Top 10 reasons for buying an iPhone vs Android/Samsung

[Surf Donkey]

Hey, don't lump Android in with those bloated Samsung carrier devices. Nexus and most all other OEMs don't have the following issues:

1) Updates - iPhone owners get updates almost as soon as the new OS is released. Samsung has already abandoned its Galaxy S5 or Tab S2 (Lollipop)
2) Security - You can simply off notifications, location but you can't do that for all applications on Samsung devices.
4) Functions - I can't even use my Tab S2 for Samsung Pay because it is stuck at Lollipop!
6) Bloatware
7) Service - Apple Care is just amazing. Any cracks in the phone, any dents, call AppleCare and no questions asked. I get them fixed. Samsung refuses to repair my cracked S7 screen (no fault of mine) bought in April
10) Product Line - Apple has only 5 types and 3 sizes of iPhone in its store. Samsung has A-Z smartphones and I can't differentiate one from the other.

 

[waitandwait]

Hey, don't lump Android in with those bloated Samsung carrier devices. Nexus and most all other OEMs don't have the following issues:

1) Updates - iPhone owners get updates almost as soon as the new OS is released. Samsung has already abandoned its Galaxy S5 or Tab S2 (Lollipop)
2) Security - You can simply off notifications, location but you can't do that for all applications on Samsung devices.
4) Functions - I can't even use my Tab S2 for Samsung Pay because it is stuck at Lollipop!
6) Bloatware
7) Service - Apple Care is just amazing. Any cracks in the phone, any dents, call AppleCare and no questions asked. I get them fixed. Samsung refuses to repair my cracked S7 screen (no fault of mine) bought in April
10) Product Line - Apple has only 5 types and 3 sizes of iPhone in its store. Samsung has A-Z smartphones and I can't differentiate one from the other.

Probably not Nexus ONLY. But try Huawei, Xiaomi, Sony Xperia... I thought their latest phones were updated to Marshmallow but they are stuck at Lollipop eg Redmi Note 3 . Some of these phones are getting more expensive, Mi5 at US$500, Z5P at US$550, etc. No updates were released as they just want you to get the new phones.

My Redmi Note 3 has a 3GB RAM but it mysteriously runs 2GB of it on background apps which notifications I cannot close (Lollipop). I cannot use Android Pay on Redmi Note 3 too and their care service is NON EXISTENT. Same for my Meizu Pro 5 and Xperia Z5 premium.

 

[Surf Donkey]

Probably not Nexus ONLY. But try Huawei, Xiaomi, Sony Xperia... I thought their latest phones were updated to Marshmallow but they are stuck at Lollipop eg Redmi Note 3 . Some of these phones are getting more expensive, Mi5 at US$500, Z5P at US$550, etc. No updates were released as they just want you to get the new phones.

My Redmi Note 3 has a 3GB RAM but it mysteriously runs 2GB of it on background apps which notifications I cannot close (Lollipop). I cannot use Android Pay on Redmi Note 3 too and their care service is NON EXISTENT. Same for my Meizu Pro 5 and Xperia Z5 premium.

Oh I totally agree, some of the low cost phones are coming out with Lollipop STILL in 2016. Including a couple Samsung phones. Unacceptable, but some people don't care about updates.

I didn't mean to say all other OEMs.... more like a handful of OEMs. And Android users who care about updates should support them.

 

[se1000]

I don't see why I should be waiting for 4-6 months after Android release for a security patch on bugs especially Samsung cost more than some iPhones these days

I hate to be that guy, but my S7 received it's April and May security patches before my Nexus 5x did.

 

[waitandwait]

I hate to be that guy, but my S7 received it's April and May security patches before my Nexus 5x did.

Too bad, Samsung fanboys disagree with you: http://www.sammobile.com/2015/06/16/samsungs-software-update-policy-is-seriously-messed-up/

 

[se1000]

Too bad, Samsung fanboys disagree with you: http://www.sammobile.com/2015/06/16/samsungs-software-update-policy-is-seriously-messed-up/

What? What I stated was fact. There's nothing to disagree about.

 

[Surf Donkey]

Too bad, Samsung fanboys disagree with you: http://www.sammobile.com/2015/06/16/samsungs-software-update-policy-is-seriously-messed-up/

I like to hate on Samsung every chance I get, but that article is a year ago. Prior to monthly security updates in Marshmallow. Samsung has been very good about getting these out to users, they always have them in their source code soon after Google puts them out in AOSP. Carriers have been OK (tmo the best) about getting them out too.

Nexus security updates start shipping the first Tuesday of every month. But Google does this in batches, it can sometimes take a couple weeks. Carriers seem to push them all out at once basically.

 

[se1000]

Look like I said, none of this REALLY matters. If you like your phone, whether it be Android or Apple, enjoy it. Focus on it's strengths, work around it's shortcomings. There is no one device that's perfect for all. Not sure why people feel the need to try and convince someone else they should switch phones.

 

[Surf Donkey]

Look like I said, none of this REALLY matters.

True but then we would have to talk about poverty, war, finances, Brexit and other actual parts of reality. I'd prefer to just debate stuff that doesn't matter.

 

[The Game 161]

Look like I said, none of this REALLY matters. If you like your phone, whether it be Android or Apple, enjoy it. Focus on it's strengths, work around it's shortcomings. There is no one device that's perfect for all. Not sure why people feel the need to try and convince someone else they should switch phones.

That's the bottom line really. It's what suits your needs at the end of the day.

If people picked their phone based off what other people have over the years android phones wouldn't get any business and Apple was the place to be in terms of phones but android has provided some amazing choices.

 

[waitandwait]

I like to hate on Samsung every chance I get, but that article is a year ago. Prior to monthly security updates in Marshmallow. Samsung has been very good about getting these out to users, they always have them in their source code soon after Google puts them out in AOSP. Carriers have been OK (tmo the best) about getting them out too.

Nexus security updates start shipping the first Tuesday of every month. But Google does this in batches, it can sometimes take a couple weeks. Carriers seem to push them all out at once basically.

What? What I stated was fact. There's nothing to disagree about.

I live in Singapore and I don't get these updates from my carriers. It's easily to find articles about "slow Samsung updates" http://www.gottabemobile.com/2016/06/08/samsung-galaxy-marshmallow-problems/

I know. I am just ranting. I really love Samsung cameras and I want SS to be constantly competing with iPhones so that iPhones will constantly innovate and improve.

But the main idea is Samsung never deserves its premium price because of its lackadaisical efforts in improving its service, usability, updates, customer care and bloated range etc. Their slow updates, atrocious customer and return service is not new. Why can't they just work something on it? And I don't want to hold a premium priced phone (S7) which looks similar to cheaper models J5 or A7 bearing the same SS logo.

Well I am still an idiot who buys and collects every iPhone and Galaxy S models. But I want to work more out of SS-S phones but I can't. So I rant.

 

[sdwaltz]

I read the thread with interest. Only because Apple (IOS) is stale and I'm tired of it. Just not sold on Android......yet.

I felt the same way you did two years ago. I made the switch and it was a mistake.

I bought a Galaxy Note 3, and it was the biggest piece of crap phone I have ever used in my entire life. I purchased it because a buddy of mine had one and I was simply enamored with the huge screen (this was when iPhones still had the 4" screen), and I do like to tinker and customize.

It worked well for like, 3 months. Then after that, it gradually got slower...and slower...and slower. Then the errors started to happen. The keyboard would freeze constantly, the phone restarted on its own once or twice a day, and overall the phone went to crap. The interface simply isn't as fluid. Customization is nice on a PC, but on a phone, I just want something speedy that will work. I went back to iPhone after having the Galaxy Note 3 for maybe 6 months. I will never make that mistake again.

Yes, iOS is getting stale, but it still beats the tar out of the alternatives.

 

[timeconsumer]

No, I have both samsung and iphones. Samsung phones are just good for photo taking. No Samsung Pay for Tab S2 and Note 5 because they are not updated with Marshmallow. Samsung also blatantly mentions the Tab S2 is not compatible. Meanwhile, I can still using Apple Pay with my iPhone 5.

How do you have Apple Pay working on an iPhone 5? I thought it required an iPhone 6 or later.

http://www.apple.com/apple-pay/

U guys miss the point and all your points aren't factual or will eventually be "copied" by Apple. But my 10 points WILL NEVER EVER BE adopted by Android or Samsung unless they change their entire company's operations.

1) Android updates will always be slow;
2) Functionality of the Android phones will always be outdated after 2 years;
3) Security of Android will always be compromised by cheap apps;
4) iPhone always maintains its value after a year. Not a Nexus or Samsung which discounts its S5 by 30% after 3 months
5) AppleCare is already MILES ahead of Samsung Care
6) AppleStore makes is easier to change to a new phone. How am i supposed to seek help for bricked Nexus? Fly to London?
7) Show me ONE speed test video online that an Apple Flagship loses to its fellow Samsung phones. Just show ONE. You will never find it because there isn't.
8) Apple makes its own iOS macOS tvOS and they have closed ecosystem. Is Samsung or Xiaomi ever going to make its own ecosystem of applications?
9) Bloatware - i use whatever Homekit, iBooks, iTunes, etc. But do you use ur Tmobile or AT&T apps?
10) Come on. You mean you can differentiate all 31 phone devices and 25 tablets released by Samsung in 2015? Don't kid me.


etc etc etc

Who buys a Nexus?

1- Yes, Android updates generally are slower, but I wouldn't say they will always be slower. Do they need to improve them? Absolutely.

2- This is correct for Nexus devices as Google has announced guaranteed support for their devices. I'm not sure if other manufacturers have made announcements like this as of yet.
https://support.google.com/nexus/answer/4457705?hl=en#nexus_devices

3- Don't install any apps that are questionable and this shouldn't matter. On iOS I wouldn't just start installing random apps either nor would I on Windows, MacOS or Linux. This is more up to the end-user in my opinion.

4- Manufacturers of android phones have to change their pricing after time. Devices have such similar hardware that to remain competitive they have to sell for a lower price. Apple doesn't have this issue because they are the only ones who make iOS devices. Easier to control prices this way.

5- I don't buy AppleCare so I can't comment on this one. But generally speaking Apple does have better customer service than other companies.

6- Yes, it's easier to walk into a physical store to swap devices.

7- Not going to as I don't really care about this one. Speed tests, benchmarks, etc don't really provide a true vision of real world usage. I've used Samsung products in the past and felt they were fast.

8- Apple of course wants to get you locked into their ecosystem. It's more money for them, they want you to have a device with every OS on it they offer. The integration is nice definitely but I don't like being "stuck" with one company or depended on one company. I also choose apps that are multi-platform so I can go to any OS and use that same app with my data.

9- I don't use HomeKit, iTunes, or iBooks currently. But with iOS 10 at least I can "hide" these. Same with Android. Also, I buy unlocked devices so I wouldn't have AT&T or t-mobile bloatware on my phones.

10- Samsung does have a lot of different mobile products that it definitely is confusing.

 

[Surf Donkey]

I felt the same way you did two years ago. I made the switch and it was a mistake.

I bought a Galaxy Note 3, and it was the biggest piece of crap phone I have ever used in my entire life. I purchased it because a buddy of mine had one and I was simply enamored with the huge screen (this was when iPhones still had the 4" screen), and I do like to tinker and customize.

It worked well for like, 3 months. Then after that, it gradually got slower...and slower...and slower. Then the errors started to happen. The keyboard would freeze constantly, the phone restarted on its own once or twice a day, and overall the phone went to crap. The interface simply isn't as fluid. Customization is nice on a PC, but on a phone, I just want something speedy that will work. I went back to iPhone after having the Galaxy Note 3 for maybe 6 months. I will never make that mistake again.

Yes, iOS is getting stale, but it still beats the tar out of the alternatives.

Yup, Samsung will do that to you.

 

[zone23]

no easier way to sync files than using an android device especially if you cater to the Google Ecosystem which syncs music photos mail throughout all of your devices,

It also kills your battery.
[doublepost=1466796455][/doublepost]

Where are you seeing $200 off the cost of an S7? Can you provide a link to this please.

Well Sammy and most carriers did offer BOGO which over saturated the Samsung market with S7s. Now the resale value is pretty low which is good and bad. Their are tons of S7s on swappa for sale right now dirt cheap.

 

[se1000]

Ok, so let me address the topic of updates.

Can anyone here, WITHOUT Googling, tell me exactly what new features Touchwiz Marshmallow (yes there's a difference) brings them over Touchwiz Lollipop? Can you detail out what's in AOSP Marshmallow vs AOSP Lollipop?

Keep in mind the following factors:

Google search (Siri equivalent) is updated separately
Google Play services (Apple iOS API level) is updated separately
Touchwiz factor - Yes the UI we all love to hate. What do I mean by this? Touchwiz sometimes includes features like multi-window (first appeared in Touchwiz in Jelly Bean if my memory serves) not even yet adopted (slated for Android N) far in advance of AOSP. Some AOSP features are left out altogether.

My point here is, if you're screaming for updates, it's important to know what you're asking for.

Also, really, we're going back to Note 3 vs iPhone 4? God that was ages ago. You really think you're going to have the same problems with Android today as you had with the Note 3? That's a lot like saying "yeah, I don't want to go back to iPhone because the screens are 3.5"". A lot has changed on both sides since then.

 

[Surf Donkey]

I definitely know what I am asking for in the updates. Then again, I am on Android N. MM feature releases seem like a lifetime ago.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

Ten reasons why the iPhone is NOT my daily driver.

1) Homescreen customization.
I only have three homescreens, but my widgets and app folders, and shortcuts are laid out perfectly for me on my Android devices. And no, I don't constantly change it. Something I can't do on iOS.

2) It's still too restrictive
From restrictive use of BT, Wifi only restrictions, restricted OTG use, no access to file system, all browsers required to base off webkit, and on and on and on.

3) Design
The iPhone is just behind when it comes to design for my taste. Android manufacturers are killing it with design. Especially Samsung.

4) Features
Nowadays, Apple is just too late to the party with most features on the software and hardware side. I'm the type that wants to at least try the latest and greatest features.

5) Lightning Connector
When Apple first introduced it, I thought it would be the end of the "Not Supported" error popups. But sadly it's still a common issue. I would say, once every 3 to 4 months, my iOS devices will just choose not to like a specific Lightning cord, and I take care of them. I use the one from Apple and the 3rd party ones they sell. Sometimes a cheap one I buy from a corner store lasts longer.

6) Casting & Mirroring
Android is so much more compatible with this. Don't need any 3rd party app or findings loopholes to cast or mirror to non Apple players/displays.

7) WPS
This is a more personal and rare reason for most users, but it's annoying when I don't have access to WPS. I travel alot to friends, family, and places of business. You'll be surprised how many people don't know the wifi password. Being able to simply press the WPS button is a god send for me. Apple doesn't include WPS in any of it's products so I can't do that with an iPhone.

8) Updates
Sure Android is fragmented like crazy, and timely OS updates feel more of a luxury. But Android is able to update many of it's core apps and add on features without an OS update. With iOS, you need an OS update for damn near any changes. My problem with that is, I can't function on the iPhone without a jailbreak, and an update almost always kills the exploit of the current jailbreak, so you're forced to pass on the update or wait x amount of time for a new jailbreak.

9) Sideloading and Other App Stores
I can sideload any app at my own discretion, and install apps from app stores like Amazon. Amazon alone has saved me a ton of money on useful free apps that the Play Store would have charged me for. I also have several apks of apps that have been discontinued. With iOS it's the App Store only or Jailbreak.

10) Default apps selection
Saved my biggest gripe for last. Hopefully Apple changes this soon. But as of right now, the lack of selecting default apps is an everyday annoyance for me when using an iPhone.


One thing that I really like about the iPhone and all other Apple products, is the integration iOS has with other iOS devices, and with Macs. Especially after watching a video about MacOS Sierra.

 

[se1000]

I definitely know what I am asking for in the updates. Then again, I am on Android N. MM feature releases seem like a lifetime ago.

well yeah you do, but that's probably also why we can have an intelligent conversation

 

[samcraig]

Clearly a subjective list.

Here's one big reason I have Android for my personal device. I can choose my default apps.

Here's the thing - everyone has their own use case. The reasons differ for each on why one platform is better for them then another. So no matter how many lists exists - they don't matter.

 

[the caveman]

Top 10 reasons for owning an S7/S7Edge over an iPhone:

1) Design
2) Camera
3) Screen
4) Ram
5) Android
6) Micro SD Card
7) IP 68
8) Wireless charging
9) Quick charging
10) Samsung Pay

See how easy this is to play?

Yeah but see, item 4, RAM, you mean 4 gb of it? Iphone 6s with 2gb still runs circles around it though.

 

[Surf Donkey]

Yeah but see, item 4, RAM, you mean 4 gb of it? Iphone 6s with 2gb still runs circles around it though.

Curious, "circles" in what ways?

 

[bufffilm]

The Snapdragon 820 is fairly competitive with the Exynos. You have to remember, the processor isn't the only thing that's different, the modems and networks that they work on are also different. For example, both Verizon and T-Mobile phones have the exact same Snapdragon 820, but depending on what area you're in, etc, one can get consistently better battery life.

Samsung pay works on Snapdragon phones because Samsung pay has been released in the US and all the official US phones are Snapdragon. Samsung pay relies on a phone to meet certain criteria to work. If you took a US Snapdragon phone over to Europe with a European SIM, I don't think Samsung Pay works.

Thanks.

Filing this away in the advent that I switch to Android. Not anywhere close to that scenario yet though.

 

[Savor]

One reason (for me) NOT to use iPhone -

iTunes - The real Trojan horse on desktop computers for Apple's ecosystem. So dependent on it just to handle multimedia.

iPhones can't even play multiple video formats out of the box. I am amazed at the versatility of MX Player for playing MKV and AVI files. With iDevices going back to iPod 5th gen, always had to convert them to MP4.

The #1 reason (updates) is also the main culprit when your iPhones SLOW DOWN in the first place. I can also go on and on...

- No torrent apps like Flud for HD movie downloads
- No TubeMate which destroys MXTube
- No custom launchers
- No gesture shortcuts to apps
- No drawer to hide ugly app icons except in folders
- Nova Prime destroys iOS' boring homescreen
- No select all to move or delete on the iDevice
- Third-party keyboards like SwiftKey is bad on iOS
- Can't make third party apps your default (yet)
- No one-click root (jailbreak) apps like KingRoot
- No removable battery and sd card slot
- No MoboPlayer mini-player
- No Screen Off and Lock (bye, bye physical button)
- No double tap to wake and sleep the screen
- No back button
- No AcDisplay or DynamicNotifications
- No RAM swapping app
- No Power Schedule or Tasker to have weekly reboots
- No Trimmer (fstrim) app. iPhones need to be restored to make them faster again!
- Can't check my SOT correctly since music is part of usage

Smooth and powerful but for the little options it gives you! That's my TWENTY REASONS. Your move, son.

I used to laugh when iOS users used to call Android users poor and ugly. Haha.. It is like those Golden State Warrior fans calling LeBron a b-word only to watch him destroy their 73-9 team in the NBA Finals. Who's laughing now? Zero brain and numbers to back up their claims. I can afford iPhones every year if I want to. I just choose to sell them because they have very little value to me compared to millions of suckers who want them.

They used to say Android is the STUTTERING cousin of iOS. For awhile, it was true. Now I believe iOS is the dumb, blonde bimbo cousin to Android. The depth of iOS is as deep as watching the Kardashian sisters talk to each other. No wonder I see many threads of iOS users defecting or being bored with Apple. *yawn* Doesn't keep your mind and ideas sharp since it isn't open enough to let you.

No wonder Android has a 60% lead over iOS and hasn't relinquished it yet. Only in the US is it even close. Everywhere else, iOS isn't as popular as you might think it is. Android has like 1 BILLION reasons why. Android One for the next BILLION. Be together. Not the same. Apple is like communism to me. Same. Uniformed. Stale.

 

[Shanghaichica]

One reason (for me) NOT to use iPhone -

iTunes - The real Trojan horse on desktop computers for Apple's ecosystem. So dependent on it just to handle multimedia.

iPhones can't even play multiple video formats out of the box. I am amazed at the versatility of MX Player for playing MKV and AVI files. With iDevices going back to iPod 5th gen, always had to convert them to MP4.

The #1 reason (updates) is also the main culprit when your iPhones SLOW DOWN in the first place. I can also go on and on...

- No torrent apps like Flud for HD movie downloads
- No TubeMate which destroys MXTube
- No custom launchers
- No gesture shortcuts to apps
- No drawer to hide ugly app icons except in folders
- Nova Prime destroys iOS' boring homescreen
- No select all to move or delete on the iDevice
- Third-party keyboards like SwiftKey is bad on iOS
- Can't make third party apps your default (yet)
- No one-click root (jailbreak) apps like KingRoot
- No removable battery and sd card slot
- No MoboPlayer mini-player
- No Screen Off and Lock (bye, bye physical button)
- No double tap to wake and sleep the screen
- No back button
- No AcDisplay or DynamicNotifications
- No RAM swapping app
- No Power Schedule or Tasker to have weekly reboots
- No Trimmer (fstrim) app. iPhones need to be restored to make them faster again!
- Can't check my SOT correctly since music is part of usage

Smooth and powerful but for the little options it gives you! That's my TWENTY REASONS. Your move, son.

I used to laugh when iOS users used to call Android users poor and ugly. Haha.. It is like those Golden State Warrior fans calling LeBron a b-word only to watch him destroy their 73-9 team in the NBA Finals. Who's laughing now? Zero brain and numbers to back up their claims. I can afford iPhones every year if I want to. I just choose to sell them because they have very little value to me compared to millions of suckers who want them.

They used to say Android is the STUTTERING cousin of iOS. For awhile, it was true. Now I believe iOS is the dumb, blonde bimbo cousin to Android. The depth of iOS is as deep as watching the Kardashian sisters talk to each other. No wonder I see many threads of iOS users defecting or being bored with Apple. *yawn* Doesn't keep your mind and ideas sharp since it isn't open enough to let you.

No wonder Android has a 60% lead over iOS and hasn't relinquished it yet. Only in the US is it even close. Everywhere else, iOS isn't as popular as you might think it is. Android has like 1 BILLION reasons why. Android One for the next BILLION. Be together. Not the same. Apple is like communism to me. Same. Uniformed. Stale.

Well a big part of the reason why android has so many users/ sales is price. I'm not talking about high end phones because they cost the same if not more than iPhones. However in developing countries android is king because people can get cheap low end android phones.