iPhone X I feel defensive as a iPhone X owner

[Roadstar]

Wait. You think thin bezels is "innovation"? LOL. "Introducing new stuff first"? Thin metal bezels? That's the Samsung claim to fame? That's the best you can do? How innovative! Samsung invented the picture frame!

Well, at least some company seems to consider that an innovation. Guess whose latest flagship is introduced starting with "Our vision has always been to create (model redacted here) that is entirely screen. One so immersive the device itself disappears into the experience." I can give you a hint that it's not Samsung.

The thing the Android people will never understand is that core Apple users would never consider an Android phone. That is going to become very apparent in the next 12-24 months now that the carrier subsidies are over and Apple is releasing base iPhone's from $349-$549 and premium iPhones from $800-$1300.

All those people with $0 iPhone 5C's and $79 iPhone 6S's off Craigslist....that's the type of low-end consumers who are being squeezed out of the Apple ecosystem and straight over to the crappy Android world of lousy hardware and crappy cellular providers. How innovative. And those are the people recently flooding this forum whining about Apple and talking up their awful Android's. Disenfranchised malcontents priced-out of their BMW's straight into a Kia. "Look at my Kia! It's better than my BMW! I'm so happy!" Sure you are, sure you are.

I must have missed the memo where everyone was forced to pick a side and stick to it for life, my bad. At least I'm using whatever works best for my use, and I currently have both Apple and Samsung hardware. Neither is perfect and both have their own advantages as well as downsides. It's just a question of which produces a better overall package. I used to use Apple stuff almost exclusively, but then Android got better and also Apple quality started slipping, so now both platforms are valid choices without either of them sticking way above the other. Of course if someone wants to stick with one option regardless of how it performs at any given moment they're free to do so.

 

[kshitijshah]

Why?

Do you enjoy the phone, do you enjoy iOS or that it works well for you? Why be defensive on your own purchase decisions. I don't care of a given phone beats out the iPhone on some metric, to me its the complete package. You mention multiple phones that beat out the X on each feature. Well doesn't that make the combined iPhone X better then the rest because it has an awesome camera, better front facing camera, better processor. You're combining multuple phones to compare against each feature.

The bottom line is I like what the X has to offer and I don't care what others say, or think. Its my money, my decision and I don't need to be defensive.

My point is at that price the iPhone shouldn't be 'good enough' it should be the best which it has for a period of 10 years.
Many will argue that the Note 8 or the Pixel XL are better phones for the features which matter to them. Consumers chose a phone on a single outstanding feature (eg pixel for photography or productivity for Note 8) rather than a 'jack of all' that the iPhone X seems to be.

 

[ApplePersonFreak]

My point is at that price the iPhone shouldn't be 'good enough' it should be the best which it has for a period of 10 years.
Many will argue that the Note 8 or the Pixel XL are better phones for the features which matter to them. Consumers chose a phone on a single outstanding feature (eg pixel for photography or productivity for Note 8) rather than a 'jack of all' that the iPhone X seems to be.

‘Best’ is subjective to your needs and what you use on a daily. Best to you might be good to others. At the end of the day, I think the X is the best iPhone I’ve owned. Get what device makes you happy, life is too short to be bickering back and forth about stuff like that.

 

[DNichter]

iOS will always be miles ahead when it comes to the things that matter. Performance, Security, Privacy, Ecosystem, Apps, and Support. Without these things, who cares what phone you have. If you care deeply about weather widgets, roms, and app launchers - Android is the choice for you.

 

[maflynn]

My point is at that price the iPhone shouldn't be 'good enough'

Apple has almost always gotten away with "good enough" with designs in the hardware and software.

it should be the best which it has for a period of 10 years.

Not it hasn't. Apple rarely had the most advanced phone on the market. What it did have and continues to have is a complete solution that provides the best experience and that's my point. Phone A, may have a better camera, Phone B. may have a better payment system, Phone C may have a better screen, yet the iPhone X, has a great camera, payment system and screen.

Consumers chose a phone on a single outstanding feature (eg pixel for photography or productivity for Note 8) rather than a 'jack of all' that the iPhone X seems to be.

Consumers chose a phone that meets their needs, nothing wrong with that. I chose the iPhone X because it met my needs and wants. If you feel defensive, or guilty or have buyers remorse over the iPhone X, then return it (or sell it) and get another platform that checks off more of your must haves.

 

[kshitijshah]

And why would we care if we can afford it? I decided to take a look at the supposedly best-in-class Galaxy Note 8 and I was shocked by what it couldn't do. Android has miles to go before it catches Apple.

And a video by the same guy showing why the note 8 is better

 

[bruinsrme]

All with degraded batteries. If you charge the crap out of your battery, I could care less if it’s a year old, it gets worn out. It is a wear item period.. How do you know these people don’t have 750+ cycles in a year?

Went to a friends house. Her roommate was complaining her 4S and ipad mini2 was running much slower now that apple is throttling her devices. I asked if she ran any bench marks she said no but her friend told her apple is throttling all older devices to force people to upgrade.

 

[boltjames]

Well, at least some company seems to consider that an innovation. Guess whose latest flagship is introduced starting with "Our vision has always been to create (model redacted here) that is entirely screen. One so immersive the device itself disappears into the experience." I can give you a hint that it's not Samsung.

In my experience speaking with Android supporters they make these blanket statements about "true innovation" and "better features" and then when asked for examples cannot provide them.

I am not an Android fan. I am locked completely into the Apple ecosystem. I know almost nothing about Android as an OS or what their hardware suppliers are doing because, like many, there is no way I'm jumping over to Android so I never bothered to pay attention.

But that said...let's pretend someone with an iPhone is willing to jump over to Android. Tell us, what are the big "Android innovations" and "better features" everyone keeps raving about that the flagship iPhone X is lacking?

 

[DNichter]

In my experience speaking with Android supporters they make these blanket statements about "true innovation" and "better features" and then when asked for examples cannot provide them.

I am not an Android fan. I am locked completely into the Apple ecosystem. I know almost nothing about Android as an OS or what their hardware suppliers are doing because, like many, there is no way I'm jumping over to Android so I never bothered to pay attention.

But that said...let's pretend someone with an iPhone is willing to jump over to Android. Tell us, what are the big "Android innovations" and "better features" everyone keeps raving about that the flagship iPhone X is lacking?

I have always wondered the same thing. I am somewhat up to date with their OS. I see the features of each Android major update and frankly, they're a joke. I think one for Oreo was app badges. I am interested to see the response here, because I just don't get it. Besides customization (which is not really a huge feature in my eyes) or being able to use somewhat shady software, I have never heard of anything else.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I have always wondered the same thing. I am somewhat up to date with their OS. I see the features of each Android major update and frankly, they're a joke. I think one for Oreo was app badges. I am interested to see the response here, because I just don't get it. Besides customization (which is not really a huge feature in my eyes) or being able to use somewhat shady software, I have never heard of anything else.

I think for some one major advantage of Android is the wider choice of devices each upgrade. You’ve got high quality hardware coming from Google, Samsung, LG etc and it’s also aimed in the premium price brackets. Email freedoms are also a bonus and I wish we had the ability to attach any type of file to an email on iOS.

The software for me is less polished and doesn’t work do well with an Apple Watch so it’s out of the game. It works for many though.

 

[boltjames]

I have always wondered the same thing. I am somewhat up to date with their OS. I see the features of each Android major update and frankly, they're a joke. I think one for Oreo was app badges. I am interested to see the response here, because I just don't get it. Besides customization (which is not really a huge feature in my eyes) or being able to use somewhat shady software, I have never heard of anything else.

Here's what I've been able to glean on the deficiencies of the flagship Note 8 from watching 7 minutes of video:

No Stereo Speakers - iPhone X has dual stereo speakers, sounds much better than 8's mono speaker.

No Two Tone LED Flash - X has technology that allows more of the background to show when flash lights the foreground.

No Taptic Engine - Note 8 doesn't have one, just has simple vibrations and not individual ones for different notifications.

No 3D Touch - 8 screen has no mid and deep pressure capability, so it lacks accessibility to app shortcuts.

Weak Apps - Android apps aren't updated frequently enough and there are too many devices to optimize for.

Slow Apps - Android apps launch slowly and run slower than iPhone, different devices = lack of optimization.

Limited Accessories - Too many Android devices so too many for third parties to keep up with.

No Retail Stores - Having 100s of retail stores means quick repairs, Android is nowhere and never will be.

Limited Updates - It can be several months between updates, security gets compromised.

No Longevity - Android phones made in 2014 are no longer supported with updates; Apple far longer.

Poor Resale Value - So many cheap Androids, very hard to sell in the aftermarket.

No Tap To Top - Android doesn't have the ability to tap the top bar and jump back up. Have to scroll and scroll...

No Physical Vibrate Switch - Have to go through menus, can't just quickly flip a side switch.

Can't Use One-Handed - 8 is too big to allow for one-handed usage, must have two hands on it.

Fingerprint Reader Hard To Reach - 8 put the scanner in a terrible location. Many complaints.

No Universal Messaging - Android doesn't have an iMessage equivalent, have to launch a third party app, often need many different apps to communicate to all your contacts.

No Universal Search - Android doesn't have a Spotlight equivalent, can't search all your content at once.

No Advanced Facial Recognition - Beyond unlocking the phone, Android doesn't use FR for passwords on websites or passwords in apps like iPhone X does.

No Backup Transfers - Unlike iPhone's one-click transfer of an entire phone's contents, Android has to be done manually and individually, takes forever.

No Advanced Keyboard Gestures - iPhone's keyboard can disappear and become a trackpad to move text, copy/paste, insert characters, and the 8 has nothing like this incredible timesaver.

Seriously? We're arguing with fans of Android whose claim to greatness is this Note 8 thing that can't do 90% of the things that actually matter day to day?

 

[DNichter]

I think for some one major advantage of Android is the wider choice of devices each upgrade. You’ve got high quality hardware coming from Google, Samsung, LG etc and it’s also aimed in the premium price brackets. Email freedoms are also a bonus and I wish we had the ability to attach any type of file to an email on iOS.

The software for me is less polished and doesn’t work do well with an Apple Watch so it’s out of the game. It works for many though.

I see that as a disadvantage in the long run. So many hardware choices, which is best? Issues with this manufacturer vs. the other. Too many options dilutes the value of the platform. Android is a mess.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I see that as a disadvantage in the long run. So many hardware choices, which is best? Issues with this manufacturer vs. the other. Too many options dilutes the value of the platform. Android is a mess.

I don’t see it as a particular advantage personally either otherwise I’d be an Android user.

 

[phpmaven]

He’s not wrong in a way. I say this as a long time android apologist who is now thrilled with his iPhone.

Battery life - Android owns standby, but if you are sick in bed and want to binge for 12 hours on Netflix, android will last longer

Fast charging - stock on $300 budget androids. Costs extra even on an iPhone X

Camera - iPhone wins video, pixel 2xl wins on stills

Price - No contest. A budget android is still very capable today.

Ip rating - Many androids offer ip68. iPhone is ip67

Storage - micro usb cards are dirt cheap compared to going with a 256gb iPhone over a 64gb

At the end of the day, android offers more, but what you get from Apple is better and more polished. Do you want quality over quantity or vice versa. If my budget was $500, I’d buy a OnePlus 5T over a used iPhone. You’re not getting a new iPhone for $500. Might be a moot point since most people finance for 24 months, but still. Some people still only pay cash for phones. An option is buying used on swappa.

I was replying to his assertion that " In almost every aspect the iPhone is behind an Android counter-part"

Of course each phone/OS has its strengths and weaknesses, but the idea that the iPhone is behind in every aspect to android phones is just complete nonsense.

 

[DNichter]

I don’t see it as a particular advantage personally either otherwise I’d be an Android user.

Maybe one day I'll see some advantages to the Android platform. I keep my eyes open because I want what's best for my needs.

 

[AlphaGuitarist]

Well, at least some company seems to consider that an innovation. Guess whose latest flagship is introduced starting with "Our vision has always been to create (model redacted here) that is entirely screen. One so immersive the device itself disappears into the experience." I can give you a hint that it's not Samsung.

Sharp had a phone with minimal bezels in 2014.

https://www.pcworld.com/article/2466760/hands-on-with-sprints-skinny-bezel-aquos-crystal-phone.html

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Maybe one day I'll see some advantages to the Android platform. I keep my eyes open because I want what's best for my needs.

Exactly. I always watch Android with interest as so many cool things filter through from that platform I think it pays to definitely keep an eye on them. Picking one platform and blindly following it because you think it’s got to be better just restricts the user. Most of us here like you and I are interested in technology and the smartphone industry is a two horse race in terms of OS.

Both iOS and Android compete at the highest levels and appeal to executives all over the world. It’s about choosing the one that is best for our needs. They both achieve all the basic standard demands for a business or personal user at the end of the day.

 

[AlphaGuitarist]

Went to a friends house. Her roommate was complaining her 4S and ipad mini2 was running much slower now that apple is throttling her devices. I asked if she ran any bench marks she said no but her friend told her apple is throttling all older devices to force people to upgrade.

Not too long ago, I tried to run a recent game on my 2012 desktop PC and experienced a lot of lag and stutter. It must be my PC's manufacturer throttling it, in order to force me to upgrade.

 

[eyeseeyou]

Yeah Apple tend to sit back and see what is popular with other manufacturers and then pick the best bits to develop. Samsung and the Pixel lines have really shaken the market up of late introducing the next level of features we are coming up expect in future phones. Those of us who prefer iOS just have to wait and see what Apple decide to introduce.

The pixel is cheaper and takes better pictures than the iPhone X as hard as it it to admit. And you can do pip. AND appearance wise it’s very Apple like. Shoot with a case on I actually have mistaken it for a non iPhone X.

Will it get throttled eventually? If they do google is probably working on an update now or at least a better spin than Apple did.

I see big changes for apples strategy in the next year or two.

 

[bruinsrme]

Not too long ago, I tried to run a recent game on my 2012 desktop PC and experienced a lot of lag and stutter. It must be my PC's manufacturer throttling it, in order to force me to upgrade.

Exactly!
I mentioned the ipad was somewhat old. She replied, I just got it. SMH

 

[Arran]

Another exaggeration . . . .

Quite.

“Defensive”: Seriously?

 

[Gathomblipoob]

The thing the Android people will never understand is that core Apple users would never consider an Android phone.

Wrong. I've been an iPhone owner since 2007 and love them. However, I have tried out the occasional Android flagship.

 

[joeblow7777]

My point is at that price the iPhone shouldn't be 'good enough' it should be the best which it has for a period of 10 years.
Many will argue that the Note 8 or the Pixel XL are better phones for the features which matter to them. Consumers chose a phone on a single outstanding feature (eg pixel for photography or productivity for Note 8) rather than a 'jack of all' that the iPhone X seems to be.

And a video by the same guy showing why the note 8 is better

I still don't get what you're trying to defend or justify. It sounds like you bought a phone that you didn't really want. Learn from the experience. Next time buy the phone that you actually think is best, not the one that you think you should think is best. Think for yourself.

 

[nviz22]

To be fair, a lot of people can get defensive when spending $1000 on a phone. It's hard to justify the need for a device at that price when it means buying another MacBook, a few monthly car payments, a rent/mortgage check, missed out investment opportunities, etc.

The X is an amazing device in of itself. The price tag is the only thing hard to swallow because if you're buying one, chances are you know the factors going in.

The Note 8 is also an amazing device, but that is also pricey too. Unbox Therapy warned viewers about the price differences between a regular S8+ and Note 8. Excluding price, hard to find a device with a stylus, QHD HDR screen, dual cameras, 6gb RAM, MST payment system, tons of software features, and an illustrious design.

 

[Roadstar]

In my experience speaking with Android supporters they make these blanket statements about "true innovation" and "better features" and then when asked for examples cannot provide them.

I am not an Android fan. I am locked completely into the Apple ecosystem. I know almost nothing about Android as an OS or what their hardware suppliers are doing because, like many, there is no way I'm jumping over to Android so I never bothered to pay attention.

But that said...let's pretend someone with an iPhone is willing to jump over to Android. Tell us, what are the big "Android innovations" and "better features" everyone keeps raving about that the flagship iPhone X is lacking?

Well, speaking of (mostly incorrect) blanket statements, you've had multiple in this thread alone. It would be helpful if we all refrained from those, especially if we don't actually have any experience on the subject.

What comes to features that might lure someone to Android, it's hard to give any definite list as everyone has different priorities and use cases, but these are some possibilites that come to my mind:

• Some technical features available way before iPhones. For example Qi charging has been available on various Android phones for years and it's only now when it reached iPhone without any groundbreaking improvements. However, there are occasions where a technology is first available elsewhere but Apple releases the first actually good version. This was the case with TouchID, but Qi charging and large screens were a different case. Also Dual-SIM is something that's so far been only available only on Android out of the big two and at least I'd like to see it available also on the iPhone. Also NFC is still available in its full potential only on Android. With Apple it was locked to Apple Pay for long, but iOS 11 brought NFCKit which opened it up a bit, but there's still work to do. At least it's still not possible to check my travel card balance on iPhone like it is on Android.
• Customization. Not a big one for me, but for some people not being restricted to the grid of icons and having multiple launchers available is important. I still wish Apple would at least allow more freedom with the icon placements.
• Hardware variety. Some company decides to abandon a connection you need? No problem, just pick a different phone from another vendor and keep using your familiar apps.
• 3rd party keyboards that actually work. iOS 11 has done something horrible to the keyboard algorithm. I used to be fast with the iPhone keyboard, but nowadays I either have to spend tons of time correcting what I wrote or risk looking like I'm well into the second bottle of whiskey for the night. I don't seem to be alone with this observation, but unfortunately 3rd party keyboards still aren't that stable on iOS, so switching to them isn't that good a workaround.
• Better notification system. While I can live with iOS notifications, if I get to choose between the two, it's Android every single time.
  

Of course there are also valid reasons why an iPhone is a good choice:

• Longer update support. Major iOS releases keep coming for 4-5 years. However, now with the throttling issue this may not be such an advantage it used to be. Especially with older iOS devices I've wished that Apple would actually offer security updates for older iOS versions so that you wouldn't have to upgrade to an iOS version that's too heavy for the hardware or risk having known vulnerabilities open, but unfortunately that's not available right now.
• Apple Watch/TV. Apple doesn't let other phones than an iPhone connect to the Apple Watch, so if you're an Apple Watch user, it skews the choice towards the iPhone.
• Privacy. Apple at least promises better privacy than Google (which isn't a surprise), so this one goes to Apple. Also security issues usually get quick updates with Apple, but with the recent somewhat embarrassing security bloopers on the macOS side have made me worry if Apple's secure development practices are really at the level they should be or are they just relying partly on security by obscurity. Well, at least the quick response times help whenever an issue occurs (unless you're running an older iOS version).
• App quality. iOS apps still have a slight edge on app quality, but it's narrower than ever.

I've surely forgotten many things from both lists, but it's a start.