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Do you plan to switch from iPhone to Android? (2016)
- Thread starter moonman239
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Definitely recommend trying it. Having owned both I'm more confident in my choice of Apple only after having owned both. Not everyone is like me though, so I know people who much prefer Android even after trying both. If you can use a friend's phone for a week or so, that helps too (cost wise).
I have a Note 3 still I use for media. I think you have to give it a shot to really see how you feel. I use a 7+ as a daily driver but I wouldn't be opposed to going back to Android. The Note 7 fiasco was a mess.
I might flip flop if they can make a decent non-defective Note 8.
I might flip flop if they can make a decent non-defective Note 8.
I'm stuck between a rock and hard place - my work has changed and have to give back my work 6s. I now have to get a new phone and not sure if I should stay with another iPhone or look at the Galaxy S7.
Last Android I had was the S2 so I am sure things have changed a lot since then.
For those that have changed what do you do with your music? Do you still have to use Kies?
Last Android I had was the S2 so I am sure things have changed a lot since then.
For those that have changed what do you do with your music? Do you still have to use Kies?
I can completely agree with this. I like the iPhone 7 Plus, but I still feel like it doesn't add enough that's compelling over the 6s Plus. I like the Pixel, but still feel like it's missing too many features to really be worth the price. iPads, to me, aren't worth their price as they're basically a blown up version of my phone. Tablets in general aren't really compelling anymore, as it is, to me. The main things that I'm interested in are the quality mid range devices. Android has pumped out a few of those lately. I'm talking about the $300-500 range. Really top of the line stuff without the cost. That's about the only thing that's really piqued my interest lately. I think for now I'm going to use a OP3T and a Gear S2 that I got for $75 and see what 2017 has to offer down the road.
Not for a long time. Just connect to your computer and drag and drop like a USB drive.
The smartphone feels like a baked thing and I like that all my devices work together. This is what keeps me on iOS.
After considering Huwaei Mate Pro 9, Pixel XL and staying with iOS with the iPhone 7 plus I think i've finally boiled it down to the OnePlus 3T and S7 Edge and i'm leaning towards the Edge.
Design wise they're two of the best currently available on the market. Hardware wise the OnePlus 3T is lacking in a few areas which is forgivable at its price point where the edge is more feature complete. Which is what i want in a phone i plan to use for 3 or so years.
Design wise they're two of the best currently available on the market. Hardware wise the OnePlus 3T is lacking in a few areas which is forgivable at its price point where the edge is more feature complete. Which is what i want in a phone i plan to use for 3 or so years.
I will be watching the S8 with great interest. If no battery woes and similar size to the S7, I have to seriously consider it when I'm up for a new phone in October.
The thought of paying $700 for a 7s - a LCD screen with average resolution specs doesn't sit well with me.
It's 2017...not 2012 anymore.
If I'm spending that much on a phone, it better have more! Wireless charging is pretty worthless to me so step up, Apple.
Or I will look elsewhere.
The thought of paying $700 for a 7s - a LCD screen with average resolution specs doesn't sit well with me.
It's 2017...not 2012 anymore.
If I'm spending that much on a phone, it better have more! Wireless charging is pretty worthless to me so step up, Apple.
Or I will look elsewhere.
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Very disappointing to read on the front page of MacRumors that the iPhone 8 is now looking like it'll have inductive charging for their version of wireless charging, and not the radio/frequency "proximity-style" charging earlier rumors suggested.
I was really hoping that if Apple was going to be late to the game on wireless charging, that they'd leap frog the current tech and really introduce the next stage of it.
Hoping they surprise us and that's still the case, but if it's not, it'll just be Apple playing catch up. And it'll be proprietary.
I was really hoping that if Apple was going to be late to the game on wireless charging, that they'd leap frog the current tech and really introduce the next stage of it.
Hoping they surprise us and that's still the case, but if it's not, it'll just be Apple playing catch up. And it'll be proprietary.
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After switching from iOS to a Pixel the messaging situation on Android is still really annoying. The majority of my contacts are iPhone users and I live in the US so keep that in mind.
SMS: It works, but it's slow, no read receipts, can't tell if anybody is typing and picture quality is bad. Also if you send/receive more than 160 characters it usually displays multiple messages and they are sometimes out of order so you have to determine what the intended order was. Also, your carrier has access to every SMS/MMS you send.
Most of my friends got tired of using SMS so I then had to find out which other apps they already have installed so I wouldn't inconvenience them. That said I now have the following apps installed: Google Messenger (SMS/MMS), WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, Hangouts and Skype.
WhatsApp: A popular choice it seems. The issue I've found with this app is that it can only be used on my mobile phone and on my computer. Also, on Android when using quick reply if somebody sends you a message, it removes your reply so you have to retype it, after a few times it's frustrating. Plus, not many in the US use this app.
Signal: This app can't do read receipts or display if the other person is typing. Can only be installed on your mobile device and computer. It uses a chrome extension so if you don't have chrome installed you have to install that browser. The notifications don't seem to work if you're using something in full screen mode, but when you exit full screen mode, they will all display at once. It has the same quick reply issue as WhatsApp, so that's annoying. Can be used as an SMS client as well but only Signal messages show up on the web app and it doesn't write to the main SMS data on the phone.
Telegram: This app is by far my favorite. It allows for multiple devices and it syncs across all devices. It does not have the quick reply bug. I wish more people used this app but only 3 of my contacts use it. You can assign a username so you don't have to give out your phone number.
Hangouts: It can be tied to a Google Voice number and send SMS, and it also ties to your Google email account. The problem with this is while many of my friends have a Gmail account, very few have the app installed so they won't get my message.
Skype: Don't really have anything good or bad to say about this, it's just Skype. I use it to message one person.
That said, if I were to return to an iPhone, I could then message people using iMessage and wouldn't require any other messaging apps to be installed. Instead I now have 6 messaging clients I'm trying to keep track of, this is a mess. I realize Google is trying to fix this with RCS but who knows if Apple will actually implement it in the Messages app, plus I believe the carriers would still have full access to your conversations which ruins it for me.
So for those asking what makes iMessage so great, it's simple and a lot of people in the US use it.
SMS: It works, but it's slow, no read receipts, can't tell if anybody is typing and picture quality is bad. Also if you send/receive more than 160 characters it usually displays multiple messages and they are sometimes out of order so you have to determine what the intended order was. Also, your carrier has access to every SMS/MMS you send.
Most of my friends got tired of using SMS so I then had to find out which other apps they already have installed so I wouldn't inconvenience them. That said I now have the following apps installed: Google Messenger (SMS/MMS), WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, Hangouts and Skype.
WhatsApp: A popular choice it seems. The issue I've found with this app is that it can only be used on my mobile phone and on my computer. Also, on Android when using quick reply if somebody sends you a message, it removes your reply so you have to retype it, after a few times it's frustrating. Plus, not many in the US use this app.
Signal: This app can't do read receipts or display if the other person is typing. Can only be installed on your mobile device and computer. It uses a chrome extension so if you don't have chrome installed you have to install that browser. The notifications don't seem to work if you're using something in full screen mode, but when you exit full screen mode, they will all display at once. It has the same quick reply issue as WhatsApp, so that's annoying. Can be used as an SMS client as well but only Signal messages show up on the web app and it doesn't write to the main SMS data on the phone.
Telegram: This app is by far my favorite. It allows for multiple devices and it syncs across all devices. It does not have the quick reply bug. I wish more people used this app but only 3 of my contacts use it. You can assign a username so you don't have to give out your phone number.
Hangouts: It can be tied to a Google Voice number and send SMS, and it also ties to your Google email account. The problem with this is while many of my friends have a Gmail account, very few have the app installed so they won't get my message.
Skype: Don't really have anything good or bad to say about this, it's just Skype. I use it to message one person.
That said, if I were to return to an iPhone, I could then message people using iMessage and wouldn't require any other messaging apps to be installed. Instead I now have 6 messaging clients I'm trying to keep track of, this is a mess. I realize Google is trying to fix this with RCS but who knows if Apple will actually implement it in the Messages app, plus I believe the carriers would still have full access to your conversations which ruins it for me.
So for those asking what makes iMessage so great, it's simple and a lot of people in the US use it.
It sounds like the main problem you have with your Pixel is messaging.
Like you, I just switched to Android (I bought a used Nexus 6P, so I'm not on the Pixel). I use Google Messenger for all my texts. My only qualm is, like you said, when sending/receiving cross-carrier messages (meaning Verizon to At&t or vice versa), texts will get split up into 2-3 messages depending on the length of the message. I personally stopped noticing pretty quickly and it stopped bothering me since. If anyone complains to you about it and says that it is inconveniencing them, then they need to find bigger things to worry about.
You're trying new stuff! Good on you. Can they say the same?It sounds a little like you've let the OCD part of your brain drive you crazy about the messaging issue on Android. I totally get it -- my brain works in the same way and I drive myself mad sometimes. My project lately has been me trying to improve the battery life on my Nexus. But my advice is this -- don't worry so much about it. The messaging situation is really trivial when you consider everything, is it not? Enjoy your phone and don't get stuck worrying about one thing.
Life's too short.What are some things that you are ENJOYING with Android? I for one have found Google Now (Google Assistant for you) to be so, so useful. Oh, and the notifications. I love the notifications on Android.
I've said this before, and I'll just say it here again, I have little issue with texting/messaging on Android. Virtually all my friends and family are on iPhones. No problems communicating.
That's not to say I wish Google would sort out their messaging apps (Allo, Hangouts, and now an update to Google Voice? What the heck?), but nothing is really preventing me from communicating with people I want to communicate.
And I always draw this comparison because it can't be unnoticed, but people who otherwise love Android but feel they need to return to iOS to hang onto iMessage feels like people hanging onto BBM back in the days. Of course, Apple is nowhere near the dangers of where RIM was back in the day (in fact, I argue Apple is sitting rather too comfortably with how well they're doing) and Blackberry OS is a joke compared to iOS and all the services Apple offers, but you can see where the comparison comes from. Nothing wrong with this per se -- iMessage really is a strong advantage. Just comparing and pointing out that it's a shame it's the one thing holding someone back who otherwise loves the Android experience.
Google really should sort out their chat apps. Too bad there's absolutely zero signs that they intend to. Shame on them.
That's not to say I wish Google would sort out their messaging apps (Allo, Hangouts, and now an update to Google Voice? What the heck?), but nothing is really preventing me from communicating with people I want to communicate.
And I always draw this comparison because it can't be unnoticed, but people who otherwise love Android but feel they need to return to iOS to hang onto iMessage feels like people hanging onto BBM back in the days. Of course, Apple is nowhere near the dangers of where RIM was back in the day (in fact, I argue Apple is sitting rather too comfortably with how well they're doing) and Blackberry OS is a joke compared to iOS and all the services Apple offers, but you can see where the comparison comes from. Nothing wrong with this per se -- iMessage really is a strong advantage. Just comparing and pointing out that it's a shame it's the one thing holding someone back who otherwise loves the Android experience.
Google really should sort out their chat apps. Too bad there's absolutely zero signs that they intend to. Shame on them.
Google really needs to merge Allo and Messenger. I really hope that's what they'll do with Android 8. Hoping that the clunky release of Allo (you can't use your phone number? What??) is just a trial run until they iron the app out.
If not, then what the heck is the purpose of Allo?
Great post! You're absolutely correct my only complaint/issue is with messaging and also when you say that the messaging situation is trivial. I've been an iOS user since 2008 so changing is definitely going to take some time for me and won't happen over night. I think I'm not quite used to having as many options available so it can sometimes be overwhelming. That's why I haven't really bothered with installing any launchers on my Pixel, that would drive me crazy with the amount of customization.It sounds like the main problem you have with your Pixel is messaging.
Like you, I just switched to Android (I bought a used Nexus 6P, so I'm not on the Pixel). I use Google Messenger for all my texts. My only qualm is, like you said, when sending/receiving cross-carrier messages (meaning Verizon to At&t or vice versa), texts will get split up into 2-3 messages depending on the length of the message. I personally stopped noticing pretty quickly and it stopped bothering me since. If anyone complains to you about it and says that it is inconveniencing them, then they need to find bigger things to worry about.
It sounds a little like you've let the OCD part of your brain drive you crazy about the messaging issue on Android. I totally get it -- my brain works in the same way and I drive myself mad sometimes. My project lately has been me trying to improve the battery life on my Nexus. But my advice is this -- don't worry so much about it. The messaging situation is really trivial when you consider everything, is it not? Enjoy your phone and don't get stuck worrying about one thing.
What are some things that you are ENJOYING with Android? I for one have found Google Now (Google Assistant for you) to be so, so useful. Oh, and the notifications. I love the notifications on Android.
Fortunately I haven't had to worry about improving the battery at all, I just charge whenever I can and try to keep it topped off as much as possible. Currently I spend a lot of time at a desk so it is a bit easier for me.
As far as what I like on Android, pretty much what you mentioned: Google Assistant, Notifications (these are absolutely amazing in comparison to iOS 10 in my opinion), I like how I can move icons wherever I want on the screen, I like the app drawer, widgets can be placed anywhere. I think the Pixel Launcher has just the right amount of customization without feeling overwhelming, Google did well.
I agree. If Allo and Messenger merged, then became the default messenger app on Android, we would have an iOS like messaging app. Then it would just be about Apple getting RCS into their Messages app and all the carriers will have to add support for RCS, then it would be excellent.
I am a recent iPhone convert. I really miss the Samsung hardware, but the Apple software and battery life is pretty Excellent.
A bezelless phone is top of my want list. The note 7 was pretty close, but this year it becomes a reality. I will be tempted to jump to a s8 in a few months. However I think the iPhone 8 will be a phone I actually keep for a while.
My 2 main complaints with iOS is UI customabilty, and clunky hardware on 7+
A bezelless phone is top of my want list. The note 7 was pretty close, but this year it becomes a reality. I will be tempted to jump to a s8 in a few months. However I think the iPhone 8 will be a phone I actually keep for a while.
My 2 main complaints with iOS is UI customabilty, and clunky hardware on 7+
The issue I have with Android phones is that you have a limited time with their operating system before they update to new version and your phone is not compatible.
With the iPhone my old 5 was still able to have the new iOS & that phone came out in 2012.
With the iPhone my old 5 was still able to have the new iOS & that phone came out in 2012.
Have you tried Wire? I would give that messaging platform a try. It's pretty great. However, there's still the problem of getting other people to use it.
It's not that your phone becomes incompatible w/the next Android version, but merely the manufacturer won't push out a supported version.
But that is changing, and what's absolutely more critical is security updates being pushed out for the older Android in the second (and third, etc) years...and that too is getting better.
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The above is key above all else.
And where Apple really did it right from the get-go, whereas on Android... we got a few choices but nothing packaged from the start across every Android phone maker.
The main barrier for me if I were to switch is imessage and facetime.
Messaging for me is important as all my friends and relatives have IOS and we enjoy doing group chats.
Group chats in SMS always has issues with sending a separate text to everyone.
Facetime is mostly used with my parents and its so easy to use for them. I have tried other video apps and its always some issue.
Apples ecosystem is their biggest advantage at this point.
Messaging for me is important as all my friends and relatives have IOS and we enjoy doing group chats.
Group chats in SMS always has issues with sending a separate text to everyone.
Facetime is mostly used with my parents and its so easy to use for them. I have tried other video apps and its always some issue.
Apples ecosystem is their biggest advantage at this point.
Looking more and more like it'll just be wireless charging from Apple and not the rumored proximity style charging. Shame they're not advancing this area especially since it took them so long to get on board.
This Fall, iPhone users may begin to understand the convenience of wireless charging.
This Fall, iPhone users may begin to understand the convenience of wireless charging.
Useless for me because I pick up the phone to use while charging.
So yes...disappointing that Apple will go with conventional wireless charging. We could have had this, literally...years ago.
One more example of Apple leading from behind.
Yep, agree. And now there is a rumor that the iPhone 8 may feature IRIS scanning, too. Wireless charging and IRIS scanning, this Fall, may suddenly become convenient and accepted.
Regarding picking up your device to use, honestly, unless your device is at absolute zero battery life, you can still pick up your phone off your wireless charger to use. I do it all the time. In fact, I use charging stands (not flat pads) and can often use my phone even as it's on the charging stand.
However, the real beauty of the wireless charger isn't so much in not having to deal with wires, it's more about the ability to regular top off your battery when your phone is idle. Instead of idling on a desk, it's idling on a wireless charging pad/stand, charging up when not in use. That's the real convenience of wireless charging.