Has Android overtaken iOS?

[LIVEFRMNYC]

I work with a load of iOS users, really a mix of Android owners and iOS owners. Even myself, i have an iPad Air.

Just today it was funny because I had to walk someone through setting up iTunes, loading a CD of mp3's files (audio book) I'm letting them have and walking them through how to sync them on their phone. Then I had to show her how to create a ringtone on her iPhone. OMG both were so dang painful compared to doing that on my Note 3 it wasn't funny. Not only that, there's more than one way to do it!

The irony is the learning curve on iOS isn't always that easy from a base users standpoint. Her comments were "can't I just plug in the phone and drag and drop them?" .....uh...No. Then with her ringtone, she asked if there's a way to do that without using iTunes and being at her desk....I don't think so, I told her. Could be wrong, but I really don't know but the iTunes way. LOL as I can simply take my complicated android, download and app and change ringtones all day

I rather troubleshoot Android than iOS. iOS can be a pain to troubleshoot sometimes, especially when iCloud syncing is involved.

iOS is extremely easy and streamlined when setting up. But god forbid the average user wants to something not initially intended by the Apple way.

 

[pdqgp]

I rather troubleshoot Android than iOS. iOS can be a pain to troubleshoot sometimes, especially when iCloud syncing is involved.

iOS is extremely easy and streamlined when setting up. But god forbid the average user wants to something not initially intended by the Apple way.

I'm with you. she was getting some type of Sync error and I'll have to google it and figure out the issue.

 

[I7guy]

To add on to the whole Ferrari analogy ......

Since you are putting the iPhone in the Ferrari category. Too many people who buy cars like Ferraris only know how to do one thing .....Go Straight.

As pdqgp was trying to point out. A less expensive car that a driver puts work into and actual learns how to drive, that driver in a corvette will beat the average Ferrari owner on a track(or public road) that has turns, curves, tight spots, and etc.

I not really a car person, but I've experienced the same thing while riding motorcycles. I can't count how many times I've beat and out maneuvered some inexperienced rider on his shiny new liter bike when I was only riding a 650 2 cyl.

I apply the same logic to any iOS vs Android argument. I don't care how optimized iOS is when it's so restricted that you can only go straight. I rather master the learning curve of whatever fragmentation Android has, so I can have total maneuverability that fits me.

That 500 million people choose "such a restricted " o/s makes me wonder what the definition of restricted is.

So to continue with the car analogy a professional driver in a rin of the mill ferarri could beat a vette. Why is it that these people are portrayed as inexperienced?

As far as iTunes, it's monolithic but works well once you know how to use it.

 

[jrswizzle]

My iPhone is far from the same as, say my wife's iPhone.

I have very different wants and uses so I have a much different mix of apps and organization.

The whole "be together, not the same" slogan is marketing speak. That's all.

You wanna buy into it, fine. If you feel your phone is an expression or extension of your personality, that's fine to.

Mine's a tool. One I use daily for a wide variety of tasks. One I expect to be simple and fun to use.

That's pretty much it. The iPhone gets the job done, so that's what I have. Not much more to it. Really, there shouldn't need to be any more to it.

It's fun to compare specs and benchmarks. But at the end of the day, all these conversations about subjective criteria are meaningless. The only times I get involved are to dispell/dispute some ignorant comment about how the iPhone can't do "X" when its extremely possible to do "X".

I just like to make sure everyone has enough information and that FUD isn't being spread.

Otherwise, buy what you like and like what you buy.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

agree. back to the original comment I made taken from the Google Commerical, the irony is that yes, there are lots of choices, but if you want iOS then you're selection is to be just like everyone else. Not so with Android. That's their point. "be together, not the same" A variety of devices under the same OS coming together vs all the same devices under the same OS.

can you imaging that same concept in automobilies? If you want a 4cyl 4 door sedan you have to drive the same silver or old-man-tan sedan as everyone else? Yikes!

If you are happy with what Apple offer as a mobile solution, then it is not a drawback at all. I was on Android for years and am well aware of the almost limitless features, but chose iOS because I preferred the experience. I quite like the fact it is regulated and the interface is simple and works reliably. It might not meet your expectations but it does many other people's. I chose it because it gets the job done and very well. I am happy to say I've used both and have chosen the better option for me. It's different for everybody and what is negative to one person is positive to another.

 

[pdqgp]

If you are happy with what Apple offer as a mobile solution, then it is not a drawback at all. It's different for everybody and what is negative to one person is positive to another.

fair statement. not everyone needs what android has to offer.

Androids commercial simply promotes the variety of solid choices in a hardware solution in which they all offer the benefits related to their specific brand/model and are in turn all compatible with Android. Contrasted with just one hardware platform with little differences in models. Again, those little differences might be all someone wants or needs.

 

[nilk]

It seems like Android the OS is overtaking iOS. It was already far ahead feature-wise, and now is getting some polish and UI/UX improvements that are pushing it ahead.

I went for the 128GB iPhone 6 this time, but if a new smaller Nexus (like the 5 or even smaller) was released with a hardware update and larger storage (ideally 128GB, but maybe I'd settle for 64GB), I would probably be using Android.

I'm one of the few who preferred the smaller iPhones and thought their one-handed usability was an advantage over the increasingly large Android phones. With the 6/6+ that advantage is now gone.

Both platforms are full of bugs, though. I have issues with both my Nexus 7 running 4.4.4 and all devices running any version of iOS 8. I'm not sure which set of bugs are worse, but a device like the Nexus has an advantage because I have a choice of what ROM to load (or can even load non-Android OSes, not that these would be an improvement), with my iOS devices the only choice is the current latest iOS version supported by the device.

 

[pdqgp]

My iPhone is far from the same as, say my wife's iPhone. I have very different wants and uses so I have a much different mix of apps and organization.

but the hardware is pretty much the same. all smartphones will offer a variety of apps and organization, but the iPhone line up is limited in terms of hardware offerings vs those that run Android.

The whole "be together, not the same" slogan is marketing speak. That's all. If you feel your phone is an expression or extension of your personality, that's fine to.Mine's a tool. One I use daily for a wide variety of tasks. One I expect to be simple and fun to use.

It's not simply marketing speak. The slew of hardware devices running Android have loads of difference between them. All are tools. The Z3 is a photographers toy, the Note 4 another persons thing. Much different devices serving their owners differently.

That's pretty much it. The iPhone gets the job done, so that's what I have. Not much more to it. Really, there shouldn't need to be any more to it.

fair statement. amplified by the fact that the iPhone doesn't really offer anything else. there are no camera options or true Phablet uses in their line up. Just the same old iPhone that as you said, gets the job done without much more to them. Nothing wrong with that, thus why I think Androids commercial is fair.

 

[I7guy]

fair statement. not everyone needs what android has to offer.

Androids commercial simply promotes the variety of solid choices in a hardware solution in which they all offer the benefits related to their specific brand/model and are in turn all compatible with Android. Contrasted with just one hardware platform with little differences in models. Again, those little differences might be all someone wants or needs.

While I never advocated Apple is "the" solution, the number of devices, value of te Apple brand, value of the company suggest people want/like/need their products.

These conversations go around in circles because some of these responses are akin to the vanilla vs chocolate debate.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

fair statement. not everyone needs what android has to offer.



Androids commercial simply promotes the variety of solid choices in a hardware solution in which they all offer the benefits related to their specific brand/model and are in turn all compatible with Android. Contrasted with just one hardware platform with little differences in models. Again, those little differences might be all someone wants or needs.

That is fair enough and Android is an excellent choice in that situation. Most people I know do much the same thing with their smartphones, as in social media, email, calls and the use of common apps. In many cases the iPhone is the only phone on their radar and no other would be considered. That might seem sad to some here because we are more interested in the market and technology, but then again Apple have created a desirable product that appeals. I always urge people to try out different options to find what they like.

 

[pdqgp]

In many cases the iPhone is the only phone on their radar and no other would be considered. That might seem sad to some here because we are more interested in the market and technology, but then again Apple have created a desirable product that appeals. I always urge people to try out different options to find what they like.

Apple has done a great job of explaining why they do what they do and of course people naturally love the fact that they transformed the cell phone market. Nothing wrong there. Blackberry had the chance and did it first really with text messaging and smarter phones during their reign. They just didn't continue the evolution. Apple and others need to be careful of that pitfall too.

I think you'll find like me, many, many now Android users were at one time iPhone users that have since either tried different options and stayed or evolved to a device they can take farther. Likewise there are many iPhone users that moved from Android because it wasn't a fit for them.

Room in the market for both. In a way, Android needs Apple to help continue to pave the way. As they say, the early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese too. Either way someone benefits.

 

[jrswizzle]

but the hardware is pretty much the same. all smartphones will offer a variety of apps and organization, but the iPhone line up is limited in terms of hardware offerings vs those that run Android.

It's not simply marketing speak. The slew of hardware devices running Android have loads of difference between them. All are tools. The Z3 is a photographers toy, the Note 4 another persons thing. Much different devices serving their owners differently.

fair statement. amplified by the fact that the iPhone doesn't really offer anything else. there are no camera options or true Phablet uses in their line up. Just the same old iPhone that as you said, gets the job done without much more to them. Nothing wrong with that, thus why I think Androids commercial is fair.

I'd argue the iPhone is good at all of these things without needing a different type of device for each individual solution.

Hence why a wide variety of people buy iPhones. They do offer three different sizes as well as a more colorful, plastic version so there is some difference in hardware there.

Otherwise, my uses aren't dictated by hardware (perhaps because, as I said, the iPhone is great at everything) but by the software/apps I have on my device. The apps are the ultimate drivers to me accomplishing what I want to accomplish on my device.

 

[pdqgp]

I'd argue the iPhone is good at all of these things without needing a different type of device for each individual solution. Hence why a wide variety of people buy iPhones.

it would be a solid argument. however, others would disagree. some like Sony Brands, others LG and Some Samsung. nice to know that all three groups have options for Android vs having to use a device they don't like. in fact many here have said a Note 4 with iOS would be great. nothing wrong with options.

 

[TechGod]

why? who cares?



meh....I don't take the android commercial referenced as verbal abuse. it's just embracing the various models of phones all running android that offer specific features that are target different buyers vs one phone that treats everyone essentially as having the very same needs. true point really.

I mean IRL. I've abused by fellow students at my school for it.

 

[jrswizzle]

it would be a solid argument. however, others would disagree. some like Sony Brands, others LG and Some Samsung. nice to know that all three groups have options for Android vs having to use a device they don't like. in fact many here have said a Note 4 with iOS would be great. nothing wrong with options.

Agreed. Options are fine. It's good there's something out there for everyone.

 

[I7guy]

it would be a solid argument. however, others would disagree. some like Sony Brands, others LG and Some Samsung. nice to know that all three groups have options for Android vs having to use a device they don't like. in fact many here have said a Note 4 with iOS would be great. nothing wrong with options.

Options are great. I'd like an iPad running windows. Now back to reality. Good to know we all have options so we don't have to run an o/s we don't like.

 

[jrswizzle]

Options are great. I'd like an iPad running windows. Now back to reality. Good to know we all have options so we don't have to run an o/s we don't like.

Why on earth would you want that?! Windows ruining a perfectly good iPad....

 

[I7guy]

Why on earth would you want that?! Windows ruining a perfectly good iPad....

That was actually funny.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

That 500 million people choose "such a restricted " o/s makes me wonder what the definition of restricted is.

iOS is a good OS. And the iPhone is a good phone. Nobody is disputing that.

But Android, and specific phone models have been surpassing iOS and iPhone for awhile, in many aspects.

So to continue with the car analogy a professional driver in a rin of the mill ferarri could beat a vette. Why is it that these people are portrayed as inexperienced?.

Because there are certain machines nobody will be able to take full advantage of unless properly trained or very experienced. Most owners of supercars are not.

 

[I7guy]

iOS is a good OS. And the iPhone is a good phone. Nobody is disputing that.

But Android, and specific phone models have been surpassing iOS and iPhone for awhile, in many aspects.




Because there are certain machines nobody will be able to take full advantage of unless properly trained or very experienced. Most owners of supercars are not.

The bolded is very subjective. Sure some phones have more raw horsepower. But raw horsepower in an of itself does not make the phone better. And as benchmarks show raw horsepower does not make a phone "faster", if "faster" in the context of top of the line mobile devices mean anything.

The term "surpassing" is very objective also. You can't really quantify in a nice neat package with a bow on it.

 

[mib1800]

The bolded is very subjective. Sure some phones have more raw horsepower. But raw horsepower in an of itself does not make the phone better. And as benchmarks show raw horsepower does not make a phone "faster", if "faster" in the context of top of the line mobile devices mean anything.

The term "surpassing" is very objective also. You can't really quantify in a nice neat package with a bow on it.

But to the general buying public these are easily quantifiable.

Higher mega pixel camera - front and back.
Bigger screen or better resolution.
Cheaper Price of device.
More processor cores.
Expandable memory.
Extra capabilities like ir blaster.

To these people tech stuff like eco system, it just works etc are just mumbo jumbo.

But if above points do not sway the buyers then most probably other factors are in play mainly to do with brand affinity, design or peer pressure which a good marketing team can do wonders exploiting them.

And Apple has great advantage here. Whether you like it or not apple being an American brand and the pervasive American media play a great deal in elevating the iPhone as the hip and cool or more exclusive phone. Without this factor I doubt iPhone can do so well. Do any of you think people buy iphones in China NOT because of this factor?

 

[I7guy]

But to the general buying public these are easily quantifiable.

Higher mega pixel camera - front and back.
Bigger screen or better resolution.
Cheaper Price of device.
More processor cores.
Expandable memory.
Extra capabilities like ir blaster.

To these people tech stuff like eco system, it just works etc are just mumbo jumbo.

But if above points do not sway the buyers then most probably other factors are in play mainly to do with brand affinity, design or peer pressure which a good marketing team can do wonders exploiting.

Right but:

- who has more dynamic range? In other words do higher megapixels produce better photos that mimic the scene without blown hightlights?
- bigger screen: sure that is easy, but which screen looks better...TO THE CONSUMER?
- cheaper price: price is always a factor, but are you getting what you want for that money?
- more processor cores: ahhh, this is the sticky one. Do they make the phone really faster?
- Expandable memory: sure, it's a feature of the phone.
- IR Blaster: sure, it's an added feature over the phone.

The general buying public is not getting into the mumbo/jumbo we do here, but they do know what they want. For most of them the biggest item that MIGHT sway a consumer is the screen size. Or maybe they already know what they want and the above list is meaningless.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

The bolded is very subjective. Sure some phones have more raw horsepower. But raw horsepower in an of itself does not make the phone better. And as benchmarks show raw horsepower does not make a phone "faster", if "faster" in the context of top of the line mobile devices mean anything.

Did you just ignore the past several replies?

The term "surpassing" is very objective also. You can't really quantify in a nice neat package with a bow on it.

Your are right, it can be objective.

 

[mib1800]

Right but:

- who has more dynamic range? In other words do higher megapixels produce better photos that mimic the scene without blown hightlights?
- bigger screen: sure that is easy, but which screen looks better...TO THE CONSUMER?
- cheaper price: price is always a factor, but are you getting what you want for that money?
- more processor cores: ahhh, this is the sticky one. Do they make the phone really faster?
- Expandable memory: sure, it's a feature of the phone.
- IR Blaster: sure, it's an added feature over the phone.

The general buying public is not getting into the mumbo/jumbo we do here, but they do know what they want. For most of them the biggest item that MIGHT sway a consumer is the screen size. Or maybe they already know what they want and the above list is meaningless.

Yeah. So the consumers learn about quality of iphone through the media....hmmm...isn't that apple marketing might. Look at how the American based media hyped the iPhone launch... where is the objectivity there?

Unlike buying a TV where someone can compare the goods side by side, it is much more difficult to compare phones side by side as they are still not sold like commodity goods yet.

 

[I7guy]

Yeah. So the consumers learn about quality of iphone through the media....hmmm...isn't that apple marketing might. Look at how the American based media hyped the iPhone launch... where is the objectivity there?

Unlike buying a TV where someone can compare the goods side by side, it is much more difficult to compare phones side by side as they are still not sold like commodity goods yet.

Actually I never said iphone. I was pointing out there are many ways of taking something objective like more megapixels and making it a subjective decision.