Hello, I have been using Samsung Galaxy Note PRO 12.2 for a few years. It has a pen, file system, split screens and 4K cell phone features. I am considering whether or not to buy an iPad PRO. I read that iOS 11 has file system but Android tables have it for a long time. So, is there anything special about iOS that would make me move from Android tablet to iPad PRO?
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What makes iOS special compared with Android?
- Thread starter hajime
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For me it's the simplicity of the os and stability. It's well optimised for the devices it's designed for.
I like the full backup feature over USB an wifi. A full phone backup doesn't require root like android and works wonders if changing phone etc.
I like the full backup feature over USB an wifi. A full phone backup doesn't require root like android and works wonders if changing phone etc.
For me it's the security and the simplicity. I use android too, but iOS just works and my personal data is way more secure than on any android i used.
I also like that i can use the hardware much longer, in my family most people use their iOS devices for 3-5 years without feeling they miss something in their daily life.
While the android hardware is replaced latest after 2 years.
The missing file system is just a problem if you don't use cloud services and streaming services. Basically movies and music is a problem then, rar/zip and pdf etc works just fine without cloud.
I also like that i can use the hardware much longer, in my family most people use their iOS devices for 3-5 years without feeling they miss something in their daily life.
While the android hardware is replaced latest after 2 years.
The missing file system is just a problem if you don't use cloud services and streaming services. Basically movies and music is a problem then, rar/zip and pdf etc works just fine without cloud.
For me not knowing what native services are running... On Android all those google services running in the background..yikes..
What you don't know doesn't hurt you.
On a serious note, no freezing, hangups or simplicity is a big factor.
What you don't know doesn't hurt you.
On a serious note, no freezing, hangups or simplicity is a big factor.
First-party apps: iMovie, Clips, News, Pages. I couldn't consider switching unless Android offered the level of digital life and productivity apps that Apple develops for its own platform.
The rest like UI rules and speed and security are added bonuses.
The rest like UI rules and speed and security are added bonuses.
I was die hard android for years. Now I won't leave iOS. The ease of use is great. Sharing pics and vids with my wife is great. Before we would have to email or it would be soooo pixelated. The only thing I miss is having control of my file system :/
In agreement with everything said above.
In addition to what others have said, your device has assured access to software updates - usually for 3 years on supported devices. You can get these directly from Apple, regardless of carrier or manufacturer.
Depending on content, this can be a big benefit to security. And helps keep devices feel newer longer (in terms of features).
In addition to what others have said, your device has assured access to software updates - usually for 3 years on supported devices. You can get these directly from Apple, regardless of carrier or manufacturer.
Depending on content, this can be a big benefit to security. And helps keep devices feel newer longer (in terms of features).
If you want to start having nightmares at night you can use Xcode to view the dozens and dozens of running processes on your phone
If you want to start having nightmares at night you can use Xcode to view the dozens and dozens of running processes on your phone
View attachment 714852
Off course, you can but....
What you don't know doesn't hurt you.
Isn't it easy to do the sharing via Dropbox or USB memory sticks? Can iPad Pro use USB storage?
* Apple's Security attitude
* Apple's Systemupdate and long term device support
* Quality of the Apps, even if you compare 1:1 to the Android counterpart, the iOS App is better made and works better
*Apple's Development Plattform
* The Eco System of how macOS, iOS, watchOS works together.
* Look and Feel of iOS
* Not Google infested
Android also has few interesting features but the above keypoints is what matters most to me.
* Apple's Systemupdate and long term device support
* Quality of the Apps, even if you compare 1:1 to the Android counterpart, the iOS App is better made and works better
*Apple's Development Plattform
* The Eco System of how macOS, iOS, watchOS works together.
* Look and Feel of iOS
* Not Google infested
Android also has few interesting features but the above keypoints is what matters most to me.
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It's easiest to just iMessage or airdrop between the two of us.
Oh yeah and the fact that when iOS updates come along ALL get it at the same time (if device is eligible ! Cannot grumble at that as there's no carrier delays etc.
Pretty much because I’m in the Apple ecosystem with the apps I have and well, I use an iPad which I prefer for apps being optimized. I have an Android phone and have very few apps while I have 100+ apps on iOS that’d you’d have to pay for again. I stick with an Android for phone and iOS for the tablet.
Shoot the 5S is getting the iOS 11 update and that came out in 2013
iMessage has kept me with iOS for a long time.
Texting in general is just a better experience on an iPhone than any other device, in my opinion.
Texting in general is just a better experience on an iPhone than any other device, in my opinion.
I'll probably get some hate for this but some might agree:
I like that Android doesn't always get updates. My Note 3 is still the same speed as it was when I got it years ago. My 5c however obviously has slowed. I know Apple goes for uniformity and keeping all capable devices up to date. My problem is that what they consider capable, it can actually be really crippling. 10.3.3 runs terribly on my 5c. It is massively slower than it was when purchased.
I don't think it's some conspiracy of planned obsolescence. I do think it would be nice if older devices were given choice or just minor separate updates only when issues of security are in question.
The biggest benefit of iOS to me is just that it is easier to keep all devices with my data. I can pick up any of my iPhones, turn on Wi-Fi, and they will all have what I need without much work.
Most of what I enjoyed most from Android has been slowly becoming obsolete like rooting, ROMs, etc.
I like that Android doesn't always get updates. My Note 3 is still the same speed as it was when I got it years ago. My 5c however obviously has slowed. I know Apple goes for uniformity and keeping all capable devices up to date. My problem is that what they consider capable, it can actually be really crippling. 10.3.3 runs terribly on my 5c. It is massively slower than it was when purchased.
I don't think it's some conspiracy of planned obsolescence. I do think it would be nice if older devices were given choice or just minor separate updates only when issues of security are in question.
The biggest benefit of iOS to me is just that it is easier to keep all devices with my data. I can pick up any of my iPhones, turn on Wi-Fi, and they will all have what I need without much work.
Most of what I enjoyed most from Android has been slowly becoming obsolete like rooting, ROMs, etc.
Apples security is the big thing, as is their device support. Huge deals in this day and age. Someone who bought the 5s and isn't into upgrading every year or two at launch in late 2013 will still have the latest iOS this fall and maybe even next year too. That is fantastic value and support for that consumer.
Android is the better OS overall though, In my opinion, as iOS still is playing feature catch up or lagging behind in key areas that would make iOS a richer experience...but using both are very similar experiences in this day and age.
Ultimately they both serve well to surf the net, make phone calls, send texts, check emails and watch YouTube etc...It boils down to personal preference now a days.
Android is the better OS overall though, In my opinion, as iOS still is playing feature catch up or lagging behind in key areas that would make iOS a richer experience...but using both are very similar experiences in this day and age.
Ultimately they both serve well to surf the net, make phone calls, send texts, check emails and watch YouTube etc...It boils down to personal preference now a days.
I prefer iOS on tablets and Android on phones. I feel there are more tablet optimized apps for iPad. For phone use Android fits my needs better as it is more configurable, the devices are less expensive and if you don't like how something works you can usually mod it the way you prefer.
Dealing with files has been terrible on iOS. For example to just have an email attachment for offline viewing (e.g. maps when traveling with no consistent Wifi) I've had to put it in Dropbox and mark it as offline available whereas in Android I just download it from GMail as a file. I really hope Files on iOS 11 gets rid of this kind of ********.
Dealing with files has been terrible on iOS. For example to just have an email attachment for offline viewing (e.g. maps when traveling with no consistent Wifi) I've had to put it in Dropbox and mark it as offline available whereas in Android I just download it from GMail as a file. I really hope Files on iOS 11 gets rid of this kind of ********.
Just quick thoughts as I use both a Galaxy S8 and an iPhone 6S, so this is from phone perspective and not a tablet:
Android:
- Being able to customise the home screen with widgets is awesome. IOS has widgets (though a little more limited) but you need to swipe to access it, which wastes time.
- Lots of variety for hardware choices. I love the design of the S8, it makes the iPhone look very “outdated”.
- Lots of options for Android Wear (and Tizen) smart watches, so you can choose a watch design that you like, as it should be for watches (Most of them can work with an iPhone, but the functionality is very limited).
- Android has many more functions than iOS, though often the UI is not very optimised which causes bitter-sweet moments. I love split screen multi-tasking and the DEX system of the S8 that turns it into a computer.
- Access of the NFC chip to third party developers. Paying for something on the iPhone forces you to be with a bank/credit company that allows Apple Pay.
(Yes, you can jailbreak the iPhone, but if you do, why not get an Android phone).
***
iOS:
- While lacking in the number of things it can do as compared to Android, the UI of the things it can do is very optimised and a pleasure to use.
- iOS devices are supported for a VERY LONG TIME. Yes, newer iOS versions may slow down on older but compatible hardware. But you still have the choice to update if you want to. Updates are also available at the time of release to all supported devices. What I love about this is that your old devices can fill like new devices after a big update. For example, an iPad Air 2 with iOS11 is like a completely new device as compared to an iPad Air 2 when it was first released, all thanks to software updates (though not all features are supported on old hardware). For Android, you’d be lucky if your phone is supported for more than 2 years, and updates are never on time unless you buy a pixel.
- Security and privacy. Apps on Android REALLY wants access to your data. Remember, Google makes money off ads... so there is a natural conflict of interest between your privacy and their business. For better or for worse, Apple’s walled garden provides better security.
- Apps are very optimised and provide an excellent experience as compared to their Android counterparts. This is a developer/fragmentation issue that is well documented. Despite my iPhone 6S being older than the S8, from a user perspective, the in-app experience is so much better on iOS. This is something you need to experience and cannot be judged from hardware specs alone.
- The integration across Apple devices is top-notch. This is the main reason why I still use the iPhone. ICloud, iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV and EarPods (as well as Beats headphones with W1 chips) work so well together. Trying to achieve the same amount of synergy between Windows and Android requires considerably more work and effort. Some people enjoy doing this, but most people don’t. Oh, and my experience with the W1 chip is amazing even if the sound quality is not the best in class.
- Similar to the above, you are not forced to use Apple’s software/services either (other than Apple Pay). You have almost full access to all of Google/Microsoft services so you can pick the ones that you like. On the other hand, Android has limited access to Apple software/services. As an example, an iPhone user has access to all messaging platforms but an Android user doesn’t have iMessage.
- Also a similar reason to the above, App developers often develop cross-synergistic apps across MacOS and iOS. This is one of the reasons why I love MacOS. I still use Windows for legacy software and the occasional gaming, but MacOS is more of a pleasure to use.
- Troubleshooting a problem is far easier because of the numerous guides out there, Apple’s customer service, and the fact that Apple only maintains a very small portfolio of products.
- The Apple Watch is awesome and far more optimised than Android Wear/Tizen. You will enjoy the software experience far more, but you are stuck with the one hardware design that Apple manufactures. I love changing Apple Watch bands though.
***
Initially, I thought this list was gonna be short. But as I pondered what I liked and hated about my iPhone/Galaxy S8, the list just got very long.
Basically, you will realise that Android is great for hardware choice, software customisation, and software features. On the other hand, iOS restricts a lot of things, but iOS almost always delivers a superior experience on the things that it can do. And for the general public, the experience that iOS delivers often outweighs the choice/customisation of android.
Essentially, iOS has a lot of catching up to do in terms of features. But Android also has lots of work to do to counter fragmentation, improve user experience and improve the UI.
But one big reason why Android has a bigger market share is because iOS devices are expensive. When you buy an iOS device, you are actually paying for both the hardware and Apple’s software.
Android:
- Being able to customise the home screen with widgets is awesome. IOS has widgets (though a little more limited) but you need to swipe to access it, which wastes time.
- Lots of variety for hardware choices. I love the design of the S8, it makes the iPhone look very “outdated”.
- Lots of options for Android Wear (and Tizen) smart watches, so you can choose a watch design that you like, as it should be for watches (Most of them can work with an iPhone, but the functionality is very limited).
- Android has many more functions than iOS, though often the UI is not very optimised which causes bitter-sweet moments. I love split screen multi-tasking and the DEX system of the S8 that turns it into a computer.
- Access of the NFC chip to third party developers. Paying for something on the iPhone forces you to be with a bank/credit company that allows Apple Pay.
(Yes, you can jailbreak the iPhone, but if you do, why not get an Android phone).
***
iOS:
- While lacking in the number of things it can do as compared to Android, the UI of the things it can do is very optimised and a pleasure to use.
- iOS devices are supported for a VERY LONG TIME. Yes, newer iOS versions may slow down on older but compatible hardware. But you still have the choice to update if you want to. Updates are also available at the time of release to all supported devices. What I love about this is that your old devices can fill like new devices after a big update. For example, an iPad Air 2 with iOS11 is like a completely new device as compared to an iPad Air 2 when it was first released, all thanks to software updates (though not all features are supported on old hardware). For Android, you’d be lucky if your phone is supported for more than 2 years, and updates are never on time unless you buy a pixel.
- Security and privacy. Apps on Android REALLY wants access to your data. Remember, Google makes money off ads... so there is a natural conflict of interest between your privacy and their business. For better or for worse, Apple’s walled garden provides better security.
- Apps are very optimised and provide an excellent experience as compared to their Android counterparts. This is a developer/fragmentation issue that is well documented. Despite my iPhone 6S being older than the S8, from a user perspective, the in-app experience is so much better on iOS. This is something you need to experience and cannot be judged from hardware specs alone.
- The integration across Apple devices is top-notch. This is the main reason why I still use the iPhone. ICloud, iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV and EarPods (as well as Beats headphones with W1 chips) work so well together. Trying to achieve the same amount of synergy between Windows and Android requires considerably more work and effort. Some people enjoy doing this, but most people don’t. Oh, and my experience with the W1 chip is amazing even if the sound quality is not the best in class.
- Similar to the above, you are not forced to use Apple’s software/services either (other than Apple Pay). You have almost full access to all of Google/Microsoft services so you can pick the ones that you like. On the other hand, Android has limited access to Apple software/services. As an example, an iPhone user has access to all messaging platforms but an Android user doesn’t have iMessage.
- Also a similar reason to the above, App developers often develop cross-synergistic apps across MacOS and iOS. This is one of the reasons why I love MacOS. I still use Windows for legacy software and the occasional gaming, but MacOS is more of a pleasure to use.
- Troubleshooting a problem is far easier because of the numerous guides out there, Apple’s customer service, and the fact that Apple only maintains a very small portfolio of products.
- The Apple Watch is awesome and far more optimised than Android Wear/Tizen. You will enjoy the software experience far more, but you are stuck with the one hardware design that Apple manufactures. I love changing Apple Watch bands though.
***
Initially, I thought this list was gonna be short. But as I pondered what I liked and hated about my iPhone/Galaxy S8, the list just got very long.
Basically, you will realise that Android is great for hardware choice, software customisation, and software features. On the other hand, iOS restricts a lot of things, but iOS almost always delivers a superior experience on the things that it can do. And for the general public, the experience that iOS delivers often outweighs the choice/customisation of android.
Essentially, iOS has a lot of catching up to do in terms of features. But Android also has lots of work to do to counter fragmentation, improve user experience and improve the UI.
But one big reason why Android has a bigger market share is because iOS devices are expensive. When you buy an iOS device, you are actually paying for both the hardware and Apple’s software.
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I'm a consultant, currently with 17 billable private and public clients. Out of those 17 clients, none of them permit Android to be used by their staff or their consultants. As a consultant, it's not my place to ask "why" or "why not" - they don't permit the usage of Android in their workplace, and I am embedded in their office(s).
I have clients going back to 2010 that have banned Android in their offices. That's enough for me (I do like to eat…).
I have clients going back to 2010 that have banned Android in their offices. That's enough for me (I do like to eat…).
I like Apple making decisions for me. I would never stop customizing aspects of the phone so it’s nice to not have a say.
I guess I’m... institutionalized.
I guess I’m... institutionalized.
Feature catch up? You know that one of Oreos biggest features is notification badges, right?