Do you plan to switch from iPhone to Android? (2016)

[v0lume4]

Just what *is* this fixation with iMessage, why is it such a necessity for some folk? I can SMS cross-platform, send photos by Whatsapp or email if they don't have it, and make calls as normal. I think I've had two Facetime calls in my life and come on, they're hardly essential. If people want to videocall then there's always Skype. Maybe it's an American thing but over here in the UK Android phones are at least as popular as iPhones so nobody sweats this iMessage thing. Even if it *is* just an American thing I still don't understand why iMessage is so essential.

I wonder the same thing. I currently have an iPhone and use iMessage, and I like it. But I really don't think I'd realize it's gone if I didn't have it. I will say one thing that is a plus is the fact that I can use iMessage internationally assuming that I'm hooked up to WiFi. But I could just download Whatsapp and do the same thing right?

 

[Fried_Gold]

I'm also in the UK and every single contact in my phone uses Whatsapp and I'd say nearly all of them are iPhone users. When I do have iPhone nobody uses iMessage anyway so luckily switching back and forth doesn't effect me.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I'm also in the UK and every single contact in my phone uses Whatsapp and I'd say nearly all of them are iPhone users. When I do have iPhone nobody uses iMessage anyway so luckily switching back and forth doesn't effect me.

I'm in the same situation but most of my friends use both messaging formats. The advantage iMessage has is the fact pictures and videos can be sent at full quality rather than being compressed. We use whatsapp more for large group chats where one or two people may not have an iPhone, but iMessage for me is generally used one on one.

 

[cracksoup]

Just what *is* this fixation with iMessage, why is it such a necessity for some folk? I can SMS cross-platform, send photos by Whatsapp or email if they don't have it, and make calls as normal. I think I've had two Facetime calls in my life and come on, they're hardly essential. If people want to videocall then there's always Skype. Maybe it's an American thing but over here in the UK Android phones are at least as popular as iPhones so nobody sweats this iMessage thing. Even if it *is* just an American thing I still don't understand why iMessage is so essential.

iMessage is really great as it is included in the original messaging app. That alone makes it superior because everyone who has an iPhone, uses iMessage which means that you can send everything from text to large full size videos extremely easily and for free as long as you have an internet connection.

Nobody I know uses whatsapp or hangouts or vibe or anything like that. People have stopped using Skype as well, because you can make free voice calls on the iPhone now too. I used FaceTime almost everyday when my girlfriend traveled to Asia. It's no secret that Apple has made an amazing environment as long as you use their products.
But of course, you only use it if you have friends/family with iOS devices to share it with. If not, you could be better off with a cheaper android phone.

 

[sunking101]

iMessage is really great as it is included in the original messaging app. That alone makes it superior because everyone who has an iPhone, uses iMessage which means that you can send everything from text to large full size videos extremely easily and for free as long as you have an internet connection.

Nobody I know uses whatsapp or hangouts or vibe or anything like that. People have stopped using Skype as well, because you can make free voice calls on the iPhone now too. I used FaceTime almost everyday when my girlfriend traveled to Asia. It's no secret that Apple has made an amazing environment as long as you use their products.
But of course, you only use it if you have friends/family with iOS devices to share it with. If not, you could be better off with a cheaper android phone.

Like a previous poster has said, everyone in the UK uses Whatsapp whether they have an iPhone or not. They treat iMessage as if it's an SMS app. Besides, Whatsapp is identical in functionality to iMessage so what the big deal. There's no reason to have an iPhone just because a friend or family member does. I mean, it's a smartphone and you can communicate in many different ways so I really don't see the issue here. So what if you had an Android and a friend has an iPhone but refuses to install Whatsapp? Send them an SMS! Oh and if your girlfriend refuses to install Whatsapp or Skype to videocall whilst on holiday, then get a new girlfriend. Sorry, I still don't get it...

 

[MarkX]

WhatsApp also does video calling too.

I prefer Facebook's messenger app as it's dual platform.

At work offshore I don't always carry my phone but can access a computer to pick up/send messages there.

 

[Mildredop]

I switch between Android and iOS at least once a year, returned my iPhone 7 for a Pixel and couldn't be happier, who knows what will happen in 2017.

I have switched from the iPhone 7 to the Google Pixel. It has been two weeks of shear pleasure (although there was a hint of withdrawal).
IMO Android has come a long way in the past few years.
Happy chappy here! ️

I like the idea of a Pixel (I've got an S7) but the fingerprint sensor being on the back seems odd to me. How do you find it?
[doublepost=1484138866][/doublepost]

A for me, (Mac keyboard broken, I apologize), I've been entertaining the thought of getting an Android this year. Android is much more open, while Apple has unapologetically touted a "less is more philosophy", replacing the headphone jack with a dongle.

However, I am concerned about my data getting in the hands of a hacker or the government.

What about your Mac keyboard is broken?

 

[cracksoup]

Like a previous poster has said, everyone in the UK uses Whatsapp whether they have an iPhone or not. They treat iMessage as if it's an SMS app. Besides, Whatsapp is identical in functionality to iMessage so what the big deal. There's no reason to have an iPhone just because a friend or family member does. I mean, it's a smartphone and you can communicate in many different ways so I really don't see the issue here. So what if you had an Android and a friend has an iPhone but refuses to install Whatsapp? Send them an SMS! Oh and if your girlfriend refuses to install Whatsapp or Skype to videocall whilst on holiday, then get a new girlfriend. Sorry, I still don't get it...

In Sweden, nobody uses whatsapp so there's the difference.

Not my problem that you don't get it, I'm just discussing the matter from my point of view.
No need to get hostile with the "get a new girlfriend then" argument.

I don't get why I should bother to switch when people around me have an iPhone and everything works seamlessly together.

Everyone have different preferences.

 

[sunking101]

In Sweden, nobody uses whatsapp so there's the difference.

Not my problem that you don't get it, I'm just discussing the matter from my point of view.
No need to get hostile with the "get a new girlfriend then" argument.

I don't get why I should bother to switch when people around me have an iPhone and everything works seamlessly together.

Everyone have different preferences.

Sorry, I wasn't being hostile. Each to their own for sure, I was just saying that I don't understand the necessity for iMessage. It just seems like a really trivial reason to prevent ever moving away from iPhones, but hey I don't live in Sweden.

 

[8692574]

Already did....last year (2016) and loving it so far!

You sure you're not mistaking it for iOS 10 bluetooth issues?

https://www.reddit.com/r/apple/comments/5bk9rc/sporadically_choppy_bluetooth_connection_iphone_7/

Or, even built-in speaker or wired audio?

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7673008?start=420&tstart=0

He was referring to Android having bluetooth issue ... he said he just switched back TO iOS and loving it so far! I think you got it upside down

 

[The Game 161]

Like a previous poster has said, everyone in the UK uses Whatsapp whether they have an iPhone or not. They treat iMessage as if it's an SMS app. Besides, Whatsapp is identical in functionality to iMessage so what the big deal. There's no reason to have an iPhone just because a friend or family member does. I mean, it's a smartphone and you can communicate in many different ways so I really don't see the issue here. So what if you had an Android and a friend has an iPhone but refuses to install Whatsapp? Send them an SMS! Oh and if your girlfriend refuses to install Whatsapp or Skype to videocall whilst on holiday, then get a new girlfriend. Sorry, I still don't get it...

Will add that there can be delays if you are using the SMS app when texting a Samsung user from an iPhone

Sometimes there would be a 2-3 hour delay until my girlfriends text came through so we now just text on what's app

Infact everybody I text now only uses what's app so iMessage has become not important anymore to me but there are other areas and reasons why I will be sticking with iPhone over android

At least as my daily driver.

I will be looking at S8 as a 2nd device if there's a 6 inch device

 

[BlueGoldAce]

A for me, (Mac keyboard broken, I apologize), I've been entertaining the thought of getting an Android this year. Android is much more open, while Apple has unapologetically touted a "less is more philosophy", replacing the headphone jack with a dongle.

However, I am concerned about my data getting in the hands of a hacker or the government.

Your mistake here is assuming the public is aware if the government/hacker organizations have the ability to compromise your iPhone. I imagine they do, but just try not to think about that.

The pixel is secure as well, and while it may not be as secure, the iPhone is far more ubiquitous is society. So the iPhone/iOS will be like Windows, in that it will be the primary target for people who want to "hack".

Base your choice on how the phone fits your life. I am fully in the Apple ecosystem so I use an iPhone 7 plus.

But don't assume your safe, your likely not. Your also most likely on even grounds when it comes to amateur hackers, with a pixel or iPhone.

Finally, why do you think the government would want your data? Or is it just a matter of principle?

 

[DoctorDoctor]

Just what *is* this fixation with iMessage, why is it such a necessity for some folk? I can SMS cross-platform, send photos by Whatsapp or email if they don't have it, and make calls as normal. I think I've had two Facetime calls in my life and come on, they're hardly essential. If people want to videocall then there's always Skype. Maybe it's an American thing but over here in the UK Android phones are at least as popular as iPhones so nobody sweats this iMessage thing. Even if it *is* just an American thing I still don't understand why iMessage is so essential.

Love how seamlessly it works on my Apple Watch, iPad, MacBook and iPhone. And of course the vast majority of people I have contact with use iPhones. In all honesty I can count on 1 hand how many people I deal with including family, friends, co-workers and customers that do not use an iPhone. I can't believe here in the US that Apple's market share only hovers in the 40-50% range. Anyways, I will from time to time buy an Android phone to play with and the #1 app I miss all most immediately is iMessage.

 

[Fried_Gold]

I like the idea of a Pixel (I've got an S7) but the fingerprint sensor being on the back seems odd to me. How do you find it?
[doublepost=1484138866][/doublepost]

What about your Mac keyboard is broken?

i don't like it on the back if i am honest, much prefer the setup on the iphone.

 

[sunking101]

i don't like it on the back if i am honest, much prefer the setup on the iphone.

Me too, or on the side like Sony phones.

 

[Mildredop]

i don't like it on the back if i am honest, much prefer the setup on the iphone.

I did wonder. A lot of the time my phone is on a table or something, so I'd have to pick it up to unlock it. Seems silly to me. I'm surprised Google didn't incorporate the sensor into that massive chin the Pixel has - at least then there'd be a point to it.

 

[Paul Dawkins]

I'm also in the UK and every single contact in my phone uses Whatsapp and I'd say nearly all of them are iPhone users. When I do have iPhone nobody uses iMessage anyway so luckily switching back and forth doesn't effect me.

And what is the point of it? If all of your friends have iPhones you all use WhatsApp for what reason?

 

[epicrayban]

I'm very interested in this year's flagships. I see 2016 as the year of refinement, whereas 2017 could shape up to be the year of new frontiers and innovations. Even HTC's leaked promotional concept video (with the side-touch panels) looks interesting.

Then there's Apple's 10th anniversary iPhone, which I'm really excited about if the rumors prove true.

Samsung has a big year with the S8. Can't wait to see a redesign of their Galaxy line.

Google's Pixel 2 will be very interesting at the end of the year as well.

OnePlus, in my opinion, has really grown up and can play with the big hitters. The 3T was a sensible update. What will the OP4 bring?

Huawei continues to grow.

Then there's Nokia getting back into the Android world. That could be interesting.


I predict it's going to be an exciting year for smartphones! Depending on how these flagships play out, I'll definitely be willing to switch to iOS or another Android iteration.

 

[sunking101]

And what is the point of it? If all of your friends have iPhones you all use WhatsApp for what reason?

Everyone uses Whatsapp because everyone else uses Whatsapp. It's the go-to messaging app here. I don't know why but it is. Can you leave voice messages with iMessage?

 

[The Game 161]

i wish WhatsApp worked on apple watch...
[doublepost=1484151939][/doublepost]

And what is the point of it? If all of your friends have iPhones you all use WhatsApp for what reason?

because its free to text and send pics. not everybody has iPhones but 3 of my mates just rather use WhatsApp instead of iMessage. they don't know why but they just like using it.

the fact you know when somebody is online some like but then i guess some don't. overall with WhatsApp the amount of texts you have is no longer an issue.

Now you can text back on WhatsApp on your MacBook or even iPad as there's apps now that let you do that so the one thing with iMessage was great was texting on all platforms. now with WhatsApp you can do this.

 

[BigMcGuire]

I tried out the Pixel and didn't like it, returned it to go back to my 6s+. Had the Pixel XL been available? I might have stayed Android but the bigger screen is a necessity. I started out with Android back in the day and went back and forth till staying with iOS after the 6+. The Pixel is a great Android phone and I have no problem recommending it to my Android only friends - beats adware but ... I still think iOS is superior - the apps definitely are.

Why is iMessage so great? You might have to have an Apple laptop / desktop to realize this. I can iMessage (text, both iMessage and SMS/MMS) from ANY device I have in my house. So if I left my phone on the couch near the TV and I'm sitting at my Mac Mini in my office - I can make/receive MMS, SMS, iMessages, and make/receive calls from my Mac Mini, same for my Macbook Air, and my iPad Air 2 all without having to run across the house to get the other device. iMessage works VERY well and very fast.

That said, my family and I and coworkers use Telegram for most of our communication. That's also cross platform and we like it.

If I didn't have OS X at home I'd find switching to Android to be a lot easier. Yes, I use Google Voice (I was a beta tester for it too) but it just doesn't compare and it took it FOREVER to get MMS and even that doesn't work smoothly.

No, Apple has my business for a long time but I am VERY HAPPY Android is finally putting out stuff that I consider to be viable competition for the iPhone. Why? Competition is great for us consumers. I hope it makes Apple produce better products so I cheer Android and if people want to switch, competition is a great great thing.

The Google Pixel 2 is going to be a seriously tempting device for me.

My experience with the Pixel coming from iPhone 6s+. Yes, I would have gotten a Pixel XL if I could have but it was back ordered 2+ months. https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/short-experience-with-pixel-coming-from-a-6s.2018310/

 

[Oohara]

In Sweden, nobody uses whatsapp so there's the difference.

Not my problem that you don't get it, I'm just discussing the matter from my point of view.
No need to get hostile with the "get a new girlfriend then" argument.

I don't get why I should bother to switch when people around me have an iPhone and everything works seamlessly together.

Everyone have different preferences.

I live in Sweden too and pretty much everyone here that I've had to message so far at least has WhatsApp and is willing to use it if there's someone who doesn't have an iPhone. That none use it here is simply not even close to true.

 

[cracksoup]

I live in Sweden too and pretty much everyone here that I've had to message so far at least has WhatsApp and is willing to use it if there's someone who doesn't have an iPhone. That none use it here is simply not even close to true.

Of course I know that people in Sweden use whatsapp just as much as every single person in England don't use it. It doesn't change the fact that nobody in my area uses it that I know of. Therefore, it's useless for me.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Everyone uses Whatsapp because everyone else uses Whatsapp. It's the go-to messaging app here. I don't know why but it is. Can you leave voice messages with iMessage?

You can leave voice messages yes.

 

[itscdawg]

If iPhone 8 isn't amazing I'm just gonna stick with my 6