I have been doing a lot of thinking about the differences and considerations as a user for each type of platform and hardware and I have narrowed the decision making process down to 4 main points. The order of importance may vary for each individual.
Factors to consider:
1) COST, Quality and Customer Service.
This is relatively self explanatory.
2) Size:
What is your primary need? Do you watch lots of media? Do you surf the web a lot on your phone? Is your eyesight bad? Is it easy for YOU to carry around?
ie: I currently have the SSGS3 while I am in language school (adult). The internet is garbage here so I use it for an e-reader, web surfing, research, Audio file transfer and transcription, gaming, texting and making calls. The iPhone is just not large enough for MY needs currently. However, that will change in the future, more to follow.
3) Features:
How often do you use your phone? (as a phone, requiring good call quality and even better hands free noise cancellation in the car? Currently my GS3 has lousy noise cancellation in my vehicle, ergo, next phone will have those qualities).
Is it convenient to use? Does it meet your needs? Does it have the apps you want or need? Does it have enough onboard storage to meet those needs? Do you get enough battery life for you? Or is an external source necessary?
Do you have ease of access to upload/download files from anywhere as a stand alone device?
Again, for my current use, I need drag and drop access to files, but when I go to my place of work, I will not be permitted to have a cell phone in the building, ergo my needs will change quite a lot. I will go to merely using the device to play games on occasion, the infrequent web search for references, and text, email, camera features, which in my opinion, iPhone wins for that.
4) User Experience:
Do you LIKE using your device, is it easy? Convenient? Does it fit your social media needs, whatever those may be? Do you hunger for robust customization? Camera access and quality? Are they good photos? Is it easy and fast to access the camera?
Initially I never thought I would consider iPhone again after the robust experience with Android, however, with my new needs, it seems pointless to ME to carry around a large awkward device (remember, talking about MY needs here, yours may differ) which has a slow camera and takes lackluster pictures (there may be something wrong with my camera as a friends S3 on same settings takes better pics). I cannot use the BT hands free in the car because of the road noise from my car, it sounds like I am in a wind tunnel and often assumes I am talking so cuts out any sound from the other person on the line. This never happened with my iP4.
So while I Love the customization of Android, if I am not going to be using my phone as often, it really doesn't matter that much to me. As long as the device is solid and can do what I need with my lesser requirements, (some of which a majority of non power users have). It really cancels a lot of arguments towards an Android phone for me. The problem really seems that Android manufacturers are going BIGGER BIGGER AND BIGGER. I have come to the conclusion that I won't NEED a bigger phone, but Alas, Companies like Moto, SS, etc don't make smaller phones with flagship specs. I am all about flagship specs btw. I may be a light user, but I want the longevity of a device when I spend that much money on it.
Just some food for thought.
Factors to consider:
1) COST, Quality and Customer Service.
This is relatively self explanatory.
2) Size:
What is your primary need? Do you watch lots of media? Do you surf the web a lot on your phone? Is your eyesight bad? Is it easy for YOU to carry around?
ie: I currently have the SSGS3 while I am in language school (adult). The internet is garbage here so I use it for an e-reader, web surfing, research, Audio file transfer and transcription, gaming, texting and making calls. The iPhone is just not large enough for MY needs currently. However, that will change in the future, more to follow.
3) Features:
How often do you use your phone? (as a phone, requiring good call quality and even better hands free noise cancellation in the car? Currently my GS3 has lousy noise cancellation in my vehicle, ergo, next phone will have those qualities).
Is it convenient to use? Does it meet your needs? Does it have the apps you want or need? Does it have enough onboard storage to meet those needs? Do you get enough battery life for you? Or is an external source necessary?
Do you have ease of access to upload/download files from anywhere as a stand alone device?
Again, for my current use, I need drag and drop access to files, but when I go to my place of work, I will not be permitted to have a cell phone in the building, ergo my needs will change quite a lot. I will go to merely using the device to play games on occasion, the infrequent web search for references, and text, email, camera features, which in my opinion, iPhone wins for that.
4) User Experience:
Do you LIKE using your device, is it easy? Convenient? Does it fit your social media needs, whatever those may be? Do you hunger for robust customization? Camera access and quality? Are they good photos? Is it easy and fast to access the camera?
Initially I never thought I would consider iPhone again after the robust experience with Android, however, with my new needs, it seems pointless to ME to carry around a large awkward device (remember, talking about MY needs here, yours may differ) which has a slow camera and takes lackluster pictures (there may be something wrong with my camera as a friends S3 on same settings takes better pics). I cannot use the BT hands free in the car because of the road noise from my car, it sounds like I am in a wind tunnel and often assumes I am talking so cuts out any sound from the other person on the line. This never happened with my iP4.
So while I Love the customization of Android, if I am not going to be using my phone as often, it really doesn't matter that much to me. As long as the device is solid and can do what I need with my lesser requirements, (some of which a majority of non power users have). It really cancels a lot of arguments towards an Android phone for me. The problem really seems that Android manufacturers are going BIGGER BIGGER AND BIGGER. I have come to the conclusion that I won't NEED a bigger phone, but Alas, Companies like Moto, SS, etc don't make smaller phones with flagship specs. I am all about flagship specs btw. I may be a light user, but I want the longevity of a device when I spend that much money on it.
Just some food for thought.
