Does anybody regret moving from WP to Android/iOS after seeing WP8.1?

[.macbookpro.]

In 2012, I got a HTC 8X. It was an awesome looking phone and I love the look of WP8. However, the lack of apps available(Nokia had many exclusives) and the overall unfinished feel of the OS meant that I bought a Nexus 5 a year later, and sold my 8X.
I'm now slightly regretting this.
The new updates to WP make it seem on par to iOS and Android in terms of functionality. I don't know why, but I always feel that Android is a bit less exiting than either iOS 7 or WP8. Also, it takes considerably longer to get an Android phone looking the way I want than the other OS's. there are some annoyance about Android, like the way the auto lock works( It isn't like iOS).
I'm thinking of moving back when my contract is up in November, but I can see myself being bitten in the bum by the lack of apps, lack of a decent Music syncing system with iTunes( I use Google Play Music).
So, did anybody else move from WP8 to iOS/Android and now regret it? and Why?

 

[Oohara]

I never actually owned a WP8 phone so I don't have any experience to offer. But I can say that since the 8.1 update, I'm pretty tempted to get a Windows phone, and that is something I never though I'd hear myself say. Ever.

I had pretty much ignored WP until now based on my first impressions but now that I've been checking out various review videos made before 8.1...damn, it's like a whole other OS!

It still looks a bit limited compared to Android, but on the other hand extremely snappy. And then there are those awesome cams on the Lumia phones. I was dead set on the Note 4 this fall but suddenly a Lumia 1520 or its successor is calling...

 

[.macbookpro.]

I never actually owned a WP8 phone so I don't have any experience to offer. But I can say that since the 8.1 update, I'm pretty tempted to get a Windows phone, and that is something I never though I'd hear myself say. Ever.

I had pretty much ignored WP until now based on my first impressions but now that I've been checking out various review videos made before 8.1...damn, it's like a whole other OS!

It still looks a bit limited compared to Android, but on the other hand extremely snappy. And then there are those awesome cams on the Lumia phones. I was dead set on the Note 4 this fall but suddenly a Lumia 1520 or its successor is calling...

I wrote off WP8 when I got my Nexus, but it's pulling me again. One thing that I can't get over is the exclusivity Nokia gets on 3ʳᵈ Party apps. As I've said before, I had a HTC 8X, which was an alternative choice for a WP device. I find the Nokia's to be too bulky and large, whilst the 8X was rather svelte and just felt 'nice'. However, If I was to buy another Windows Phone, it would have to be a Nokia as the exclusive app list is too big to ignore.

 

[GroundLoop]

I wrote off WP8 when I got my Nexus, but it's pulling me again. One thing that I can't get over is the exclusivity Nokia gets on 3ʳᵈ Party apps. As I've said before, I had a HTC 8X, which was an alternative choice for a WP device. I find the Nokia's to be too bulky and large, whilst the 8X was rather svelte and just felt 'nice'. However, If I was to buy another Windows Phone, it would have to be a Nokia as the exclusive app list is too big to ignore.

I am guessing that the Nokia exclusivity issue will go away as soon as they are consumed by MS. I personally have a Lumia Icon, and I love it. The ecosystem still lags behind IOS and Android, but all of the apps that I use are available. I don't really game on my phone (I use my RiPM for that), so I think that is why the ecosystem issue doesn't bug me.

 

[SurferMan]

I thought about it for a change, but the new 635 isn't out yet for AT&T and needed a phone asap since my S2 went for a swim . I actually like Windows Mobile and it's nice for a change vs Android or iOS. Yeah the Eco system doesn't mean much to me, all the main apps are there or similar for personal and business use etc. I don't really play games on phones, heck I have some on my tablet and I rarely play them.

 

[scott craft]

I shattered the screen on my 8X last summer and I replaced it with a G2 in December. I'm very pleased with my phone, but 8.1 is very tempting. I'm considering picking up a used WP to play around with to see how I like 8.1.

 

[.macbookpro.]

I am guessing that the Nokia exclusivity issue will go away as soon as they are consumed by MS. I personally have a Lumia Icon, and I love it. The ecosystem still lags behind IOS and Android, but all of the apps that I use are available. I don't really game on my phone (I use my RiPM for that), so I think that is why the ecosystem issue doesn't bug me.

I wouldn't call myself a heavy gamer on mobile devices, but it's the small, pick up and play for a minute games that are the difference. Dots, for example. Whenever I'm on the tube, I play Dots to pass the time. Most other apps have alternatives, but the selection of games is simply not good enough.
It took a while to work out what a RiPM was.
I googled it and everything.
(For those wondering, it stands for Retina iPad Mini)
Thinking about the future though, companion apps for next gen games may not be seen on the device. And I plan on getting a Sonos system, and I don't believe there is an app on the Windows Phone Store that can control the system.

 

[b166er]

I was waiting to see 8.1 before selling my 1520 and going back to android. I've decided to keep it now, 8.1 is a big improvement.

 

[NOLATechy]

In 2012, I got a HTC 8X. It was an awesome looking phone and I love the look of WP8. However, the lack of apps available(Nokia had many exclusives) and the overall unfinished feel of the OS meant that I bought a Nexus 5 a year later, and sold my 8X.
I'm now slightly regretting this.
The new updates to WP make it seem on par to iOS and Android in terms of functionality. I don't know why, but I always feel that Android is a bit less exiting than either iOS 7 or WP8. Also, it takes considerably longer to get an Android phone looking the way I want than the other OS's. there are some annoyance about Android, like the way the auto lock works( It isn't like iOS).
I'm thinking of moving back when my contract is up in November, but I can see myself being bitten in the bum by the lack of apps, lack of a decent Music syncing system with iTunes( I use Google Play Music).
So, did anybody else move from WP8 to iOS/Android and now regret it? and Why?

If you are on AT&T get the Lumia 1520, if on Verizon get the Icon or the Samsung ATIV SE. These three phones (plus the new 930 when released) will all support full functionality of WP8.1 including Miracast capabilities, the previous Windows Phones will not. Miracast is the ability to wireless project your screen and audio to a Miracast device (monitor, TV, Miracast dongle, etc.) I watch movies from my Surface Pro using Miracast, and once Nokia releases the Cyan firmware update, I'll be able to do the same with my Icon.

As for lack of apps in the Microsoft Store, the app gap is fastly closing. As part of the WP8.1 update, Mircrosoft has established a "unified SDK" platform. This means developers can create an app for the Windows Phone that will also be able to be used on Windows 8.1 (PCs, Tablets, Notebooks, etc.) One app fits all devices and developers are anxious to give it a try. Apps should be popping into the Microsoft Store like crazy now.

Right now Cortana is in BETA, so she doesn't have full capabilities yet. Given that, she has already beaten Siri and Google Now in many challenges. YouTube it if you don't believe me.

Do yourself a favor, and I recommend this to anyone reading this, GET A WINDOWS PHONE! Preferrably the Icon, ATIV SE, 930 or 1520 it you want Miracast capabilities.

 

[scott craft]

If you are on AT&T get the Lumia 1520, if on Verizon get the Icon or the Samsung ATIV SE. These three phones (plus the new 930 when released) will all support full functionality of WP8.1 including Miracast capabilities, the previous Windows Phones will not. Miracast is the ability to wireless project your screen and audio to a Miracast device (monitor, TV, Miracast dongle, etc.) I watch movies from my Surface Pro using Miracast, and once Nokia releases the Cyan firmware update, I'll be able to do the same with my Icon.

As for lack of apps in the Microsoft Store, the app gap is fastly closing. As part of the WP8.1 update, Mircrosoft has established a "unified SDK" platform. This means developers can create an app for the Windows Phone that will also be able to be used on Windows 8.1 (PCs, Tablets, Notebooks, etc.) One app fits all devices and developers are anxious to give it a try. Apps should be popping into the Microsoft Store like crazy now.

Right now Cortana is in BETA, so she doesn't have full capabilities yet. Given that, she has already beaten Siri and Google Now in many challenges. YouTube it if you don't believe me.

Do yourself a favor, and I recommend this to anyone reading this, GET A WINDOWS PHONE! Preferrably the Icon, ATIV SE, 930 or 1520 it you want Miracast capabilities.

I played with the Icon and Ativ SE last night at my Verizon store and I was really impressed with the Ativ. I was pretty happy with my current phone, but those two make me really think about switching back to WP.

 

[NOLATechy]

Decisions

I played with the Icon and Ativ SE last night at my Verizon store and I was really impressed with the Ativ. I was pretty happy with my current phone, but those two make me really think about switching back to WP.

The ATIV SE would be a good choice. It don't know if the Nokia software is included (Nokia Drive, Nokia Here, etc.) which makes the Nokia so much more powerful, but I do know that Samsung has included some of their own software that Nokia does not offer. For example, the ATIV has software built in that will allow you to use NFC to transfer pictures and stuff to other Windows Phones AND Android phones. Nokia can send web pages and contact info to Android, but not pictures or videos. Also, the ATIV will have a slightly more powerful processor, Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 @ 2300 MHz. The Icon has Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 @ 2200 MHz. Both have 2GB RAM.

ATIV SE also comes with less onboard storage, but includes a microSD card slot, Icon does not.

BOTH are excellent phones on Verizon. Decisions, decisions!

 

[.macbookpro.]

If you are on AT&T get the Lumia 1520, if on Verizon get the Icon or the Samsung ATIV SE. These three phones (plus the new 930 when released) will all support full functionality of WP8.1 including Miracast capabilities, the previous Windows Phones will not. Miracast is the ability to wireless project your screen and audio to a Miracast device (monitor, TV, Miracast dongle, etc.) I watch movies from my Surface Pro using Miracast, and once Nokia releases the Cyan firmware update, I'll be able to do the same with my Icon.

As for lack of apps in the Microsoft Store, the app gap is fastly closing. As part of the WP8.1 update, Mircrosoft has established a "unified SDK" platform. This means developers can create an app for the Windows Phone that will also be able to be used on Windows 8.1 (PCs, Tablets, Notebooks, etc.) One app fits all devices and developers are anxious to give it a try. Apps should be popping into the Microsoft Store like crazy now.

Right now Cortana is in BETA, so she doesn't have full capabilities yet. Given that, she has already beaten Siri and Google Now in many challenges. YouTube it if you don't believe me.

Do yourself a favor, and I recommend this to anyone reading this, GET A WINDOWS PHONE! Preferrably the Icon, ATIV SE, 930 or 1520 it you want Miracast capabilities.

I'm in the UK so I don't know what models are on offer, and TBH i don't rate the miracast feature. Hopefully the app store gets better because of the new SDK, but I remember my friends talking about cool apps or games that they'd got on their iPhone/ android, and me with my Windows phone not being able to download them

 

[NOLATechy]

I'm in the UK so I don't know what models are on offer, and TBH i don't rate the miracast feature. Hopefully the app store gets better because of the new SDK, but I remember my friends talking about cool apps or games that they'd got on their iPhone/ android, and me with my Windows phone not being able to download them

I feel very confident that will change in the near future. Once people start catching on to the WP platform and developers realize they can create one app that will work on multiple devices, iOS and Android will be the ones missing out on app. For example, you download an app on your Windows Phone. It is also available on your Surface Pro, your Laptop and Desktop. You can play the game on your phone, pause it and pick up where you left off on your desktop, laptop, or tablet. Will iOS or Android users be able to do that?

 

[scott craft]

The ATIV SE would be a good choice. It don't know if the Nokia software is included (Nokia Drive, Nokia Here, etc.) which makes the Nokia so much more powerful, but I do know that Samsung has included some of their own software that Nokia does not offer. For example, the ATIV has software built in that will allow you to use NFC to transfer pictures and stuff to other Windows Phones AND Android phones. Nokia can send web pages and contact info to Android, but not pictures or videos. Also, the ATIV will have a slightly more powerful processor, Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 @ 2300 MHz. The Icon has Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 @ 2200 MHz. Both have 2GB RAM.

ATIV SE also comes with less onboard storage, but includes a microSD card slot, Icon does not.

BOTH are excellent phones on Verizon. Decisions, decisions!

I believe Here Maps and Drive are available on all Windows Phone models. Other than that I'm not concerned about the Nokia exclusive apps. I had a Lumia 822 and switched to an 8X and I didn't miss the Nokia apps. I will probably try to revive my 8X and play with it until closer to upgrade time since I bought my G2 off contract in December.