That's it, I'm free of Apple

[pika2000]

A few months ago, and for the past 10 years as of June 6th, I've been a loyal and enthusiastic fan of Apple devices, software and especially the ecosystem. I had an iPhone XR 128GB and Mac Mini 6-core and iPad Air 3, now all sold. Before this, I had an iPhone SE and a TouchBar 2018 MBP with 512GB storage. I had a LOT of my cash in Apple's pockets.

No you don’t.
Simply owning the device don’t say anything. Every other person here probably had more Apple devices than you. The real money is on apps and data already being invested in a platform. The fact that you can simply switch platforms showed that you didn’t really invest much on the previous platform.

Example, many people have invested in Apple ecosystem by way of having their music in iTunes, all their photos in iPhoto, iMessage, buying apps for the Mac, etc. Thus switching platform becomes very inconvenient, and can actually cost more than simply replacing the devices.

Having said that, having all your data as platform agnostic as possible by itself can be a wise choice. But bragging about how much money you had spent just on Apple devices just reeks of immaturity.

 

[TheSkywalker77]

To each their own. I like how this thread wasn't just another, "APPLE IS BAD THREAD AND ANYONE WHO LIKES THEM IS A BRAINLESS SHEEP" thread. Good luck on your journey with Android phones and Windows computers, I hope you can continue to find products in the future that'll fit your needs. You definitely have more choices for hardware than you did in the Apple ecosystem.

 

[lavrishevo]

Like my Note 9 a lot. Great phone. Would not give up my late 2018 maxed out i9 macbook pro for any pc. Sorry, it's so much nicer of a computer. Also, it's extremely simple to sync data back and forth if you know what you are doing. I do a good amount of cad work and video / photo editing at work and the machine is a powerhouse. Sleek, nice speakers, great screen, good battery life. Definitely not going back to windows. It's so much more reliable vs coworkers who are on windows based systems. They are constantly having issues that I never experience.

 

[QCassidy352]

I like windows quite a bit, especially windows pro. Not as much as macOS, but well enough. But android? No, never. Google is evil, and I’d never trust my digital life to them.

 

[Vegastouch]

I use Windows and have always liked it and use Android with it though I'm not a stickler for having them synced together. I consider my PC and mobile devices two different things, especially the phone.
Not a fan of iOS and haven't had an iPhone inany years. Gave the iPad to my wife as, like I said, not a fan od iOS and it was just a brick. Much heavier than my Samsung tablet.
I've never bad the total iOS integration as I've never owned a Mac but I've got ton along just fine with Windows and Android. I have a Lenovo Yoga 1st Gen. Not the best laptop I've had. One day I'm going to replace it but haven't been using the laptop much at all the past year.

 

[derekamoss]

To each their own. I like how this thread wasn't just another, "APPLE IS BAD THREAD AND ANYONE WHO LIKES THEM IS A BRAINLESS SHEEP" thread. Good luck on your journey with Android phones and Windows computers, I hope you can continue to find products in the future that'll fit your needs. You definitely have more choices for hardware than you did in the Apple ecosystem.

Really no one can say this IMO here lol. Most of use were that at one point. The Apple reality distortion wore off me a few years ago. I still love Apple as a company, but I do no't like where they seem to be heading. Also you will find most of us who have been using Mac's before even iPod were a thing a less one side biased than the ones who's first Apple product was an iPhone.

 

[Tsepz]

A few months ago, and for the past 10 years as of June 6th, I've been a loyal and enthusiastic fan of Apple devices, software and especially the ecosystem. I had an iPhone XR 128GB and Mac Mini 6-core and iPad Air 3, now all sold. Before this, I had an iPhone SE and a TouchBar 2018 MBP with 512GB storage. I had a LOT of my cash in Apple's pockets.

As of tomorrow morning, I'll wake up a Windows + Android man.

It started with buying a used ThinkPad X280 at a steal of a price, £600. It's got 16GB RAM, vPro i5 quad core, 1080p screen 256GB (soon to be upgraded - yay, upgrades again!) ssd. Two weeks in and I've not had any nasty surprises. It's also got 2.5 years of Lenovo warranty on it, no need to pay for Apple Care thankfully. But realistically, I'll order and fix it myself, because now.. I can! No more long trips, petrol burned, my work working around me Mac-less for a week, getting my Mac returned with an eye lash on it etc.

I sincerely loved Apple and still admire and respect it, but I've turned into the very person I argued with before in saying that "They're good, but they're just not for me". And I wouldn't dispute the benefits of the Mac either, they're real and impressive in their own right.

As WWDC comes up, usually I'm buzzing to see what we'll get. And truth be told I was worried it'd make me regret selling my devices, but my experience so far has been so positive on W10 and the Microsoft Ecosystem that I'm no longer worried.

My back is turned on Apple now. I just ordered a Samsung Galaxy S10+ to replace my iPhone XR, which I've only had since January. Why? The XR is great, but it's not as well integrated into my new setup and new found joy of being in Microsoft's bubble as an Android phone can be. I HATE Google and don't want to go near it's ecosystem any more than I have to, which hopefully will be possible. Especially as I'm sure Android can be adapted in these ways to make it so?

The screen size of the XR from the SE was fantastic, but I found myself envious of Android friends having the split screen use of their phones - replying on WhatsApp whilst continuing to watch your YouTube video etc. I hope for better use of the now larger screen.

The bigger and hopefully better battery life of the S10+ is also welcome, as the improvement from SE to XR was.

I'll admit I'm no Android expert and acted too quickly, not being able to closely identify every spec and review of every choice I had like is advisable, but the S10+ comes from a manufacturer which if anything is as credible and established and popular as Apple today and ranks high on all of the current 'best' lists too. I've found that these lists tend to nail it for most users cases and hope it has in this case.

I considered the Xperia 1 but its focus on creators and video and 'on-phone' apps isn't where my money is best concentrated.

Now, I hope my integrated S10+ and W10 X280 can work reliably, for a long time and with power to spare for at least 3 years. Then I'll know if I ever want to reconsider Apple, and with a better focus on Pros and admitting their mistakes lately, perhaps that'll be the place to do it. But they lost me, as my career increasingly depended on their hardware they lost me as a 'pro'. And whether I'll reconsider in a few years depends on how well Lenovo's ThinkPad reliability and Microsoft's listening to customers and tuning of Windows and finally Samsung's never ending battle to 'beat' the iPhone holds true to itself.

I can continue to update this periodically for anyone else considering a drastic move like this, and would be happy to answer any questions or take any advice. Do you guys think I made the right choice going from X10+ from XR?

Very happy for you, I am doing the opposite and getting deeper into the Apple ecosystem but have not left Android, will just balance between the two but make Apple the daily driver.

Sounds like you chose well in terms of your devices.

All the best! I’d definitely be interested in how you get on with this

The freedom you got on Android and Windows is amazing, they don’t integrate as well as iOS and MacOS to each other, but they both give so much freedom that you only need them to work with each other when they REALLY need to work together and they still do it well.

Samsung has a growing partnership with Microsoft, a lot of Microsoft apps are well optimized for Samsung phones.

 

[AustinIllini]

Only person who can determine if the purchase was a mistake is you, OP.

Congrats on the new device!

 

[Shanghaichica]

It’s a good device and you are getting a good phone in the S10 +. I think the fact that you are using a lot of other non Apple products and getting on with them means that there is a good chance you’ll be fine without an iPhone. I guess time will tell.
[doublepost=1559219678][/doublepost]

Very happy for you, I am doing the opposite and getting deeper into the Apple ecosystem but have not left Android, will just balance between the two but make Apple the daily driver.

Sounds like you chose well in terms of your devices.

All the best! I’d definitely be interested in how you get on with this

The freedom you got on Android and Windows is amazing, they don’t integrate as well as iOS and MacOS to each other, but they both give so much freedom that you only need them to work with each other when they REALLY need to work together and they still do it well.

Samsung has a growing partnership with Microsoft, a lot of Microsoft apps are well optimized for Samsung phones.

Apple are getting their claws into you now lol

You just need to get that Apple Watch and you’ll be trapped in like me lol

 

[jamezr]

A few months ago, and for the past 10 years as of June 6th, I've been a loyal and enthusiastic fan of Apple devices, software and especially the ecosystem. I had an iPhone XR 128GB and Mac Mini 6-core and iPad Air 3, now all sold. Before this, I had an iPhone SE and a TouchBar 2018 MBP with 512GB storage. I had a LOT of my cash in Apple's pockets.

As of tomorrow morning, I'll wake up a Windows + Android man.

It started with buying a used ThinkPad X280 at a steal of a price, £600. It's got 16GB RAM, vPro i5 quad core, 1080p screen 256GB (soon to be upgraded - yay, upgrades again!) ssd. Two weeks in and I've not had any nasty surprises. It's also got 2.5 years of Lenovo warranty on it, no need to pay for Apple Care thankfully. But realistically, I'll order and fix it myself, because now.. I can! No more long trips, petrol burned, my work working around me Mac-less for a week, getting my Mac returned with an eye lash on it etc.

I sincerely loved Apple and still admire and respect it, but I've turned into the very person I argued with before in saying that "They're good, but they're just not for me". And I wouldn't dispute the benefits of the Mac either, they're real and impressive in their own right.

As WWDC comes up, usually I'm buzzing to see what we'll get. And truth be told I was worried it'd make me regret selling my devices, but my experience so far has been so positive on W10 and the Microsoft Ecosystem that I'm no longer worried.

My back is turned on Apple now. I just ordered a Samsung Galaxy S10+ to replace my iPhone XR, which I've only had since January. Why? The XR is great, but it's not as well integrated into my new setup and new found joy of being in Microsoft's bubble as an Android phone can be. I HATE Google and don't want to go near it's ecosystem any more than I have to, which hopefully will be possible. Especially as I'm sure Android can be adapted in these ways to make it so?

The screen size of the XR from the SE was fantastic, but I found myself envious of Android friends having the split screen use of their phones - replying on WhatsApp whilst continuing to watch your YouTube video etc. I hope for better use of the now larger screen.

The bigger and hopefully better battery life of the S10+ is also welcome, as the improvement from SE to XR was.

I'll admit I'm no Android expert and acted too quickly, not being able to closely identify every spec and review of every choice I had like is advisable, but the S10+ comes from a manufacturer which if anything is as credible and established and popular as Apple today and ranks high on all of the current 'best' lists too. I've found that these lists tend to nail it for most users cases and hope it has in this case.

I considered the Xperia 1 but its focus on creators and video and 'on-phone' apps isn't where my money is best concentrated.

Now, I hope my integrated S10+ and W10 X280 can work reliably, for a long time and with power to spare for at least 3 years. Then I'll know if I ever want to reconsider Apple, and with a better focus on Pros and admitting their mistakes lately, perhaps that'll be the place to do it. But they lost me, as my career increasingly depended on their hardware they lost me as a 'pro'. And whether I'll reconsider in a few years depends on how well Lenovo's ThinkPad reliability and Microsoft's listening to customers and tuning of Windows and finally Samsung's never ending battle to 'beat' the iPhone holds true to itself.

I can continue to update this periodically for anyone else considering a drastic move like this, and would be happy to answer any questions or take any advice. Do you guys think I made the right choice going from X10+ from XR?

Good luck buddy! A lot of us in the Alternative section have a mixed bag of products together.
I use both a Xs Max and Pixel 3 XL along with a Macbook Pro and Windows machines.
If you have a lot of music and such in itunes and want to sync with you new S10 Plus...try iSyncr from the Playstore.
It will sync all of your music and playlists.

Good luck with your endeavor and write back and lets us know how you're getting along with your switch.

 

[Tig Bitties]

Smart move OP. Android is one billion times better than iOS, especially stock Android like on a Pixel or OnePlus phone.

Windows 10 for a home computer / gaming rig is the best. Surface pro 4 is the best Tablet. And Android is the best smartphone.

I don't even understand anyone that would buy anything Apple, why? But hey that's just me, different strokes, for different folks.

 

[kaardowiq]

Smart move OP. Android is one billion times better than iOS, especially stock Android like on a Pixel or OnePlus phone.

Windows 10 for a home computer / gaming rig is the best. Surface pro 4 is the best Tablet. And Android is the best smartphone.

I don't even understand anyone that would buy anything Apple, why? But hey that's just me, different strokes, for different folks.

In the past, maybe 7-10 years before, I would say this is absolute blistering sarcasm, but the last three years showed me that even Windows and Android aren‘t that bad anymore. While iOS may be a good OS, MacOS and it‘s Hardware aren‘t a real option beside Webdesigners and Coders anymore. There isn‘t much benefit for using a Mac with MacOS anymore. Thanks to Webapps that the most for casuals can also ne done on Linux, Chromebook or Mobiles with Desktop Mode like Huawei or Samsung. Maybe Android Q with native Desktop Mode could be a Game Changer

 

[Shanghaichica]

In the past, maybe 7-10 years before, I would say this is absolute blistering sarcasm, but the last three years showed me that even Windows and Android aren‘t that bad anymore. While iOS may be a good OS, MacOS and it‘s Hardware aren‘t a real option beside Webdesigners and Coders anymore. There isn‘t much benefit for using a Mac with MacOS anymore. Thanks to Webapps that the most for casuals can also ne done on Linux, Chromebook or Mobiles with Desktop Mode like Huawei or Samsung. Maybe Android Q with native Desktop Mode could be a Game Changer

I’ve not had a good experience with windows in the past so I’m not in a rush to try it again as a personal device. However our computers at work we’re finally upgraded to windows 10 and I’ve been using it for the past 2 months and it’s been decent. However as you’ve mentioned in your post my computing needs are very minimal these days and when my MBA kicks the bucket I’ll most likely go with a chromebook or even a android phone with a desktop mode. There’s no need for me to get a device with a fully fledged OS anymore.

 

[kaardowiq]

I’ll most likely go with a chromebook or even a android phone with a desktop mode. There’s no need for me to get a device with a fully fledged OS anymore.

Yes, me too. My Mac is from 2008 (over 10years) and everything is slow. ATM I‘m playing with my Huawei P20 with Desktop Mode. Much faster than my Mac, everything works, no sync needed between Desktop and mobile device. That‘s pretty cool but there are still done Problems like not being able to open an App multiple times. There are workarounds but not every App will work with. Together with a foldable device it would be one device to replace all. Maybe my X will be soon replaced by my p20 as daily driver.

 

[Dreads]

I’m making the switch next week in either getting the one plus 7 or the s10 plus then il be selling the max the thing I am struggling with is parting with my Apple Watch...

 

[Shanghaichica]

Yes, me too. My Mac is from 2008 (over 10years) and everything is slow. ATM I‘m playing with my Huawei P20 with Desktop Mode. Much faster than my Mac, everything works, no sync needed between Desktop and mobile device. That‘s pretty cool but there are still done Problems like not being able to open an App multiple times. There are workarounds but not every App will work with. Together with a foldable device it would be one device to replace all. Maybe my X will be soon replaced by my p20 as daily driver.

Yes a foldable device with a desktop mode would be the only device I need.

 

[0989382]

No, samesung are loaded with crap, I imagine that's still the case.

Anyway it's quite likely the phone may blow up. I'd give it a 15% chance.

It is loaded with a lot of crap, Google Crap and Samsung Crap. But, unexpectedly, things like the Samsung Health app are actually quite good! I accidentally found it as I was clearing the crap off it. Sadly, a lot can't be uninstalled... I'm unsure if I'd ever 'root' it as I'm unsure what it involves, but if it's like jailbreaking an iPhone I know I'd not do that and haven't since 2010! Lol

No you don’t.
Simply owning the device don’t say anything. Every other person here probably had more Apple devices than you. The real money is on apps and data already being invested in a platform. The fact that you can simply switch platforms showed that you didn’t really invest much on the previous platform.

Example, many people have invested in Apple ecosystem by way of having their music in iTunes, all their photos in iPhoto, iMessage, buying apps for the Mac, etc. Thus switching platform becomes very inconvenient, and can actually cost more than simply replacing the devices.

Having said that, having all your data as platform agnostic as possible by itself can be a wise choice. But bragging about how much money you had spent just on Apple devices just reeks of immaturity.

Tell me more about how you know about my life.. lol

I have been all in on Apple since June 6th 2009 when I got my white MacBook and iPhone 3G (Nearly a decade ago!). Since I have done nothing but buy album after album on iTunes until the release of Apple Music. I had MobileMe and then iCloud storage space... you name it I had it.

I've had an iPhone 3G, regular iPhone, iPhone 3GS, another iPhone 3G, a MacBook White, an iPad 2 64GB, an iPhone 4, an iPhone 4S, an iPhone 5, an iPhone 6 Plus, an iPhone SE 64GB, an iPhone XR 128GB. Then a mid-2012 MacBook Pro, a 2013 11" MacBook Air, another new mid 2012 MacBook Pro, a 2017 nTB MBP, another 2017 nTB MBP, a 2018 512GB TB MBP with 512GB SSD, an iPad 2017 128GB, an iPad Air 2 16GB 4G, an iPad Air 3, a Mac Mini 6-core...

I'm sure I missed a few. Coupled with my entire life and data on Apple's services, about 90GB of photos on iCloud Photo Library, calendars going back to 2010, contacts, iMovie projects... it was NOT easy moving over. I was as heavily invested in the ecosystem, and a huge fan of it as can be.

In fact, I'm struggling now because all my accounts used secure keychain passwords from iCloud and now that I'm free of Apple I have to reset every account as I need into it, and then on Windows and Android separately. It's a hassle, for now.

But OneDrive has been way more flexible and easy to use, not to mention more responsive than iCloud Drive ever was. So with every hurdle, there's a new found freedom it would seem.

I'm not bragging about how much I spent, I'm suggesting it was a bad thing... I also had licenses bought recently for Affinity software that I'm losing out on as it was Mac only that I'll have to buy again.

So, think about that.. I guess.

To each their own. I like how this thread wasn't just another, "APPLE IS BAD THREAD AND ANYONE WHO LIKES THEM IS A BRAINLESS SHEEP" thread. Good luck on your journey with Android phones and Windows computers, I hope you can continue to find products in the future that'll fit your needs. You definitely have more choices for hardware than you did in the Apple ecosystem.

It was mind boggling having so many choices for a phone! At least with Apple it was XR or XS or XS Max. Though I went for the Samsung as for years now I always read about 'Apple v Samsung' suggesting to me that it's the brand that's up there with Apple and seems to be most relevant to Apple fans. So far so good!

Like my Note 9 a lot. Great phone. Would not give up my late 2018 maxed out i9 macbook pro for any pc. Sorry, it's so much nicer of a computer. Also, it's extremely simple to sync data back and forth if you know what you are doing. I do a good amount of cad work and video / photo editing at work and the machine is a powerhouse. Sleek, nice speakers, great screen, good battery life. Definitely not going back to windows. It's so much more reliable vs coworkers who are on windows based systems. They are constantly having issues that I never experience.

I considered a Note 9 as I like the pen, but the S10 series was supposed to have many other little improvements making them better value. And I hear a Note 10 is around the corner.

Yes, the MBP is a million times nicer than a ThinkPad, no doubt. No argument there. But the ThinkPad I can use on the beach, covered in sand, it can go in my backpack without a case, and if I shatter the display, I can order a new genuine one and fit it myself in a day or two. Versus driving 70 miles to Apple, giving it up for a week and paying a fortune. Not the average consumers deciding factor, but something that has really impacted me a lot.

I'll never be one of those bitter losers on here who pretends that aluminium build quality and glass display isn't lust worthy! The reality is, some aspects of each are better. It really is what the individual prefers and I know what I prefer, it's the boring technical stuff! lol

I like windows quite a bit, especially windows pro. Not as much as macOS, but well enough. But android? No, never. Google is evil, and I’d never trust my digital life to them.

Definitely. Microsoft under its new leader is getting more Apple like and open. I trust Microsoft now. And definitely, Google is evil. I'm avoiding its stalker like services as much as possible. I actually hope Huwaei comes up with a Google free Android and licenses it tbh. When given the choice, I'm opting for Samsung services if I have to. Or Microsoft so it syncs well with Windows.

I use Windows and have always liked it and use Android with it though I'm not a stickler for having them synced together. I consider my PC and mobile devices two different things, especially the phone.
Not a fan of iOS and haven't had an iPhone inany years. Gave the iPad to my wife as, like I said, not a fan od iOS and it was just a brick. Much heavier than my Samsung tablet.
I've never bad the total iOS integration as I've never owned a Mac but I've got ton along just fine with Windows and Android. I have a Lenovo Yoga 1st Gen. Not the best laptop I've had. One day I'm going to replace it but haven't been using the laptop much at all the past year.

The big motivator in getting rid of the iPhone was because I can get Windows and Android to play better together than Windows and iOS. So far decent enough!

Really no one can say this IMO here lol. Most of use were that at one point. The Apple reality distortion wore off me a few years ago. I still love Apple as a company, but I do no't like where they seem to be heading. Also you will find most of us who have been using Mac's before even iPod were a thing a less one side biased than the ones who's first Apple product was an iPhone.

I'll always look fondly on Apple, but yeah its new direction is a joke. Not going to lie, all that social justice warrior nonsense at their March event was the nail in the coffin for me.

I'm relating more to Microsoft's power user focussed, productivity world direction than Apple's dumb everything down and lock it down approach. Though for most people that's the way, and it's going to get more so. I did try the iOS only / mostly lifestyle and it's definitely possible but as a power user it's not doing myself justice. I'm only missing out on the joy of computing as we know it. It's great for my gf or mum who doesn't care about tech though, and they're most people.

Very happy for you, I am doing the opposite and getting deeper into the Apple ecosystem but have not left Android, will just balance between the two but make Apple the daily driver.

Sounds like you chose well in terms of your devices.

All the best! I’d definitely be interested in how you get on with this

The freedom you got on Android and Windows is amazing, they don’t integrate as well as iOS and MacOS to each other, but they both give so much freedom that you only need them to work with each other when they REALLY need to work together and they still do it well.

Samsung has a growing partnership with Microsoft, a lot of Microsoft apps are well optimized for Samsung phones.

I wish I didn't have that all in mentality for ecosystems, it kept me with Apple for years though but maybe I'll adapt.

Only person who can determine if the purchase was a mistake is you, OP.

Congrats on the new device!

True, I'll keep you all posted.

Good luck buddy! A lot of us in the Alternative section have a mixed bag of products together.
I use both a Xs Max and Pixel 3 XL along with a Macbook Pro and Windows machines.
If you have a lot of music and such in itunes and want to sync with you new S10 Plus...try iSyncr from the Playstore.
It will sync all of your music and playlists.

Good luck with your endeavor and write back and lets us know how you're getting along with your switch.

I've moved from Apple Music to Spotify lately thankfully!

Smart move OP. Android is one billion times better than iOS, especially stock Android like on a Pixel or OnePlus phone.

Windows 10 for a home computer / gaming rig is the best. Surface pro 4 is the best Tablet. And Android is the best smartphone.

I don't even understand anyone that would buy anything Apple, why? But hey that's just me, different strokes, for different folks.

I'm sure it's a personal thing, but my Android experience so far is positive!

 

[mjschabow]

My best advice to stay on Android is to start relying on Google Assistant as much as possible. To me, this is one of the biggest differentiators. For the last 3 months, I've used Android and iOS equally, and the one sticking point for Android is that the Google ecosystem truly makes daily life easier in a way that Apple hasn't.

 

[pika2000]

Tell me more about how you know about my life.. lol
...
I'm sure I missed a few. Coupled with my entire life and data on Apple's services, about 90GB of photos on iCloud Photo Library, calendars going back to 2010, contacts, iMovie projects... it was NOT easy moving over. I was as heavily invested in the ecosystem, and a huge fan of it as can be.

In fact, I'm struggling now because all my accounts used secure keychain passwords from iCloud and now that I'm free of Apple I have to reset every account as I need into it, and then on Windows and Android separately. It's a hassle, for now.

But OneDrive has been way more flexible and easy to use, not to mention more responsive than iCloud Drive ever was. So with every hurdle, there's a new found freedom it would seem.

I'm not bragging about how much I spent, I'm suggesting it was a bad thing... I also had licenses bought recently for Affinity software that I'm losing out on as it was Mac only that I'll have to buy again.

So, think about that.. I guess.

I don’t know about your life, thus it is more productive in an Apple forum site to actually share more about your circumstances than just repeating the tired narrative of “Apple sucks I’m switching” without further context nor process. I’m sure sharing what you actually did for your switch can be useful for others, like how you move your photos, what you do with your music collections, all the data, etc etc. so thank you for your willingness to share further.

 

[radiologyman]

Indeed, Android and Windows offer more choices and I am glad you found something that works great for you. I used Windows since 1995 and it did take me a while to learn MacOS. However, remember that old SJ mantra that products should be joy to use. Despite all the deserved criticism Apple was getting lately, it remains true for me and my family. Attention to user experience and level of integration between different Apple products is still unmatched.

 

[TheSkywalker77]

It was mind boggling having so many choices for a phone! At least with Apple it was XR or XS or XS Max. Though I went for the Samsung as for years now I always read about 'Apple v Samsung' suggesting to me that it's the brand that's up there with Apple and seems to be most relevant to Apple fans. So far so good!

True, if I was switching I'd look into Samsung or OnePlus. Both seems like great brands with a decent following.

 

[1050792]

I like windows quite a bit, especially windows pro. Not as much as macOS, but well enough. But android? No, never. Google is evil, and I’d never trust my digital life to them.

But you trust Microsoft who uploads your data automatically to their servers?

 

[pika2000]

True, if I was switching I'd look into Samsung or OnePlus. Both seems like great brands with a decent following.

Without the China trade war, the choices are a lot better and definitely more affordable. I mean who else can make a Snapdragon 855 phone for less than $400? (Xiaomi Redmi K20 Pro) Definitely gives the like of Samsung a run for their money.

But now with the trade war, I wouldn’t even recommend OnePlus as you will never know when Trump will add them to the list after Huawei. No guarantees. The choice, unfortunately, boils down to Samsung for a major brand. The rest are niches (Pixel), or secondary brands (LG, Nokia, etc). Not great for the wallet either...

 

[derekamoss]

My best advice to stay on Android is to start relying on Google Assistant as much as possible. To me, this is one of the biggest differentiators. For the last 3 months, I've used Android and iOS equally, and the one sticking point for Android is that the Google ecosystem truly makes daily life easier in a way that Apple hasn't.

I use Cortana on Android. Works better with Microsoft Launcher.

 

[smirking]

TL;DR. As long as you're happy with your change, congratulations.