iPhone users what makes you stay with iPhone and try a different a device?

[bandrews]

I love both. Just sold my iPhone 6 for a Nexus 6.

Reasons Android is great:

I can control SONOS from my lock screen
Using Trigger I can set up my phone to change various settings based on location or other parameters.
Apps integrate better into Android than iOS extensions - from the native contacts app I can send someone a whatsapp message or when looking up directions in maps I have the option to book an Uber cab.
Google Now is awesome

Reasons iOS is great:
iMessage
Ability to auto-create an event from a date in a text or email
Native visual voicemail
Fragmentation - if you have an iPhone less than 2 years old you can guarantee you can run 99% of apps. I can't even download MS Office on my Nexus 6.
Accessory support - try finding a decent case for a Nexus 6
Micro USB - lightning is so much easier to plug in.

There are a few things that I'm indifferent to.

NFC feels like more hassle than it's worth trying to set up tags for actions but I see the benefit for pairing devices.

Customisation will kill me. I am constantly obsessing over icon packs and themes. I will never be happy. I'm the sort of person who needs less choice.

Ecosystem anxiety when it comes to syncing data across devices is becoming irrelevant for me as I use apps like Deezer, Evernote, OneDrive and other cross platform services.

I'm really impressed with Android. Way more so than WP7 and 8. Might stick around for a while....

 

[M5RahuL]

I just love both OSes... Can't stick with one for good!

Switch between the Note 4 and 6+ every 3 days...

 

[stevelam]

almost decided to switch to the samsung s6. i still have the iphone 5.

tried out the s6 at various locations. for such a high specced beast, the thing underperforms. the default browser redraws when scrolling up and down and annoyed the **** out of me. samsung has a long way to go with optimizing software.

 

[I7guy]

Unfortunately Blackberry was their own worst enemy; my family was already on iPhone so I devided to join the pack.

I like the service, support and stability of the product; the ecosystem and the use of facetime and iMessage. As I am a busy person and part-time entrepreneur I have little time and need a phone that will go the distance. I like Apple seems to provide hardware support for 4 years.

 

[Robisan]

For example. If I want to switch on wifi on my iPhone I pull up control cente and hit wifi. On the Moto I pull down, click settings then wifi, it opens the wifi menu and then you switch wifi on. Yes it's only a few clicks but it's uncalled for because I know, having used iOS that there's no need for it to take so many clicks.

Seriously? There were any number of well-known, free apps available for Android that enable one-touch wi-fi toggles on your home screen or notification area long before iOS ever had control center.

 

[lyceumHQ]

Seriously? There were any number of well-known, free apps available for Android that enable one-touch wi-fi toggles on your home screen or notification area long before iOS ever had control center.

Probably. It was one example. And I honestly couldn't care who thought of what and implemented what first. It's irrelevant to me.

I don't like android. Excellent for those who do. I wish I did. I don't.

 

[tbayrgs]

Ecosystem. My iPhone plays well with my other devices (iPad, MacBook air, Apple TV). I've used android phones and combined them with android tablets, windows laptops and the chromecast. But whatever combination I've tried, it doesn't work that well. It's not seeemless as it is with my Apple devices.

After sales support. I've rarely had to use this but knowing that I can go to my local Apple store if I have any issues is important to me.

Available content. I can purchase all the TV shows and movies I want on iTunes. A lot of the TV shows I want are not available on Google play. Also there are some apps that I can get from the App Store which are not available on android.


Battery life:
No android device that I've ever used compares with the battery life on my 6 plus or ipads. Although with some android phones you can have replace your battery, it's still not as conceniant or useful as the battery life I can get on my 6 plus. For that reason I can't part with my 6 plus or ipads.


Storage: The ability to buy 128GB built in storage on my iPhone and iPads trumps using SD cards.

Updates: Are timely on iOS and I know that my devices will be supported for a few years. On Android you never know when you will get updates unless you buy a nexus device and you don't know how long your device will be supported for.

Accessories: The range of accessories available for the galaxy devices is decent but it doesn't compare to what you can get for Apple devices.


A lot of things work better on iOS for example messaging, email, the stock keyboard is better and even beats third party keyboards such as swift key on android.

Chica on point as always. This pretty much summarizes it nicely for me as well, with heavy emphasis on ecosystem.

I can live very comfortably using an Android phone, have used a handful for varying amounts of time (anywhere from 1-6 months) over they past few years and the flexibility offered is wonderful--just takes some extra work to achieve the same functionality across devices. But as most of my household, extended family and a majority of my friends and contacts live in the Apple ecosystem, the seamless integration is so nice and nearly effortless. Messages is invaluable when so many with whom I communicate also use it and handoffs/continuity are terrific, but again, beneficial only when you have multiple Apple devices. I'm also so happy that the new Photos iCloud syncing across all devices is working very well. Managing photos across devices has always been a P.I.T.A. and this new functionality is SO welcome. And IMO, the quality of iPhone cameras always keep them near the top of my list.

If I was using different devices across multiple platforms, I might lean more towards Android but presently, the iPhone fits my needs best.

 

[gotluck]

Very nice post Chica but I disagree with email being an advantage on iOS due to lack of attachment support in replies. I realize many don't care but this kills me, can't believe it still isn't there, even with extentsions.

And I suppose 128gig onboard is an advantage, but it's so expensive I will only consider buying larger size devices secondhand

Android is more friendly cross platform yea, Apple really isn't that bad either cross platform if you are a google user. IMO apples crown jewel is iMessage. Many won't switch or switch back for that reason alone, in least in my personal anecdotal experience

 

[soulsyphon]

theres 128gb galaxy s6 phones...

 

[Robisan]

Probably. It was one example. And I honestly couldn't care who thought of what and implemented what first. It's irrelevant to me.

I don't like android. Excellent for those who do. I wish I did. I don't.

Point was if you were so incurious as to overlook one of the best, widely-known advantages of Android it puts into question the validity of your other takes about the platform. That you then tout Apple's belated implementation of that feature seals all doubt.

 

[Savor]

Probably. It was one example. And I honestly couldn't care who thought of what and implemented what first. It's irrelevant to me.

I don't like android. Excellent for those who do. I wish I did. I don't.

Use Lazy Swipe as a toggle switch.

Android's All In One Gestures app is also a good one along with Nova Launcher Prime swipe gestures.

iOS does have many gesture swipes but it doesn't have a back button. If you use All In One Gestures on Android or Windows 8.1 on a tablet, it has the swipe on the left side to go back to the previous. Navigation on Windows 8.1 for tablets/desktops and Android's Material Design with swipe gestures can be quite similar. iOS simply lacks a back button which makes people have to keep wearing out a physical button. I don't have double tap to wake but Wakeup Touch Nexus app works great as an alternative.

 

[pdqgp]

Moved away from iOS after my 4s as I just simply outgrew it and found the ability to have the phone funciton the way I want it vs the way Apple wants it to work is what I was looking for in my next device. There's really nothing you can't do with Android. Want a way to do something that is YOUR way chances are it is possible.

Overall iOS has a much cleaner more unified look and feel. However I am willing to trade that for capability. Now with my Gear S I really enjoy the fact that it's a fully functioning device on my wrist and I'm going to add an LG Urbane to the mix when it's out too.

All that said, if Apple were to switch to a sim card in their watch I could see myself going back but I am sure I'd still wrestle with wanting a device to function the way I PREFER vs Apple. THere are tons of ways to make the phone yours whereas Apple locsk the iPhone and iOS down to being restricting for someone who has reached a level of capaibility and growth within such a device. I don't need training wheels.

 

[sk24iam]

I haven't personally owned another device since Android was the only option for Verizon. However, if you manage your music via iTunes on your computer, your music just works better on your phone if you also use an iPhone. And that is one of the biggest selling points for me. I also like how all of my devices are Apple and sync together (macbook pro, ipad, iphone, etc...).

 

[lyceumHQ]

Point was if you were so incurious as to overlook one of the best, widely-known advantages of Android it puts into question the validity of your other takes about the platform. That you then tout Apple's belated implementation of that feature seals all doubt.

Fair enough.

Have any opinion you like. It won't change my opinion of android.

The validity of my other takes? They're just that. My takes. I don't need you to validate them or care wether you do.

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Use Lazy Swipe as a toggle switch.

Android's All In One Gestures app is also a good one along with Nova Launcher Prime swipe gestures.

iOS does have many gesture swipes but it doesn't have a back button. If you use All In One Gestures on Android or Windows 8.1 on a tablet, it has the swipe on the left side to go back to the previous. Navigation on Windows 8.1 for tablets/desktops and Android's Material Design with swipe gestures can be quite similar. iOS simply lacks a back button which makes people have to keep wearing out a physical button. I don't have double tap to wake but Wakeup Touch Nexus app works great as an alternative.

I did use the full version of Nova and really did like that. Great launcher. I tried a few but personally liked nova the most.

Having been so used to double taping the home button to go back to a previous app I honestly found the back button took a while to get used to. I kept double tapping the middle virtual button haha.

 

[DanGoh]

#1 (reason for me of course): Fragmentation. I feel like my iPhone 6 will get updates and work with all the latest apps, services for at least another 3 years. I know that there are flagships that are supported for 2-3 years, but iPhones are a sure thing.

#2 My 3000 song 35GB iTunes library. I know I could get it working/syncing on an android, but it iTunes works so well with my iPhone, at least in my experiences.

#3 I feel safe safe and trust Apple. Google scares me.

 

[Vegastouch]

#1 (reason for me of course): Fragmentation. I feel like my iPhone 6 will get updates and work with all the latest apps, services for at least another 3 years. I know that there are flagships that are supported for 2-3 years, but iPhones are a sure thing.

#2 My 3000 song 35GB iTunes library. I know I could get it working/syncing on an android, but it iTunes works so well with my iPhone, at least in my experiences.

#3 I feel safe safe and trust Apple. Google scares me.

Why?
Ive been using Android since Eclair 2.1 and ive never had a problem with a virus or malware and never used a app to prevent them. It isnt neccessary.

 

[DanGoh]

Why?

Ive been using Android since Eclair 2.1 and ive never had a problem with a virus or malware and never used a app to prevent them. It isnt neccessary.

I didn't say viruses or malware scare me. I said Google does. They're an ad company. They want my personal info so they can sell it to people.

 

[Vegastouch]

I didn't say viruses or malware scare me. I said Google does. They're an ad company. They want my personal info so they can sell it to people.

Eh, Apple does the same thing. They just dont let you know and so does Facebook.

 

[csixty4]

If someone is calling me an "iSheeple" who only buys Apple products because they're "fashionable", that I "know nothing about technology" and I only care about "appearances", it's almost certain they'll talk about Android in the next breath. And so I'll never use an Android device aside from cross-browser testing. Petty? Sure. Irrational? Oh, I 100% agree. I just don't care. That bridge was burned a long time ago.

That said, I picked up a Lumia 635 a couple weeks ago to play with. It's not a flagship by any stretch, but they're cheap if anyone wants to try one out. I'm liking Windows Phone, but definitely feeling some pain points that would keep me from making it my main phone.

Like other folks have mentioned, the ecosystem is a big part of it. The other day I bought a nice-looking iPhone case with a thin leather wallet attached to the back. That's not something you see for other phones. AirPlay works pretty reliably, even between rooms. Handoff & continuity are great with my Mac laptop. My AppleTV is pretty sweet. It's the same reason I ditched my Creative Zen MP3 players for an iPod: there's more stuff made for it and more I can do with it.

I could probably dive into the Windows ecosystem just as deeply. I could go all-in on DLNA and a Surface Pro and get a lot of the same experience. But I'm already invested in Apple's hardware and it works really well for me. So I can't justify changing right now.

As for Windows Phone itself, the "app gap" is a liability. I've found some great apps like Caledos Runner and Client for Google Music that get me ALMOST there. But I'd give hard cash to see an app like iSmoothRun brought to other platforms. Seriously, someone should do a Kickstarter for a cross-platform running app with all those features. Hmmm...

The OS itself has some weird design choices. Typography feels like an afterthought, but it might just be doing the best it can with the 635's display. VPN doesn't support L2TP out of the box (and no OpenVPN even from an app!). I can't get my S/MIME certificate working & can't find any good docs. Cortana feels oversold most of the time, but I like how proactive she is.

I'm looking forward to giving Windows 10 a try when it's more of a beta state. I don't think I could make the switch full-time, but it's been fun trying it out and supporting some indie developers on an underserved platform. Kind of feels like being a Mac user in the early 2000s

 

[RossMak]

I have never been against Android in any way shape or form I think they make great devices.

I am just used to the iPhone, I know its limitations I like iMessage and Facetime (I know they are alternatives for this on other devices) but when majority of people I message are iPhone users then this is handy for me.

The iPhone is by no way perfect if there was no big screen iPhone this time then I would have switched, the screen size of the iPhone was a big pain to me.

Basically I think it is laziness that I haven't switched, as I said I just don't really want to start with a new device and new apps etc. I am so used to using an iPhone the small things that happen on an Android that don't happen on an iPhone would irritate me. (There are bound to me annoying things on iPhone that annoy android users, I am just so used to having iPhone I don't notice them anymore)

 

[epicrayban]

I didn't say viruses or malware scare me. I said Google does. They're an ad company. They want my personal info so they can sell it to people.

You really ought to read up more on Google. Your fears are likely based on misinformation.

And you've never Googled anything? Or watched or subscribed to a YouTube video? Never ever used Google Maps, even when it was the only map option on the iPhone for a number of years?

And you don't use Facebook? Or the internet??

 

[DanGoh]

You really ought to read up more on Google. Your fears are likely based on misinformation.



And you've never Googled anything? Or watched or subscribed to a YouTube video? Never ever used Google Maps, even when it was the only map option on the iPhone for a number of years?



And you don't use Facebook? Or the internet??

I use Google services. But I'm not using an OS that they have control over.

 

[PDFierro]

Neat thread. From reading these boards, you would think that everyone hates iOS. For me, I love OS X but as far as mobile devices go...I don't specifically like iOS over Android. It's just the ecosystem that keeps me. I do have an iPad. I do need a new smartphone right now, and I've been thinking about buying a sub-$300 Android phone but I'd be missing out on how well the Mac and the iPhone work together, especially with the new continuity features in Yosemite/iOS 8.

One thing I do like about Android is how you can customize. I'm not a tinkerer, but I do like being able to remove stock apps that I don't need and also setting default apps. On iOS, you just can't have Google Maps be your default mapping app for when you click on addresses and such.

Other than that, believe it or not my main productivity apps are unavailable on Android. Writing isn't something I really do on a smartphone, but even for reading documents, these apps you cannot get on Android. Alternatives do sometimes exist, but you lose out on things.

So yeah, I guess it's just the ecosystem that keeps me with Apple/iOS. Not to mention how for the most part, iPhones are way better designed than most Android phones.

 

[Jibbajabba]

Alright...


When I had the iPhone 4s. I tried the Samsung Galaxy Nexus..
Couldn't stand it.

My main woes
Native email client was LACKING. BADLY. Also became unstable with multiple mail accounts.
Once you got a decent amount of messages (I run a pretty big small business, I get 10-20K SMS a month, never mind the fact I use 3000-4000 minutes). The messaging app couldn't keep up, and was becoming unstable with a large load of messages.

Once I got a decent amount of stuff on the phone I found it lagging out very easily.

I didn't use it long, but I don't like to have to tinker with my phone, should work OOB for what I need it for. I do understand Android has come a long way since the initial ICS release though.

For me ESPECIALLY now.
My iPhone syncs with EVERYTHING. My production machine is a Mac Pro, SMS, Calling, notes, calendar, Safari, everything syncs. I can message and call people from my Mac. And respond much faster.

Something back in 2011 with the 4S that wasn't a big deal but is now, is FaceTime, FaceTime Audio and iMessage. I can message people internationally without causing myself long distance SMS fee's. Almost all of my intl clients have iPhones. I was able to kill my US and UK calling add-ons saving me 30$ a month thanks to FaceTime Audio, which I must say is also a lot more reliable for calling internationally. Also I can pick up the call on my Mac, which is perfect when my iPhone is charging.

Another thing on that point is when I'm traveling internationally, everything is kept in sync. Pop in a different country SIM if needed in my backup iPhone, my number from my main iPhone stays there, text, call through FaceTime/iMessage keeps my number intact and doesn't confuse clients or make me miss important information.

Simple backups/restores. When I get a new device its an easy "Restore Backup"

Everything just "works" on my iPhone, and works wonderfully.

Ecosystem Integration is a dream.

From a business-user standpoint, Android just wouldn't work for me.

I do know that theirs ways to get your Android texts and stuff on your computer, but the way the iPhone does it is built into OS X and my iPhone itself. The seamlessness is what keeps me here.

That and if I ever have a problem, I can walk into an Apple Store and walk out with a new device.

-TMacGuy

Sorry but 'pretty big small business' sounds just too funny (and yes, i know what you mean).

The phone doesnt keep up with 20k texts, but can you? At a text every two minutes 24/7 I doubt anyone can keep up

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Neat thread. From reading these boards, you would think that everyone hates iOS. For me, I love OS X but as far as mobile devices go...I don't specifically like iOS over Android. It's just the ecosystem that keeps me. I do have an iPad. I do need a new smartphone right now, and I've been thinking about buying a sub-$300 Android phone but I'd be missing out on how well the Mac and the iPhone work together, especially with the new continuity features in Yosemite/iOS 8.

One thing I do like about Android is how you can customize. I'm not a tinkerer, but I do like being able to remove stock apps that I don't need and also setting default apps. On iOS, you just can't have Google Maps be your default mapping app for when you click on addresses and such.

Other than that, believe it or not my main productivity apps are unavailable on Android. Writing isn't something I really do on a smartphone, but even for reading documents, these apps you cannot get on Android. Alternatives do sometimes exist, but you lose out on things.

So yeah, I guess it's just the ecosystem that keeps me with Apple/iOS. Not to mention how for the most part, iPhones are way better designed than most Android phones.

Actually little things drove me away from IOS. Scheduled sound profiles, customized ring and text tones, built-in satnav, able to remove stock apps (I REALLY don't need 'Stocks' permanently on my home screen), great notifications, including LED and so on.

Yes, a lot has been 'innovated' by Apple eventually, but they lost me for good.

And yes, customzing was one thing which kept me there. Not just the looks, but the fact Android is open source. As a commuter who travels 4hrs daily on a train, it is invaluable that you can put ANY movie or music formatted file on that thing and watch it without converting, or in fact, attach an external HDD and watch movies from there or just turn it into a streaming server and and and.

Each to their own of course (still got an iPhone as a work phone in case you wonder lol).

PS: Apple maps still thinks I live 10 miles away in the middle of a pond. You couldn't even find the pond because the city is still misspelt. Despite sending Apple mails about it from day #1 of mapgate onwards. So even when on business I can not rely on my work phone.

 

[TRDmanAE86]

Sorry but 'pretty big small business' sounds just too funny (and yes, i know what you mean).

The phone doesnt keep up with 20k texts, but can you? At a text every two minutes 24/7 I doubt anyone can keep up

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Actually little things drove me away from IOS. Scheduled sound profiles, customized ring and text tones, built-in satnav, able to remove stock apps (I REALLY don't need 'Stocks' permanently on my home screen), great notifications, including LED and so on.

Yes, a lot has been 'innovated' by Apple eventually, but they lost me for good.

And yes, customzing was one thing which kept me there. Not just the looks, but the fact Android is open source. As a commuter who travels 4hrs daily on a train, it is invaluable that you can put ANY movie or music formatted file on that thing and watch it without converting, or in fact, attach an external HDD and watch movies from there or just turn it into a streaming server and and and.

Each to their own of course (still got an iPhone as a work phone in case you wonder lol).

PS: Apple maps still thinks I live 10 miles away in the middle of a pond. You couldn't even find the pond because the city is still misspelt. Despite sending Apple mails about it from day #1 of mapgate onwards. So even when on business I can not rely on my work phone.

great point. Each has there own advantages and, each are evolving at the same time.

I have used the S5 multiple times and love it. Customization is out of this world and, it looks and preformance is sublime on Kit-Kat. (Androids have Flash too unlike Apple Device)

Apple, they have there advantages too. iMessage, iTunes and Airdrop are a couple.

However in the end, I lean more twoards Android. But, I am still keeping with the Apple Ecosystem (barely) to have the best of both worlds. My close friend has a S5 as his work phone and a 6+ as his personal one. He uses both all the time.

I will probally do the same as him just to keep up with the innovations of each company