What should I do?

[PhoneSwitch]

Hi Internet,

I am just about to switch to a Google Phone (or any suggestions) and wanted to have your opinion on it. I’m switching because it’s time to give another company a chance. It’s my work tool so I need something that works.

I’ve had IPhones for the last 7 years…and I’m on my 6th phone (All IPhones). Why I’ve been so patient, I can’t tell you.

My first phone died (3 or 3gs) 2-3 months before the end of the 3 year contract, which pissed me off a little since the 5 was coming out. I had it for 3 years and technology had evolved, so I went with a 4s I believe or 4gs…anyways that’s beside the point. Contracts meanwhile changed from 3 to 2 years. I had that phone not even 2 years and the battery was lasting only an hour or so. Since I reached the end of the contract they switched it for an IPhone 6. (It was cheaper to switch than change the battery and I get a new phone Whoopi!!)

So then a few months later I was on vacation. Really hot and just got back from a hike, didn’t think about it and jumped in the pool…for 5 seconds. The phone died instantly. Got it replaced right after I came back. Even though it was kind of my fault, I’m starting to think that the technology is far enough to make those things water proof.

A year goes by and for some reason; on a hot summer day my pocket starts to heat up, burning hot. It’s the phone!!!! Didn’t physically burn me but it was dead. Apple agreed to change it. It must have been a known issue. ( BTW, while I was waiting at the apple store, there was about 5-6 people that sat at the same table I did and all had a dead Iphone 5-5s after an update from apple and were all told that they had to buy a replacement, nothing else could be done). Finally 2 weeks later, the phone dropped from about 3 inches off the ceramic floor!!! You know what that means. New screen!!!!

Finally what made my slow brain (I really feel like Lennie in OF Mice and Men «I’m getting a new Iphone right George?» ) decide was going to my phone company and being sold an Iphone 7 because I’m out of contract again and I can upgrade and that I have a hunch that my 3rd Iphone 6 is about to fail since it’s acting a little funny after it was opened up to change the screen. I got the new phone connected it to my Bluetooth had a chat with my friend, got back home talked with a friend that I thought his phone was cheap cause he sounded like he was in a bottle. Even told him to buy an Iphone.

I then got a call from my coworker and he was also talking like he was in a bottle. Wait a minute…it’s me!! The store was closed so went back the next day after calling Apple Care that told me to get it replaced where I bought it! Legit right…wrong. I was told after an hour and a half of waiting, during holiday season, that I had talked for more than 30 minutes ( I was at an incredible 60 minutes, the guys in the store couldn’t believe I talked a whole hour in one day!!). I had to get it fixed at the Apple Store. Too bad chump. Go waste another bunch of hours of your life and get a reconditioned phone when you just bought a brand new one, like a lemming. Ever played that game Lemmings, as long as you saved enough you won the game, well I think that’s Apple’s policy too. Too bad little guy number 2,456,933. Get it right the next time.

So after an Ipod, Iphone 3, 4s, 6, 6, 6, 7, and too many hours lost over that, I’m ready to take a loss and work hard I guess. My brain mostly to get adjusted to the new environment. I would really like your comments, am I an isolated case and those who did it, was is it like getting off crack J

Thanks,

 

[T5BRICK]

It sounds like you have bad luck.

The newer Android phones are pretty good, I can't fault you for wanting to give one a try.

 

[ericwn]

Hm, interesting case. There surely was some serious bad luck involved in your past!Whatever you buy, consider how much service you needed for your previous devices and make sure that the new phone manufacturer has shops, spare parts and better service than the one whose quality you seem to question.

 

[Detonation]

Sounds like most of your past problems were your own fault (pool, drop, etc) so switching to Android isn't going to help you there. You won't know what the otherside is like unless you try it, but having owned plenty of Android and Apple devices over the years, I will say that Apple has far superior support compared to anything Android.

 

[PhoneSwitch]

Sounds like most of your past problems were your own fault (pool, drop, etc) so switching to Android isn't going to help you there. You won't know what the otherside is like unless you try it, but having owned plenty of Android and Apple devices over the years, I will say that Apple has far superior support compared to anything Android.

If it was made not to break that easy it wouldn't be a problem. The almost dead battery and the overheating wasn't my fault, and having a defect earpiece right out of the box was surely not my fault, so kind of 4/6 not mine

 

[Chatter]

This really sounds like a whine versus advice seeking. But whatever.
Get the Pixel phone from Google. Its solid.

 

[lakaiordie]

If it was made not to break that easy it wouldn't be a problem. The almost dead battery and the overheating wasn't my fault, and having a defect earpiece right out of the box was surely not my fault, so kind of 4/6 not mine

still complaining.

 

[janeauburn]

I read that the Google Pixel is better than the iPhone 7.

If you get it, let us know how it is.

I hate how Apple makes it so difficult to do simple stuff like manage your music collection. BS.

 

[Newtons Apple]

Try Android. They are far from perfect either.

It does sound like you have horrible luck as I have had every iPhone and never had to return a single one. I do not go into dark closets and look for dead pixels but just use my phone like a tool, taking reasonable good care of it and they have not let me down.

Good Luck

 

[janeauburn]

I'm no Apple fangirl.

The Androids I've played with have been fast, but the screen colors looked overdone to me, somehow. I also missed the universal phone search.

One of my best friends is done with Apple, though. She's on Android solely.

 

[oheb]

At least you received support from Apple, however terrible that may have been.

 

[ericwn]

I read that the Google Pixel is better than the iPhone 7.

If you get it, let us know how it is.

I hate how Apple makes it so difficult to do simple stuff like manage your music collection. BS.

I have no problem managing a huge record collection with iTunes since 2001. Sure, there are some hiccups in the Music app on iOS, but in general I find it's very easy to operate.

 

[BeeGood]

You'd get much better advice in the Alternatives to iOS forum.

https://forums.macrumors.com/forums/alternatives-to-ios-and-ios-devices.157/

There are tons of threads over there comparing android devices (what you're calling Google phones). Going to a forum full of iPhone users and telling them how horrible your experience has been probably won't get you many results if advice is what you want.

 

[bufffilm]

The Google phone is plenty good.

Give it a try and let us know how you like it.

 

[timeconsumer]

Hi Internet,

I am just about to switch to a Google Phone (or any suggestions) and wanted to have your opinion on it. I’m switching because it’s time to give another company a chance. It’s my work tool so I need something that works.

I’ve had IPhones for the last 7 years…and I’m on my 6th phone (All IPhones). Why I’ve been so patient, I can’t tell you.

My first phone died (3 or 3gs) 2-3 months before the end of the 3 year contract, which pissed me off a little since the 5 was coming out. I had it for 3 years and technology had evolved, so I went with a 4s I believe or 4gs…anyways that’s beside the point. Contracts meanwhile changed from 3 to 2 years. I had that phone not even 2 years and the battery was lasting only an hour or so. Since I reached the end of the contract they switched it for an IPhone 6. (It was cheaper to switch than change the battery and I get a new phone Whoopi!!)

So then a few months later I was on vacation. Really hot and just got back from a hike, didn’t think about it and jumped in the pool…for 5 seconds. The phone died instantly. Got it replaced right after I came back. Even though it was kind of my fault, I’m starting to think that the technology is far enough to make those things water proof.

A year goes by and for some reason; on a hot summer day my pocket starts to heat up, burning hot. It’s the phone!!!! Didn’t physically burn me but it was dead. Apple agreed to change it. It must have been a known issue. ( BTW, while I was waiting at the apple store, there was about 5-6 people that sat at the same table I did and all had a dead Iphone 5-5s after an update from apple and were all told that they had to buy a replacement, nothing else could be done). Finally 2 weeks later, the phone dropped from about 3 inches off the ceramic floor!!! You know what that means. New screen!!!!

Finally what made my slow brain (I really feel like Lennie in OF Mice and Men «I’m getting a new Iphone right George?» ) decide was going to my phone company and being sold an Iphone 7 because I’m out of contract again and I can upgrade and that I have a hunch that my 3rd Iphone 6 is about to fail since it’s acting a little funny after it was opened up to change the screen. I got the new phone connected it to my Bluetooth had a chat with my friend, got back home talked with a friend that I thought his phone was cheap cause he sounded like he was in a bottle. Even told him to buy an Iphone.

I then got a call from my coworker and he was also talking like he was in a bottle. Wait a minute…it’s me!! The store was closed so went back the next day after calling Apple Care that told me to get it replaced where I bought it! Legit right…wrong. I was told after an hour and a half of waiting, during holiday season, that I had talked for more than 30 minutes ( I was at an incredible 60 minutes, the guys in the store couldn’t believe I talked a whole hour in one day!!). I had to get it fixed at the Apple Store. Too bad chump. Go waste another bunch of hours of your life and get a reconditioned phone when you just bought a brand new one, like a lemming. Ever played that game Lemmings, as long as you saved enough you won the game, well I think that’s Apple’s policy too. Too bad little guy number 2,456,933. Get it right the next time.

So after an Ipod, Iphone 3, 4s, 6, 6, 6, 7, and too many hours lost over that, I’m ready to take a loss and work hard I guess. My brain mostly to get adjusted to the new environment. I would really like your comments, am I an isolated case and those who did it, was is it like getting off crack J

Thanks,

I agree with @BeeGood, it probably would be best to post this in the Alternatives to iOS forum.

That said, I've recently switched from using iPhones to a Pixel (I'm assuming this is what you meant by Google Phone in your post) so hopefully this helps. I've been an iPhone user since the 3G and have had the following iPhones: 3G, 4, 4 again (switched to Verizon), 5, 5s, 6, 6s+, 7. I've dabbled with android occasionally with the following phones: Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 6P and now the Pixel. The Pixel is the first Android phone I've been able to keep. The Galaxy Nexus I had for 2 days before returning, the Nexus 6P I had about a week. And the Pixel I've now had for about 5 weeks using solely as my primary device with no intention on swapping back to an iPhone.

Things I like about the Pixel/Android:

• 5.0" 1080p AMOLED screen
  
• Rapid charging
• Double-tap to check notifications
• Notifications in general seem better on the Pixel/Android.
  
• Google Assistant
• Slide up to unlock (great for if you're charging on a desk and don't want to pick up the phone to use the fingerprint reader on the back)
• Updates, it seems like Google is adding new features or bug fixes to their core apps constantly. They also don't have to release a full OS update to fix an issue with a specific core app only. The monthly security updates release on the 5th and so far I've received them same day.
  
• Unlimited photo/video storage if you backup your photos/videos to Google.
• I like how Google uses the same hardware for both the Pixel and Pixel XL, I don't feel like I'm forced to the larger model due to certain features/hardware only being available on that.
• Google support was convenient to contact using the support tab in the Settings app. (note: I live in the US, might be different outside of the US)
• Ability to place app icons anywhere on the screen
• App drawer so I don't have to have icons for apps that I rarely use
• Default wallpapers that come with the phone. Google uses a Wallpapers app so they could easily push more out without having to push it through an update.
• Can plug the phone into my computer and transfer files much easier.
• Split-screen multitasking

Things I dislike about the Pixel/Android:

• Not all apps have fingerprint login like the majority of apps I used on iOS.
• If you message somebody a tracking number, on iOS you can tap on that message, then tap on "Track shipment" and it automatically launches the correct tracking. On the Pixel/Android I've tried Google Messenger, WhatsApp and Hangouts, this feature doesn't seem to be there. While Google doesn't control WhatsApp, I'm still surprised this wasn't on Hangouts at the very least because I assumed this was a basic feature.
  
• I don't like that when you use the double-tap on the screen to check notifications, it doesn't show the battery percentage of the phone. So I have to wake the screen completely to display this information. It's not so bad when I am not charging my phone, but I would think this would be displayed when charging.

Now, moving on to your post. It seems like given your past experiences you'd benefit more from being able to walk into a store for a device exchange. However, it seems like you're looking for a change. Time will only tell if the Pixel is capable of being a long-term device, but Google has promised 2 years of OS updates with 3 years of security updates. If I was going to recommend any Android phone to somebody, it would be the Pixel.

If you have any specific questions about the Pixel, I'd be happy to answer them.

 

[PhoneSwitch]

Thanks so much for the useful answer
Did you have any hiccups doing the switch? iMessage and stuff like that?

 

[timeconsumer]

Thanks so much for the useful answer
Did you have any hiccups doing the switch? iMessage and stuff like that?

You're welcome. I disabled iMessage before I switched and confirmed this with a friend who uses iOS, he said it immediately sent as SMS (or green bubble as some iOS users refer to it as). Apple also provides a way to de-register your number with iMessage if you forget: https://selfsolve.apple.com/deregister-imessage

As far as switching, I didn't have any issues. I set everything up as new on the Pixel as I wanted the experience of setting it up as new. They do have the option (using an adapter that comes in the box) to copy your data from an iPhone to the Pixel. Information on how to do that is here: https://madeby.google.com/phone/switch/

 

[ardchoille50]

My advice is to go into a store and play with the Android phones to determine whether or not Android can meet your needs.

"The grass may be greener on the other side, but you're going to have to mow that grass too."

 

[44267547]

My advice is to go into a store and play with the Android phones to determine whether or not Android can meet your needs.

"The grass may be greener on the other side, but you're going to have to mow that grass too."

Agreed. And even a lot of online user review tutorials are fairly helpful as well.

 

[bufffilm]

Just from an updates and support POV, the pixel best approximates what you'd get w/iOS.

Of course, there's more to a phone than just updates...but I think you get my drift.

 

[M. Gustave]

You drop your iPhone, use it in high ambient temps, and go swimming with it, and so Apple sucks...? Makes sense to me. How will a Pixel survive you better?

 

[KillaMac]

Especially since the pixel isn't water resistant and more prone to shatter the glass than the iPhone is.

 

[tbayrgs]

I briefly owned a Pixel XL--IMO, best Android phone available and easily the best I've ever owned/used. If you're comfortable in the Apple ecosystem and especially like getting timely updates and having access to good support, the Pixel will be the easiest transition. IIRC, Google announce a partnership with a company to provide service and support throughout North America (you didn't say where you're located) and I believe the number of locations compares favorably to the number of Apple Store. I switched back to the iPhone primarily due to some personal preferences in iOS vs Android and because of the Apple Watch (vastly superior smart watch experience vs. anything else).

Some things you should consider before switching:

1) What carrier are you using? If wifi calling and/or VoLTE are important to you, this may impact your decision as while the iPhone has this functionalities across most networks, the Pixel doesn't. The difference is call quality on AT&T was quite dramatic between the two devices for me personally.

2) As you state it's an important work tool, don't get rid of your iPhone immediately. Whatever device you choose to try, make sure you have a return period that will let you put it through its paces and ultimately return it if it doesn't work out. The transition from one OS to the other if you've never used it before can be quite jarring and it'll likely take you a while to get acclimated. In all honesty, the return return probably isn't long enough--too me a couple months to really find my stride and comfort level the first time I switched to Android. I'd also suggest just using it as a wifi device for a few days while you become familiar with Android and that functionality of that specific device.

And as difficult as it may be, don't stop using it after only a day or two--we see these types off 'after 24 hours I'm switching back' comments all the time. That's absolutely not enought time to get through any growing pains.

 

[KillaMac]

I briefly owned a Pixel XL--IMO, best Android phone available and easily the best I've ever owned/used. If you're comfortable in the Apple ecosystem and especially like getting timely updates and having access to good support, the Pixel will be the easiest transition. IIRC, Google announce a partnership with a company to provide service and support throughout North America (you didn't say where you're located) and I believe the number of locations compares favorably to the number of Apple Store. I switched back to the iPhone primarily due to some personal preferences in iOS vs Android and because of the Apple Watch (vastly superior smart watch experience vs. anything else).

Some things you should consider before switching:

1) What carrier are you using? If wifi calling and/or VoLTE are important to you, this may impact your decision as while the iPhone has this functionalities across most networks, the Pixel doesn't. The difference is call quality on AT&T was quite dramatic between the two devices for me personally.

2) As you state it's an important work tool, don't get rid of your iPhone immediately. Whatever device you choose to try, make sure you have a return period that will let you put it through its paces and ultimately return it if it doesn't work out. The transition from one OS to the other if you've never used it before can be quite jarring and it'll likely take you a while to get acclimated. In all honesty, the return return probably isn't long enough--too me a couple months to really find my stride and comfort level the first time I switched to Android.

And as difficult as it may be, don't stop using it after only a day or two--we see these types off 'after 24 hours I'm switching back' comments all the time. That's absolutely not enought time to get through any growing pains.

How is it the best when it is missing tons of features than Samsung has on their phones? The cameras image stabilization is a joke on that phone. No expandable memory (people already complaining they are running out). Low quality front camera. I mean come on, get with the times. Doesn't even use WIFI calling with AT&T.

 

[tbayrgs]

How is it the best when it is missing tons of features than Samsung has on their phones? The cameras image stabilization is a joke on that phone. No expandable memory (people already complaining they are running out). Low quality front camera. I mean come on, get with the times. Doesn't even use WIFI calling with AT&T.

You have your opinion, I have mine. It also doesn't have a stupid curved glass display prone to false touches, ridiculous amounts of bloatware, and inferior software support--how much would you like to wager that the Galaxy S7 never sees Android O, much less Android P? Add to that the included unlimited full resolution photo/video storage in Google Photos and the Google Assistant.

Everyone has their own set of preferences when chosing their smartphone--mine weigh heavily on software experience. The OP may have a different set and place more value on hardware features like waterproof, wireless charging, or expandable memory (I doubt is since he's used an iPhone for 7 years )--he'll have to decide that himself. I'm just offering my personal opinion.