Mobile OSs What's Your Deciding Factor? [to stick with Android over iOS]

[cynics]

While I respect your opinion, I have to disagree. For the most part, Android phones are made from plastic.

And I disagree that materials are just "perceived" as higher quality. Metals are more durable than plastics. That is not my false perception. Why do you think large structures meant to be sturdy are made from a kind of metal? It is not a false perception my friend.

This is also not just a false perception:
http://www.androidauthority.com/iphone-5-vs-samsung-galaxy-s3-drop-test-116898/

While you can argue that the video in that link isn't exactly "scientific," to which I would agree, it is still not surprising that something with an aluminum backing and aluminum band held up better than something made of plastic.

I am not trying to start an argument about build quality here. I personally preferred the premium feel that iPhones typically have. There are some Android phones that give off that premium feel, and the Nexus 4 has been talked about in this sense on many reviews, which is one reason I am trying it out. But make no mistake, metal being more durable than plastic is not just a false perception.

Being a bit vague aren't you? By metal you mean Aluminum and by plastic you mean some type of polycarbonate.

The handgun in my avatar (Glock) has a plastic frame which is renowned for its durability. Where as many Aluminum frame hand guns are renowned for cracking an failure. They do not use aluminum in sky scraper reinforcement lol.

 

[jsw]

I am not trying to start an argument about build quality here. I personally preferred the premium feel that iPhones typically have. There are some Android phones that give off that premium feel, and the Nexus 4 has been talked about in this sense on many reviews, which is one reason I am trying it out. But make no mistake, metal being more durable than plastic is not just a false perception.

More durable? Yes. But also less comfortable (IMO). When a device is meant to be held, and in particular when it's a device with a lifetime of a very few number of years for most people, I'd much prefer the warmer, softer feel of plastic or rubber to that of metal, assuming the materials are well-chosen.

For example, I think the Nexus 4 will prove to be as durable as the iPhone 4S, and it's a lot more comfortable to hold.

Also, even the most plastic of phones tend to last forever for most people anyway.

 

[strausd]

More durable? Yes. But also less comfortable (IMO). When a device is meant to be held, and in particular when it's a device with a lifetime of a very few number of years for most people, I'd much prefer the warmer, softer feel of plastic or rubber to that of metal, assuming the materials are well-chosen.

For example, I think the Nexus 4 will prove to be as durable as the iPhone 4S, and it's a lot more comfortable to hold.

Also, even the most plastic of phones tend to last forever for most people anyway.

I would like to see a mix between the iPhone 5 and 3GS. Comfortable corners with a durable material.

I am also getting a Nexus 4 coming from a 4S. Not sure about the N4 being as durable. Have seen a few reviews where a single drop cracked the back. The good thing about the iPhone 4/4S when it came to the glass back is that when it fell to the ground, the aluminum band was strong enough to help keep the shape and not cause too much of an impact on the glass (not in all cases of course). But with the N4, I am worried the plastic band will allow too much movement during a drop, causing the back to crack or shatter easier. But that is just speculation.

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Being a bit vague aren't you? By metal you mean Aluminum and by plastic you mean some type of polycarbonate.

The handgun in my avatar (Glock) has a plastic frame which is renowned for its durability. Where as many Aluminum frame hand guns are renowned for cracking an failure. They do not use aluminum in sky scraper reinforcement lol.

I think it clear we are not talking about guns. I think it is also clear that the aluminum backed helped the iPhone 5 in the drop test and the plastic didn't help the GS3.

 

[F123D]

I think it clear we are not talking about guns.

To be fair, you did bring up large structures when talking about materials used.

 

[strausd]

To be fair, you did bring up large structures when talking about materials used.

But I didn't bring up guns

 

[cynics]

I would like to see a mix between the iPhone 5 and 3GS. Comfortable corners with a durable material.

I am also getting a Nexus 4 coming from a 4S. Not sure about the N4 being as durable. Have seen a few reviews where a single drop cracked the back. The good thing about the iPhone 4/4S when it came to the glass back is that when it fell to the ground, the aluminum band was strong enough to help keep the shape and not cause too much of an impact on the glass (not in all cases of course). But with the N4, I am worried the plastic band will allow too much movement during a drop, causing the back to crack or shatter easier. But that is just speculation.

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I think it clear we are not talking about guns. I think it is also clear that the aluminum backed helped the iPhone 5 in the drop test and the plastic didn't help the GS3.

We aren't talking about buildings either. That test is hardly meaningful, seriously people are getting BENT phones. The weight and size of the glass panel on the front have more to do with damage then the material on the back. There is more aluminum in a soda can. Its not exactly an amazing material, but it FEELS high quality and people perceive it that way.

 

[strausd]

We aren't talking about buildings either. That test is hardly meaningful, seriously people are getting BENT phones. The weight and size of the glass panel on the front have more to do with damage then the material on the back. There is more aluminum in a soda can. Its not exactly an amazing material, but it FEELS high quality and people perceive it that way.

It is a combination of the back and the band going all around the phone. If the band going around is plastic, at impact it will put more pressure on the edges of the glass. An aluminum band holds it shape better, putting less pressure on the edges during an impact.

There is more aluminum in a soda can.

Go measure the thickness of the aluminum running around a soda can and then go measure the thickness of the aluminum on the back of an iPhone or the sides. Being as there is a clear distinction, you falsely perceive them as being equal.

Not to mention any time of metal will be better at getting heat off of the main components compared to plastic, which acts as a heat trap. Why do you think heat sinks are made of some sort of metal? Note here I am talking about the basic characteristics of a metal.

I am not saying that all phones should be made of aluminum, but I think there are clear benefits to it. Of course, some need to keep costs down. If I though all phones should be made of aluminum, I wouldn't be getting a Nexus 4, would I?

 

[cynics]

It is a combination of the back and the band going all around the phone. If the band going around is plastic, at impact it will put more pressure on the edges of the glass. An aluminum band holds it shape better, putting less pressure on the edges during an impact.


Go measure the thickness of the aluminum running around a soda can and then go measure the thickness of the aluminum on the back of an iPhone or the sides. Being as there is a clear distinction, you falsely perceive them as being equal.

Not to mention any time of metal will be better at getting heat off of the main components compared to plastic, which acts as a heat trap. Why do you think heat sinks are made of some sort of metal? Note here I am talking about the basic characteristics of a metal.

I am not saying that all phones should be made of aluminum, but I think there are clear benefits to it. Of course, some need to keep costs down. If I though all phones should be made of aluminum, I wouldn't be getting a Nexus 4, would I?

IPhone aluminum is thicker but there is a lot more material when peeled back in a soda can. Remember ifixit weighed the back of the iPhone 5 which weighed about an once and that was still with the buttons in it and the insulators etc. That's about twice an empty, strip the back to just the aluminum and the would be very similar.

I know the characteristics of aluminum, its very conductive for heat and obviously electricity. I'm using an old Android device which has a aluminum back so its nothing new...

 

[michaeljohn]

Since I'm in the midst of deciding what to do with the iPhone 4S and Nexus 4 I have, this is a very relevant thread for me.

I've yet to decide to stick with Android over iOS, and the more i use both, the more I strongly suspect I'll keep both. However, I realize that I've been using iOS in its various incarnations for over half a decade, and I've been using Android (not counting the Kindle skin) for a few months, and Android on the phone for two days, so there's a strong chance I might change my mind - either way - once I get more familiar with the OS.

If we exclude the mobile component, I generally prefer Android. I do find that iOS apps are generally more polished, and I appreciate that, but I also find that Play is so much nicer to use than iTunes/App Store. I like being able to find apps while browsing on any computer and have them sent to any device I choose. I like the variety of apps for rooted devices that are in one place (Play) instead of needing to go to an entirely different store (Cydia) on a jailbroken iOS device. I like that rooting happens almost immediately instead of potentially taking months (or forever) on a new iOS release. I like that, when I got the Nexus 4, it took pretty much zero time to have the "desktop" I'd set up on my Nexus 7 appear on the 4. Apps, of course, took longer, but the general look and feel were almost instantaneous, and that's over fairly crappy cellular at the mall.

If we include the design of the devices that run the OSs, then I'm still swayed to the Android side. I love the apparently endless battery life of the iPhone 5 (unlike the horrid battery life of my 4s) as well as that of the iPad line. However, I'm sick of aluminum. I love the look. I hate the feel. I prefer the feel of the 4S to that of the 5, but I prefer the feel of the Nexus 4 to that of the 4S. Why? No sharp, cold aluminum. Aluminum's great, but not when I'm holding it.

Ah, but now we come the the OSs when used in mobile devices as mobile devices, and in that case, at least as far as I can tell, iOS wins. Siri, as much of a fussy bitch that she can be, is better at stuff I want to do when I can't see the screen while driving than Google Play is (sending texts, etc.). The phone/contacts integration seems better. iMessage rocks. Generally, it just seems to me to be easier to make/take calls (including selecting the recipient) and to send/read messages.

So... I've got a decision to make, with one of the options being to use both. When not communication with someone, I prefer Android (JB 4.2 in particular). When communicating, I prefer iOS. My mobile devices alternate between both use cases consistently, so it's not an easy call (pun not intended).

You have to decide whats best for you, but you would seriously carry around two phones? Wow.

 

[mib1800]

Android over iOS:-

- Easier one-handed use
- Endless fun with customization
- True smartphone (background app, intents, automation apps)
- Better overall phone (incl. contacts, email, sharing, social, keyboard, voice input etc)

 

[nickchallis92]

What is build quality?

Is it the phone which feels more impressive in your hand, or is it the one which doesn't smash into a million bits if you drop it?

 

[jsw]

You have to decide whats best for you, but you would seriously carry around two phones? Wow.

No, I would likely carry one phone and swap the SIM card.

However, for years, I carried two - and for a while, three - phones. One (or two) for work, one for personal use. It's not a big deal to me, but obviously I'd prefer one. I am not as concerned about weight, so I think I'll just glue them back-to-back with a glass adhesive.

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What is build quality?

Is it the phone which feels more impressive in your hand, or is it the one which doesn't smash into a million bits if you drop it?

It feels to me to be as well-built as the iPhone 4S; perhaps better (I just got my second 4S replacement phone today after barely over a year of use - in cases! - because, for this one, the power button stopped working).

Hand feel is amazing.

 

[jojoba]

The possibility to use third party keyboard apps like SwiftKey. The iOS keyboard is just absolutely terrible and really slows down my typing in comparison.

My other consideration is screen size.

 

[michaeljohn]

The possibility to use third party keyboard apps like SwiftKey. The iOS keyboard is just absolutely terrible and really slows down my typing in comparison.

That can be changed with a Jailbreak. In fact, most every complaint about iOS in here can be solved with a Jailbreak.

 

[ChazUK]

That can be changed with a Jailbreak. In fact, most every complaint about iOS in here can be solved with a Jailbreak.

Which iPhones and iOs versions can be jailbroken today?

 

[jsw]

Which iPhones and iOs versions can be jailbroken today?

Until the stupid power button broke, mine.

Off topic: the cellular signal-strength indicator and the personal hotspot hacks survived the jailbreak removal/iOS update (had to update to iOS 6 before I brought it in for replacement) AND survived the restore onto the new iPhone. W00t w00t!

Also off-topic: I do not like iOS 6.

 

[michaeljohn]

Which iPhones and iOs versions can be jailbroken today?

Any iPhone not running iOS 6...

 

[ChazUK]

Any iPhone not running iOS 6...

So when it comes to the iPhone 5:

In fact, no complaints about iOS in here can be solved with a Jailbreak.

Great news for those people!

 

[dalbir4444]

So when it comes to the iPhone 5:



Great news for those people!

Also, you shouldn't have to jailbreak your phone to get basic functionality

 

[ChazUK]

Also, you shouldn't have to jailbreak your phone to get basic functionality

Or stay a firmware version behind!

 

[cuzo]

The possibility to use third party keyboard apps like SwiftKey. The iOS keyboard is just absolutely terrible and really slows down my typing in comparison.

My other consideration is screen size.

Coming from a evo I disagree I type better on iOS by far. Swiftkey will cause you just as many errors because the keys are closer together.

 

[0dev]

I love Android for the openness and flexibility. I can swap ROMs, upgrade to unsupported versions, install apps that fully replace the stock ones and fully integrate into the system, and I can modify the system myself too. Plus, like OP, I'm quite a fan of AdAway.

That said, the one thing that lets down Android for me isn't the OS itself but the hardware. Android phones just don't tend to have the same level of build quality as iPhones and the customer service from Android phone makers is terrible compared to Apple's.

My HTC bit the dust after only a few months of ownership just recently so I've gone back to using my iPhone. I must admit I did miss the smoothness and sleekness of iOS, even over ICS, but I do also miss the customisation and flexibility of Android. Plus the big screens. I love dem big screens.

Overall, though, I'd say the two OSs are pretty equal these days. I like Android (ICS and later) and iOS about the same. I just wish Android hardware makers had higher standards.

 

[jojoba]

Coming from a evo I disagree I type better on iOS by far. Swiftkey will cause you just as many errors because the keys are closer together.

Well, I don't think this can be generalised. I've tried an iPhone and know for a fact that I personally type much faster and more accurately with Swiftkey. Your mileage may vary.

 

[onthecouchagain]

That can be changed with a Jailbreak. In fact, most every complaint about iOS in here can be solved with a Jailbreak.

As can most every complaint with Android be solved with rooting/flashing, etc. My understanding is that rooting actually opens up more than jailbreaking.

But even if all things were equal on the software side, the hardware offerings (screen size, SD expansion, etc.) are plenty more than Apple's hardware offerings.

 

[F123D]

That can be changed with a Jailbreak. In fact, most every complaint about iOS in here can be solved with a Jailbreak.

While I agree jailbreaking does help with some of the complaints, it also provides some issues as well.

It all depends on what you install but your phone may take a hit in battery life and speed. People who aren't familiar with jailbreaking may cause more harm than good.

Every time a new or updated version of iOS comes out, you're stuck on your current version. (Isn't this an android compaint?) Look at the iPhone 5. Two months in and still no idea when an untethered jailbreak comes out. By the time it does, you've spent months with stock iOS with the next iPhone (and OS) getting closer.

Apple has made it harder each year to jailbreak the iPhone. If you have any issues with your device (non jailbreak related), you're screwed. You'll have to restore your phone back to stock before going to an apple store basically losing your jailbreak. It's not worth the hassle and time stuck on stock iOS when all some people want are toggles or a more useful/functional notification center.