartphone since I can complete that task on my 2008 Nokia N95 8GB if I had your unlimited fast LTE.

 

[I7guy]

Speak for yourself, iTunes is one of my favorite iPhone feature since it can do a seamless data backup, restore, and managing my library better. But I can understand if others don't like it.

I will check your iTunes-Bluetooth issue, since I also have a bluetooth headset and never notice that before. Probably because I have my iTunes open most of the time though.

OP is a good example. He doesn't know how iTunes works, and assume that simple task can't be completed with iPhone.




Download the file using download manager or browser with built in download manager (UC browser is my favorite).
Transfer the file using iTunes to Windows.

Suppose while waiting your download to complete on your phone, you also download and install iTunes on PC with slower computer, it will take the same 20 minutes.

What makes difference in your case is your unlimited LTE, not your smartphone since I can complete that task on my 2008 Nokia N95 8GB if I had your unlimited fast LTE.

Wow, what a bunch of inane examples. I actually want my mobile device to be easy to use, reliable, be supported as I keep my devices. Iphone beats any android headset with this criteria, IMO . To me android is frustrating to use.

I don't need to download windows isos with my phone and transfer them to another device. I just want it to work.

And I agree with your comment about unlimited lte. It's the unlimited part.

 

[animalx]

Download the file using download manager or browser with built in download manager (UC browser is my favorite).

And THAT is exactly what I was getting at in asking you that. Yet ANOTHER workaround to do something that should be simple. Now I have to use particular apps just to download?

Transfer the file using iTunes to Windows.

Suppose while waiting your download to complete on your phone, you also download and install iTunes on PC with slower computer, it will take the same 20 minutes.

Like I said in the previous reply, that's IF you could even manage to do it. Bear in mind, I'm trying to give her a new Windows installation. The whole purpose of that is because of how bad her computer was running to begin with. So maybe iTunes would install and run, but there's a distinct likelihood that it would not.

What makes difference in your case is your unlimited LTE, not your smartphone since I can complete that task on my 2008 Nokia N95 8GB if I had your unlimited fast LTE.

I don't want what I'm saying to be misconstrued as me saying that this is something special that Android is doing. What I'm getting at is that iOS is so limited, that doing something that should be simple becomes an issue.

----------


Another real world scenario that has come up a few times for me is when my phone has come in handy with computer imaging. I've been in the field, and the computer image that was provided turned out to be the incorrect one. To remedy the situation, the guys in the office uploaded a new image on a link, for me to download. I downloaded said image to my phone, and then put it on a thumb drive directly from my phone (OTG). The thumb drive now had the working image, and I was able to do what I needed to do. If I had been using an iPhone, I wouldn't have been able to do what I did.
That said, like with the previous example I gave, these aren't situations that occur with the average person, and don't come up all the time. It is however nice to know that when the situation does come up, I'm okay.