The iPhone from an Android Perspective

[Aneres11]

Very nice write up.
I would do the same vs Pixel 6 Pro, but I’m struggling with anything the iPhone does better other than the battery. Which is very good and welcome vs Google’s efforts which is shoddy.

Glad you also noticed how bad the haptic keyboard is. It’s laughably bad, but really shouldn’t be given how good iPhones haptics are generally.

I also am not a huge fan of the keyboard and the prediction / auto correct. It’s absolutely miles behind android. I’ve just typed AKSO instead of also, and it just underlined it in red. Erm, I think it should be obvious what I was trying to type…! Just annoying.

One other thing that’s niggling me is the size of the phone makes it difficult to navigate. I generally don’t love big devices but have used the Pixel 6 Pro all year and due to it being thinner and not as wide it makes it so much easier to use with one hand. This is a brick in comparison. I probably should have gone non Max, but it makes no odds given that I’ll 99% be returning this and going all in on a Pixel 7 Pro. Being able to swipe back from either side on Android also makes it easier to use one handed. No such luck here.

I should have known that this was always ever going to be just another iPhone for me. But it’s been almost two years since I’ve been on iOS so thought I’d dip my toe back in given the new camera and some QoL features being added. But it’s just more of the same.
If anything, it’s just made me even more excited for the Pixel 7. Roll on October. 😁

 

[Aneres11]

One thing i forgot to add… the Lock Screen music player is absolutely stunning. Aesthetically just 👌🏻. And being able to flip between full screen album artwork or your AoD is also really nice.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

Very nice write up.
I would do the same vs Pixel 6 Pro, but I’m struggling with anything the iPhone does better other than the battery. Which is very good and welcome vs Google’s efforts which is shoddy.

Glad you also noticed how bad the haptic keyboard is. It’s laughably bad, but really shouldn’t be given how good iPhones haptics are generally.

I also am not a huge fan of the keyboard and the prediction / auto correct. It’s absolutely miles behind android. I’ve just typed AKSO instead of also, and it just underlined it in red. Erm, I think it should be obvious what I was trying to type…! Just annoying.

One other thing that’s niggling me is the size of the phone makes it difficult to navigate. I generally don’t love big devices but have used the Pixel 6 Pro all year and due to it being thinner and not as wide it makes it so much easier to use with one hand. This is a brick in comparison. I probably should have gone non Max, but it makes no odds given that I’ll 99% be returning this and going all in on a Pixel 7 Pro. Being able to swipe back from either side on Android also makes it easier to use one handed. No such luck here.

I should have known that this was always ever going to be just another iPhone for me. But it’s been almost two years since I’ve been on iOS so thought I’d dip my toe back in given the new camera and some QoL features being added. But it’s just more of the same.
If anything, it’s just made me even more excited for the Pixel 7. Roll on October. 😁

If I was only carrying one phone. Then the S22 Ultra would be my choice. And Yes, the gesture on either side to go back is a major plus. I thought about adding that in, but didn't want my post to be too much about iOS vs Android.

 

[vhl71]

Very nice write up.
I would do the same vs Pixel 6 Pro, but I’m struggling with anything the iPhone does better other than the battery. Which is very good and welcome vs Google’s efforts which is shoddy.

Glad you also noticed how bad the haptic keyboard is. It’s laughably bad, but really shouldn’t be given how good iPhones haptics are generally.

I also am not a huge fan of the keyboard and the prediction / auto correct. It’s absolutely miles behind android. I’ve just typed AKSO instead of also, and it just underlined it in red. Erm, I think it should be obvious what I was trying to type…! Just annoying.

I’m in the similar situation. Had Pixel 6 for a year and bought the iPhone 14 pro yesterday. Like how beautiful the phone looks. Picture quality is a must for me but I still find pixel pictures better then iPhone.
I thought I’m not into big phones never bought any large phones. But I feel iPhone is too small now that I’ve used pixel for a year.

Don’t like the AOD implementation on iPhone either. Prefer pixel . I may return the iPhone and get the pixel 7

 

[Blue Quark]

Yesterday, I traded in my trusty Samsung S20 Ultra for an S22 Ultra.

In most respects, one would probably not notice a difference. The main reason I did the upgrade is I got such a good deal that I couldn't pass it up. As this also involved a repeated mis-quote by a Samsung / Best Buy rep, I won't go into the particulars, since they're not relevant for anyone else. Just suffice it to say I had all but $100 of my original purchase price rolled into the S22 Ultra.

@LIVEFRMNYC up-thread commented on Apple's ecosystem. Well, here's the deal: it's really only useful if it's what you want to use, and it rapidly devolves into a set of handcuffs and a shotgun pointed at your head if you don't. I don't.

Over a period of years, I developed and refined an organizational system for my apps which you cannot replicate in iOS. I have a ton of self-produced sound files (and some from prior phones) which I use to do custom ringtones and specific notification sounds and even alarm sounds. So far as I know, none of that is possible within iOS. There's the AOSP, not that I use it (though I have when I had much older phones) and there is no equivalent for iOS. Apple can do anything they like, and your options are: 1. Accept it; or 2. Leave. And I guess while I have an issue all of these things, it's the last one I have the biggest problem with.

The one downside to using an Android-based phone is if you don't want anything to do with Google, or at least if you want to try and minimize your footprint, it's difficult. That's one thing that is nice about iOS: you can absolutely avoid Google if you want.

Anyhow, as I said, I really am enjoying the S22 Ultra.

 

[Heat_Fan89]

I decided to cancel my iPhone 14 Pro Max order. I wouldn’t be able to deal with that massive camera hump on the back. It is getting to the point that it’s becoming absolutely ridiculous. What happens when you lay the phone down? Let me guess, it wobbles. Since we still have a choice between Sim and eSim, I am staying with a physical Sim for now.

 

[ian87w]

The one downside to using an Android-based phone is if you don't want anything to do with Google, or at least if you want to try and minimize your footprint, it's difficult.

It's possible. For a Samsung phone, you can solely use a Samsung+Microsoft account and download apps from Samsung's app store, and use Microsoft services for productivity, cloud, email, etc. Android allows users to set many default apps so you can definitely go non-Google (use other apps for browsers, email, etc). Obviously you cannot get away with the core Google Play services inside Android itself, but on the surface, you can definitely minimize the Google footprint.

 

[SteveJUAE]

It's possible. For a Samsung phone, you can solely use a Samsung+Microsoft account and download apps from Samsung's app store, and use Microsoft services for productivity, cloud, email, etc. Android allows users to set many default apps so you can definitely go non-Google (use other apps for browsers, email, etc). Obviously you cannot get away with the core Google Play services inside Android itself, but on the surface, you can definitely minimize the Google footprint.

You can even download apps apk's independently and avoid the Google play store if you so wish

 

[Bkdodger]

Less cost in repairs finally for Apple

 

[SteveJUAE]

Less cost in repairs finally for Apple

On some models ? Pro Max ?

 

[Heat_Fan89]

On some models ? Pro Max ?

IIRC, it's both non Pro models. It appears the Pro models still open from the front.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/ifixit-shares-iphone-14-teardown-praises-new-design-with-easily-removable-display-and-back-glass.2360624/

 

[SteveJUAE]

IIRC, it's both non Pro models. It appears the Pro models still open from the front.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/ifixit-shares-iphone-14-teardown-praises-new-design-with-easily-removable-display-and-back-glass.2360624/

Thks, so both most expensive and popular models still cost over $500 to replace rear glass

 

[Bkdodger]

Thanks .. Yes not the Pros

 

[Aneres11]

Had my sim solidly in the 14 Pro Max for over a week now.
I’ve really grown to like this phone!
Way more than my initial impressions anyway.

The Dynamic island is pretty cool, and I love it for cooking and baking when I have to set a timer which is something I do multiple times a day. It’s just handy.
The AOD is still a bit puzzling, but I often just leave it on the album artwork I’m playing at that time. I still love how album artwork is portrayed on the AoD. It looks stunning.

The camera is treating me a lot better now I’m shooting in RAW. You can really tell the difference when the lens is shooting in 48mp. It isn’t solving the issue of highlights being completely overblown, and I still prefer the Pixel's output, but I am way more satisfied than initial shots on auto mode which looked just as uninspiring as previous iPhones I’ve owned.

I’m in a bit of a predicament as I have loved my Pixel 6 Pro the last 11 months and would happily take a 7 Pro but wanted to jump back to iPhone to see how it treated me. And I’m enjoying it a lot now I’ve settled with it.

I definitely won’t be buying and using both the iPhone and Pixel as that’s just ridiculous (for me). I have no use for two phones. I think I’m going to pick up a 7 Pro and trade in my 6 Pro to reduce the cost and make a decision when I have both in front me.

I don’t love the size and weight of the 14 PM, though. I toyed with swapping for a regular Pro, but I like having a bigger screen though do wish iPhones were slimmer. They’re so wide it’s uncomfortable.

Also, silver this year is so good. Definitely glad I went with that colour.

 

[aggie99]

Had my sim solidly in the 14 Pro Max for over a week now.
I’ve really grown to like this phone!
Way more than my initial impressions anyway.

The Dynamic island is pretty cool, and I love it for cooking and baking when I have to set a timer which is something I do multiple times a day. It’s just handy.
The AOD is still a bit puzzling, but I often just leave it on the album artwork I’m playing at that time. I still love how album artwork is portrayed on the AoD. It looks stunning.

The camera is treating me a lot better now I’m shooting in RAW. You can really tell the difference when the lens is shooting in 48mp. It isn’t solving the issue of highlights being completely overblown, and I still prefer the Pixel's output, but I am way more satisfied than initial shots on auto mode which looked just as uninspiring as previous iPhones I’ve owned.

I’m in a bit of a predicament as I have loved my Pixel 6 Pro the last 11 months and would happily take a 7 Pro but wanted to jump back to iPhone to see how it treated me. And I’m enjoying it a lot now I’ve settled with it.

I definitely won’t be buying and using both the iPhone and Pixel as that’s just ridiculous (for me). I have no use for two phones. I think I’m going to pick up a 7 Pro and trade in my 6 Pro to reduce the cost and make a decision when I have both in front me.

I don’t love the size and weight of the 14 PM, though. I toyed with swapping for a regular Pro, but I like having a bigger screen though do wish iPhones were slimmer. They’re so wide it’s uncomfortable.

Also, silver this year is so good. Definitely glad I went with that colour.

I just got mine yesterday and I got sucked in and ordered a Watch Ultra yesterday morning before all the Apple stores ran out. I'm pleasantly surprised how much like the 14 PM. I didn't think I'd care about dynamic island. Still hate the name. But I see so much potential. When the sports scores work with it I will absolutely love it. Camera so far is top notch. Right there with the pixel and S22U. We will see if it keeps me off the Z Fold4. Surprisingly the devices I'm most impressed with are the Watch Ultra and Airpods Pro 2. As much as I like the Watch 5 Pro (that D buckle band rocks) the watch Ultra is freaking impressive. Took the new Airpods Pro and watch Ultra on my run this morning before heading out for the kids sports games and really enjoyed both.

All that said the Z Fold 4 isn't going anywhere. Still my favorite piece of technology.

 

[Aneres11]

I just got mine yesterday and I got sucked in and ordered a Watch Ultra yesterday morning before all the Apple stores ran out. I'm pleasantly surprised how much like the 14 PM. I didn't think I'd care about dynamic island. Still hate the name. But I see so much potential. When the sports scores work with it I will absolutely love it. Camera so far is top notch. Right there with the pixel and S22U. We will see if it keeps me off the Z Fold4. Surprisingly the devices I'm most impressed with are the Watch Ultra and Airpods Pro 2. As much as I like the Watch 5 Pro (that D buckle band rocks) the watch Ultra is freaking impressive. Took the new Airpods Pro and watch Ultra on my run this morning before heading out for the kids sports games and really enjoyed both.

All that said the Z Fold 4 isn't going anywhere. Still my favorite piece of technology.

Yeah I’m surprised the new AirPods are so much of an upgrade from what I’m reading. Perfectly happy with my OG AirPods Pro, though. There’s plenty of life left in them and I prefer my Sony headphones for indoor listening.

The Watch Ultra is lol. The amount of people I’ve seen in the Apple section posting pics of it on their tiny wrists is comical. It looks ridiculous on a lot of people but it’s new so they must have it.
I have a series 3 which I haven’t even bothered charging since moving back to iPhone. I just don’t like the watch. Pointless for me.

I just need to decide on a case if I’m keeping it. Thinking the Succulent silicone.

 

[Heat_Fan89]

I know this may sound silly to some but one other thing that keeps giving me pause about buying an iPhone for the 1st time is that they are everywhere. I like to be different and I feel using a Google Pixel device sets me apart from the rest. That's just a side point but the real point is Google's Call Screener and I just find Chrome works better and is more compliant and compatible with websites I go to than Safari. Then I also find GMaps as the gold standard.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

I just got mine yesterday and I got sucked in and ordered a Watch Ultra yesterday morning before all the Apple stores ran out. I'm pleasantly surprised how much like the 14 PM. I didn't think I'd care about dynamic island. Still hate the name. But I see so much potential. When the sports scores work with it I will absolutely love it. Camera so far is top notch. Right there with the pixel and S22U. We will see if it keeps me off the Z Fold4. Surprisingly the devices I'm most impressed with are the Watch Ultra and Airpods Pro 2. As much as I like the Watch 5 Pro (that D buckle band rocks) the watch Ultra is freaking impressive. Took the new Airpods Pro and watch Ultra on my run this morning before heading out for the kids sports games and really enjoyed both.

All that said the Z Fold 4 isn't going anywhere. Still my favorite piece of technology.

I'm actually more impressive with the AW Ultra than the 14PM. I really like this watch, and the battery life is holding up very well so far. Between owning the AW Ultra and the Watch 5 Pro, I don't think I would go for another watch that's not titanium.

Because I'm using my main line on Apple now. I think I might trade in my S22U for the Flip next year, for it's compactness. I've already experienced the Fold 2 & 3, but not the Flip yet. Hopefully the Flip is next for the much needed camera improvements next year.

 

[jamezr]

I'm actually more impressive with the AW Ultra than the 14PM. I really like this watch, and the battery life is holding up very well so far. Between owning the AW Ultra and the Watch 5 Pro, I don't think I would go for another watch that's not titanium.

Because I'm using my main line on Apple now. I think I might trade in my S22U for the Flip next year, for it's compactness. I've already experienced the Fold 2 & 3, but not the Flip yet. Hopefully the Flip is next for the much needed camera improvements next year.

I am really enjoying the AW Ultra. A lot more than I fought I would. I have the AW 7 as well and thought the Ultra would be too big. But it actually feels better on my wrist than the AW 7.

 

[SteveJUAE]

I know this may sound silly to some but one other thing that keeps giving me pause about buying an iPhone for the 1st time is that they are everywhere. I like to be different and I feel using a Google Pixel device sets me apart from the rest. That's just a side point but the real point is Google's Call Screener and I just find Chrome works better and is more compliant and compatible with websites I go to than Safari. Then I also find GMaps as the gold standard.

I do not think its silly especially when it comes to more personal items like a watch.

The AW success is also it's downside IMO for a personal item especially given it's lack of custom watch faces just makes it less appealing, especially for evening wear. There is little or none exclusivity with AW

My wife certainly only uses her SW4 for daytime/casual use. I had the TAG smartwatch for 2 years to be different, but gifted it to my son as charging it got on my wick in the tropics as it used pins, not wireless, so sweat made them play up.

I like the tech of the AW Ultra (and most smart watches) but its just a slab on small wrists and charging ~$3-400 on AW for SS and now Titanium case is a rip off compared to the Ali versions of AW. You can get fake clones of most high-end watches for $150-250 that takes experts to spot and that's a whole watch, not just a machined case . This is Apple using the designer watch exclusivity mark-up but actually given you zip.

I have several rectangular mechanical watches (Cartier/Longlines) but the AW somehow is far from classic by comparison. I am also miffed at Samsung from dropping the rotating bezel as that is true functionality over the AW fiddly rotating crown

 

[aggie99]

Yeah I’m surprised the new AirPods are so much of an upgrade from what I’m reading. Perfectly happy with my OG AirPods Pro, though. There’s plenty of life left in them and I prefer my Sony headphones for indoor listening.

The Watch Ultra is lol. The amount of people I’ve seen in the Apple section posting pics of it on their tiny wrists is comical. It looks ridiculous on a lot of people but it’s new so they must have it.
I have a series 3 which I haven’t even bothered charging since moving back to iPhone. I just don’t like the watch. Pointless for me.

I just need to decide on a case if I’m keeping it. Thinking the Succulent silicone.

Fits perfect on my big ole wrist 😂 Also took the band from my Nike series 7 and put on it. The bands that come with the watch Ultra are hideous.

 

[Aneres11]

Fits perfect on my big ole wrist 😂 Also took the band from my Nike series 7 and put on it. The bands that come with the watch Ultra are hideous.
View attachment 2079632

You have a good wrist for it 😂👌🏻

 

[The Game 161]

apple watch has always been my favourite product. loving the ultra so far. battery life is still good and the bigger display is a nice improvement.

 

[Bkdodger]

I don't have a big wrist but I don't care. I've always liked big watches... I have a few of those Invicta large thick watches lol... Definitely eyeballing the ultra. I'm going to hold off a little bit but probably before the end of the year pick one up...

 

[jamezr]

apple watch has always been my favourite product. loving the ultra so far. battery life is still good and the bigger display is a nice improvement.

Battery life on the ultra has been terrific. Didn’t charge it yesterday and I’m at 72%.