The iPhone from an Android Perspective

[The-Real-Deal82]

First off I asked the person who bought an iPhone from Canada to use in the USA if they bought Apple Care.

I never asked the merits of AppleCare. I am well aware of what it is and the cost.

I never asked for your opinion and you are giving examples that really only pertain to you.

Not everyone is in your unique position.

Maybe try not to give advice to those who didn't ask for it and don't need it and don't fit into your unique position.

Personally I would not buy a phone for use inside my country from another country from an ebay seller. I would want Apple Care if I paid a $300 premium on top of retail price. Specifically in this type of situation.

But that is me. I never asked for anyone else or tried to say the poster should not have done what they did. A sim card is really important and I get it. If I could buy an iPhone 14 here in the USA with a sim card I would. One of the reasons I am not buying an iPhone 14 is exactly for this reason.

But thanks for explaining to me why I don't need Apple Care and why I would have more to spend if I didn't use it. Very helpful comments that I could never figure out on my own.

I am glad my comments were helpful to you. It is a forum after all and we are free to respond to whatever is posted. Glad I could help .

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

That's what I do. I've never lost a phone or had one stolen but I've dropped it many times. It has only cracked my tempered glass screens, not the phone screen.
I have only had 1 phone that I had to replace the actual screen and i didn't have a tempered glass protector on that one.

First things they get is a case and glass protector.

I feel if they will fail, it will happen early or in that period I can exchange it from Google.
And I'm not real picky. My fingerprint sensor sux but it isnt a big enough deal to get an exchange.

Same here, I am happy to just take the risk. If it happens, it happens, I am insured either way. Like you I have broken quite a few tempered glass screen protectors over the years as I drop my phone far more often than I should. Never smashed a phone though touch wood. This approach far outweighs buying an additional £199 insurance policy where I’d have to then pay an additional £99 to make a claim. A very expensive way of insuring a phone yet so many on this site swear by it which boggles my mind.

 

[Technerd108]

I am glad my comments were helpful to you. It is a forum after all and we are free to respond to whatever is posted. Glad I could help .

Yes I bow down to your extreme wisdom and intelligence. 🤯

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Yes I bow down to your extreme wisdom and intelligence.

No need to go overboard mate, a thank you was sufficient. A bit of advice, on a public forum you do not get to pick and choose who answers your questions and gives their opinion, it’s open to all members. I was polite to you. Thanks.

 

[Technerd108]

I am glad my comments were helpful to you. It is a forum after all and we are free to respond to whatever is posted. Glad I could help .

No need to go overboard mate, a thank you was sufficient. A bit of advice, on a public forum you do not get to pick and choose who answers your questions and gives their opinion, it’s open to all members. I was polite to you. Thanks.

Not trying to be anything but polite. I am sorry if you took what I said that way. Maybe it was my incorrect perception of what you said. My apologies.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[dk001]

Good question as I have considered buying a Xiaomi phone before and the only thing I've found is,.....I have T Mobile and the phones don't have all the same mobile bands that T Mobile use in USA so I wasn't sure it would work the same or as well.
So I was hesitant but would consider it again if someone has done this and it was a non issue.

Drop onto Mint Mobile and you can get a good indicator on whether it will work on TMo or not (they use TMo system).
Sone that with a few phones - some yes, others no.

 

[The Game 161]

No, I have home contents insurance and insurance through my bank that covers mobile phones. Most people who own their own homes have accidental damage and loss insurance on such items. Apples very expensive insurance policy that is nearly as expensive as it costs me to insurance my house up to £500k, is nothing but an additional fee on what are already very expensive gadgets. No thanks.

I also have a good case on my phone and have never smashed one in 20 years.

same boat

I have home insurance as well. Was like 7.99 a month that covers all my devices and everything in the home.

I've always seen apple care as nothing but a rip off personally and never needed it.

 

[tbayrgs]

same boat

I have home insurance as well. Was like 7.99 a month that covers all my devices and everything in the home.

I've always seen apple care as nothing but a rip off personally and never needed it.

Home owners insurance in the US doesn’t typically cover accidental damage of mobile devices unless it’s caused by damage to the actual home itself (ie. fire, flooding, etc). Also, most home owners insurance deductibles are higher than the cost of the device anyways.

 

[mclld]

I took my phone to ubreakfixit for a warranty repair and they had a brochure for an Asurion insurance for all devices in the house, can’t remember how much it was. It was for everything, appliances, electronics etc

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Home owners insurance in the US doesn’t typically cover accidental damage of mobile devices unless it’s caused by damage to the actual home itself (ie. fire, flooding, etc). Also, most home owners insurance deductibles are higher than the cost of the device anyways.

Sounds like you get a raw deal compared to us then. Adding mobile phone and other devices to home insurance for accidental damage has been a standard in my country for more than a decade.

 

[SteveJUAE]

Sounds like you get a raw deal compared to us then. Adding mobile phone and other devices to home insurance for accidental damage has been a standard in my country for more than a decade.

Yep in UK if you got your home insurance through your bank or mortgage supplier it was normally a free inclusion

I never got AC and consider myself several $1000 better off for it, YMMV

You have to play both a short and long game with it

Short game 1 year is a repair costing say $500 has cost you say ~$100 more than if you had AC

Long game 3 or years more with no incidents your already past break even point even for a total loss

Its the same game in principle but reversed the insurance companies use, Of course some unlucky owners have multiple incidents but they are the minority and that's the odds and where the profits come from for these policies

 

[Technerd108]

Yep in UK if you got your home insurance through your bank or mortgage supplier it was normally a free inclusion

I never got AC and consider myself several $1000 better off for it, YMMV

You have to play both a short and long game with it

Short game 1 year is a repair costing say $500 has cost you say ~$100 more than if you had AC

Long game 3 or years more with no incidents your already past break even point even for a total loss

Its the same game in principle but reversed the insurance companies use, Of course some unlucky owners have multiple incidents but they are the minority and that's the odds and where the profits come from for these policies

Obviously insurance is a bet and most of the time the insurance company wins otherwise they would not be in business.

However I think it is rather arrogant to assume everyone owns a home or has home owners or renters insurance and even if they do most of the time they will not cover a lost or stolen phone if it happens away from the property. They don't cover accidental breakage but fire, or someone stealing your property. When you do make a claim often times that will trigger your rates to go up.

So the price of Apple Care is better coverage in the instances I mentioned assuming that a person even has homeowners or renters insurance and doesn't just rent an apartment or home.

If you think that accidental coverage for your phone is too expensive or not worth it then of course don't buy it. You can keep the $7.99 a month and save it for a new device.

But the problem with that logic is luck is never guaranteed and when things happen they can happen more than once and I'm close succession.

You could lose your phone and then when you get a new one you could drop it and crack the screen within days of each other then you would need to buy two phones in a short time. Whereas if you would have had apple care you could have gotten a new iPhone and it repaired for much less than the cost of two phones and if something else happens you are still covered.

Of course all of this is just a gamble and role of the dice.

Then on top of accidental breakage or loss due to misplacement or stealing there is hardware failure after the warranty ends. It is rare on iPhones but it does happen which is another factor at play.

So the idea that Apple Care is not worth it or not needed is true until you do need it and then of you don't have it, it is too late. So what is the dice you roll? Considering the cost of the type of phones I buy insurance is cheap compared to a replacement or major repair.

But I am not here and never once said that it is something people should buy. Each person needs to evaluate their own risk benefit analysis and make the best decision for them and I get irritated by people who act like they know what is best and like there way of doing things is not only right but best for everyone else.

 

[dk001]

Obviously insurance is a bet and most of the time the insurance company wins otherwise they would not be in business.

However I think it is rather arrogant to assume everyone owns a home or has home owners or renters insurance and even if they do most of the time they will not cover a lost or stolen phone if it happens away from the property. They don't cover accidental breakage but fire, or someone stealing your property. When you do make a claim often times that will trigger your rates to go up.

So the price of Apple Care is better coverage in the instances I mentioned assuming that a person even has homeowners or renters insurance and doesn't just rent an apartment or home.

If you think that accidental coverage for your phone is too expensive or not worth it then of course don't buy it. You can keep the $7.99 a month and save it for a new device.

But the problem with that logic is luck is never guaranteed and when things happen they can happen more than once and I'm close succession.

You could lose your phone and then when you get a new one you could drop it and crack the screen within days of each other then you would need to buy two phones in a short time. Whereas if you would have had apple care you could have gotten a new iPhone and it repaired for much less than the cost of two phones and if something else happens you are still covered.

Of course all of this is just a gamble and role of the dice.

Then on top of accidental breakage or loss due to misplacement or stealing there is hardware failure after the warranty ends. It is rare on iPhones but it does happen which is another factor at play.

So the idea that Apple Care is not worth it or not needed is true until you do need it and then of you don't have it, it is too late. So what is the dice you roll? Considering the cost of the type of phones I buy insurance is cheap compared to a replacement or major repair.

But I am not here and never once said that it is something people should buy. Each person needs to evaluate their own risk benefit analysis and make the best decision for them and I get irritated by people who act like they know what is best and like there way of doing things is not only right but best for everyone else.

It’s a gamble.
Getting AC and don’t need it vs Getting AC and needing it - loss vs win.
Not getting AC and not needing it vs Not getting AC and having to pay for repairs - win vs loss.

Personally not a big fan of AC - over time as long as you can afford the infrequent repair issue, AC is a loss.

 

[Technerd108]

It’s a gamble.
Getting AC and don’t need it vs Getting AC and needing it - loss vs win.
Not getting AC and not needing it vs Not getting AC and having to pay for repairs - win vs loss.

Personally not a big fan of AC - over time as long as you can afford the infrequent repair issue, AC is a loss.

Completely understand your point and agree with what you said although my perspective is different.

 

[SteveJUAE]

Obviously insurance is a bet and most of the time the insurance company wins otherwise they would not be in business.

However I think it is rather arrogant to assume everyone owns a home or has home owners or renters insurance and even if they do most of the time they will not cover a lost or stolen phone if it happens away from the property. They don't cover accidental breakage but fire, or someone stealing your property. When you do make a claim often times that will trigger your rates to go up.

So the price of Apple Care is better coverage in the instances I mentioned assuming that a person even has homeowners or renters insurance and doesn't just rent an apartment or home.

If you think that accidental coverage for your phone is too expensive or not worth it then of course don't buy it. You can keep the $7.99 a month and save it for a new device.

But the problem with that logic is luck is never guaranteed and when things happen they can happen more than once and I'm close succession.

You could lose your phone and then when you get a new one you could drop it and crack the screen within days of each other then you would need to buy two phones in a short time. Whereas if you would have had apple care you could have gotten a new iPhone and it repaired for much less than the cost of two phones and if something else happens you are still covered.

Of course all of this is just a gamble and role of the dice.

Then on top of accidental breakage or loss due to misplacement or stealing there is hardware failure after the warranty ends. It is rare on iPhones but it does happen which is another factor at play.

So the idea that Apple Care is not worth it or not needed is true until you do need it and then of you don't have it, it is too late. So what is the dice you roll? Considering the cost of the type of phones I buy insurance is cheap compared to a replacement or major repair.

But I am not here and never once said that it is something people should buy. Each person needs to evaluate their own risk benefit analysis and make the best decision for them and I get irritated by people who act like they know what is best and like there way of doing things is not only right but best for everyone else.

Its equally arrogant to assume the Apple services and coverage is equal throughout the world, it simply is not many have to revert to alternatives if they want coverage or service. You cannot buy US AC+ and apply it outside to a non US purchased phone

As it happens although I had free coverage from the UK it was useless to me as I have lived and worked overseas for over 20 years and coverage is UK based only

I do not dare count how many Iphones Macs and Ipads I have bought my 3 children and wife over the last 15-20 years or more. Thankfully my eldest's are in there 30's now buy their own and the youngest in her 20's is on Android who I gifted a spare Flip 4 we had

As I noted YMMV but we have had 0 losses, damage only 1 back glass that cost $20 to replace and I consider I am $1000's of dollars better off with no AC

These forums are littered with reports of users that have had warranty claims refused under AC, they must be doubly peeved along with those class actions was the only resort

AC your either an in or an out and I am an outee

 

[drinkingtea]

That iOS update was ... lol. At least we're finally getting interactive widgets for iOS.

 

[aggie99]

That iOS update was ... lol. At least we're finally getting interactive widgets for iOS.

Yea, one of the least exciting iOS updates I can recall.

 

[Tig Bitties]

LOL iOS 17. "Where the beef" ?

This update seems like a big nothing burger.

No wonder why I've stayed with stock Android and Nexus / Pixel phones for years. iOS just seems so outdated and good quality update seem to happen at a snail space once every three to five years.

Where's the theme engine already? Or the most basic simplest thing. Let me move and place an app icon anywhere I please on the home screen. Pure and sanity. That's still a thing in iOS.

 

[dk001]

With a foot in both worlds, I am seeing nada that improves my collaborative use case.

 

[ananniamul]

A thread to discuss all things iPhone between Android users and others. Since we’re in the Android section of an Apple forum, we should be more inclined to appreciate the benefits of both Android and Apple without attacking either platform or users. Let’s keep the discussion intelligent and positive.

You know, at the end of the day, it completely depends on the users perspective and choice.

 

[seabreeze02]

so I'm trying to decide which phone to get next. I have a macbook air for computer but with the price mac - I'm not sure I would go with mac again even tho that's all I have EVER had and I'm 62 years old! I'm just used to it but.... with inflation on everything, I might go with a PC when my macbook air is finished. Going to be a hard decision tho. But for phone - I've always had androids but seems like everyone around me has iphones now. My main concern is a good camera, good video - easy to use with great quality. I go to Keith Urban concerts and I want GREAT video quality. Right now I have a galaxy A52 and no complaints but just wondering if the iphones have better camera quality? I have googled and read that androids have better quality. I can't do any face time on my android but I have never needed it. IF I end up with a PC laptop, I hear using an iphone to transfer pics and videos is a nightmare. I found a way to do it using my android onto a Mac by just using dropbox with a USB cable. Very easy. I don't ever plan on an iwatch (or whatever they call it). My phone battery lasts me a long time. I see others with iphones at the concerts and they seem to have a portable charger with them. which makes me wonder if their phone goes dead fast doing videos?? Thanks for any input and advice.....

 

[Technerd108]

This is a tough question to answer.

So you have always had a Mac and are considering a PC due to cost but have an Android phone. A Samsung a52?

Interesting. You said a lot of friends and family have iPhone?

I think it boils down to a few things. A decent PC laptop is going to cost you minimum $800-$1000. That is with a 13th gen Intel, decent resolution touch screen, 512gb ssd and 16gb ram. Coming from a Mac you would hate anything less, specifically in regards to screen.

Samsung makes their own Galaxy Book series laptops with OLED screen but they are expensive.

If you want something newer and don't care about Samsung name I would suggest,

ASUS Zenbook 14X 14.5" 2.8K OLED Touch Laptop Intel Evo Platform i7-13700H 16GB Memory 512GB SSD Inkwell Gray Q420VA-EVO.I7512 - Best Buy

Shop ASUS Zenbook 14X 14.5" 2.8K OLED Touch Laptop Intel Evo Platform i7-13700H 16GB Memory 512GB SSD Inkwell Gray at Best Buy. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. Price Match Guarantee.

www.bestbuy.com

If you don't mind a 12th gen Intel which is still very close to 13th gen and would like Samsung, good specs all around and something that would communicate with the phone you have I would suggest this but screen may not be perfect.

Best Buy: Samsung Galaxy Book2 360 13.3" AMOLED Touch Screen Laptop Intel 12th Gen Core i7 Evo Platform 16GB Memory 512GB SSD Graphite NP730QED-KA1US

Shop Samsung Galaxy Book2 360 13.3" AMOLED Touch Screen Laptop Intel 12th Gen Core i7 Evo Platform 16GB Memory 512GB SSD Graphite at Best Buy. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. Price Match Guarantee.

www.bestbuy.com

If you want a up to date Galaxy book with a much better screen,

Galaxy Book4, 15.6", Intel® Core™ 7, 512GB, Silver | Samsung US

www.samsung.com

Samsung laptops are expensive but very well designed, very light like an air but powerful and have software that allows a Apple like connection between your PC and phone.

The Asus would be my personal choice based on cost and features. You can still link your phone using the windows link my phone app.

Alternatively the Apple route might make more sense because Windows is going to be a learning curve. It might be fun to learn a new way to do things and I bet you have used Windows before but Windows 11 is a lot different than Windows in the past.

You don't have to replace your air, assuming it is Intel based with another air.

Best Buy: MacBook Pro 14" Laptop Apple M1 Pro chip 16GB Memory 512GB SSD Space Gray MKGP3LL/A

Shop MacBook Pro 14" Laptop Apple M1 Pro chip 16GB Memory 512GB SSD Space Gray at Best Buy. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. Price Match Guarantee.

www.bestbuy.com

You can find deals on M1 MBP 14" base model for around $1600 all over places like Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, etc.

You can get a new air base for $1099 or a nicely configured model for the same price as the M1 Pro 14".

So the cost is similar to a Windows laptop depending what you are willing to spend and want.

If you get another Mac it would probably make sense to get an iPhone but they are expensive. The iPhone 15 is going to release soon and it will have USB c which might make life a little easier.

I think they will start at $800 and up.

So if you got the cheapest iPhone at say $799 and a $1600 MacBook then you are looking at around $2400.

Alternatively you can get a base model M2 air for $1099 and base model iPhone at $800 and you are just under $2k.

Or you could get a $799 base model M1 air and iPhone for $1600.

A lot of money no matter how you slice it.

If you got a Pixel 7a you can find them around $450 and you could get the Asus at $1000 and spend around $1500.

If you are going to upgrade the phone and your laptop you are going to spend a significant amount of money no matter what.

Pixel 8 is just around the corner or you could get a Samsung Galaxy s23 and those are often discounted and trade in deals on Samsung website might be good.

In fact you could buy a new laptop Galaxy book 3 and s23/plus or ultra with trade in on your phone probably around just under 2k.

So all of those numbers are high. You can time things and buy in stages as well. November Samsung has better sales. Right now and November would be the best time to buy Samsung.

I think the better question to ask is how do you use your phone and laptop? Is it a pain to communicate with friends and family with your a52? Would life be easier if you just had all Apple devices? Do you need super powerful or can you get away with base model? Can you get a deal on a carrier for an iPhone? Can you sell your current Mac on a website like Swappa and get a few hundred to put towards a new Mac? Could you do the same with your phone?

The only way I can afford new tech is by selling my old stuff. I wait for a sale on something I like new and buy as low as I can then I sell private like Swappa or ebay on my old stuff. Then I don't ever pay full price.

If you time what you buy right and sell what you have it might make a new Mac and iPhone more affordable.

Personally from what you have said I would stay with a Mac. I would not buy an M1 base air but either an M2 base model air on sale or a BTO with 16gb ram and 512gb ssd, maybe 256 ssd is enough? Then you are paying around $1300 for a new MBA with considerably better performance, battery life, screen, etc and it could be offset a few hundred with your old Mac bringing you close to the cost of the Asus. You could then buy an iphone 14 most likely discounted or through a carrier promotion for little money since the 15 is coming out or wait for the 15 and get a promotion then. That way you would be able to increase your ease of communication with friends and family and with your Mac. Everything will work better together and should last a long time if you get a newer Mac and iPhone.

If you just look at price you might get tempted to go a cheaper route but it might be a worse decision in the long run. Considering that buying a laptop and phone is a long term investment since you don't seem like a yearly upgrade person then consider the cost of ownership rather than initial expense. What is going to make your life easier and be more enjoyable to use over the years you own it not just upfront costs.

Apple is more expensive and sometimes it can be prohibitively so. But Apple products generally last longer and provide an overall better experience especially when the people around you also own Apple products.

In terms of your direct questions generally iPhone will have superior camera and video quality unless we are talking a Pixel phone. Unless you are going to buy a iPhone 15 Pro Max you won't get any decent zoom but for video and general shots iPhones are all excellent. A Pixel 7 Pro would be my recommendation right now for best overall camera. Your Galaxy is okay but not a great camera. So I think you would be better off with a iPhone. But if you want to stay Android then I highly recommend looking at Pixel phone. Even the 7a would be better than your Galaxy.

Of course if you don't care about keeping a Mac or upgrading it then I would not recommend an iPhone. The choice of computer makes a big difference in the choice of phone. If you are going to keep an Android phone then it might be good to consider a PC.

What I would highly recommend is you go to a retailer where you can look at a PC and see how it works, the weight, build quality, etc. Go to a retailer where you can test out a M2 MBA, maybe an M1 MBP and see how they work and feel. Same with an iPhone. Same with the S23 series or Pixel phones. That is really the only way you are going to get a good idea of what you want. If the money is worth it and so on.

Cost is a huge deal but don't buy something just because it is cheaper or has better "specs" buy based on what will work best for how you use your devices. After a month or so how will you feel? No matter what it is going to cost you to buy new stuff. You may as well be happy with your choice and it will be something you enjoy to use.

The new M2 MBA is a really nice laptop and not having to deal with fans and vents on a laptop is a really nice thing. It is fast and lasts a long time on battery. Conversely the 14" M1 MBP is still very fast, has a great screen and speakers and has decent battery life. Compared to any Intel Mac m series Macs are a lot better. Thin and light or heavy and powerful? Better screen and speakers or more portable and easy to use anywhere? I personally think the M2 MBA has a great screen and speakers but some people really prefer the MBP 14/16".

Take your time and evaluate your options. I am sure you will figure out what will be best.

 

[seabreeze02]

Wow, that was a long post!! So, the phone is actually more important to me than the laptop. As far as what i want out of each. I really do like traveling with my mac book air because it is so light. I've gone cheap before on things and you basically get what you pay for. I went cheap on my phone which is a Galaxy A52. And it's ok but glitchy sometimes and photos/videos are just ok. Sometimes things come out blurry.
So when you say I might not be happy with the PC screen vs. mac screen, what do you mean? Size or what??

My husband is the main person I talk to usually on my phone and if I get an iphone, it wouldn't matter with his because he's OLD school and refuses to get a smart phone so he has a flip phone that is pretty darn basic!!
But all my other friends have iphones and so I can't face time which I would like to do. I have read that you have more of a variety of apps with android vs iphone. The only app I really use ALL the time is a color by numbers and I'm sure an iphone would accept it. The app is called happy color.
I use nord VPN on my devices and I see that apple plays with it well.
I have it on my laptop.
I"m fine with my macbook air (2017) for now. I don't need to ugrade it yet. I just downloaded it to Monterey. So I hope to get at least 2 more years out of it.
I did not know that the quality PC's were that pricey. I had someone at Costco tell me that I could pay 1/2 the price from what mac's are but he could have been talking about CHEAP and would it really be worth it in the end?? probably not.
right now my main concern is phone. And if I stick with Mac computers, it would make more sense to maybe go with an iphone.
I know there are a lot of people that have samsungs but I have never ran into one.
I bought a really nice long cord for my car phone charger at verizon and it wasn't cheap. But for some reason, I just really like it but I'm sure it probably wouldn't work on on iphone correct? Are samsung ports different from iphones? It's not a make it break it deal but it's a NICE one. I've had it for a couple of years now.
I just take LOTS of pictures and video of the concerts I always go to. Next one is in Nov. This last one, I felt like my phone was NOT up to par. It was out of focus half the time and I wanted to get some really nice action shots. My camera phone now has a delay going on. Which is frustrating!!!!
Like I said, "these past few samsungs have been glitchy." And my carrier has NO idea how to fix these issues.
One of them was actually recalled.
this one can sometimes overheat as well. Which doesn't make me very comfortable. Usually when I'm in the car with google maps looking for a place. Once it got so hot, the screen went black and it at least didn't catch on fire or anything - it just went dark/blank.

 

[Technerd108]

Wow, that was a long post!! So, the phone is actually more important to me than the laptop. As far as what i want out of each. I really do like traveling with my mac book air because it is so light. I've gone cheap before on things and you basically get what you pay for. I went cheap on my phone which is a Galaxy A52. And it's ok but glitchy sometimes and photos/videos are just ok. Sometimes things come out blurry.
So when you say I might not be happy with the PC screen vs. mac screen, what do you mean? Size or what??

My husband is the main person I talk to usually on my phone and if I get an iphone, it wouldn't matter with his because he's OLD school and refuses to get a smart phone so he has a flip phone that is pretty darn basic!!
But all my other friends have iphones and so I can't face time which I would like to do. I have read that you have more of a variety of apps with android vs iphone. The only app I really use ALL the time is a color by numbers and I'm sure an iphone would accept it. The app is called happy color.
I use nord VPN on my devices and I see that apple plays with it well.
I have it on my laptop.
I"m fine with my macbook air (2017) for now. I don't need to ugrade it yet. I just downloaded it to Monterey. So I hope to get at least 2 more years out of it.
I did not know that the quality PC's were that pricey. I had someone at Costco tell me that I could pay 1/2 the price from what mac's are but he could have been talking about CHEAP and would it really be worth it in the end?? probably not.
right now my main concern is phone. And if I stick with Mac computers, it would make more sense to maybe go with an iphone.
I know there are a lot of people that have samsungs but I have never ran into one.
I bought a really nice long cord for my car phone charger at verizon and it wasn't cheap. But for some reason, I just really like it but I'm sure it probably wouldn't work on on iphone correct? Are samsung ports different from iphones? It's not a make it break it deal but it's a NICE one. I've had it for a couple of years now.
I just take LOTS of pictures and video of the concerts I always go to. Next one is in Nov. This last one, I felt like my phone was NOT up to par. It was out of focus half the time and I wanted to get some really nice action shots. My camera phone now has a delay going on. Which is frustrating!!!!
Like I said, "these past few samsungs have been glitchy." And my carrier has NO idea how to fix these issues.
One of them was actually recalled.
this one can sometimes overheat as well. Which doesn't make me very comfortable. Usually when I'm in the car with google maps looking for a place. Once it got so hot, the screen went black and it at least didn't catch on fire or anything - it just went dark/blank.

Mac screens have been retina for years now which means they have a higher resolution than a lot of PC's at 1080p whereas retina is around 2k or about twice the resolution of 1080p. That means you would see the screen looking pixelated on fonts. The color accuracy of Mac screens and color temperature is very good and a lot of PC's have poor color accuracy or low brightness. Now don't get me wrong there are a ton of PC laptops with excellent screens but generally they are not at the low or mid end of the spectrum. Some laptops like the Asus Zenbook line tend to buck that with Mid range priced laptops with high brightness OLED screens with 2k or better resolution. So on a Mac you don't really need to think about it. Even a MacBook air will have a really good color gamut and high resolution screen.

In terms of phones, since I am older and have used really cheap budget phones, mid range phones and expensive phones I have learned over the years that going mid range (with a few exceptions) or lower is just not worth it. I use my phone a lot every day. I want a really good screen and I don't want it glitching or getting slow when I really need it to work. What you are describing is mid range specs. You can get a decent mid range phone but I think it is worth paying more to have a better experience.

iPhones have a lightning port which would not be compatible with the usb c port on your a52 for charging or connecting to your car. One of the reasons I suggested waiting for an iPhone 15 is it will have usb C port for charging and data transfer. Considering what you have said about the camera it is a common issue on Samsung phones. If your husband still uses a flip phone (OMG) Lol then it doesn't matter what phone you buy in terms of connecting with others.

I would recommend you either get a Google Pixel or an iPhone. Both will have a new release around fall. The cameras on either would be a huge upgrade and not suffer from the photo lag you describe. If you like Android then I would highly recommend a Pixel. I personally would wait for the 8 but if you want to keep in the mid range pricing the 7a is a fantastic phone with the same chip as the more expensive Pixel line. It has a similar camera system to the Pixel 7. It is a cleaner interface than Samsung. BUT if you want a slightly better phone the iPhone 15 would be an excellent choice and last you a long time. iPhones tend to be longer supported than Android phones. Camera system on regular iPhones are great for the type of shots you are trying to get. Battery life is generally good. iPhone 15 will have usb c so any chargers you have for your Samsung will work on the iPhone. If you get an iPhone 14 or lower they all use lightning ports which is completely different.

So to sum up. If you think you are going to continue buying Macs even a couple years from now then it might make more sense to get an iPhone. Wait until the release of the iPhone 15 in a couple months. I would buy it unlocked so you can use any carrier if that matters otherwise I am sure a lot of carriers will have sales and promotions on the iPhone so it may not cost you that much to upgrade. At least I think it is worth trying something different. See how everything works. You will have at least a 14 day return period. Use it for 10 days and see how you like it. Then if you don't return it and try a Pixel.

Hope my extremely long posts help. I can't help, I write too much. Lol

 

[seabreeze02]

People always complain about me writing LONG posts but I always do. I'm a talker. So only a couple more months of the iphone15? I need one by Nov. So that would work. I don't want to cheap out on my phone and I totally forgot about the macs and retina! And I guess I really never knew what that even meant. Since I've only had macs, I have nothing to compare to but I do like my mac laptop and husband has a desktop. And yes, it's funny that he still has a flip phone!!! Surprisingly, it takes really GOOD pictures when we're out riding the horses. Stills. People always comment and say - "this is off your flip phone??"
But I would like the compatibility port so I think I will wait for the iphone 15 to come out and go with that. And stay with mac laptops as well.
I still feel that macs are more "secure" and most people with PC's will argue that point.
I"ve never been hacked and they've tried! I fell into an email I got about norton lifelock which I've never had ever. He was trying to get me to type in something to let into my terminal!! I finally got super uncomfortable and hung up and cleared out my cache and history but my terminal kept writing back, FAILED. So he was NOT able to hack into my mac computer!
I actually called norton lifelock directly and got the same out of the country rep. who tried to get me to allow him access to my terminal. Hung up on him as well.
But the one tried to keep me on the phone so that he could gain access and he never did.
OK. so I'll wait for the iphone 15 - sounds like a good choice for me. Thanks for all your help - you were very helpful!!!