When I think about it, the iPhone isn't a top 10 smartphone

[sentinelsx]

For me, I personally appreciate my activities on my ios devices being compartmentalized by app. I want to check my email, I just go to my mail app. There, I just focus solely on reading, sorting and replying to my email, with no other functions to distract or confuse me. During this time, nothing else matters. When I am done, I exit to home, then jump to the next app that needs my attention.

I want to browse my favourite forums, I use tapatalk (which has replaced forum browsing on the web). I want to catch up on my news, I jump into flipboard and machash. You get my drift.

Oddly liberating in a sense. I can't quite explain why; I just know I quite like it that way.

I would say that in 2013, as far as android phones are concerned, you can do all that in an app on an android phone as well. In fact that is how I always use my android phones. I don't use widgets. I use apps. And google seems to be big on apps this year which is good. Unfortunately the app approach isn't sitting well with many diehard android lovers out there whose only reason for buying an android is to date the OS. But there are over 600000+ apps on android too now for the rest.

 

[onthecouchagain]

Holy crap man, use the enter key! Walls of text are painful to work through.

Anyway, this whole 'Samsung won't have anything to copy' argument is getting old, and quite frankly is really stupid.

The GS4 (and the Note 2 for that matter) had a lot of features that Samsung has refined to work in a mobile device, that Apple hasn't even hinted at including. Now you COULD (and I'm sure you WILL) argue that these features aren't useful/only a tiny percentage of people will use them - but the point is that they are THERE, and Samsung would have had to invest a great deal of time and money to get them working.

This must be your first encounter with rMBP. You're better off ignoring him. But carry on. Good post.

----------

Everybody's going to have their preferences but in the grand scheme of things, I don't see why it's so hard for some to accept that one OS is objectively better.

os X - can accomplish said task by doing A and B

os Y- can accomplish said task by doing A, B, C and probably even D

Well both phones can accomplish said task by doing A and B nearly identical but only one can do C and D.

So yes subjectively, it's all about preference but objectively one OS is more mature than the other.

Well said. Maybe the word "mature" is what I should be using instead of "better." Seems to go over easier.

----------

I would say that in 2013, as far as android phones are concerned, you can do all that in an app on an android phone as well. In fact that is how I always use my android phones. I don't use widgets. I use apps. And google seems to be big on apps this year which is good. Unfortunately the app approach isn't sitting well with many diehard android lovers out there whose only reason for buying an android is to date the OS. But there are over 600000+ apps on android too now for the rest.

Yup. There is nothing that prevents you from using apps on Android. Nothing at all.

Widgets most certainly don't prevent you from using just apps if that's what you want. Again, more features doesn't mean you can't use the basic functions. More features hurt no one. I'm genuinely not sure what Abazigal's point is.

 

[Tig Bitties]

Except it has sold more than all ten of those combined.

Your point ? That's like saying MacDonald's is the best because they sell the most hamburgers.

No, it means people are stupid sheep, and like ****tty food, because the commercials and ads tell them its good.

 

[mib1800]

On the other hand, Apple works hard at polishing their handsets to fit the needs of a majority of consumers. It's all about apps, leaving the OS to be as efficient and out of the way as possible. Apple provides arguably the best in-app experience (and app ecosystem) which allows them to get away with more.

Not really. I don't even want to go into how iOS app runs in silo and without real multi-tasking can severely limits the capability of the app.

CS also plays a role in that. As Abizgal said, less headaches on Apple devices, less thinking about tweaking here and there. These things trump the "lack of choices".

But when you are trying to cater to the consumer who doesn't care and just wants the phone to work and do all kinds of things (with 800,000+ apps, there isn't much an iOS device CAN'T do), why would you think those same consumers would want 27 different display sizes?

I can think of a lot of things that iOS can't do even if App Store has 10 million apps. Simple essential "smartphone" capability like auto on-off ringer sound based on events (like calendar, timed schedule, location etc)

And "less taps" doesn't NECESSARILY mean easier. I, personally don't care about a dedicated back button. I know you SAY its much easier, but I don't agree. For me, having a back button within an app lets me know I'm going back WITHIN the app. There is only one way to go and I know exactly where that is. If I want to go all the way home, I press the home button.

On Android, that "dedicated back button" can mean back in the app, back to the previous app you were in, back to home etc....and its not consistent.

I could enter an app and press the back button that takes me home. Then enter another app, press the back button and it takes me back a menu/spot within the app. Not all devs code for the dedicated back button the same so you get inconsistent use.

You should think out of the box instead of stuck with the iOS app-centric paradigm. "Back" takes you back to your previous screen. Why do you care whether the screen is within the current app or the previous app. What matters is that it takes you back to what you were doing before. This "bread crumbs" based navigation is severely lacking in iOS.

Plus, if you're used to something, even if it takes more "effort" (three taps instead of two, omg), it might be easier for you because its second nature.

And sometimes it is not just about more taps. Little things like not having to look at the screen to find the slider to unlock. Or having most command/navigation tap location within easy finger reach at the bottom of the screen instead of at top like in iOS. Or not have screen area wasted by command/nav buttons.

There are so many basic things you can do more efficiently with Android. And when you add these all up, it can make a lot of difference.

I know I feel that way about a great many things in iOS over Android. I have to think about what I'm doing in Android - whereas on my iPhone, its all muscle memory. Granted this is all relative to how much time you spend on each platform....

But given we're on MACrumors, I'd reckon there are a great many of us who are completely used to iOS and feel its easier to use than Android, even though we have to tap a few extra times (which really isn't always the case).

That being said, bring on improvements in iOS 7. Toggles would be great, the new refreshed UI, awesome.

How far can the improvement be if Apple still wants to stick with its restricted environment without real multi-tasking? Not much. iOS capability is still like stuck at MS-DOS level.

 

[onthecouchagain]

Little things like not having to look at the screen to find the slider to unlock.

I never thought of this! It really is nice to just slide from anywhere on the lock screen to unlock the device (speaking of HTC One lock screen) especially since the device is larger.

As for the rest of your post, +1. Especially this:

There are so many basic things you can do more efficiently with Android. And when you add these all up, it can make a lot of difference.

I've said the same thing many times before. It's not just about number of taps, per se (remember, that was just a simple example). It's also about ease of use. It's about finding things easier.

It's about being able to access settings right away (and not have to navigate out of the app you want to configure to go into the operating system's Settings section and then finding the app again to configure it).

It's about having a dedicated back button that is always there in the same place (as oppose to looking for the back or cancel or return button -- and yes, that "navigation bar" takes up space where there is so little to spare already).

It's about widgets giving you information right away, even in your lock screen.

It's about the non-obtrusive notifications that Android employs (I still can't believe iOS users find it acceptable that after years, all Apple could come up with to notify you is a banner that drops down that covers and blocks the top of the phone. How is blocking visibility and usage part of Apple's software philosophy?).

It's about not having to input my goddamn password every time I download an app (and remember, only recently did iOS finally not boot you out of the App Store when you began a download).

It's about the freedom to attach anything I want to an email; freedom to share things immediately to any app I have installed (not just to FB and Twitter); freedom to choose what keyboard (and thus method of typing) fits me best; freedom to choose what browser I want to explore the internet with; and so forth.

I say again, for all those people who keep talking about "preference being the most important thing," you're sure not appreciating what Android allows. It's precisely the freedom to prefer whatever you want.

What few remaining "strongholds" (as I'd like to call them) that iOS has over Android is mostly marginal while the advantages that Android have over iOS are far more vast and distancing.

As someone else put it earlier, maybe saying Android is the better OS rubs people the wrong way. Perhaps instead, it's best to say:

Android is the more mature OS, regardless of which operating system one might prefer.

 

[JustJeff]

Wow couch, you sure go on and on about the same point over and over again. We get it, you want to marry Google.

Ever thought about being a Jehovah's Witness? They like to ram their beliefs down people's throats too.

 

[appletoandroid]

I never thought of this! It really is nice to just slide from anywhere on the lock screen to unlock the device (speaking of HTC One lock screen) especially since the device is larger.

As for the rest of your post, +1. Especially this:



I've said the same thing many times before. It's not just about number of taps, per se (remember, that was just a simple example). It's also about ease of use. It's about finding things easier.

It's about being able to access settings right away (and not have to navigate out of the app you want to configure to go into the operating system's Settings section and then finding the app again to configure it).

It's about having a dedicated back button that is always there in the same place (as oppose to looking for the back or cancel or return button -- and yes, that "navigation bar" takes up space where there is so little to spare already).

It's about widgets giving you information right away, even in your lock screen.

It's about the non-obtrusive notifications that Android employs (I still can't believe iOS users find it acceptable that after years, all Apple could come up with to notify you is a banner that drops down that covers and blocks the top of the phone. How is blocking visibility and usage part of Apple's software philosophy?).

It's about not having to input my goddamn password every time I download an app (and remember, only recently did iOS finally not boot you out of the App Store when you began a download).

It's about the freedom to attach anything I want to an email; freedom to share things immediately to any app I have installed (not just to FB and Twitter); freedom to choose what keyboard (and thus method of typing) fits me best; freedom to choose what browser I want to explore the internet with; and so forth.

I say again, for all those people who keep talking about "preference being the most important thing," you're sure not appreciating what Android allows. It's precisely the freedom to prefer whatever you want.

What few remaining "strongholds" (as I'd like to call them) that iOS has over Android is mostly marginal while the advantages that Android have over iOS are far more vast and distancing.

As someone else put it earlier, maybe saying Android is the better OS rubs people the wrong way. Perhaps instead, it's best to say:

Android is the more mature OS, regardless of which operating system one might prefer.

+1 And for all the naysayers out there who can't wake up, we feel sorry for you. iOS is the proverbial dumbphone now, and we all know it. iOS has 0 advantages over Android as Couch points out. Google has been way more innovative in recent years, and IO goes to show with their brand new products and even surprising the world with the announcement of the GS4 Nexus. Apple really has no excuses now, they've been beaten at every level.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I say again, for all those people who keep talking about "preference being the most important thing," you're sure not appreciating what Android allows. It's precisely the freedom to prefer whatever you want.

Preference is something every human being on the planet has whether they know it or not. Its a natural urge. I fully appreciate what Android allows as I've stated before with being an ex Android user. I used Android since almost the very beginning to late last year and enjoyed the experience immensely. I fancied something different and never imagined this choice would infuriate so many people. Its a bloody phone for goodness sake! Android has many positives but like any operating system, it also has flaws. iOS has flaws but that's where preference comes in when comparing both for individual needs. I was willing to abandon the freedom of widgets and unrestricted customisation on Android for aspects of iOS that I preferred and now like using. Why is that considered wrong to people like you and why do you feel its your mission to constantly point this out?

None of these concerns really impact on most people daily lives and we can do more with phones now than we've ever been able to. I think negative marketing for the big manufacturers has hoodwinked consumer (some) into thinking they have to ridicule anybody who hasn't bought what they have. In all seriousness does it really bother you what smart phones others are using, I mean really? Life is far too short to be worrying about such insignificant things. Its nice to compare and discuss changes and features others like using, but I'm sick to death of this fanboy mentality to be quite honest.

----------

+1 And for all the naysayers out there who can't wake up, we feel sorry for you. iOS is the proverbial dumbphone now, and we all know it. iOS has 0 advantages over Android as Couch points out. Google has been way more innovative in recent years, and IO goes to show with their brand new products and even surprising the world with the announcement of the GS4 Nexus. Apple really has no excuses now, they've been beaten at every level.

It seems to bother you way more than most iOS users I don't doubt. Some of your comments border on hysterical. I can assure you I don't pull my iPhone out of my pocket and start worrying how I've been beaten and how its lacks all the amazing features of a rival device I have chosen not to own. How very pathetic. Don't waste you time feeling sorry for people who have no interest in accepting your sympathy. I think you need a new hobby.

 

[daneoni]

Wow couch, you sure go on and on about the same point over and over again. We get it, you want to marry Google.

Ever thought about being a Jehovah's Witness? They like to ram their beliefs down people's throats too.

Honestly. You could see the rhetoric coming from a mile away.

 

[lordofthereef]

You know guys. If a certain poster annoys you do much because of the way he or she posts, you have the choice to ignore them (not see their posts) through the preferences of this site. It obviously bothers you all enough that you're posting about it. So do something about it. Telling the guy "this is how you always are" isn't going to make him not be that guy tomorrow...

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

You know guys. If a certain poster annoys you do much because of the way he or she posts, you have the choice to ignore them (not see their posts) through the preferences of this site. It obviously bothers you all enough that you're posting about it. So do something about it. Telling the guy "this is how you always are" isn't going to make him not be that guy tomorrow...

Good advice and the mature approach. I shall do it now.

 

[AQUADock]

Honestly. You could see the rhetoric coming from a mile away.

I agree, its like a broken record. You know whats going to be written before reading it.

 

[mib1800]

Preference is something every human being on the planet has whether they know it or not. Its a natural urge. I fully appreciate what Android allows as I've stated before with being an ex Android user. I used Android since almost the very beginning to late last year and enjoyed the experience immensely. I fancied something different and never imagined this choice would infuriate so many people. Its a bloody phone for goodness sake! Android has many positives but like any operating system, it also has flaws. iOS has flaws but that's where preference comes in when comparing both for individual needs. I was willing to abandon the freedom of widgets and unrestricted customisation on Android for aspects of iOS that I preferred and now like using. Why is that considered wrong to people like you and why do you feel its your mission to constantly point this out?

Explain this to me then.

When you said that iOS/iphone is better and make more sense for YOU, is it not that you want the readers to agree and feel for your opinion? Why would you want to post your opinion if not for this reason?

And why should anyone accept your opinion that Android and IOS are equally as good (or bad) with your motherhood "my opinion is ios is flawed, android is flawed, everything is flawed" statement when the actual fact shows Android to be much more capable? To me, it just shows you run out of ideas how to counter the opposing side. If Iphone has many functionalities that Android doesnt, I bet you wouldn't have taken this route.

None of these concerns really impact on most people daily lives and we can do more with phones now than we've ever been able to. I think negative marketing for the big manufacturers has hoodwinked consumer (some) into thinking they have to ridicule anybody who hasn't bought what they have. In all seriousness does it really bother you what smart phones others are using, I mean really? Life is far too short to be worrying about such insignificant things. Its nice to compare and discuss changes and features others like using, but I'm sick to death of this fanboy mentality to be quite honest.

----------


It seems to bother you way more than most iOS users I don't doubt. Some of your comments border on hysterical. I can assure you I don't pull my iPhone out of my pocket and start worrying how I've been beaten and how its lacks all the amazing features of a rival device I have chosen not to own. How very pathetic. Don't waste you time feeling sorry for people who have no interest in accepting your sympathy. I think you need a new hobby.

If you don't care how others berate the iphone for its lacking, why bother posting here. You do know this in the Alternate section.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Explain this to me then.

When you said that iOS/iphone is better and make more sense for YOU, is it not that you want the readers to agree and feel for your opinion? Why would you want to post your opinion if not for this reason?

I shall answer your questions of course
I think the word you have capitalised there is the operative word (YOU) and displays the essence of my claim. I am claiming my choice is good for me but may not necessarily the right choice for other people, hence why it is infuriating when to read accusations that iOS users are in denial and have not woken up to the alternatives. I've outlined this several times in debates this week and had responses from Android users who have the same mindset as myself but a different set of preferences. Believe it or not it is possible to have the same principles but disagree on a set of criteria when choosing a basic everyday device. I am not trying to convert Android users to the ways of iOS because there's nothing in it for me. People don't have to agree with my opinion and I enjoy hearing reason's for why others like an alternatives but being told I am wrong for not sharing their view is ignorant IMHO. I wouldn't dream of telling someone they are stupid for buying as S4 because I feel another brand of phone is so much better. That is just naive and gets people nowhere.

And why should anyone accept your opinion that Android and IOS are equally as good (or bad) with your motherhood "my opinion is ios is flawed, android is flawed, everything is flawed" statement when the actual fact shows Android to be much more capable? To me, it just shows you run out of ideas how to counter the opposing side. If Iphone has many functionalities that Android doesnt, I bet you wouldn't have taken this route.

Well I can't help but point out something glaringly obvious here. This paragraph of yours is simply an 'opinion' of yours. That's great we all have opinion's but you are passing this opinion of as 'fact'. Its not though is it? You don't have to accept my opinion that all operating systems have their flaws, but I can't agree that Android is more capable in all area's because I'm an Android user too. I enjoy the experience of both OS's and know from personal experience that they both have strengths and weaknesses from a 'subjective' point of view. I don't quite understand your last sentence so all I can say is never assume.

If you don't care how others berate the iphone for its lacking, why bother posting here. You do know this in the Alternate section.

This is the beauty of the internet. So many differing opinions and interesting viewpoints. I post in this section because I like to keep up to date with technology and hear differing views and also because I can. The posters I quoted here are also prolific contributors in the iPhone section of this website. They are also commenting in a section concerning a phone they don't own, but in a very different tone to what I use here.

Any more questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch, be it here or via private means. Cheers

 

[Kariya]

+1 And for all the naysayers out there who can't wake up, we feel sorry for you. iOS is the proverbial dumbphone now, and we all know it. iOS has 0 advantages over Android as Couch points out. Google has been way more innovative in recent years, and IO goes to show with their brand new products and even surprising the world with the announcement of the GS4 Nexus. Apple really has no excuses now, they've been beaten at every level.

Can't you express a single opinion without sounding conceited and condescending?

I suppose i shouldn't be surprised given your username and join date.

 

[onthecouchagain]

iOS has 0 advantages over Android as Couch points out.

Just to be clear, I did not say this in my post.

 

[Tig Bitties]

Totally agree the iPhone 5 isn't a good phone either. And two reasons could change that immediately.

- Make a larger screen. 4" is a joke.
- Refresh iOS, very outdated and stale now.

I think those will be addressed for the iPhone 6 next year, and that will propel the iPhone back to glory. The iPhone 5S coming this Summer, is a head scratcher, just an iPhone 5 with hardware update, that's it, if you already have the 5, why get the 5S ?

 

[mattopotamus]

Totally agree the iPhone 5 isn't a good phone either. And two reasons could change that immediately.

- Make a larger screen. 4" is a joke.
- Refresh iOS, very outdated and stale now.

I think those will be addressed for the iPhone 6 next year, and that will propel the iPhone back to glory. The iPhone 5S coming this Summer, is a head scratcher, just an iPhone 5 with hardware update, that's it, if you already have the 5, why get the 5S ?

If the finger print scanner is a real thing, that could be enough for a lot of people. Imagine never having to log into apps....banking, bill pay, etc. That would be a really nice feature...just scan your print and go.

Aside from that, you are right it will most likely not be big for 5 users, but people who are on the "S" cycle for upgrades

 

[onthecouchagain]

In all seriousness does it really bother you what smart phones others are using, I mean really?

Nope.

My comments about iOS are for people to wake up to the realities of its shortcoming. A reality people deny, refuse, and ignore at the expense of the iOS experience. It's no skin off my back except for the fact that iOS won't change the way I'm hoping it will.

I am criticizing iOS as a fan of Apple -- I'd argue as a real fan, even. Fans should be the first to criticize. I do it all the time with Google. Look at the "Google I/O" thread I created; pages upon pages of us discussing Android's own shortcomings and hopes for its future.

Am I out there actively telling people to switch to Androids? No. I genuinely don't care. Only when asked what I'd recommend do I suggest an Android, but I'm not trying to get people to switch. Though there doesn't seem to be any shortage of straw man arguments and red herrings to suggest otherwise.

Contrary to popular belief, I don't have a major brand loyalty. I'm just using what's the better -- or more mature -- operating system at this given moment. And if anything, really, I am an Apple fan more than I am a Google fan, considering what I own around the house.

 

[thehustleman]

I never thought of this! It really is nice to just slide from anywhere on the lock screen to unlock the device (speaking of HTC One lock screen) especially since the device is larger.

As for the rest of your post, +1. Especially this:



I've said the same thing many times before. It's not just about number of taps, per se (remember, that was just a simple example). It's also about ease of use. It's about finding things easier.

It's about being able to access settings right away (and not have to navigate out of the app you want to configure to go into the operating system's Settings section and then finding the app again to configure it).

It's about having a dedicated back button that is always there in the same place (as oppose to looking for the back or cancel or return button -- and yes, that "navigation bar" takes up space where there is so little to spare already).

It's about widgets giving you information right away, even in your lock screen.

It's about the non-obtrusive notifications that Android employs (I still can't believe iOS users find it acceptable that after years, all Apple could come up with to notify you is a banner that drops down that covers and blocks the top of the phone. How is blocking visibility and usage part of Apple's software philosophy?).

It's about not having to input my goddamn password every time I download an app (and remember, only recently did iOS finally not boot you out of the App Store when you began a download).

It's about the freedom to attach anything I want to an email; freedom to share things immediately to any app I have installed (not just to FB and Twitter); freedom to choose what keyboard (and thus method of typing) fits me best; freedom to choose what browser I want to explore the internet with; and so forth.

I say again, for all those people who keep talking about "preference being the most important thing," you're sure not appreciating what Android allows. It's precisely the freedom to prefer whatever you want.

What few remaining "strongholds" (as I'd like to call them) that iOS has over Android is mostly marginal while the advantages that Android have over iOS are far more vast and distancing.

As someone else put it earlier, maybe saying Android is the better OS rubs people the wrong way. Perhaps instead, it's best to say:

Android is the more mature OS, regardless of which operating system one might prefer.

Great post.

I give you an e-round if applause

 

[Jibbajabba]

Imagine for a moment if it was Samsung (or HTC, Motorola, whoever) that all decided to stay with a 3.5" phone for four or five (or whatever the number is) years. And imagine if it was Apple that offered 3.5", 4", 4.3", 4.5", 4.7" and even 5" phones as the years went by? Puh-leaze. The arguments would be completely flip-flopped and every Apple fan would destroy and ridicule Android OEMs to no end for sticking it out with 3.5" phones. And this is just using one example. Imagine if Android OEMs stuck with one hardware button, while Apple moved onto capacitive and/or on screen buttons. Imagine what would be said about that. Imagine if Apple offered SD expansions and Android OEMs refused to? Or notification lights while Android OEMs refused to?

Amen to that ... Talking about Android in a crowd of Apple FBs is like asking n00b questions on a Linuxforum... You might as well ..... don't

----------

I never thought of this! It really is nice to just slide from anywhere on the lock screen to unlock the device (speaking of HTC One lock screen) especially since the device is larger.

As for the rest of your post, +1. Especially this:



I've said the same thing many times before. It's not just about number of taps, per se (remember, that was just a simple example). It's also about ease of use. It's about finding things easier.

It's about being able to access settings right away (and not have to navigate out of the app you want to configure to go into the operating system's Settings section and then finding the app again to configure it).

It's about having a dedicated back button that is always there in the same place (as oppose to looking for the back or cancel or return button -- and yes, that "navigation bar" takes up space where there is so little to spare already).

It's about widgets giving you information right away, even in your lock screen.

It's about the non-obtrusive notifications that Android employs (I still can't believe iOS users find it acceptable that after years, all Apple could come up with to notify you is a banner that drops down that covers and blocks the top of the phone. How is blocking visibility and usage part of Apple's software philosophy?).

It's about not having to input my goddamn password every time I download an app (and remember, only recently did iOS finally not boot you out of the App Store when you began a download).

It's about the freedom to attach anything I want to an email; freedom to share things immediately to any app I have installed (not just to FB and Twitter); freedom to choose what keyboard (and thus method of typing) fits me best; freedom to choose what browser I want to explore the internet with; and so forth.

I say again, for all those people who keep talking about "preference being the most important thing," you're sure not appreciating what Android allows. It's precisely the freedom to prefer whatever you want.

What few remaining "strongholds" (as I'd like to call them) that iOS has over Android is mostly marginal while the advantages that Android have over iOS are far more vast and distancing.

As someone else put it earlier, maybe saying Android is the better OS rubs people the wrong way. Perhaps instead, it's best to say:

Android is the more mature OS, regardless of which operating system one might prefer.

Great post. I have posted similar before. But you are on a Mac forum and it doesn't matter how mature or realistic these posts are - you will always hit a wall you try to punch through with a cotton ball ... But I 100% agree.

One major annoyance for me for YEARS (which also just recently changed) were two things

1. Customized ring tones for things like texts etc.
2. Scheduled profiles (go silent at a specific times and loud again at x o'clock etc).

You won't believe it, but because of my on-call I had in one company, I had to go back to a Nokia phone so I was able to do these two things. About a third of our IT staff refused an iPhone but had to get a Nokia instead (Android wasn't possible to get on company contract at that time. (don't want to go into lengthly details why this was important - gotta take it or leave it ).

 

[cynics]

Everybody's going to have their preferences but in the grand scheme of things, I don't see why it's so hard for some to accept that one OS is objectively better.

os X - can accomplish said task by doing A and B

os Y- can accomplish said task by doing A, B, C and probably even D

Well both phones can accomplish said task by doing A and B nearly identical but only one can do C and D.

So yes subjectively, it's all about preference but objectively one OS is more mature than the other.

This is true until you throw proprietary software and hardware into the mix.

How do I FaceTime my mother on X phone if X phone can't FaceTime regardless of how many steps? Sure I could talk to her about Skype etc etc. and 20 hours later when I think I got her all squared away she'll FaceTime me to ask a question about it. No thanks.

Want to mirror my phone wirelessly to my TV with AppleTV. My Nexus 10 didn't support Miracast nor have I seen any decent Miracast receivers yet. So again, all the steps in the world and I still don't have the same result.

Seamless integration within the ecosystem. While Android can do a lot, a lot of set up and research is involved. Since most of my friends have iPhones its nice getting text on my iPad and soon my Mac (once I buy one). And things like that.

How many examples does it take for you to definitively say "Android is in fact better"?

Back to the FaceTime example. How many step is it to download and use a video chat app as it takes me to use FaceTime?

My steps.

1. (Put phone to ear and say) "FaceTime (name)"

Siri takes care of the rest.

Btw you can pretty much do anything on an iPhone just by putting it to your head with Siris help. Launch apps, make calls, send text, post to Facebook, tweet, take a note, etc etc all in 1 step.

Regardless when does objective become subjective? If you never use FaceTime or video chat programs? If you have Siri disabled?

To top it off you said "objectively better". Better in what way? Faster? More functional? More polished? Better looking? All of them on a single OS, not yet.

Edit: I guess Siri is technically two steps. Put phone to ear then say (launch app, compose email, whatever etc)

 

[Jibbajabba]

Ever thought about being a Jehovah's Witness? They like to ram their beliefs down people's throats too.

So you are implying that most Apple Fanbois are JWs ?

 

[dontpannic]

not being able to select your own browser isn't something a person just plain prefers

No, some people prefer to turn on a device and use it out of the box. The preference is "why do I need another browser/keyboard/launcher"...

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Totally agree the iPhone 5 isn't a good phone either. And two reasons could change that immediately.

- Make a larger screen. 4" is a joke.
- Refresh iOS, very outdated and stale now.

I think those will be addressed for the iPhone 6 next year, and that will propel the iPhone back to glory. The iPhone 5S coming this Summer, is a head scratcher, just an iPhone 5 with hardware update, that's it, if you already have the 5, why get the 5S ?

Absolutely 100% subjective...!

For me, anything 4.5" and above is a joke. I wan't a phone, not a tablet. We spent years making phones smaller. What's next? The Galaxy 15" phone being the best out there because it's 15"? Get real.

 

[torana355]

Imagine for a moment if it was Samsung (or HTC, Motorola, whoever) that all decided to stay with a 3.5" phone for four or five (or whatever the number is) years. And imagine if it was Apple that offered 3.5", 4", 4.3", 4.5", 4.7" and even 5" phones as the years went by? Puh-leaze. The arguments would be completely flip-flopped and every Apple fan would destroy and ridicule Android OEMs to no end for sticking it out with 3.5" phones. And this is just using one example. Imagine if Android OEMs stuck with one hardware button, while Apple moved onto capacitive and/or on screen buttons. Imagine what would be said about that. Imagine if Apple offered SD expansions and Android OEMs refused to? Or notification lights while Android OEMs refused to?

And so on and so forth...

One of the better posts ive seen on these forums. Android has made many advancements that get labelled as gimmicks but if it were Apple releasing these features it all be the next best thing.