Long Term Switch

[MisterMillz]

Just looking for anecdotes from people who have completely switched from iOS to Android and or Mac to Windows for ~7 months or more without going back. I dabbled a few times:

2013 Nexus 5 and Nexus 7
2017 Samsung S8, OG Pixel and Pixel 2 XL
2019 Pixel 3a
2021 Pixel 5 and Samsung Chromebook 13.3

Ironically, I was an Android die-hard (Post Windows Mobile/Palm OS era—talking to you my beloved Touch Pro 2) and refused to touch anything Apple until 2011 when I got my first iPod touch/iPhone 4. It was 2010 that got me curious though. The iPhone 4 was a thing of beauty and my friend‘s iPod Touch 3 was so easy and fun to use.

In each of the years I listed, I bought an android device (huge pixel/nexus fan) and was curious to see if I’d like to come back. Each time I found little issues and quirks that made me stay where I was. However, each passing year I felt less and less drawn to Apple. Now I’m at a point where I no longer want to pay the “Apple Tax.“ I like to upgrade every year or two, but the Apple increments are less and less desirable.

When I look at my Pixel I feel like the sky is the limit. It’s as simple or complex as I want it to be. It looks good (no notch), has a big 4000mAh battery and the AI is leagues ahead (Call Screen, Google Assistant, etc). Tack on that some programs I’ll be using for work—i.e. SAGE, Quickbooks and Excel work better or exclusively in a Windows environment and I’m back to considering a full switch. Pixel 6 and Surface Pro X are likely my next purchases. I like the 2-in-1 aspect.

TL;DR: what made you switch away from iOS/MacOS? What did you switch to? Do you intend to stay where you are? Do you like it more or less than the Apple ecosystem?

 

[mjschabow]

In my experience, I wouldn't do it. I've tried multiple times because I got bored of iOS. If you're the type of person that could handle having 2 phones, like an Android as a play device, then I'd say do it. But in my attempts to move away, I always have a honeymoon phase for about 2 months and then there are those nagging issues where I think "if I were on iOS I could do that". iOS just has a polish about it that I can't break away from. It's not an issue of being "locked" in the ecosystem. I've completely broken away before, it's just more of a preference and comfort level with Apple.

Probably the closest I've been to completely breaking away was when I had the S21 Ultra. That is by far the best phone I've ever had, but again it was those small nagging issues that made me move back...not even issues with Android, just the comfortability with iOS that has brought me back so many time. It's to the point now where I've accepted the fact that if even the S21 Ultra couldn't sway me away from Apple, nothing will. I get the itch time to time, but knowing how it always ends up keeps me where I'm at.

 

[cuzo]

100% agree with the guy above me, I feel the same way I have a 11 max and I get tired of it but I know I will be right back eventually within 6 months. If I have a regret is not getting the space gray AW5 and getting the silver 5 with the Nike band as I want a nomad strap but the brown leather one that's gonna look like crap on a non space gray AW.

I do miss android but what I'm going through with my s lite kinda reminds me why I would be right back on Apple, the battery drain is crazy and I have to disable alot of stuff to get the battery good again and the drainage down.

I'll sell the Iphone and go android and use the FP sensor about 20 times and miss Face ID and be right back, I know how I am.

The polish of the Iphone is too good and the coolness and multitasking factor on Android is something temporary that I'll get bored of.

So i just stick with IOS, far from perfect but I don't want to get back into that buying and selling stuff, seeing these swappa people low ball like crazy isn't something I'll willing to go through again.

Matter of fact I don't even want to buy anything if it can't go at least 3 years without needing to be sold, I'm tired of dealing with low ballers and going through the hassle of selling products.

Those days are over for me. Android is IMO overall superior but IOS does what I need and does it well.

I miss android youtube picture in picture but I'll buy it and then wonder why I'm on youtube all day and need to be doing something better with my time, it's bound to happen.

I can do all types of downloading and opening files with androids version of winrar but why do all that for a small screen a tablet is better?

My real issue is this spam calls and how IOS honestly is just god awful at it, nothing gets blocked and mostly how IOS handles memory unlike droid where they have free apps that basically shut down all spam IOS strict memory management lets everything pass. Kinda tired of it.

 

[MisterMillz]

@cuzo @mjschabow -- You both make valid points and I'm pretty much in step. Windows is in my future no matter what due to some work programs I need. Android on the other hand, was a choice. I've invested a small fortune in apps and my 460+ movie collection over the last 9 years with iOS. That's the biggest part that keeps me looking over my shoulder whenever I exit the garden.

100% agree when I look at the home screen of my Pixel vs the home screen of my iPhone there does seem to be a certain level of polish and fluidity that Android just doesn't have. On the same token, when I look at both screens there's a certain "do what you want. Your next move is unbounded." that iOS doesn't have. I appreciate them both. I'm already starting to see some little quirks that I know would be smoother or non existent on the iPhone, but a big driving factor is cost too. Pixel 4a 5g cost me $360 and my Surface Pro X cost me $999. That's the same price I paid for just my 512GB 12 Pro Max. Like you said, I'm probably in the honeymoon phase too.

I like the idea of simplifying my device list. Pixel. Surface. Done. Rather than iPhone, Surface and Mac--or as I currently stand: iPhone, iPad, Surface and Mac. I know I could just rid the Mac and be done with it, but my experience is Androids plays nicer with Windows than iPhones do.

 

[Steven-iphone]

Install Nova Launcher on the Pixel and there will be the polish

I can't see how a grid be pattern stagnant design of the iOS is considered polish; unless you are referring to the integration to iMessages.

 

[MisterMillz]

Install Nova Launcher on the Pixel and there will be the polish

I can't see how a grid be pattern stagnant design of the iOS is considered polish; unless you are referring to the integration to iMessages.

In iOS every icon is the same dimension. On Android there are icons with the smallest logo and a bunch of white space i.e. CoD Mobile vs Waze. In iOS the default font blends into the background with a certain level of opacity. Widgets look cleaner—albeit less interactive. Some apps when you open them look smoother and clearer on iOS than Android. That’s my, and many others’ definition of polish—and/or attention to detail. I do like Android 12’s upcoming material design refresh though.

Regarding Nova, it’s super fun to play with and I’ll usually choose it over OxygenOS or OneUI, but I actually prefer Pixel Launcher.

 

[Expos of 1969]

I am approaching the two year anniversary of moving to Android. I made the move after purchasing the new iPhone SE and found it bothered my eyes and the text never seemed 100% sharp to me. In addition, Apple was rubbing me the wrong way on various issues so I thought, time to give Android a go.

I am continuing to enjoy using my Samsung Galaxy S10e. Do not miss iOS at all. I have no interest or need for iMessage or Apple Mail and use Google Photos so an iPhone brings nothing useful to my table.

I use a MacBook Air M1 which is a decent laptop. I have no need for any linkages between my phone and laptop.

So I have no plans whatsoever to go back to an iPhone.

 

[martint235]

I was the same as you, a die hard Android fan from the HTC Hero (how I miss that phone) right up until I couldn't get my hands on a 10. EE offered me an iPhone SE and I loved it. Replaced my entire environment at home including getting a Mac, an iPad Pro and a Watch. Then the Samsung Note 10 5G came out and I went back. I never got rid of the Mac but I did get a Samsung tablet to replace the Pro. I could never replicate the Apple Ecosystem though, don't get me wrong I'm often as frustrated as hell by it but as a general rule it just "works". My set up now is iPhone 12 Pro, iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) and the Mac with a Garmin Fenix 6 as my watch (easily the best watch I've ever had so I'm not giving it up)

 

[MisterMillz]

I am approaching the two year anniversary of moving to Android. I made the move after purchasing the new iPhone SE and found it bothered my eyes and the text never seemed 100% sharp to me. In addition, Apple was rubbing me the wrong way on various issues so I thought, time to give Android a go.

I am continuing to enjoy using my Samsung Galaxy S10e. Do not miss iOS at all. I have no interest or need for iMessage or Apple Mail and use Google Photos so an iPhone brings nothing useful to my table.

I use a MacBook Air M1 which is a decent laptop. I have no need for any linkages between my phone and laptop.

So I have no plans whatsoever to go back to an iPhone.

This is promising. I have to embrace Windows. I just figured it would be a good opportunity to give Android a fresh shake too. I’m currently working with and contemplating:

iPhone, iPad and intel Mac Mini for Bootcamp
iPhone, iPad and used Windows laptop or desktop
Android phone, Android tablet, Windows laptop or desktop
Android phone and Windows 2-in-1

I like the last option the most. 2 devices to rule them all. Something like the Fold 2 and a Surface Pro. Unfortunately, handwriting notes in OneNote just doesnt feel as quick and simple as Notability on my iPad. Tried a Samung Chromebook 13.3 and while it allows for the use of Android apps, the pen is a joke. It was like holding a short, skinny straw. Decisions lol

 

[martint235]

I am approaching the two year anniversary of moving to Android. I made the move after purchasing the new iPhone SE and found it bothered my eyes and the text never seemed 100% sharp to me. In addition, Apple was rubbing me the wrong way on various issues so I thought, time to give Android a go.

I am continuing to enjoy using my Samsung Galaxy S10e. Do not miss iOS at all. I have no interest or need for iMessage or Apple Mail and use Google Photos so an iPhone brings nothing useful to my table.

I use a MacBook Air M1 which is a decent laptop. I have no need for any linkages between my phone and laptop.

So I have no plans whatsoever to go back to an iPhone.

That reminded me of when I moved to the SE. Sometimes I couldn't see the screen properly so I got a 7. It still didn't seem good enough so I got the 7Plus. Then I went to the opticians and all was well


*Not saying this is your issue, just that I find my experience funny

 

[mjschabow]

100% agree with the guy above me, I feel the same way I have a 11 max and I get tired of it but I know I will be right back eventually within 6 months. If I have a regret is not getting the space gray AW5 and getting the silver 5 with the Nike band as I want a nomad strap but the brown leather one that's gonna look like crap on a non space gray AW.

I do miss android but what I'm going through with my s lite kinda reminds me why I would be right back on Apple, the battery drain is crazy and I have to disable alot of stuff to get the battery good again and the drainage down.

I'll sell the Iphone and go android and use the FP sensor about 20 times and miss Face ID and be right back, I know how I am.

The polish of the Iphone is too good and the coolness and multitasking factor on Android is something temporary that I'll get bored of.

So i just stick with IOS, far from perfect but I don't want to get back into that buying and selling stuff, seeing these swappa people low ball like crazy isn't something I'll willing to go through again.

Matter of fact I don't even want to buy anything if it can't go at least 3 years without needing to be sold, I'm tired of dealing with low ballers and going through the hassle of selling products.

Those days are over for me. Android is IMO overall superior but IOS does what I need and does it well.

I miss android youtube picture in picture but I'll buy it and then wonder why I'm on youtube all day and need to be doing something better with my time, it's bound to happen.

I can do all types of downloading and opening files with androids version of winrar but why do all that for a small screen a tablet is better?

My real issue is this spam calls and how IOS honestly is just god awful at it, nothing gets blocked and mostly how IOS handles memory unlike droid where they have free apps that basically shut down all spam IOS strict memory management lets everything pass. Kinda tired of it.

100% and you hit the nail on the head with the headaches in selling online. I almost got scammed in January when I sold my iPhone to a guy who failed to tell me his address was a reshipper service to Paraguay. Thankfully he broke Swappa's policy by not telling me and I wasn't out the money, but this was a 2 month ordeal with a PayPal dispute and everything. It's to the point where I'm happy to take more of a loss by just trading my iPhone 12 Pro and Apple Watch 6 into Apple when I upgrade next month.

 

[Ludatyk]

I like the last option the most. 2 devices to rule them all. Something like the Fold 2 and a Surface Pro. Unfortunately, handwriting notes in OneNote just doesnt feel as quick and simple as Notability on my iPad. Tried a Samung Chromebook 13.3 and while it allows for the use of Android apps, the pen is a joke. It was like holding a short, skinny straw. Decisions lol

It's a matter preference. And at the end of the day... you gotta decide what works for you. But I use a Fold 2 and a iPP. Along with using Samsung Dex as well.

I dabbled with going to Android over the years... I purchased Pixels and Galaxy phones in the past, but I been an iPhone user since the first generation. But for the past year and a half, I've stayed with Android. I enjoy using Android and the features Samsung implemented for it, as such... I don't see myself going back to the iPhone.

Not trying to make this into an iPhone vs Android debate... I enjoyed my time with the iPhone, but features like Sound Assistant, Customization (especially Good Lock), Multitasking, Samsung Dex (this goes unnoticed sometimes) and I like how the Notifications sits up top on the status bar.

 

[sracer]

TL;DR: what made you switch away from iOS/MacOS? What did you switch to? Do you intend to stay where you are? Do you like it more or less than the Apple ecosystem?

I'll preface my answer by saying that I've owned computers since my TRS-80 Model I back in 1978, and because I've been a software developer since then, I have a different perspective that most likely doesn't transfer well.

My first smartphone was an Audiovox SMT-5600 running Windows Mobile (purchased in 2004). It was a little powerhouse that was more capable than the first few generations of iPhones.

I then moved on to the HTC Dream, my first Android phone. I absolutely loved it and would buy a modern remix of that.

After buying the original iPad (day-1 pre-order. I also ordered Apple's keyboard dock for it), I soon became interested in the iPhone... the iPhone 4 in particular. Eventually I bought one.

I appreciated the quality of the camera, the variety of accessories that were available for it, and the apps that were beginning to appear.

But after a while I felt stifled by "the Apple way is the only way" of things and went back to Android. After a few forgettable Android sets, I picked up the Sharp Aquos Crystal. It was the first phone that was bezel-less on 3 sides. Beautiful and immersive for consuming media.

Apple then produced the original iPhone SE which was basically the peak of the iPhone 4-type style (yes, the SE was essentially a repackaged 5S). So I went back to iOS for a few years. It was legitimately a great value (especially at the discounted prices offered by my no-contract carrier).

After some time, the constrictions of iOS closed in again... aggravated by my heavy reliance on my 12.9 iPad Pro as a laptop replacement.

I went back to Android... that was 3 years ago... and haven't looked back. And given Apple's direction for the foreseeable future, I don't see myself going back to iOS.

That's just on the smartphone timeline.

I won't bore everyone with what has happened with tablets, laptops, and desktops during that time, but I'll summarize it by saying I own a TON of devices: Mac OS, Windows, Linux, ChromeOS, Android, and iOS. My current Apple desktops, iPads, and iPhones, are the last that I intend to own. As they need to be replaced, it'll be with non-Apple products. I've already replaced a few... I still hold onto those Apple products but they now serve as backup or reference devices.

 

[MisterMillz]

Getting some great perspectives and feedback! I’m still teetering at the moment (phone wise), but it’s great to see the other side for myself and others’ POVs. I definitely like the Pixel—always have and probably always will. The 6 is looking promising. If I do fully convert it will definitely be a Pixel or Galaxy Fold device.

 

[mjschabow]

Getting some great perspectives and feedback! I’m still teetering at the moment (phone wise), but it’s great to see the other side for myself and others’ POVs. I definitely like the Pixel—always have and probably always will. The 6 is looking promising. If I do fully convert it will definitely be a Pixel or Galaxy Fold device.

One other thing to consider as I see you have an Apple Watch. Very hard to switch from that. Galaxy Watches are good but still no Apple Watch. Also, the same thing with AirPod Pros. I probably missed the easy integration with iOS the most when I switched as I'm a huge music guy.

 

[ian87w]

Imo the hardware is no longer the deciding factor (exception maybe Apple Watch since the alternatives are far from parity), but the apps are. Switching means one has to consider apps alternatives if the apps they use are not available on the other platform. Plenty of iOS apps are not available on Android. This can also mean more money to spend buying alternative apps.

Hardware wise, imo, is already on parity for the basics. Everything else is just cherry on top and personal preference. Anything new on both platforms are just incremental over the previous generation.

Personally, I'm going with Samsung. And I'm actually going to switch from Windows to Android tablet. I'll be switching from my Windows laptop to a Samsung Galaxy Tab S7FE. I'm getting real tired of my Windows laptop, heating up doing nothing but browsing the net (only 4 tabs max with ad blockers, no streaming, still heating up), and battery life that will only last 3 to 4 hours at best. Getting tired of Windows restarting and taking a long time to update. Getting tired of glitchy drivers that can throw Windows into chaos out of the blue. iPads are too expensive for me in my country. After looking how most of the stuff I do are not specific to Windows, I believe I can go by with an Android tablet.

 

[Ludatyk]

One other thing to consider as I see you have an Apple Watch. Very hard to switch from that. Galaxy Watches are good but still no Apple Watch. Also, the same thing with AirPod Pros. I probably missed the easy integration with iOS the most when I switched as I'm a huge music guy.

I agree, Apple Watch are the best smart watches. But with a newfound focus on WearOS with Samsung and Google tandem, WearOS might be a solid alternative. And yeah, I’m a huge music guy myself. I use Apple Music and it works just as good on Android. I find it ironic that I favor Apple Music over YT Music on Android, but the UI is terrible with YT Music.

I’m still puzzled by why Google went with YT Music instead of keeping Google Play Music and improve on that. I think that’s the reason why Pixel sales are inconsistent... hardware design language change every year, Google never really take the time to build on something and see it through. *Sorry went on tangent*

 

[cuzo]

100% and you hit the nail on the head with the headaches in selling online. I almost got scammed in January when I sold my iPhone to a guy who failed to tell me his address was a reshipper service to Paraguay. Thankfully he broke Swappa's policy by not telling me and I wasn't out the money, but this was a 2 month ordeal with a PayPal dispute and everything. It's to the point where I'm happy to take more of a loss by just trading my iPhone 12 Pro and Apple Watch 6 into Apple when I upgrade next month.

I sold my 11 regular I think last year August and the guy says it was a mistake buy, his bank gave him his money bank and paypal said it's "not my fault" so they ate the 650 and called it a day.

I later found out ALOT of people do this scam since they know the bank will side with them at all costs, so paypal eats the charges alot.

These people are so crooked it's not even funny, the real weird this was they said it was a mistake charge and NEVER sent me back my phone LOL.

These guys know all the scams, I as a member of offerup but those people are so cheap I wonder if they shop at the flea market... I closed my account.

Nothing against the flea market I used to go there when I was younger for little items.

 

[mjschabow]

I agree, Apple Watch are the best smart watches. But with a newfound focus on WearOS with Samsung and Google tandem, WearOS might be a solid alternative. And yeah, I’m a huge music guy myself. I use Apple Music and it works just as good on Android. I find it ironic that I favor Apple Music over YT Music on Android, but the UI is terrible with YT Music.

I’m still puzzled by why Google went with YT Music instead of keeping Google Play Music and improve on that. I think that’s the reason why Pixel sales are inconsistent... hardware design language change every year, Google never really take the time to build on something and see it through. *Sorry went on tangent*

Google Play Music was so good. The way they integrated the library to be seamless between albums added via the streaming service as well as music already downloaded to the cloud, just the way Apple does it was perfect...and even better than how Apple did it because you could download an album on your phone and it would show right up in your library. With Apple, you need a PC/Mac to make that happen. I know YT Music has integrated local files but it doesn't compare to what Google Play had achieved.

 

[mjschabow]

I sold my 11 regular I think last year August and the guy says it was a mistake buy, his bank gave him his money bank and paypal said it's "not my fault" so they ate the 650 and called it a day.

I later found out ALOT of people do this scam since they know the bank will side with them at all costs, so paypal eats the charges alot.

These people are so crooked it's not even funny, the real weird this was they said it was a mistake charge and NEVER sent me back my phone LOL.

These guys know all the scams, I as a member of offerup but those people are so cheap I wonder if they shop at the flea market... I closed my account.

Nothing against the flea market I used to go there when I was younger for little items.

Yeah it's super frustrating and we even have a couple of shady people that have scammed at MacRumors as well. That's why I just decided that I'm going to trade in to Apple this year. I'm sure Apple has an occasional issue too but I'd rather not have the anxiety of shipping my phone to a potential scammer, even if it means I'll get $200 less than I would on Swappa. It's not too hard to budget for a $500 upgrade each year.

 

[Ludatyk]

Yeah it's super frustrating and we even have a couple of shady people that have scammed at MacRumors as well. That's why I just decided that I'm going to trade in to Apple this year. I'm sure Apple has an occasional issue too but I'd rather not have the anxiety of shipping my phone to a potential scammer, even if it means I'll get $200 less than I would on Swappa. It's not too hard to budget for a $500 upgrade each year.

I only traded in a device once. And it was for this Fold 2, Best Buy had a good deal for iPhone trade ins. But I only do exchanges locally where me and that individual can verify everything. OfferUp has been solid for me... so far. But surprisingly, I sold my 2018 iPP and Xbox Series X through Craigslist.

 

[MisterMillz]

My biggest problem with switching so far has been a uniformity issue. I enjoy the Pixel. I enjoy ChromeOS 2-in-1s, but they don’t run full fledged Windows programs (online wont suffice). They also won’t run a lot of accounting software short of getting into Linux and running some painful workarounds. Also, I haven’t found a note taking app that provides an experience similar to Notability on my iPad Pro. The Samsung Chromebook pen left much to be desired when writing with it. OneNote is solid, but it feels so foreign to me. Not sure I want to invest that kind of time.

Surface Pro X is by far my favorite 2-in-1, but again, OneNote and it doesn’t run Android apps natively, yet. I think that’s my favorite part about Apple. They often charge ridiculous prices for their hardware, and if you don’t like what they’re offering, you’re stuck. At the time of this message I’m leaning towards keeping my iPhone and iPad and just getting an intel Mini to run Bootcamp on. Best of both worlds. Might even keep the Pixel just to stay up to date with Android’s happenings.

 

[Steven-iphone]

OneNote is fairly simple to use. Like having paper folders with notes inside. Plus the notes are inkable.

Create a folder, the add notes to the folder.

Used on Surface Go 2

 

[Berries-A-Million]

100% agree with the guy above me, I feel the same way I have a 11 max and I get tired of it but I know I will be right back eventually within 6 months. If I have a regret is not getting the space gray AW5 and getting the silver 5 with the Nike band as I want a nomad strap but the brown leather one that's gonna look like crap on a non space gray AW.

I do miss android but what I'm going through with my s lite kinda reminds me why I would be right back on Apple, the battery drain is crazy and I have to disable alot of stuff to get the battery good again and the drainage down.

I'll sell the Iphone and go android and use the FP sensor about 20 times and miss Face ID and be right back, I know how I am.

The polish of the Iphone is too good and the coolness and multitasking factor on Android is something temporary that I'll get bored of.

So i just stick with IOS, far from perfect but I don't want to get back into that buying and selling stuff, seeing these swappa people low ball like crazy isn't something I'll willing to go through again.

Matter of fact I don't even want to buy anything if it can't go at least 3 years without needing to be sold, I'm tired of dealing with low ballers and going through the hassle of selling products.

Those days are over for me. Android is IMO overall superior but IOS does what I need and does it well.

I miss android youtube picture in picture but I'll buy it and then wonder why I'm on youtube all day and need to be doing something better with my time, it's bound to happen.

I can do all types of downloading and opening files with androids version of winrar but why do all that for a small screen a tablet is better?

My real issue is this spam calls and how IOS honestly is just god awful at it, nothing gets blocked and mostly how IOS handles memory unlike droid where they have free apps that basically shut down all spam IOS strict memory management lets everything pass. Kinda tired of it.

Never had really an issue with low ballers on Swappa. If you price your products properly you won't have people offering lower. Always look at what the last ones all sold for, and that is where the one you are selling should be around.

 

[The Game 161]

In my experience, I wouldn't do it. I've tried multiple times because I got bored of iOS. If you're the type of person that could handle having 2 phones, like an Android as a play device, then I'd say do it. But in my attempts to move away, I always have a honeymoon phase for about 2 months and then there are those nagging issues where I think "if I were on iOS I could do that". iOS just has a polish about it that I can't break away from. It's not an issue of being "locked" in the ecosystem. I've completely broken away before, it's just more of a preference and comfort level with Apple.

Probably the closest I've been to completely breaking away was when I had the S21 Ultra. That is by far the best phone I've ever had, but again it was those small nagging issues that made me move back...not even issues with Android, just the comfortability with iOS that has brought me back so many time. It's to the point now where I've accepted the fact that if even the S21 Ultra couldn't sway me away from Apple, nothing will. I get the itch time to time, but knowing how it always ends up keeps me where I'm at.

Yep same boat

I keep leaving and going back it’s come to the point of why bother. Stick to what you know you prefer