For me it's mostly about the continuity across iPhone/iPad/Macs vs. the customizability of Android. I had nothing but iPhones from the 3G to the 6, but recently switched to the S7 in November. While I do miss the continuity across platforms for the iPhone, I think I would miss the customization of Android more at this point. I don't see myself going back to iPhone anytime soon.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
With the iPhone 8 coming - why Android?
- Thread starter ozreth
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I'm starting to think that the best move for me would be to pick up an S8 with enough window before the iPhone 8 release to exchange it after some usage if I decide I don't like it. But then there's the problem with the supposed iPhone 8 shortages that are going to happen...and the fact that my phone is broke right now. Maybe I'll just use a flip phone for a few weeks 
And for those saying "If you're used to iOS just get an iPhone", I've been using one since 2007 and have always had an interest in trying other tech. I've been using Apple computers for 11 years, for example, and don't plan on stopping, but I'm planning to build a Windows machine soon just to get a taste of the other side and what has been introduced over the years.
And for those saying "If you're used to iOS just get an iPhone", I've been using one since 2007 and have always had an interest in trying other tech. I've been using Apple computers for 11 years, for example, and don't plan on stopping, but I'm planning to build a Windows machine soon just to get a taste of the other side and what has been introduced over the years.
Respectable reason, but it doesn't work like that. Just read the fine print on both sides.
Apple has your data, and claims to protect it, and only use it to better their products. Fair enough.
Google does that same, but also uses it to further your search engine, products, etc.
Your data may be used by google, but it isn't something to "look over your shoulder" about. Its more like this: Imagine all the smartphone users in the world are jelly beans. Google takes all those jelly beans and fills the grand canyon with them. Google then uses its algorithms to analyze said jelly beans in mass. What color are they? How big are they? How many of each color? Etc, etc. Each individual jelly bean is essentially autonomous, and impossible to single out. Google takes the data from the mass trends to further its own goals.
If you want to avoid this, you should stop using all google services, etc....not to mention other companies.
The only time it really matters, is if the authorities want your data. At that point, it is up to the individual companies how are they will go to protect your data. But that is a different situation, and doesn't amount to be paranoid about using your phone.
Another way to put it (with no offense intended), you are not that special. I am not that special. They care about the data of the masses, not my individual habits. The data mining does serve to better my experience, though.
Advertising is a separate matter, and not just a google thing. You can prevent personal advertisements on both platforms.
I thought it either, haha.
I find it unfortunate that so many people misunderstand how Google utilizes data.
It's not the fearful, privacy destroying company people perceive it to be. Of course, Google's competitors love to get that false view perpetuated.
Facebook and the like are closer to deserving that level of concern.
Yeah, people love to spread that "Google is selling you". And no, I'm not being sarcastic. It's all silly FUD.
The only plus for android is the GAB.ai app which is censored but still possible to install I hear.
The Galaxy S8 (I have the Plus, but same idea) is a great phone. I have enjoyed having one as a work phone, as I use my 7+ as a personal phone. At the end of the day, the phones basically do the same things. You browse the web, use apps, send texts, etc. The OLED is nice, I don't find the resolutions to be a noticeable difference (in my use). I choose to stick with iOS, since my entire family and fiancees entire family have them. We use Facetime, iMessage, Find my Friends, and lots of other integrated apps enough to keep me happy. If you're switching just to switch, I am not sure you will find it different enough to excite you again. If you find specific reasons to switch, you may be more successful.I'm starting to think that the best move for me would be to pick up an S8 with enough window before the iPhone 8 release to exchange it after some usage if I decide I don't like it. But then there's the problem with the supposed iPhone 8 shortages that are going to happen...and the fact that my phone is broke right now. Maybe I'll just use a flip phone for a few weeks
And for those saying "If you're used to iOS just get an iPhone", I've been using one since 2007 and have always had an interest in trying other tech. I've been using Apple computers for 11 years, for example, and don't plan on stopping, but I'm planning to build a Windows machine soon just to get a taste of the other side and what has been introduced over the years.
Oh I know how Google supposedly works, but much of how they actually work is not public knowledge. I just get the impression that Apple is more careful with my information. I base that on them being a hardware first company, then apps, then advertising is probably fairly distant as a revenue stream. I also base that on how they handle things like encryption and backdoors.
I completely know it's overkill, especially in today's world. I also cannot base my feelings on anything more than just that, a hunch based on their public performance. In today's world you are doing nothing wrong, until you are doing something wrong. And the lines are so blurred that it's completely possible you don't even know you are doing something wrong, or that thing became wrong just this morning, etc.
I'm also miffed that Google makes so much money off my information, but still charges me flagship prices for it's phone, lol. I'm kind of kidding on that one, but then again not really.
But yeah, I don't disagree with you in the least. Hey, some people like blue phones, others like white phones you know? I just choose to use privacy and data protection as one of my deciding factors, even if it's only based on my personal feelings about each company and not necessarily on any hard data. I don't feel I'm giving up anything significant with Android so it's just about that slight wind which pushes me over into the other camp.
Because iOS's notifications seem to get worse each year while Android's gets better?
Text input and editing is still miles ahead on Android. Although swipe typing on Gboard is getting better on the iPhone, it still brings me daily frustration and I still remember my days with the Note 2 and 3 when I'd just fly through text as if my finger was a magic wand, using Swype.
That'd be my personal primary reason for always keeping tabs on upcoming Android phones and always being right on the verge of buying one... (again). I sure do miss my home screen widgets too.
That'd be my personal primary reason for always keeping tabs on upcoming Android phones and always being right on the verge of buying one... (again). I sure do miss my home screen widgets too.
I probally think you mean:
"Apple/iPhone will always rock, cause you know...Apple logo on the back''
I'm definitely envious of this. A coworker has an s8 and whenever I see her screen full of useful info that I have to go into apps to retrieve I get annoyed.
Yeah, and my fave was having specific settings toggles there - like, wifi hotspot, roaming, wifi etc right there on the home screen without having to dive into any menu whatsoever.
It just seems like common sense to me. I get that the locked down and uniformed look of iOS is for branding and ease of use which has obviously been successful but still...
I absolutely can appreciate one preferring to have widgets of info on the home screen(s) but I don’t see the implementation on iOS as less convenient. In some instances, there are fewer steps required to see iOS widgets. They’re only one swipe to right off the initial home screen and accessible from both the lock screen (if one chooses) and within any app with a swipe.
Of course having the choice of either method on iOS would be ideal but not holding my breathe for that change.
Ugh, tell me about it. I can't believe iOS notifications are so terrible.
Life is too short to be stuck with one GUI. I am very particular about how I have my home screen setup. I hate that ios forces you to use app icon that are justified to the top left, and cannot change icon size.
It seems dumb but I hate it. If iOS ever allowed launchers I would switch over permanently.
(I have owned every iPhone from first gen through 7+ but still much prefer Android)
It seems dumb but I hate it. If iOS ever allowed launchers I would switch over permanently.
(I have owned every iPhone from first gen through 7+ but still much prefer Android)
It's not dumb at all. Customization is something we all love. Apple reminds me of their own commercial when the girl throws the hammer at the screen shattering the status quo, except Apple is now the boring, beige box status quo. They also remind me of that Mercedes commercial where all the humans are being created as exact clones. I've always been confused why a brand like Apple, that prides itself and its consumers as thinking differently, tries so hard to make everyone have the same exact setup.
I'm doing my best to be platform agnostic. I'm planning on going with an Android phone for my phone and an iPad Pro for my tablet/mobile computing device. I also use Android TV, a Roku, Amazon Echo, and I plan on getting a Google Home if they release a smaller one this year. I try to stick to Amazon Prime, Google Play Music/Movies, Netflix, etc. for my entertainment so that I can access it from anything. I don't want to be locked into Apple where it basically works only on Apple. iOS 11, for me, didn't add what I wanted to stick with iOS for my daily. It did enough for the iPad, however. Notifications still suck on iOS, in fact, they may have gotten worse. I still have literally ZERO customization that matters to me. And I have an OS that basically feels the same as it did nearly 10 years ago. I just can't do it anymore, for my phone, at least. Even after almost two years on an iPhone, I still find that it is not nearly as intuitive as an Android device that I can make work for me. My iPhone still works as the folks in Cupertino want, not how I want.