Not sure which apps that you are using but for me, the same apps that I use on iOS and Android are either identical in looks now or have more features on Android because they have more freedom on Android to do things.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Cons of switching to the Android family?
- Thread starter sundog925
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Not sure which apps that you are using but for me, the same apps that I use on iOS and Android are either identical in looks now or have more features on Android because they have more freedom on Android to do things.
I used to be an Android user, with several android phones, and tablets. I've rooted most of it. Got tired of crashes even if I don't have any apps, so I bought an iPhone and a Mac. If I were to switch to Android now, I'd lose all this:
- iMessage on my Macbook Air
- Can make and receive calls on my Macbook Air
- Can transfer files from my phone to my MBA easily through AirDrop
- Useful share my Location in iPhone when I need to meet up with a person
- Software updates, very important to me.
- Easy sync for my photos and music, not interested adding music files to the phone manually.
- If I got a problem, I could take it to the Apple store nearby.
- Everyone on my contacts except maybe 3-4 people are on iPhone, so it goes back to the iMessage/share my location points above.
These things are more important to me than cheaper phones or open source.
I haven't noticed that. I will say that my Note 4 and Note Edge are the fastest phones I have ever used.
I am getting an iPhone 6+ delivered today but I don't expect it to be much different then my 5S except for the increased pixel count and bigger screen. iPhones haven't changed much in the past few years. I've owned every iPhone except for the 5.
Every one I know who has an Android phone these days. I am the only one at my job out of about 15 people who still has an iPhone though I use my Note 4/Edge at work.
I'm slowly starting to get used to these different features. I do find it a PITA to set custom ringtones on the 6+, whereas on Android, just move the file to the phone and open the system settings, done. However, the wifi sync with iTunes is neat.
I switched from an Apple 5S to a Samsung S5 and then to a Note 4.
It's not really a huge deal as some make it out to be. I miss iMessage, Facetime, and the app selection, and the notion that updates are alway timely. And Siri. I really miss Siri.
But there is some level of versatility that android has that you get accustomed to that iOS doesn't have. And iOS 8 wasn't all that stable and the features weren't well supported. I know, I had an iPhone 6 for 13 days and was not amused.
However it really is my intention to return to Apple in a big way this year with an iPhone 6S and new MacBook Pro.
It's not really a huge deal as some make it out to be. I miss iMessage, Facetime, and the app selection, and the notion that updates are alway timely. And Siri. I really miss Siri.
But there is some level of versatility that android has that you get accustomed to that iOS doesn't have. And iOS 8 wasn't all that stable and the features weren't well supported. I know, I had an iPhone 6 for 13 days and was not amused.
However it really is my intention to return to Apple in a big way this year with an iPhone 6S and new MacBook Pro.
Cons of switching to the Android family?
Apps I am frustrated with:
GMail - it does the same thing but clutters my screen. I'm very minimalist.
Long Hair Care Forum
JW Library
Whatsapp
Tapatalk
The basic functionalities are there for the apps, and yes there is learning curve, but aesthetically Apple apps look cleaner and more polished.....imho. And surprisingly it's really bugging me.
And I really miss badge notifications. I'm still looking something similar for my Note 4.
Apps I am frustrated with:
GMail - it does the same thing but clutters my screen. I'm very minimalist.
Long Hair Care Forum
JW Library
Tapatalk
The basic functionalities are there for the apps, and yes there is learning curve, but aesthetically Apple apps look cleaner and more polished.....imho. And surprisingly it's really bugging me.
And I really miss badge notifications. I'm still looking something similar for my Note 4.
Last edited:
Android is still jittery. It just is. They improved it in some areas, but the general OS just doesn't have the smoothness of iOS and (imo) never will. It makes the experience a lot less enjoyable
Just to rebuke a bit, who answer phone call using laptop? With the current new feature, u can even reply Whatapp and fb messenger on yr computer using push bullet.
Essentially, u can transfer file using Bluetooth or simply plug and transfer like thumb drive.
Any android can share location. Don understand yr point.
Android application does not need the phone to be on latest OS. Like so many ios device still stuck with old version of Application as user did not update to latest OS.
Photo and song may be easier to sync, but it's harder to transfer. It's so troublesome to transfer songs to iPhone.
Only apple has a lot of store in yr country. And only yr country has lots of ppl using imessage. And yr country probably US?
Ultimately each OS has its strength and weakness, including bb10 and wp8. still no such thing as perfect OS
I didn't have any issues with my HTC One(M7) or my Moto X. Are you referring to Samsung devices?
Some of the posts were in the category of TL;DR, but if no one has said it yet, one major disadvantage of going with Android is the latest OS's aren't always available for all phones. For example, Lollipop (hate that silly name) will only be available for select Samsung phones.
At least with Apple when they release a new OS they give it everyone to install as long as it's qualifiable to work well on the phone.
At least with Apple when they release a new OS they give it everyone to install as long as it's qualifiable to work well on the phone.
I do answer call with my laptop. I do use it in my office.
Just because you don't, doesn't mean other people don't either!!
AirDrop is easy, why would I want to use thumb drive to transfer from a file from phone to a computer, instead I can just send it by couple of taps?
Can you share your location from android in a message like you would in an iphone?
I can share screen by using iMessage easily from mac to mac. I can't even do these in my Windows phone and my Windows 8.1 computer.
Im surprised sunkin is not on this thread screaming about the biggest benefit of them all, more than 1 gig of ram on android phones
Have you tried Nova Launcher or Aviate? I'm using the latter and it gives me badge notifications on my home screen.
What happens when you don't ignore all the people saying the 6+ camera is better? Quite a few of those out there. I have seen the camera on the Note 4 and didn't find it any better for photos, and worse for video, especially slow-mo
I have an M7 and yes it is jittery and has been getting worse over time. This is on Lollipop too which was supposed to make things smoother with ART.
Cons? Nothing of substance.
I've been using both Android and iPhone concurrently since the very beginning. What's rather comical is they've traded places. My iPhone 6 Plus is the worst iPhone I've owned and I've had them all. Currently I can't even write a review of the apps I like in the app store because the keyboard won't pop up so it can be used. It's the iPhone keyboard, I don't use third party after finding that something prevents them from being reliable as well.
The amount of bugs in IOS 8.1.X is a disgrace. Yet after decades as an Apple computer user / enthusiast, there's nothing as sweet as the many PowerBooks and MacBook Pros I've had. My 2014 MBPR is simply fantastic. Too bad I can't say that about my obscenely priced $1,000 phone.
But price is irrelevant as I'm used to Apple premium pricing and simply wish they'd deliver premium quality. Make no mistake I'm not giving up or bashing Apple just reporting honestly, something that's sure to rattle the nerves of those who claim Apple's the best. They were in the past and they may return to building better operating systems at some point. Right now no one cares because they're still selling phones in massive numbers.
My Nexus 5 and 6 models are fantastic. Oh sure the 6 has some bugs but that's to be expected. None of them are bad like IOS. The keyboard always works as does everything else. Bugs are very minor, I'd be thrilled if Apple would (because I know they can) get serious and quit cutting corners and failing to do their best work.
Fast, very smooth with absolutely no lag, the Android experience is as good as Apple used to be. Just proves that once Apple has a huge cash horde they get lazy.
Maybe next year.
I've been using both Android and iPhone concurrently since the very beginning. What's rather comical is they've traded places. My iPhone 6 Plus is the worst iPhone I've owned and I've had them all. Currently I can't even write a review of the apps I like in the app store because the keyboard won't pop up so it can be used. It's the iPhone keyboard, I don't use third party after finding that something prevents them from being reliable as well.
The amount of bugs in IOS 8.1.X is a disgrace. Yet after decades as an Apple computer user / enthusiast, there's nothing as sweet as the many PowerBooks and MacBook Pros I've had. My 2014 MBPR is simply fantastic. Too bad I can't say that about my obscenely priced $1,000 phone.
But price is irrelevant as I'm used to Apple premium pricing and simply wish they'd deliver premium quality. Make no mistake I'm not giving up or bashing Apple just reporting honestly, something that's sure to rattle the nerves of those who claim Apple's the best. They were in the past and they may return to building better operating systems at some point. Right now no one cares because they're still selling phones in massive numbers.
My Nexus 5 and 6 models are fantastic. Oh sure the 6 has some bugs but that's to be expected. None of them are bad like IOS. The keyboard always works as does everything else. Bugs are very minor, I'd be thrilled if Apple would (because I know they can) get serious and quit cutting corners and failing to do their best work.
Fast, very smooth with absolutely no lag, the Android experience is as good as Apple used to be. Just proves that once Apple has a huge cash horde they get lazy.
Maybe next year.
I have an LG G3, never had any lags or crashes, camera is excellent. Battery lasts all day with medium usage (Google play, pandora, texting, email and phone calls). Wireless charging is a plus. Google Now is wonderful (keeps me updated on traffic conditions while traveling ((even shows me where I parked my car)). Only thing on my home page is my calendar and weather widget so I'm able to see my grandsons picture as my wallpaper.
Customer service.
If your android phone breaks be prepared to contact the supplier. Have them fob you off. Contact the manufacturer. They'll give you and address to send it to. You send it off wait anything up to six weeks for them to return it. They may or may not have fixed the fault. If they have great, if not prepare to robe and repeat.
A friend of mine was without her HTC career for close to 4 months due to the inept engineers not fixing the issue. She switched for a Samsung which developed a fault. She was without that for 4 weeks. But Samsung did get it fixed first time.
No walking into a shop and leaving with a fixed or replaced phone. This for me is THE biggest down side to leaving Apple.
Check the apps you use are available on android. When I briefly switched to android I couldn't find a decent Twitter app, browser or keyboard.
Besides that as long as you enjoy android and like to use it they're all smart phones they all do much the same thing.
If your android phone breaks be prepared to contact the supplier. Have them fob you off. Contact the manufacturer. They'll give you and address to send it to. You send it off wait anything up to six weeks for them to return it. They may or may not have fixed the fault. If they have great, if not prepare to robe and repeat.
A friend of mine was without her HTC career for close to 4 months due to the inept engineers not fixing the issue. She switched for a Samsung which developed a fault. She was without that for 4 weeks. But Samsung did get it fixed first time.
No walking into a shop and leaving with a fixed or replaced phone. This for me is THE biggest down side to leaving Apple.
Check the apps you use are available on android. When I briefly switched to android I couldn't find a decent Twitter app, browser or keyboard.
Besides that as long as you enjoy android and like to use it they're all smart phones they all do much the same thing.
Yes, and especially if you live 6 hours drive from a Apple Store, you can have a new phone sent overnight.
I read on another forum people having the fast chargers on the note 4 blow up, Samsung want them to send the phone and the charger back to check, get real
Cons of switching to the Android family?
? That statement is moot. Some apps come out on iOS first, others on Android. The Apps are definitely not a reason to stay with iOS.
The downsides I can see on Android:
- dependence on Google services with all its implications
- camera focus on the iPhones is better, however, some Android phones (Note 4, for example) take better pictures
- Apple has better service, especially if you buy AppleCare plus. Drop you phone? Just get a new one. Phone dies? Walk out with a new one within 10 minutes. android phone dies? Send it in and wait 6 weeks for the repair.
Android also has its benefits, though:
- phones are cheaper generally
- android is much more customizable
- Android 5 looks awesome and so do the apps that have been updated to material design
- some android phones are considerably faster than iOS devices. I'm just amazed how slow the iPhone 6 Plus is at times.
- Android wear is awesome and currently the best smart watch platform. I seriously doubt the Apple Watch will change that
And neutral:
- OS updates come out at about 2 per year for both OSs
- obsolete after about 2 years. Might still get updates but overall, you'll want to get a new phone after two years with any OS
----------
I had a Nexus 6 (two, actually) and they were buggy as hell. The support thread for the random reboot issues is well over 1k posts over on Google now - both of mine rebooted about 4-5 times a day and the phones were completely unusable.
? That statement is moot. Some apps come out on iOS first, others on Android. The Apps are definitely not a reason to stay with iOS.
The downsides I can see on Android:
- dependence on Google services with all its implications
- camera focus on the iPhones is better, however, some Android phones (Note 4, for example) take better pictures
- Apple has better service, especially if you buy AppleCare plus. Drop you phone? Just get a new one. Phone dies? Walk out with a new one within 10 minutes. android phone dies? Send it in and wait 6 weeks for the repair.
Android also has its benefits, though:
- phones are cheaper generally
- android is much more customizable
- Android 5 looks awesome and so do the apps that have been updated to material design
- some android phones are considerably faster than iOS devices. I'm just amazed how slow the iPhone 6 Plus is at times.
- Android wear is awesome and currently the best smart watch platform. I seriously doubt the Apple Watch will change that
And neutral:
- OS updates come out at about 2 per year for both OSs
- obsolete after about 2 years. Might still get updates but overall, you'll want to get a new phone after two years with any OS
----------
I had a Nexus 6 (two, actually) and they were buggy as hell. The support thread for the random reboot issues is well over 1k posts over on Google now - both of mine rebooted about 4-5 times a day and the phones were completely unusable.
Other benefits:
You can transfer pictures, music and other files between other phones using Bluetooth and or NFC. I even transferred all my contacts a new phone once using Bluetooth. You can still do it today by going to the contacts app and selecting all and then sharing via Bluetooth.
You can also share files from your computer to Android phones via Bluetooth.
No need for any app to transfer files. On my Windows computer, just connect via the cable and transfer all I want through file manager.
SD cards expand storage to unlimited possibilities.
You can transfer pictures, music and other files between other phones using Bluetooth and or NFC. I even transferred all my contacts a new phone once using Bluetooth. You can still do it today by going to the contacts app and selecting all and then sharing via Bluetooth.
You can also share files from your computer to Android phones via Bluetooth.
No need for any app to transfer files. On my Windows computer, just connect via the cable and transfer all I want through file manager.
SD cards expand storage to unlimited possibilities.
Is that only on usa? Because here in Germany I wanted to get my iPhone 6 replaced and get a 6 plus ( and pay the cash difference ) and they asked me to go to my carrier and ask them ...