Things you can't do on an iPhone

[KingslayerG5]

I also don't like that Safari or any other browser won't download a video or PDF file. Only can save photos. Not good enough.

I like iPhone "hardware" but its software that has been its Achilles heel. I was talking to my Mom today and she told me she is getting an 8 Plus and my younger bro (23) is getting the X. I told her, I don't give a ****. LOL. Just not into iOS' sandbox.

I was at the Apple Store on the X launch and twice after that. On Nov 10, I was ready to buy the iPhone X until I realized Control Center is garbage. Still no location toggle. The tethering from iOS is tricky and not as seamless as Android. My phones would lose connection to it if I'm far from it for awhile.

For me, it's all about WORK, WORK, WORK. If my iPhone doesn't work seamlessy with my WORK, then bye bye. The Dasher app is inferior on iOS than Android. The menus are a mess and the iOS' version calculates my weekly payment wrong. It starts Sunday when it should start counting on Monday.

"It just works" is just a lame mantra from iPhone users. Hasn't been that way for awhile now...

 

[convergent]

It looks to me like the threads intent is negative and some of the things listed aren't aspects of Android they're aspects of Samsung and Touch-wiz. This thread also reinforces on this board that Samsung = Android which isn't the case in the slightest. Of all the things listed none are deal breakers to me unless I needed to SSH from my phone, yet Samsung itself is a deal breaker to me. We lost MRU because of this spy vs spy stuff let's not lose anymore contributers because of it.

I started the thread... so how could you know my intent more than me? The intent was NOT negative. I have stated it now a couple of times. No one needs to bash anyone or anything to objectively point out things you can do on alternative devices to the iPhone. I'm interested in it, so that's why I posted the thread.

Its also not a thread about Android, its a thread about "alternatives" to the iPhone, which is the whole dang point of this whole sub forum. Some things might be Android, Samsung... anything that's not an iPhone is fair game.

 

[Michael Goff]

I also don't like that Safari or any other browser won't download a video or PDF file. Only can save photos. Not good enough.

I like iPhone "hardware" but its software that has been its Achilles heel. I was talking to my Mom today and she told me she is getting an 8 Plus and my younger bro (23) is getting the X. I told her, I don't give a ****. LOL. Just not into iOS' sandbox.

I was at the Apple Store on the X launch and twice after that. On Nov 10, I was ready to buy the iPhone X until I realized Control Center is garbage. Still no location toggle. The tethering from iOS is tricky and not as seamless as Android. My phones would lose connection to it if I'm far from it for awhile.

For me, it's all about WORK, WORK, WORK. If my iPhone doesn't work seamlessy with my WORK, then bye bye. The Dasher app is inferior on iOS than Android. The menus are a mess and the iOS' version calculates my weekly payment wrong. It starts Sunday when it should start counting on Monday.

"It just works" is just a lame mantra from iPhone users. Hasn't been that way for awhile now...

You sound like an extremely pleasant person.

By that, I mean the complete opposite.

 

[Tig Bitties]

I did not know that Safari will not download and save a PDF file from a website ? Is that true ?

 

[Zaft]

I did not know that Safari will not download and save a PDF file from a website ? Is that true ?

No its not, it can download and save a PDF fine.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

The problem is if when Samsung = Android people will think for example that pen input is part of Android when it's not so if I buy a nice LG/HTC/Moto I might expect pen input.
Samsung adds a lot to Android to differentiate it from the crowd that you'd not think that Touch-wiz is Android unless your told.

I disagree. Most users don't even know what vanilla Android looks like. They know what a Samsung, Motorola, LG, and etc, UI looks like and what features it has. I never heard of someone expecting the HTC U11 to have pen input cause it's an Android device. Marketing has made it very clear it's a Samsung Note feature.

Most if the OP's bullet points are Samsung specific functionality. This thread would be better titled the things my Note can do that iPhone and Android cannot.

To be fair, the OP only made 4 points, which half are Samsung and half are Android. And he did open saying he's using the Note 8.
[doublepost=1512419882][/doublepost]

I really like what Samsung does and offers, however, their devices are not for me. I'd constantly tinker with a Samsung device due to all the theming options and different settings that it would be way too overwhelming. But for those who appreciate that, a Samsung device is an excellent choice.

To each their own. I personally don't feel compelled to customize non stop because of robust options. But I will admit, I used to be that way. I guess I'm just set in my ways and know exactly how I want things to be with any platform I use.

 

[lowendlinux]

I disagree. Most users don't even know what vanilla Android looks like. They know what a Samsung, Motorola, LG, and etc, UI looks like and what features it has. I never heard of someone expecting the HTC U11 to have pen input cause it's an Android device. Marketing has made it very clear it's a Samsung Note feature.




To be fair, the OP only made 4 points, which half are Samsung and half are Android. And he did open saying he's using the Note 8.
[doublepost=1512419882][/doublepost]

To each their own. I personally don't feel compelled to customize non stop because of robust options. But I will admit, I used to be that way. I guess I'm just set in my ways and know exactly how I want things to be with any platform I use.

I agree that most users wouldn't know what stock Android looks like. Google releases reference Android every fall if the software you have isn't in reference it's not Android, Android can't take the credit for it nor the blame hence Samsung should not equal Android the same as my AOSP plus Pico GAPPS doesn't equal Android.

 

[Zaft]

I disagree. Most users don't even know what vanilla Android looks like. They know what a Samsung, Motorola, LG, and etc, UI looks like and what features it has. I never heard of someone expecting the HTC U11 to have pen input cause it's an Android device. Marketing has made it very clear it's a Samsung Note feature.




To be fair, the OP only made 4 points, which half are Samsung and half are Android. And he did open saying he's using the Note 8.
[doublepost=1512419882][/doublepost]

To each their own. I personally don't feel compelled to customize non stop because of robust options. But I will admit, I used to be that way. I guess I'm just set in my ways and know exactly how I want things to be with any platform I use.

I am basically the same. I used to have Android in the 2010 and 2011 years. Non stop customization.

Marriage and a kid kind of sucks a lot of time now lol.

 

[AustinIllini]

I am basically the same. I used to have Android in the 2010 and 2011 years. Non stop customization.

Marriage and a kid kind of sucks a lot of time now lol.

In fairness, 2010-2011 Android was such a terrible experience. Until ICS, Android was far behind iPhone. In fact, I would say Android didn't actually pull even with iOS until Lollipop, and would argue that Oreo is the first time Android pulled clearly ahead of iOS

It was crazy back then. Android Central guys would review phones using Nova Launcher, which is kind of ridiculous when you think about it.

 

[Zaft]

In fairness, 2010-2011 Android was such a terrible experience. Until ICS, Android was far behind iPhone. In fact, I would say Android didn't actually pull even with iOS until Lollipop, and would argue that Oreo is the first time Android pulled clearly ahead of iOS

It was crazy back then. Android Central guys would review phones using Nova Launcher, which is kind of ridiculous when you think about it.

It was not that bad for me because I enjoyed the tweaking and roms. I would say my favorite phone was the Droid X at the time.

 

[KingslayerG5]

I've said it for years that Android is superior to iOS as a multimedia player.

I have an app called Moon+ Reader. I used to go to bookzz.org to download e-books for free. Not only could the app recognize multiple e-book formats, it could recognize PDF files like magazine scans or horse racing past performances.

With iOS or any closed ecosystem, it can feel "disconnected" and divisive like you are marooned on a deserted island...

 

[convergent]

The problem is if when Samsung = Android people will think for example that pen input is part of Android when it's not so if I buy a nice LG/HTC/Moto I might expect pen input. Samsung adds a lot to Android to differentiate it from the crowd that you'd not think that Touch-wiz is Android unless your told. Most if the OP's bullet points are Samsung specific functionality. This thread would be better titled the things my Note can do that iPhone and Android cannot.

Every Android phone varies from one to another in some way. Samsung is part of the Android world. I'm not even running the Touch Wiz launcher. I didn't set out to list everything myself, I started with a few things on my mind... half Android and half Samsung specific... To get the ball rolling. Most of the posts have been contributing to the list.

And then there are a few folks that want to critique the thread title, my intent, etc.

The thread title is pretty clear... things you can't do on an iPhone.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

I am basically the same. I used to have Android in the 2010 and 2011 years. Non stop customization.

Marriage and a kid kind of sucks a lot of time now lol.

I would also add that nowadays there's less reason to customize like crazy, and customizing has become more streamlined/easier. Back in 2010-2011, there was a lot more manual manipulation and jumping hoops.

 

[JaySoul]

This is a great thread to remind me about half of the stuff I can do on Android but always forget to!!

 

[Radon87000]

What does Samsung have to do with anything? My favorite devices right now are the $50 Huawei Ascend XT2 and $85 2017 Amazon Fire HD10 32GB that was gifted to me. Still testing out Nvidia Shield TV and 2017 Amazon Fire TV stick but they're also potential favorites.

Back to the thread...

FM radio. Ideal for receiving emergency broadcasts.

Bigger battery with longer screen-on time plus idle time. Apple has a different approach of using smaller more profitable batteries and limiting background multitasking to 3 minutes to stretch out idle time but with poorer screen-on time.

I have to disagree. I own a $200 Moto G but the experience on it equals my iPhone 6 which is to say it’s not at all pleasant. They may be good phones for poorer countries but there is no way I would find them usable as my daily driver. The screen in particular is inferior. The battery lasts longer than the 6 but experience is not pleasant.

I don’t think the Kindle tablets are good either. The Galaxy Tabs are much better. But if Apple launches their $200 iPad it will wreck the competition because Android lacks good quality tablets in that range.

 

[bruinsrme]

It's funny this thread all of us Android people saying what we'd like to see in iOS to make the iPhone better and I'm a lifelong Android Nexus nerd but I'm actually thinking I'm getting an iPhone X maybe just to switch it up for a change.

But then not sure if one week later I would regret that decision?

Well Apple or even a carrier will double your uncertainty period and allow you to return it if not satisfied
[doublepost=1512477999][/doublepost]

This is a great thread to remind me about half of the stuff I can do on Android but always forget to!!

It is a good thread. Its helping me realize that the majority of the things listed I don't have a use for.

 

[Radon87000]

It's funny this thread all of us Android people saying what we'd like to see in iOS to make the iPhone better and I'm a lifelong Android Nexus nerd but I'm actually thinking I'm getting an iPhone X maybe just to switch it up for a change.

But then not sure if one week later I would regret that decision?

I think the best phone on the planet would be Samsung’s hardware and Google’s software optimisation. I played a short while with both Pixel 2 XL and iPhone X and it’s clear the Pixel software is on whole another level compared to iOS. This thing feels like iOS of the old days. Everything is fast and smooth. Not a single stutter anywhere in the OS and it actually feels light on its feet. While playing with the X I still spotted a couple of small stutters here and there. The X may have better hardware but the software polish is not as good as Pixel. It’s really too bad Google dropped the ball on the display. I really wanted to get one this year.

 

[maflynn]

This topic is funny.

Of course there are things the iPhone cannot do. Likewise there are tasks that the Samsung S8 cannot do. Isn't it more important to find a phone that works in a manner that you expect and want? One size does not fit all, and Android has its place, but its not perfect, far from it. The iPhone is not perfect either but many people like what it does, or are fully enmeshed in the ecosystem that it makes little sense to leave

People seem too focused on pointing out shortcomings and snickering at the competition, whether its the iPhone or an android phone.

 

[Zaft]

This topic is funny.

Of course there are things the iPhone cannot do. Likewise there are tasks that the Samsung S8 cannot do. Isn't it more important to find a phone that works in a manner that you expect and want? One size does not fit all, and Android has its place, but its not perfect, far from it. The iPhone is not perfect either but many people like what it does, or are fully enmeshed in the ecosystem that it makes little sense to leave

People seem too focused on pointing out shortcomings and snickering at the competition, whether its the iPhone or an android phone.

This is spot on. I dont get the people that say things like "I have no idea how X person deals with Y issues"

Well maybe for that person its NOT an issue, but is for YOU.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

This topic is funny.

Of course there are things the iPhone cannot do. Likewise there are tasks that the Samsung S8 cannot do. Isn't it more important to find a phone that works in a manner that you expect and want? One size does not fit all, and Android has its place, but its not perfect, far from it. The iPhone is not perfect either but many people like what it does, or are fully enmeshed in the ecosystem that it makes little sense to leave

People seem too focused on pointing out shortcomings and snickering at the competition, whether its the iPhone or an android phone.

Thing is .... The fact the there is no perfect device, is the exact reason to compare, and to point out shortcomings and pros in comparison to the other platform.

I've been using both iOS and Android almost since day one, so there's many things I like to see on both that the other platform has.

I think phrases like "get what's best for you" is asinine in a forum full of tech enthusiasts. That's best said towards average consumers.

 

[Puddled]

This topic is funny.

Of course there are things the iPhone cannot do. Likewise there are tasks that the Samsung S8 cannot do. Isn't it more important to find a phone that works in a manner that you expect and want? One size does not fit all, and Android has its place, but its not perfect, far from it. The iPhone is not perfect either but many people like what it does, or are fully enmeshed in the ecosystem that it makes little sense to leave

People seem too focused on pointing out shortcomings and snickering at the competition, whether its the iPhone or an android phone.

I think you all have trench fever from bickering about the two since forever lol.

I see this thread as a simple exploration of what one can and cannot do. It isn't a judgement on the results either, although it seems some posters are trying their best to make it that way.

Reminds me of the monty python sketch about arguments..

 

[mi7chy]

Don't know why people are so defensive about education and knowing more about what they buy. Blindly throwing a lot of money at something doesn't always get what you desire.

For example, I'm putting together a HTPC that plays all media types and if it wasn't for these type of discussions I would've made an expensive mistake buying a Nvidia GTX1060, 1070, 1070ti or 1080 when they lack VP9 4K HDR decode capability that a much less expensive GT1030, GTX1050 or GTX1050ti has.

 

[Zaft]

I think you all have trench fever from bickering about the two since forever lol.

I see this thread as a simple exploration of what one can and cannot do. It isn't a judgement on the results either, although it seems some posters are trying their best to make it that way.

Reminds me of the monty python sketch about arguments..

Its pretty much known what one does over the other.

Apple= Control, uniformity at the cost of choice and options.
Android= Open, choices at the cost of some security and or Polish.

 

[maflynn]

The fact the there is no perfect device, is the exact reason to compare, and to point out shortcomings and pros in comparison to the other platform.

Compare yes, but this thread is just a pissing match.

 

[widgeteer]

Compare yes, but this thread is just a pissing match.

If only iOS was Android...then they'd...buy it..? I don't know. The same folks who keep insisting they love having choices also keep insisting iOS needs to be identical to Android.

So weird!
[doublepost=1512485920][/doublepost]

Thing is .... The fact the there is no perfect device, is the exact reason to compare, and to point out shortcomings and pros in comparison to the other platform.

I've been using both iOS and Android almost since day one, so there's many things I like to see on both that the other platform has.

I think phrases like "get what's best for you" is asinine in a forum full of tech enthusiasts. That's best said towards average consumers.

This is incorrect. Tech enthusiasts are very particular about how they use their stuff and what they *need* to do, and how they want it to do it. In example: the top tier Android devices all pretty much perform the same functions, even adopting the same gimmicks. The V30 now mimics the Note's SPen capabilities just without the SPen, in example. However, tech enthusiasts will not approach the devices the same way. Some will prefer the TW UI, some will prefer the wide angle lens on the V30's camera to the Note's zoom. Stock Android on the 5T is not the same experience as the Pixel but it's still stock, but people will have their preferences. It is not objective fact that the Note 8 is better than the V30 and vice versa, same with the 5T and the Pixel, as two examples. Thus that is the definition of deciding between the two based on what works best for the individual.