Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
The iPhone from an Android Perspective
- Thread starter drinkingtea
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
sjsharksfan12
macrumors 68030
I would love to be a fly on the wall during the meeting where they all decided to make Liquid Glass the face of the entire ecosystem. I mean what was it about that design that they liked? What's the selling point. Granted there is some that I don't mind but overall it's not all that great. I just wanted to know why they went all in on it and called it innovation.
Abazigal
Contributor
Liquid Glass feels like it could the UI for a hypothetical pair of Smart Glasses.
The thing about Apple is that they often plan many years in advance, and certain moves which seem odd right now will make more sense in the future when viewed in totality and when you consider how Apple is potentially setting the foundation for future products.
Abazigal
Contributor
I didn't buy one, but I did get to play with it in the Apple Store and I really do like the look and feel of it.
There is absolutely a market for this iPhone pocket (it's sold out worldwide for a reason), just none of them are here in this forum. Nor should we confuse ourselves as somehow being representative of Apple's user base.
sjsharksfan12
macrumors 68030
So I should expect a future WWDC to tell me the big reveal/twist/conclusion of the Liquid Glass era? That's all well and good, but it would have been nice to have an option to switch it off. Once you upgrade to 26, you can't go back, and you are basically stuck with what Apple tells you. One of the nice things about Android is you do have options and you can change the home screen to the way that you as the consumer likes. You're not stuck with one thing or another. With apple, the phrase "no going back" really does apply.
Last edited:
Abazigal
Contributor
Yeah, that's the one thing about Apple products / UI that can be quite polarising. They aim for product experience (or at least their interpretation thereof) at the sacrifice of user choice. If their idea of what you want in a product matches yours, then it's full of secret magic and delight. And if not, then it can be full of frustration, like jogging through quicksand.
Back when I decided to go all-in on the Apple ecosystem, I made up my mind to simply just embrace whatever they came out with. I will say that by and large, I am still better off, but I also acknowledge it's not for everyone (some of my best friends swear by Samsung phones, and they make their disdain of Apple known every change they get). 😛
mjschabow
macrumors 603
Welp, a lot of people said I couldn't do it, but I am nearing 1 full year of only using Android. My favorite was the guy that got so pissed that I returned the Pixel after a day, haha!
A couple of notes and observations:
- It would actually be tough to switch back to IOS, mostly because I use Chrome for so much. It's my main browser for work, so much like people love using Safari on their Macs and integrating it with their iPhone, I do the same with Chrome, although I will say that Handoff or whatever the **** it's called on Apple is pretty sick compared to what Chrome can do.
- One pro and con to Android is that there are so many options. While I've settled on the Z Fold series, I find myself still kind of wanting the S26 Ultra, and then sometimes wanting to try a OnePlus or Pixel. iPhones are a lot easier to just buy and don't worry about upgrading every year.
- Samsung is allllllmmmmost there when it comes to accessories/ecosystem. I have the Watch Ultra and Buds Pro 3 and they're good, but the Apple Watch Ultra and AirPod Pros are just a smidge better. I've definitely noticed battery deterioration on my Ultra and there's a bug that I always have that anytime I get done charging it, AOD doesn't work and I have to toggle it off and on multiple times. The gap used to be way bigger between Samsung and Apple though.
- Music is a big thing for me, and I've really come to like and appreciate YouTube Music. Apple Music is still better with Library management though.
- I hate to say it, but even a year later, I still get the itch to switch to iPhone more than I thought I would. I don't know if it's because I was with Apple for so long, but I really thought the itch would wear off by now. It's frustrating! I think the next year will be interesting. I definitely like the Foldable world, and now that Apple is entering the ring, that might make things tough for me. Plus, with Gemini powering Siri, that closed the AI gap. And my son is almost at the age where it's time to get a phone, and Apple does have superior Family parental controls. Lots of decisions to be made this year for sure!
A couple of notes and observations:
- It would actually be tough to switch back to IOS, mostly because I use Chrome for so much. It's my main browser for work, so much like people love using Safari on their Macs and integrating it with their iPhone, I do the same with Chrome, although I will say that Handoff or whatever the **** it's called on Apple is pretty sick compared to what Chrome can do.
- One pro and con to Android is that there are so many options. While I've settled on the Z Fold series, I find myself still kind of wanting the S26 Ultra, and then sometimes wanting to try a OnePlus or Pixel. iPhones are a lot easier to just buy and don't worry about upgrading every year.
- Samsung is allllllmmmmost there when it comes to accessories/ecosystem. I have the Watch Ultra and Buds Pro 3 and they're good, but the Apple Watch Ultra and AirPod Pros are just a smidge better. I've definitely noticed battery deterioration on my Ultra and there's a bug that I always have that anytime I get done charging it, AOD doesn't work and I have to toggle it off and on multiple times. The gap used to be way bigger between Samsung and Apple though.
- Music is a big thing for me, and I've really come to like and appreciate YouTube Music. Apple Music is still better with Library management though.
- I hate to say it, but even a year later, I still get the itch to switch to iPhone more than I thought I would. I don't know if it's because I was with Apple for so long, but I really thought the itch would wear off by now. It's frustrating! I think the next year will be interesting. I definitely like the Foldable world, and now that Apple is entering the ring, that might make things tough for me. Plus, with Gemini powering Siri, that closed the AI gap. And my son is almost at the age where it's time to get a phone, and Apple does have superior Family parental controls. Lots of decisions to be made this year for sure!
aggie99
macrumors 65816
Such an attention whore lol
Just kidding my friend. I didn't think you'd make it either. And to be quite honest, if I was limited to one device, it would be a real struggle for me too. I do love the polish of iOS and just how much better it is for me as a communications device, especially with most of my family and friends being iPhone users. I find Android to be better as a productivity and multitasking device. The Fold7 is a powerhouse and has been running on my work line since I got it. As for camera, most times I actually prefer the 17 Pro Max, but there are some instances where the S25 Ultra completely outclasses it. I tend to use it on vacations, while the 17 PM is my everyday personal device.
I've come to really like iOS 26. If you have extensive history with both operating systems, there will be things about each you miss when you decide on just one. With the Gemini addition to Siri, iOS will be pretty complete for the things I need. I'll likely buy the Apple foldable when it arrives and keep the Fold7 on my work line for the time being. I'm all in on foldables but I'll keep my S25U and 17PM around for the cameras. Might try a Pixel again, but I skipped the 10 series due to the Tensor lagging behind the Snapdragon 8 Elite and Apple processors.
mjschabow
macrumors 603
ME! ME! ME! Haha.
Yeah I'm actually somewhat surprised I made it so long. And you're right, Apple has taken some steps after a really embarrassing couple of years to improve on some things that were really holding them back.
Cameras are so tough. Looooooove my Z Fold 7 and the 200mp really helps take some amazing pics. I think I also do prefer the iPhone's camera system, but I would for sure now pair it with Google Photos as their editing tools are so great. That S25 Ultra camera was so great too. When I took it on vacation last year, people thought we had hired a professional photographer for the family/maternity pics we took. One drawback that I still have is that my 7 month old moves all the time so she's blurry in about 70% of the pics.
I too would have a hard time being on a single platform or device. Hell, I even have that problem on the personal computer side, as well as with operating systems on PC hardware.
Do I travel with my Pixel phone, and my Linux laptop. Do I travel with my iPhone and Windows laptop, or do I travel with my Pixel phone and iPad...
I think being spoiled with choice is a neat thing!
Do I travel with my Pixel phone, and my Linux laptop. Do I travel with my iPhone and Windows laptop, or do I travel with my Pixel phone and iPad...
I think being spoiled with choice is a neat thing!
aggie99
macrumors 65816
Its a hell of a dilemma. I love iOS and Android. However, the Trifold is making it to where I almost want to just carry one device and leave everything else at home. I still like to keep two phones, with one being on my work line and one personal, so I have left the iPhone on my work line. The only thing it really is missing is flagship level cameras. The cameras aren't bad by any stretch but I found myself using my iPhone 17PM and S25U more when I was in Hawaii last week. Heck I have even been able to use it in lieu of my laptop by using Splashtop to remotely access my PC at my office. I have a little bluetooth keyboard with track pad that works great and it *almost* replaces my laptop.
@aggie99 I am in a similar but different delema. I ordered a Nothing phone as a leap of faith as I personally would like to try another flavor of Android with an underdog brand (at least here in the US). Being spoiled for choice in options for Midrange devices, I found the Nothing 4a Pro compelling as it isn't a device from Samsung nor Google, but overall received well for what it is.
The desktop options on the Android side are a pro level that Apple 100% lacks at this point in time. The MacBook Neo has demonstrated that the A-Series processors can support a 2nd external monitor, true multi-tasking with windows and desktop class applications. Sadly Apple 100% restricts any ability for us to do that, which (IMHO) dilutes iOS devices (outside of Pro level iPads ) to being amateur hour devices not worthy of their "pro" title.
If I can run a smooth / stable desktop experience on a (limited and slow) Pixel 8 Pro using low RAM and a greatly inferior Tensor Processor, there is --500000% x Zero= reason a modern iOS device can't have the same or better experience.
IMO Any current Apple "pro" phone is actually a "prosumer" or "hobbiest" device at best.
The desktop options on the Android side are a pro level that Apple 100% lacks at this point in time. The MacBook Neo has demonstrated that the A-Series processors can support a 2nd external monitor, true multi-tasking with windows and desktop class applications. Sadly Apple 100% restricts any ability for us to do that, which (IMHO) dilutes iOS devices (outside of Pro level iPads ) to being amateur hour devices not worthy of their "pro" title.
If I can run a smooth / stable desktop experience on a (limited and slow) Pixel 8 Pro using low RAM and a greatly inferior Tensor Processor, there is --500000% x Zero= reason a modern iOS device can't have the same or better experience.
IMO Any current Apple "pro" phone is actually a "prosumer" or "hobbiest" device at best.
Luftkopf
macrumors 65816
Aside from being able to say you can do it, is there much actual point to it? If I want to sit down at a keyboard and monitor, it's because I want to use something other than mobile apps. You're not going to run AutoCAD on an Android!
(I'm genuinely asking, not having a go)
Steve Adams
macrumors 68000
Actually I am very excited about Dex. I don't need AutoCAD so don't care. I do creative work, productivity work and things like that. If Dex can do that why purchase another device when your phone can do it all? Plug into a dock, have a large monitor, keyboard, mouse, storage etc. Want to have a laptop experience get the 229 lapdock.
Luftkopf
macrumors 65816
But you're still using phone apps, right? That's been one of the big criticisms of the iPad. What's the point of the extra space if you're still just using phone apps?
Steve Adams
macrumors 68000
because in Android, apps scale. Most are the same as they are on desktop except for specialized software. The lightweight nature of the 14 inch nextdock for the phone is a great idea. I would have the nextdock, phone and dock at home and be able to do 99 maybe 100 percent of the stuff I do currently on my pcs.
jamezr
macrumors P6
I had the Motorola Atrix at one point. Samsung should do something like this...
Imagine being able to carry just one device that also could be your everyday computer as well.
Luftkopf
macrumors 65816
I don't know. Maybe Android and its apps are made out of magic, but it seems to me to be more like an iPad that you can only really use if you have a spare screen and keyboard, otherwise its just your phone.
Maybe I just don't have the imagination to think of any scenarios that could be useful to me.
Technerd108
macrumors 68040
Good luck.
Using Android as a full operating system sucks. It is worse than Chrome OS which at least has a non mobile browser which I don't know how you get around?
Personally the idea of one device powering multiple dumb terminals basically is actually a cool idea but we aren't there just yet.
If anything could pull this off it is Apple. Neo is the perfect evidence since an iPhone SOC is running MacOS. It is obvious then that you could theoretically use an iPhone in a MacBook like terminal and run MacOS from your phone. Maybe one day this will be how we do things but for now using a mobile OS as a full desktop OS just doesn't work functionally.
I think there are a phone that runs Linux? Something like that if it were powerful enough would work to run multiple hardware?
Steve Adams
macrumors 68000
You can use the desktop versions of browsers on Android. But hey...to each their own. Apple would NEVER do it as it cuts device sales. That's why my iPad will never run MacOS. Apple is all about devices sales. Something to cut out a device sale, they will never do.
Dex works great as far as I can tell. And again, depends on your work flow. For me, the only app that is missing right now is the Affinity suite. I need that for work that I do. Other than that I could use Dex without issue.
Steve Adams
macrumors 68000
Asus had the best implementation of this, but quality control wasnt there. Phone, tablet and 11 inch laptop.
SteveJUAE
macrumors 601
Not sure why you think The Neo is perfect evidence that Apple could pull this off Samsung and others were doing this 6 years back and have not considered taking it further and they don't have the hang-ups that Apple have.
What Apple have done with the Neo is bring the price point down in a nice case 🙂, I picked up my wife's Samsung Book S for $700 in August 2020 and she still uses it today.
Steve Adams
macrumors 68000
I am typing this using my Pixel 8 Pro via desktop mode plugged into my wife's dock in her office. All I can say is that once they get the font clearness fixed on this, it's a winner. I have tried, Onedrive, Word, Edge, Pinterest, Facebook, and more. It's all perfect. It's fast, and it's efficient.
For my wife, It's perfect for her desktop solution as we can access all our Microsoft 365 account stuff via android on our Pixels. I love this. It's a great feature to have.
For my wife, It's perfect for her desktop solution as we can access all our Microsoft 365 account stuff via android on our Pixels. I love this. It's a great feature to have.
I know I have triggered several responses of how dare you! For me, the Neo is nothing more than a 12.9" iPad Air with a physical keyboard attached. I prefer to call the MacBook Neo, the MacBook No. 🥳
eltoslightfoot
macrumors 68040
It does seem like an inordinate amount of users are replacing iPads with the Macbook Neo--sorry Macbook No. 😉