I do not care which phone is technically best, I choose the phone I most prefer.
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iPhone X I feel defensive as a iPhone X owner
- Thread starter kshitijshah
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I use Google Drive and other services daily. It has its uses. It’s a great service. But it cannot do what iCloud does for me on my Apple devices (the Continuity features) nor are those features available to Android users natively. One of the criticisms of Google’s new translating earbuds was how messed up the pairing process is. And I’ve been using Apple's cloud services since at least 2003, when it was iTools.
Google wants to be on devices that are beneficial to their business model. iPhone users are still a significant portion of those providing photos and browsing data to Google. They aren’t cutting us off any time soon. Especially since there are alternatives to all Google services.
Apple’s business model has always revolved around their very gifted and very active developers. Third party apps are a strength, not a weakness. The weakness of Android (like Microsoft, in the past) is having to deal with third party manufacturers adding their twist to the equation. Samsung skins Android, and AT&T puts their own apps on the device. Updates are delayed and you don’t get access to the latest and greatest from Google until third parties say it’s ok.
And you are not understanding Apple’s emojis. They are the opening salvo in a battle we will all benefit from when it comes to adding even more sensors to phones. The tech behind those emojis is terrific. Plus there’s ARKit, which pushed Google into trashing Project Tango.
Edited to make more reader friendly.
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Not true. There were plenty of third party messaging apps before iMessage. Indeed WhatsApp was on version 2.0 a year before iMessage was even out.
Mike
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Indeed they don't even need to be on FB at all... for over 2 1/2 years now.
But the fact that that is not known, even on a tech forum, shows not many understand it. I wouldn't even plan on that being forever, since FB Messenger originally wanted to be your SMS app too--and that failed.
I used to think FB Messenger was a very good platform, not so much anymore. The FB nag has crept into FB Messenger. Indeed I'd say the app sucks now. I don't really give a crap if "Milo just joined Messenger, be the first to message him!" Or the random list of "chat heads" (another ugh) at the top of the screen.
Mike
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I think you give Google too much credit. In my opinion they have gone backwards in at least one area that matters to me. I no longer trust them to not yank any app or service.
A year ago I had an LG V20, which replaced my iPhone 6S+. It was nice phone, other than battery life. But Google decided they wanted to get in on the shopping thing, where Amazon dominates. With my iPhones, I always used Siri for lists (grocery, house, etc.), which automatically added whatever I asked to the appropriate Reminders list. With my Android phones I did similar using Google Now, which would add to my Google Keep lists. Worked fine.
But then Google took away Google Now, and replaced it with the new-and-improved Google Assistant. Well Google Assistant doesn't work with Google Keep. Instead no matter what you add to a list via Google Assistant, it goes to one single list: Google Assistant Shopping List. UGH.
On top of that, there is Google's messaging app of the week. Why not just stick with one and improve it? No.... better to kill it and start another. Well, not kill it: let it die a slow agonizing death.
Mike
Thanks for the update. I knew Google was making changes to their assistant paradigm, but did not know it was getting as fractured as their messaging service.
Honestly though, as a photographer it's night and day that the better tool is the iPhone X. The Pixel doesn't preview portrait mode live (it's only applied after the fact) and the depth doesn't really even make as much photographic sense at the 24mm focal length of the only lens on the Pixel. You're relegated to taking wide pictures only.
The iPhone X has a 52mm equivalent f2.4 lens with OIS in addition to the wide lens. Two totally different capturing experiences, and most importantly the depth map can be modified and worked with.
Some shots from a recent series I'm working on: https://imgur.com/a/Hqsvx. Every single one of these pictures was taken with the telephoto lens on the X.
Being able to modify the depth information and tweak it as well as the rendering characteristics of the lens to emulate the visual style of the lenses I use when I'm shooting on real gear is invaluable. I've demoed a pixel 2 XL and the camera is clever and solid but I don't see how it doesn't just feel like an incomplete imitation of the features I have on my X. Photography isn't about hard numbers, it's about the end product - and any quick snap can and should be run through an app like VSCO. It's part of the fun of snapping pictures in the first place, and if you're not doing this, then you and whoever sees your photos is definitely not the type to be looking for a quarter stop improvement in lowlight or a difference in perceived sharpness at 100% crop.
This sounds like a largely personal problem more than anything. You're comparing aspects from different phones and comparing them to the iPhone. Chances are you aren't going to carry around a Galaxy S8 for its design AND a Pixel XL for it's battery life AND retrofit them with the screen on the iPhone to get your "perfect phone". You said "some people" prefer the "pop" on Samsung phones. True enough, that doesn't make the iPhone screen inferior. Which would YOU prefer? More importantly, which single phone has the best features to you? If it's the iPhone, what are you worried about? If it isn't, you bought the wrong phone.
Seems like you're trying to find problems where none exist. Like the screen being made by Samsung. The processor in this MacBook I'm typing this on is made by Intel. I'm sure the memory chips aren't made by Apple either. What difference does that make? I know people who have "built their own home" did they really build their own home? No. What they did was hire designers, architects and general contractors who all worked together to erect the home. That's no different than what Apple does. Specify what they want and source parts from different vendors who are willing and able to build what Apple wants, to their specs.
In the end, it's just a phone. Doesn't define who you are. If anyone is truly getting defensive over a smart phone, is counseling they need to seek.
Seems like you're trying to find problems where none exist. Like the screen being made by Samsung. The processor in this MacBook I'm typing this on is made by Intel. I'm sure the memory chips aren't made by Apple either. What difference does that make? I know people who have "built their own home" did they really build their own home? No. What they did was hire designers, architects and general contractors who all worked together to erect the home. That's no different than what Apple does. Specify what they want and source parts from different vendors who are willing and able to build what Apple wants, to their specs.
In the end, it's just a phone. Doesn't define who you are. If anyone is truly getting defensive over a smart phone, is counseling they need to seek.
This is why I registered on this forum for the first time this year. I have been using Iphone since 6 months before any Iphone was ever available in Ireland. Loved every model up until the past 2 years. I was excited and ready to spend any amount on of money for a new design. I don’t like IPhone X at all and this makes me sad. I needed an upgrade from 6s plus so got the 8 plus. It does feel like an upgrade in ways but Apple should have improved the iPhone 8 range with less overall size but same screen. I prefer the fake home button over the real one this thing works even with wet finger at any angle it really is good. I’d say the perfect Touch ID. To get rid of such a perfect finger print scanner seems like a waste. It would have been so cool to have put put a finger print option on the back. Battery is worse on x than plus and I don’t like oled because I need my phone to have static screens for hours daily. I also don’t like the look of the x. It looks more like a toy than a serious device. At least iPhone plus looks serious. It a shame it looks dated.
Still love the 8 plus but I think for the first time in my life I will seriously consider android next year if Apple don’t come out with something I want to buy which will be upsetting for me
This is why I registered on this forum for the first time this year. I have been using Iphone since 6 months before any Iphone was ever available in Ireland. Loved every model up until the past 2 years. I was excited and ready to spend any amount on of money for a new design. I don’t like IPhone X at all and this makes me sad. I needed an upgrade from 6s plus so got the 8 plus. It does feel like an upgrade in ways but Apple should have improved the iPhone 8 range with less overall size but same screen. I prefer the fake home button over the real one this thing works even with wet finger at any angle it really is good. I’d say the perfect Touch ID. To get rid of such a perfect finger print scanner seems like a waste. It would have been so cool to have put put a finger print option on the back. Battery is worse on x than plus and I don’t like oled because I need my phone to have static screens for hours daily. I also don’t like the look of the x. It looks more like a toy than a serious device. At least iPhone plus looks serious. It a shame it looks dated.
Still love the 8 plus but I think for the first time in my life I will seriously consider android next year if Apple don’t come out with something I want to buy which will be upsetting for me
If you're basing your decision on whether Apple will come out with a Touch ID phone next year as their flagship or one that looks markedly different than the X, you can save the suspense and get Android today because that's not happening, ever. Have you held an X?
Well I have my 8 plus and happy with it like I said so buying an andoid today is not a useful suggestion. Yes I have held and used 2 IPhone X. My issue is I work for one of the largest mobile networks in the world and get iPhone unlocked with 600 euro discount but only allowed one per year no monthly fee for unlimited worldwide everything including roaming. Only choice on this system for me is Iphone Samsung (I really don’t like Samsung). If I could get a razor or one plus or the others I’d do more research and have more options. For me IPhone 8 Plus is still better than Samsung so this is why I say next year
"Defensive" is an interesting choice of words. I can't imagine why you should feel defensive about choosing to own anything unless you are in an environment where others are judging you for the choices you make. I work in an information technology office where I'd say Android is the dominant platform, but there are certainly plenty of iOS devices. Some of the younger and more gadget happy employees like to give each other a hard time, but most of us don't really pay attention to what others are using. Personally I view the diversity of platforms as a sign of a healthy market. When one manufacturer dominates the market, it's usually not good for consumers. I like a lot of what Google, Samsung, etc. are doing and I'm happy they are pushing Apple to do better.
I'm an experienced photographer who switched from film to digital in the early 2000's. I have pixel peeped reviews and sample shots from many cameras and lenses over the years, so I know how to compare camera gear. To say the Pixel 2 XL beats the iPhoneX for still photography makes me wonder much time you have actually spent reviewing the differences between the two. You can find comparison shots where the Pixel 2 performs best, others where the iPhone X or 8/8Plus performs best, and still others where the Galaxy Note 8 performs best. For the vast majority of shots you just aren't going to see a huge difference between these smartphone camras, especially if you shoot RAW. When it comes to portrait mode, most reviews and comparison shots I have seen reveal the iPhone X and 8 Plus as having the most natural looking fauxkeh. This can still be hit or miss technology on any of these smartphone cameras though. When I want consistency and predictable results, I will stick with my Olympus and Nikon gear. When I want portability and convenience, all of these flagship phones are capable of excellent results.
I haven't had any issues with iOS 11 on my X, but I have always been a bigger fan of Google Photos vs Apple's Photos app and Photostream sharing service. Fortunately I can use both on my iPhone, because I have some family who only share photos via Photostream and others who only share over Google Photos.
Design is highly subjective. I was very impressed by a coworker's Galaxy Note 8, but I think part of that was the novelty of the stylus because I'm not that crazy about the S8. I don't like the curved display edges at all. I think it's a gimmick that looks cool but is more distracting than useful.
AI Assistants and big data driven AR apps fall squarely into Google's wheelhouse, and I think Google will dominate these areas for quite some time. Fortunately they will make it available to iPhone users as well, just as they have other apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. On the other hand Apple has been making a lot of advances of their own. Animoji may seem silly, but the underlying dot projector certainly is not. That's a 3D scanner in the palm of your hand, and in another year or so there will be smartphones with rear-facing dot projectors. The applications will come, and they will be useful.
Again, healthy competition is healthy! Owning the best smartphone shouldn't come down to who can pay the most, although Apple does seem to continue to sell well marketing itself as a premium/luxury brand. Personally for me its about integrated experiences, and I don't think there is anything in the Android world that quite yet matches the seamless integration I get between my iPhone X, iPad Pro, and Apple Watch. It feels like I have 3 different size displays for a single device, and it's incredibly efficient and useful. At least I know it's working very well for me these days. If that changes in a couple of years, I should hope there is still enough competition to provide some good options.
Not, not really, and I'm sure that's not what he means. What he means is Apple is awesome with helping their customers when they have issues.
I dropped my MacBook Pro off my bed several months ago and the screen stopped working. I didn't have Applecare. I took it to the Genius Bar and told them truthfully what happened - I dropped it, I.e, it was my fault. They said it would be like $99 or $199 to replace - I can't remember. I said that was fine. The guy went into the back, came back out, and said they were going to do it for free. Tell me any other manufacturer that would do that.
My iPhone 3G had tiny cracks in it. I took it in, and they replaced it for free.
My iPhone 4S wasn't working properly. I took it in, and they replaced it for free. Tell me another manufacturer that would do that.
I've had Android phones before. Sure they have more bells and whistles, but they sure as hell don't work as well as an iPhone. None of them. That's why I stick with Apple (eventhough I tried with the Note, S4, and Note 8).
Same exact experiences as you, I have four kids with Apple products and numerous times they have cracked iPhone screens, one iPhone went in the washing machine, and just today I had to bring in my daughters Apple Watch with s destroyed touchscreen.
In each instance Apple took care of me at little (>$100) or no ($0) cost.
I love the X and don't care what anyone things. Not sure why the OP does. I never buy anything because I have to have the best - I buy it for the features I want and ease of use. I went for the best - the Note 8 - and loved it, except it was buggy and I couldn't figure out how to get music from iTunes to the phone - deal breaker. Use what you like and who cares what anyone thinks.
Great stories! How about the stories when people coming in with their 6 and 6s to Genius Bar and ask why their phones were slow.....? So instead of telling these customers that a $79.00 battery replacement will fix their issue, the customer are told to upgrade their phone to a new phone...... Let me see, $79.00 or $800.00 fixed mmmmmm?
How do you know 'people' were told that? Did you experience that yourself? I'm hearing stories here ranging from 30s to minutes to answer a phone call. I find it hard to believe that when true a genius bar would have thought that is normal.
PS. A battery replacement is only $29 from Apple
This is YMMV. 2 years warranty out of the box vs one year plus 199 for the second year is better.
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Based on your talking points, it’s clear you should have bought a Pixel 2 XL, Galaxy S8, and duct tape.
I’ve not heard anything bad about Google’s post sales service. However Samsung I’ve heard nothing but bad things about. Not just on the net but my dad had a terrible time with Samsung, getting them to service one of his faulty Samsung phones inside the warranty period.
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Good luck with getting Samsung to honour their 2 year warranty. I have bought Samsung phones before but I’d always make sure I had my own insurance should it develop any faults because I have no faith in them honouring their warranty.
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You could just copy the music from wherever it’s stored on your computer harddrive to your Samsung phones internal or external memory.
I had the note 8 and it is a great phone. I can’t fault it at all. It was flawless. I only got the iPhone X because I’m more invested in the Apple ecosystem and so the X was a better fit for me.
How do you know that's exactly what was told to consumers to upgrade? Did every Apple Store suggest upgrading because of this. I have never once had an Apple emoloyee try to upsell me a Phone of anything with an iPhone issue Or not.
Apple employees have never tried the hard sell on me. They are usually relaxed and there to help. They never question my purchasing decisions or try and upsell.
You should go to the Cardiff store, they are so busy it’s difficult to even get served let alone try and sell you anything. There’s usually 120+ people in that store at any one time, most of which are men killing time while their partners shop or kids hogging the iPhone and iPad displays playing games and treating it like a youth club lol. I avoid the place as much as I can and only go in there really if I have an issue, but that has to be preplanned and Genius appointments need to be made days in advance. It’s easier to get a doctors appointment in the valleys lol. Every time I walk past the Apple Store it looks like a complete world of pain!
Yes I know. I only go there if I’ve already decided what I want and I just try and get in and out as quickly as possible. Even if I’m in the shopping centre I won’t even go in there to browse or anything. It’s just too busy.You should go to the Cardiff store, they are so busy it’s difficult to even get served let alone try and sell you anything. There’s usually 120+ people in that store at any one time, most of which are men killing time while their partners shop or kids hogging the iPhone and iPad displays playing games and treating it like a youth club lol. I avoid the place as much as I can and only go in there really if I have an issue, but that has to be preplanned and Genius appointments need to be made days in advance. It’s easier to get a doctors appointment in the valleys lol. Every time I walk past the Apple Store it looks like a complete world of pain!
Same with the store I go to in Vegas. One time I needed something fast and had no place to park. One of the guys from the Apple Store came out to my car to complete the transaction (email receipt, of course) and hand me my purchase.You should go to the Cardiff store, they are so busy it’s difficult to even get served let alone try and sell you anything. There’s usually 120+ people in that store at any one time, most of which are men killing time while their partners shop or kids hogging the iPhone and iPad displays playing games and treating it like a youth club lol. I avoid the place as much as I can and only go in there really if I have an issue, but that has to be preplanned and Genius appointments need to be made days in advance. It’s easier to get a doctors appointment in the valleys lol. Every time I walk past the Apple Store it looks like a complete world of pain!
But going inside is a pain, especially the kids playing games and the adults using the Macs like it is an Internet cafe--neither group intending to buy.
Mike
Same here, in fact it's often hard to get an associate to approach customers, my observations in the NYC vicinity is that they don't hard-pressure sell anyone.
That said, my wife usually sends the nanny do deal with retail situations like this so perhaps its a bit different now.
Yes apparently it’s a thing. Using the products and not buying them. When I went to buy my iPad Pro there was a couple using one of the pros on display. The girl that served me said that they had been in everyday for two weeks, using the iPads and kept saying they were going to buy it but then they don’t.