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Why do you use Android?

O

ozaz

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Feb 27, 2011
1,626
583
Rather than a list of generic reasons, I'd like to know the main reasons why you personally choose to use Android as your smartphone or tablet OS.

I'm a long time iOS user. But the seemingly improved stability of Android, coupled with its low cost, is starting to make it look appealing.
 
I like Google services and freedom of Android, also the variety of devices. I am not one of these mouth breathing stooges who is a die hard X product is better than Y product though. I like ios as well, just not near as much as Android.
 
I love being able to set default apps, it immensely annoyed me receiving a link in anything, Facebook Chat, Text, Email etc and having Safari open it without my consent.

I like being able to download files in the Web Browser etc. I love having access to the file system, I do often use it. I love being able to drag a .mp3 into my "ringtones" or "Notifications" folder to be able to use it.

I dislike having my entire homescreen cluttered with icons, I do use Widgets, I love being able to change icons and stuff.

Those are my personal reasons for preferring Android over iOS.
 
ozaz said:
I'm a long time iOS user. But the seemingly improved stability of Android, coupled with its low cost, is starting to make it look appealing.
Click to expand...

Same here. Apple admirer since the first iPhone. Always dismissed Android based on early impressions (touch lag, crappy UI) and constant fanboi's mocking (like John Gruber's). Since iOS 7 release, started thinking that Android now is not bad after all. Bought N7 a few days ago and am in love with Android now. What a slick OS! That's what iOS should be in the first place. I still love Apple ecosystem, but feel that there's no reason to marry the one and the only "till death do us part". "F around" is now my new philosophy when it comes to gadgets. :D
 
Google services- Easily accessible through the browser as opposed to being limited to a brand of hardware.

Google Now- I have this widget on my lock screen and I can't tell you how much this helps me keep my work day organized. Not to mention, auto recommendations based off location for either recreation or business.

I have a set configuration that works for me which consists only of a launcher and keyboard. I don't tinker anymore.

Better suited, at least for me for both productivity and media consumption due to expandable memory (either via OTG or SD card support) with quicker file downloads.

I find the UI of Google apps and those that follow the guidelines incredibly intuitive.

Inter-app communication/sharing.

I find the notification to be more seamless (touchwiz, the only thing they got right). A one stop shop so to speak.

I find that the overall OS design enables greater use of screen real estate.

I currently own a Note 3 and find it to be the most responsive, well rounded phone I've used (with Nova Launcher Prime).

----------
Dr McKay said:
I love being able to set default apps, it immensely annoyed me receiving a link in anything, Facebook Chat, Text, Email etc and having Safari open it without my consent.

I like being able to download files in the Web Browser etc. I love having access to the file system, I do often use it. I love being able to drag a .mp3 into my "ringtones" or "Notifications" folder to be able to use it.

I dislike having my entire homescreen cluttered with icons, I do use Widgets, I love being able to change icons and stuff.

Those are my personal reasons for preferring Android over iOS.
Click to expand...

Heh, I completely forgot about this and take it for granted. Forgot I couldn't do this with my other devices.
 
Back when I got my first Android phone, Android had (and continues to have) a much better notification system. I also like the fact that I have an app locker for all my apps but only have the commonly used ones on my desktop. I also take advantage of widgets for common things I do commonly, such as see the weather, news and monitor my financial status.

I don't know if iOS can do this, but I also have quick-dial shortcuts in my home bar (that's another thing I like, the fact that I can have folders there and customize it). There are 3 people I call most often, so instead of going into the dialer, I just click in my tray and click on the name.

Having all of this USED to mean that the hardware may not be as good as far as antennas, that the battery life may not be the best and that I'd have to deal with some bloatware on the phone. With Nexus, especially today, I feel like I'm missing nothing and in fact have much more. Google Now is extremely smart at knowing my life (should I be scared? :eek:) and shows me info before I even ask for it. Love it.
 
Dr McKay said:
I love being able to set default apps, it immensely annoyed me receiving a link in anything, Facebook Chat, Text, Email etc and having Safari open it without my consent.

I like being able to download files in the Web Browser etc. I love having access to the file system, I do often use it. I love being able to drag a .mp3 into my "ringtones" or "Notifications" folder to be able to use it.

I dislike having my entire homescreen cluttered with icons, I do use Widgets, I love being able to change icons and stuff.

Those are my personal reasons for preferring Android over iOS.
Click to expand...



This so much
 
I carry two phones, one for work and one for personal use. One has always been an iPhone because personally for me its the best option out there, but carrying two iPhones just feels odd, plus I could mix them up since I don't like using cases and I much prefer black. So my second phone I switch around a lot between the different platforms. I've used webos, windows mobile, windows phone, android, and blackberry.

Up until last year it was really frustrating as it seemed none of the other OS'es were anywhere near iOS (well, except webos, but we all know what happened there), but this past year android has really separated itself from the pack and is now at the same level of iOS for me, and I will probably now stick with carrying and iPhone with an android phone, as the other options just interest me anymore.
 
I've switched back and forth between Android and Apple for years. I'm beginning to really like Android devices. I especially like this new moto X phone its very very fast!
 
The best way to explain it is that I outgrew the extremely limited capabilities and functions of iOS. iOS does what it does very well but having moved to Android 4.3 the capabilities and uses of my phone have exploded and I can't see ever going back to iOS.

Others have already listed some of my points and nice features but in the end, Android is just more flexible and allows me to control how I use my device vs. having to conform to how it needs to be used.
 
Android is like being at home on your week off. You can do as you please.

iOS is like staying at your grandmas. Your still you, you can almost do what you like but your a bit restricted. You still love it but you question which you prefer.

I like both. But a straight google device with no overlay is better to me than iOS on a phone. Tablet? I still like my iPad.

I keep getting bored of iOS mobile.
 
Less restrictive.

Less dealing with proprietary accessories.

No need for iTunes.

Android has enough cross platform apps and has the more universal installed base at over 80% of the marketshare.

Dont need to be locked onto a closed ecosystem.

Apple changes the sim standard more than their screen sizes.

Sideloading apps.

File manager.

Expandable memory and removable battery depending on the model.

Cheaper but does more.

Bluetooth transfer.

NFC/Android Beam

Bigger screen for better movie viewing and texting.

I just like Google more than Apple.

Personally I use it more because I'm tired of bending over backwards with Apple. Even unlocking an iPhone, I still have to restore the phone. To match the basic ability of an unrooted Android, you need to jailbreak the iPhone. There will always be followers of Apple even if they file bankruptcy like in 1997. I get it that Apple will always remain a strong brand and I wont try to change anybody's mind with their philosophy. But I just prefer thinking more for myself. I prefer if the OS doesnt control me more than I can control it.

I feel iOS is more for the non-tech savvy and people who want something that simply just works for them. They dont mind if Apple spoon feds it to them and holds their hand during the entire experience even if Apple will hold back on some practical things for next time.
 
Customisable I. e keyboard, widgets, launchers, home screens etc

SD card storage

Removable battery

Larger screen

File manager/not having to use iTunes

Variety of handsets

I do like iOS though, hence the reason why I use an ipad and ipod touch. Yet I can't see myself using an iPhone again in the near future.
 
Flexibility.

Being able to set my phone up the way that I work and live - things that I use most are front and centre using a limited number of widgets, everything else is in the app drawer or folders. Nice and clean and easy to get at.

Google Services - These have got so good over the last year. Just takes care of all my data needs and I would find it had to move (that what probably their plan all along!). Mind you, Google are also making them available on IOS (mostly)..

Setting default apps. We're all different and like different apps and features. Being able to set a default app of MY CHOICE is a biggie.

I used to have an iphone but I don't think I will go back any time soon. The recent Kitkat release has made Android just so smooth and slick that its on a par with anything out there. Add in all the above and I'm a happy man.
 
My favourite quote on this topic which sums up my thoughts perfectly:

"Android is a mobile OS that conforms to me, rather than the other way around."
 
JH- said:
Cost, default apps, and better notifications.
Click to expand...

Can you (or anyone) expand on better notifications?
I find notifications on iOS to be fine (but have not used Android).
 
everything really..being able to do anything you want on your device for one. Having a big screen is big for me.

Removeable battery has to be the best feature possible. Worrying about battery life is a thing of the past.
 
Another big thing for me is how apps are able to be utilised within the OS.
I have 2 really good examples of what I mean by this.

Firstly, I have an app for my Oppo blu-ray player that lets my phone act like a remote. It takes about 20 seconds for the phone to find the player and connect to it. On my iPhone 5 (which I had about 6 months ago), every time I went back to the home screen, I had to re-connect because iOS doesn't let apps like that run in the background. On my S4/Nexus 7 - I can go do some browsing and when I open the app back up, the remote is ready to go.

Another thing is the Facebook messenger chat head things. On iOS, they are only available within the Facebook app, which is REALLY annoying. On Android I can have them there on any page/app/web browset etc, and chat without having to go into FB app.

Little things like that make it so much easier to use.
 
ozaz said:
Can you (or anyone) expand on better notifications?
I find notifications on iOS to be fine (but have not used Android).
Click to expand...

For me it refers to the ability to clear them all at once if I want to, being able to have something like active notifications, and just simply being able to manage them a little better than on iOS. I also like the notification bar.
 
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