From iPhone 3GS To Nexus One | Excellent decision

[sn0warmy]

After owning all 3 generations of iPhones I decided I needed a change so I sold my 3GS and purchased the Nexus One on T-Mobile.

I originally made this thread to explain why I was regretting switching from my iPhone 3GS to the Nexus One. After comments and suggestions from other Nexus One and Android users I've fixed the problems that were plaguing me and have grown to love the phone.

NEGATIVES (Now with solutions!!)

1) On the iPhone, when you answer a phone call and put it to your ear the screen goes black to save battery. But the instant you pull the phone away from your ear the screen lights back up so you can hang up the phone or look at Google Maps or something. The Nexus One lacks this feature, and in order to hang up you have to hit the button on the top of the phone then swipe your finger to unlock the screen before you can hit the "end call" button.

SOLUTION: Simply install an app called "Shake Awake" and the phone will now wake back up as soon as you pull it away from your ear, allowing you to hang up just like you would on the iPhone.

2) There is no built in visual voicemail. I forgot how awesome this feature was on the iPhone because it eliminated having to call your voicemail, enter a passcode, then hit "7" to delete and "9" to save. With the iPhone you can pick certain voicemails to listen to while deleting the rest, in any order.

SOLUTION: *Thanks llustig* (requires Google Voice) You can set your phone's voicemail to be received by your Google Voice account. When you receive a new voicemail just click the Google Voice icon and it will display your Voicemails on the screen and even translate them for you so you can read them without having to listen to them.

This feature is even better than the visual voicemail built into the iPhone because you can go into your Google Voice account on your computer and read/listen to your voicemails without even using your phone.

3) The ringer is on the backside of the phone. When the phone is laying flat on anything soft you cannot hear it ringing even from 1 foot away. Because of this I've missed plenty of calls that I would not have missed with the iPhone. I suppose it's a quick fix though, you just have to always lay the phone front side down. - This is still a big issue IMO. I miss calls regularly if I forget to lay the phone face down.


POSITIVES

1) Visiting the same sites on the same network at the same time proved that the Nexus One has faster browsing by 1-5 seconds.

2) It's thinner and lighter than the 3GS.

3) The Nexus One's AMOLED screen is 10x more clear and easier to read than the iPhone's LCD.

4) It seems to be much more scratch resistant than the iPhone 3G and 3GS and doesn't seem to require a case or screen protector.

5) The built in 'Voice to Text' feature for texting is amazing. It's extremely accurate as well.

6) The Android OS really is a lot more customizable than the iPhone's OS.



After all is said and done. The only real flaw (albeit a pretty big flaw) left standing is the ringer being located on the back of the phone. Other than that, all the problems I had originally were software related and fixed pretty easily. I am very happy with this phone.

 

[WishIWasHere]

Wow, I'm just impressed that you were able to get your hands on an iPhone a year and a half before it went on sale to the general public. That's some trick. lol

 

[sn0warmy]

haha yeah I made one myself then sold the patent to Apple. Clearly, I cannot do math. When the 1st gen iPhone came out I was one of the maniacs that got one immediately.

 

[blubyu]

3) The Nexus One's AMOLED screen is 10x more clear and easier to read than the iPhone's LCD.

I am so glad that I have finally found a forum where people don't exaggerate

 

[greygray]

Time to change your signature, say you regret it!

 

[nehunte]

I am so glad that I have finally found a forum where people don't exaggerate

Goodbye.

 

[cronin1024]

1) On the iPhone, when you answer a phone call and put it to your ear the screen goes black to save battery. But the instant you pull the phone away from your ear the screen lights back up so you can hang up the phone or look at Google Maps or something.

On the Nexus One, when you put the phone up to your ear the screen goes black but will not light back up when you pull the phone away from your ear. Tapping the screen does nothing. In order to hang up you have to hit the button on the top of the phone then swipe your finger to unlock the screen before you can hit the "end call" button.

I've been looking into the Nexus One myself and this is the first I've heard of this problem. Is it possible you have a defective unit?

2) There is no built in visual voicemail. I forgot how awesome this feature was on the iPhone because it eliminated having to call your voicemail, enter a passcode, then hit "7" to delete and "9" to save. With the iPhone you can pick certain voicemails to listen to while deleting the rest, in any order.

T-Mobile does have a visual voicemail app, but it looks like it might be a bit convoluted to get it to work.

If you can score an invite, Google Voice will take care of your visual voicemail needs. It even transcribes them (with mixed success) so you can read them in addition to listening to them.

Also, do you miss anything else about your iPhone? The big thing for me will be losing the iPod functionality - the Music app just doesn't seem like an adequate replacement. Are there good third-party apps for music, podcasts, and the like?

 

[ajohnson253]

Ahh you went for the deep plunge huh. I remember I probably felt the same way maybe worse when I traded my 3G for a blackberry bold and after the 2nd day I missed my iPhone and realized how much I enoyed having it and the simplicty of just the whole device.

Might as well sell the N1 somewhere and pick up another 3GS but I am sure you could probably find someone to do a trade on craigslist.

 

[Gix1k]

I have been considering this move. I am getting bored with my iPhone. I just know i'll miss the hell out of it. I know it.

 

[jdlindsey7]

to the OP who said the Nexus One doesn't have visual voicemail.... call T-Mobile and they will walk you through, step-by-step, on how to put it on your phone. it works great, never had a problem.

 

[xmnj]

I have made the jump from an iPhone to a Blackberry Tour and to a Motorla Droid, both times I came back to the iPhone.

The Android OS has potential but media is strongly lacking in the Media category. The Droid also had the same issue with the proximity sensor where the screen will black out and not come back on unless a button is pressed, very annoying.

 

[nfl46]

Wow, I'm just impressed that you were able to get your hands on an iPhone a year and a half before it went on sale to the general public. That's some trick. lol

I think what the OP was trying to say is, they've own a 1st, 2nd and 3rd Gen iPhone - hence three years. I don't think they were saying they've had a 3GS for three years (and three years is an estimate since it's 2010!)

 

[dwd3885]

1. The Nexus One does go black when the phone is by your ear and lights back up when you take it away.

2. T-Mobile Visual Voice Mail and Google Voice visual voicemail.
-----

I agree that the Android OS is lacking in media playing. Listen, it's not an iPod. But for people who don't use their phones like a media player, the Nexus One is a great alternative. But it offers customization and other features the iPhone doesn't.

I got the Nexus One last week and haven't regretted it one bit.

Not to whore my own YouTube channel, but check out dwd3885 for comparisons and look at the Nexus One.

 

[dwd3885]

Also, do you miss anything else about your iPhone? The big thing for me will be losing the iPod functionality - the Music app just doesn't seem like an adequate replacement. Are there good third-party apps for music, podcasts, and the like?

The Music app is fine. But where it's lacking is the iTunes integration and the accessories the iPods and iPhones have. When your dock connector has been around for 9 years, there are many improvements and many accessories for it.

But I do like not having to plug my phone into my computer every day. And I use doubletwist for any media syncing.

If you want an iPod and a phone in one device, get the iPhone. If you already have a Nano, or Classic or something, or don't really care about having the best music player, I think the Nexus One is a better device.

 

[brett429]

Thanks for posting this... I've been wanting to read some iPhone users' opinions on the Nexus One. It's actually been the first phone I'm tempted to cheat on the iPhone for. Though I won't switch carriers for it... I'm waiting to see if AT&T gets a 3G-compatible version before I consider it. My biggest fear is that I'll miss some of the applications on my iPhone. I use Google for calendars, email, etc., so I can't say I'd miss my MobileMe account.

 

[sn0warmy]

I've been looking into the Nexus One myself and this is the first I've heard of this problem. Is it possible you have a defective unit?

T-Mobile does have a visual voicemail app, but it looks like it might be a bit convoluted to get it to work.

If you can score an invite, Google Voice will take care of your visual voicemail needs. It even transcribes them (with mixed success) so you can read them in addition to listening to them.

Also, do you miss anything else about your iPhone? The big thing for me will be losing the iPod functionality - the Music app just doesn't seem like an adequate replacement. Are there good third-party apps for music, podcasts, and the like?

- The more I've looked into it the more it seems like I'm the only person with this issue. Google has revealed very few other people with the issue. But I installed some "shake awake" app so when I pull the phone from my ear then shake it the screen lights back up so I can hang up. Still not as effective/quick as the iPhone was.

- I found out about T-Mobile's visual voicemail app and you have to set it up through T-Mobile. I called this morning and they said that it should be working becuase my account was setup for it. But my phone keeps telling me it cannot be activated.

- I have to admit, the built in music app on the Nexus One is very adequate. In my opinion it's just as good as the iPod functionality on the iPhone. In fact, it's better because you can create playlists right on the phone.

Might as well sell the N1 somewhere and pick up another 3GS but I am sure you could probably find someone to do a trade on craigslist.

- If anything I will just wait for the new iPhone to be released this summer and replace the Nexus One with it at that point.

to the OP who said the Nexus One doesn't have visual voicemail.... call T-Mobile and they will walk you through, step-by-step, on how to put it on your phone. it works great, never had a problem.

- T-Mobile is giving me the run around and saying "it should work I don't know why it isn't activating for you. Give it another 48 hours."

1. The Nexus One does go black when the phone is by your ear and lights back up when you take it away.

2. T-Mobile Visual Voice Mail and Google Voice visual voicemail.
-----

1) Well if this is true then I do have a defective device.

2) I do have Google Voice so I will get that up and running. However, I really don't like the thought of having to change my number.

The Music app is fine. But where it's lacking is the iTunes integration and the accessories the iPods and iPhones have. When your dock connector has been around for 9 years, there are many improvements and many accessories for it.

But I do like not having to plug my phone into my computer every day. And I use doubletwist for any media syncing.

- Yeah, I have to say that doubleTwist is an awesome app. And solves all the Nexus One's syncing needs. When it comes to the "iPod" features of the Nexus One, I don't think those are lacking at all.

Maybe I'm just used to the iPhone's screen but do you have problems getting the on screen buttons to recognize when you touch them on your Nexus One? I find myself having to tap multiple times to get something to open which never happened with my iPhone.

Thanks for posting this... I've been wanting to read some iPhone users' opinions on the Nexus One. It's actually been the first phone I'm tempted to cheat on the iPhone for. Though I won't switch carriers for it... I'm waiting to see if AT&T gets a 3G-compatible version before I consider it. My biggest fear is that I'll miss some of the applications on my iPhone. I use Google for calendars, email, etc., so I can't say I'd miss my MobileMe account.

For me, switching away from AT&T to T-Mobile was a huge plus. In Colorado T-Mobile has much better coverage than AT&T. And with AT&T I was paying $95/month for 450 minutes, 1500 texts and data. With T-Mobile I pay $79/month for 500 minutes, unlimited texts and data. Not to mention that for $6 a month you can get full insurance on the Nexus One which includes damage, theft, or losing the phone). The iPhone has no insurance like this whatsoever. This is excellent for peace of mind IMO.

You should definitely do more research if you are thinking about making the switch. Don't just decide not to get one because of my post. As I said in the OP, the issues I'm having all seem to be software related. In time Google will update Android and will hopefully fix these problems.

After thinking about it further, I think it's safe to say that the Nexus One is a superior device to the iPhone. It's the OS that's lacking.

 

[brett429]

For me, switching away from AT&T to T-Mobile was a huge plus. In Colorado T-Mobile has much better coverage than AT&T. And with AT&T I was paying $95/month for 450 minutes, 1500 texts and data. With T-Mobile I pay $79/month for 500 minutes, unlimited texts and data. Not to mention that for $6 a month you can get full insurance on the Nexus One which includes damage, theft, or losing the phone). The iPhone has no insurance like this whatsoever. This is excellent for peace of mind IMO.

You should definitely do more research if you are thinking about making the switch. Don't just decide not to get one because of my post. As I said in the OP, the issues I'm having all seem to be software related. In time Google will update Android and will hopefully fix these problems.

After thinking about it further, I think it's safe to say that the Nexus One is a superior device to the iPhone. It's the OS that's lacking.

Thanks for the info! I had T-Mobile with a Sidekick 2/3 years ago and I never had any problems with them, so it's not that I don't like T-Mobile... my AT&T contract doesn't expire until August. I guess that'll give me a chance to see if Apple steps up their game with the 4th generation iPhone. If not, I may be Nexus One bound (of course, by August it may be obsolete, the way technology moves!).

 

[schreck]

Wow, I'm just impressed that you were able to get your hands on an iPhone a year and a half before it went on sale to the general public. That's some trick. lol

What are you talking about? If I recall correctly, the iPhone came out 29 June 2007. Today is 12 February - which makes it more then 2.5 years since it was released. His estimation of his period of ownership wasn't that far off.

 

[xraydoc]

I have made the jump from an iPhone to a Blackberry Tour and to a Motorla Droid, both times I came back to the iPhone.

The Android OS has potential but media is strongly lacking in the Media category. The Droid also had the same issue with the proximity sensor where the screen will black out and not come back on unless a button is pressed, very annoying.

My Droid does not have this problem. The screen comes right back on when I move the phone away from my ear.

 

[brett429]

What are you talking about? If I recall correctly, the iPhone came out 29 June 2007. Today is 12 February - which makes it more then 2.5 years since it was released. His estimation of his period of ownership wasn't that far off.

I think he was being a smart@ss and talking specifically about the 3Gs.

 

[sn0warmy]

What are you talking about? If I recall correctly, the iPhone came out 29 June 2007. Today is 12 February - which makes it more then 2.5 years since it was released. His estimation of his period of ownership wasn't that far off.

I think he was being a smart@ss and talking specifically about the 3Gs.

haha - No it was my mistake. When I originally posted the thread I accidentally put "4 years" instead of "3 years".

 

[JUSTQUAN]

yes i got to play with the nexus when my boy got it at t-mobile. i like the display also, real smooth. but i have to say everyone keeps saying "how fast how fast" browsing is. of course it fast you haven't jacked in x amount of 3rd party apps yet. just like any other smartphone you will begin to do this and you will slow your phone down a bit. except those who know how to keep the speeds up. but the phone i dont like as a whole.

this may be off topic a tad but i dont really like Droid OS. the people at google are not real "nerds" when it comes to this type of thing. you dont have to like windows & love mac and vice-versa but you can agree that it fits that person using it. droid on their phones seems to me to be highly over-thought. you know the old saying "ponder long ponder wrong".

 

[sn0warmy]

this may be off topic a tad but i dont really like Droid OS. the people at google are not real "nerds" when it comes to this type of thing. you dont have to like windows & love mac and vice-versa but you can agree that it fits that person using it. droid on their phones seems to me to be highly over-thought. you know the old saying "ponder long ponder wrong".

EH, you're actually right on topic. The only issues I have with this phone seem to be with the Android OS. It lacks greatly.

 

[dwd3885]

The Nexus One is the first phone I actually considered after having each iPhone iteration. To me, the Hero, Droid, Eris, all pale. Maybe it took a product directly from Google to do that.

Android OS is definitely a different way of thinking. When I first got the Nexus One and had the iPhone still, I spent a day on the N1 and went back to the iPhone. I thought the iPhone was just more intuitive, smoother, etc. But that's because I think the iPhone doesn't have a learning curve at all, which is why it's a great phone for many people. I gave the N1 another chance and went back to it and used it exclusively for a week and it's just a much more robust OS. Once you learn that the menu button is there for a reason, you will find that you can do so much more.

I like how I can stream Pandora and browse the web or download podcasts over edge or 3G. Multitasking doesn't hamper the OS at all. It's very nicely implemented.

Also, moving to T-Mobile is a major plus for me as well. Not only does AT&T drop my calls in St. Louis, but T-Mobile offers a tremendous price advantage. I'd be saving over $500/year by switching to T-Mobile and I don't think the iPhone is $500 better than the N1, if better at all.

I'm not missing any of the iPhone apps. There's an equivalent if not the same thing on Android (of what I use). But if you want the N1, you need to give it a chance, a few days at least. You might not like it at first, but once you learn it (as it is with any phone or technology) you will probably like it.

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

Yes the N1 is the first phone i would possibly stray away from the iphone for. I does seem like a very nice phone.

But I won't for 2 reasons
1) I want to wait to see what apple has in store for it's iphone 4.0 hardware/software 1-2 punch. I'm not going to switch and be kicking myself just 4 months from now.

2)apps. I don't just mean the wide selection of apps that the iphone has. That's nice, but I mean the apps that I've already invested in. I have bought so many apps, and I don't want all that to go to waste. I've spent probably over 100 bucks on iphone apps (including $50 on tom-tom USA on sale). When I got the iphone I decided I was in it for the long haul. I just like how easily it works with my Mac

With all that being said, the nexus one is probably an equivalent (if not superior) phone, but it's still not good enough to stray me away. Apple won me first