iPhone to Android

[814MB]

I have used an iPhone since the iPhone 4S, upgrading every year. Until last year when I opted to keep my 13 Pro when seeing the 14 Pro as hardly an upgrade. The 15 is shaping up to be another “pass” for me. The design rumors are very much the same look as the past three years, save for a few tweaks. However, that camera bump is looking obscene and apparently the bezels are going to be even thinner - which makes me concerned for structural integrity when dropped. Let alone iPhones seem to be getting more slippery every year. I’m being tempted to switch to Android. Have any other longtime iPhone users made the switch? If so, did you regret it or was it a “where have you been all my life?” experience for you?

 

[814MB]

*bump* 😕

 

[SanderB]

I have used an iPhone since the iPhone 4S, upgrading every year. Until last year when I opted to keep my 13 Pro when seeing the 14 Pro as hardly an upgrade. The 15 is shaping up to be another “pass” for me. The design rumors are very much the same look as the past three years, save for a few tweaks. However, that camera bump is looking obscene and apparently the bezels are going to be even thinner - which makes me concerned for structural integrity when dropped. Let alone iPhones seem to be getting more slippery every year. I’m being tempted to switch to Android. Have any other longtime iPhone users made the switch? If so, did you regret it or was it a “where have you been all my life?” experience for you?

I use Android, and have switched since 2018. Technology has been stagnating since 2018, with the iPhone XR, which looks exactly like the iPhone 11, 12, 13 and 14. Android is more affordable and better value for the money. Plus, the front camera notch is gone on most Androids.

 

[Lynx]

*bump* 😕

Give it time. Some people don't check the forum everyday. Me, I've been on vacation for a week.

The difference is:

iPhone is a complete system made for the greatest number of end users, the lowest common denominator. The operating system is made for that specific hardware and only an iPhone's hardware, so it is much easier to guarantee that everything will just plain work. It is also uniformly expensive, mostly because of all the hype Apple generates to try to keep the price up. But it will almost certainly work, and just playing work, all the time.

Android is more like a Windows computer. Android is the operating system, but the quality of the experience depends a lot on which particular phone you get. You might get the phone equivalent of a Rolls-Royce or a Yugo. Instead of just going out and getting iPhone model whatever, you need to research what brand and model you are getting. The easiest way is to go on Amazon, look up the specifics model you want and see what customer reviews are like for it.

Or you could just ask a nerd what kind do you want. The fake nerds will snap out a model automatically. The real nerds will first ask you a few questions to determine what you are going to use the phone for, and then they will recommend a model.

 

[Lynx]

If you are a modern basic end user, the Moto Pure is looking like a great option this year. Low price (around 110 bucks) high reliability, not a lot of flashy stuff, allegedly takes any SIM card from any provider in the USA.

Of course if you play any games above solitaire and angry birds, you will probably want something with more processing and graphics. Moto pure is only what I would recommend for people like my father, who only use a phone for calls, text messages and ebay. For anyone else I would recommend something quite different.

 

[SanderB]

Give it time. Some people don't check the forum everyday. Me, I've been on vacation for a week.

The difference is:

iPhone is a complete system made for the greatest number of end users, the lowest common denominator. The operating system is made for that specific hardware and only an iPhone's hardware, so it is much easier to guarantee that everything will just plain work. It is also uniformly expensive, mostly because of all the hype Apple generates to try to keep the price up. But it will almost certainly work, and just playing work, all the time.

Android is more like a Windows computer. Android is the operating system, but the quality of the experience depends a lot on which particular phone you get. You might get the phone equivalent of a Rolls-Royce or a Yugo. Instead of just going out and getting iPhone model whatever, you need to research what brand and model you are getting. The easiest way is to go on Amazon, look up the specifics model you want and see what customer reviews are like for it.

Or you could just ask a nerd what kind do you want. The fake nerds will snap out a model automatically. The real nerds will first ask you a few questions to determine what you are going to use the phone for, and then they will recommend a model.

I like both phones equally. When it comes to streamlined, an iPhone works the best, but when it comes to customizability, I prefer Android. Android also allows for decentralized apps such as ones from the F-Droid platform, while Apple locks one into the App Store. Apple phones tend to have faster processors, on the order of several teraFLOPS, while Androids lag behind a generation, though have more RAM. Also, cheap Androids are the worst, a cheap $30 Alcatel 2016-2017 model is much worse than an iPhone from 2013, or even a Galaxy Android from 2013.

I have a Motorola G7, but would eventually like a Samsung A series when my G7 bites the dust in 2025 or so, as they are affordable and have better tech compared to Moto at that price point.

What do you think about Linux phones?

 

[SanderB]

If you are a modern basic end user, the Moto Pure is looking like a great option this year. Low price (around 110 bucks) high reliability, not a lot of flashy stuff, allegedly takes any SIM card from any provider in the USA.

Of course if you play any games above solitaire and angry birds, you will probably want something with more processing and graphics. Moto pure is only what I would recommend for people like my father, who only use a phone for calls, text messages and ebay. For anyone else I would recommend something quite different.

Your dad might like the Light Phone, but it lacks apps and internet. Very minimal, black and white screen: https://www.thelightphone.com/

 

[Lynx]

I like both phones equally. When it comes to streamlined, an iPhone works the best, but when it comes to customizability, I prefer Android. Android also allows for decentralized apps such as ones from the F-Droid platform, while Apple locks one into the App Store. Apple phones tend to have faster processors, on the order of several teraFLOPS, while Androids lag behind a generation, though have more RAM. Also, cheap Androids are the worst, a cheap $30 Alcatel 2016-2017 model is much worse than an iPhone from 2013, or even a Galaxy Android from 2013.

I have a Motorola G7, but would eventually like a Samsung A series when my G7 bites the dust in 2025 or so, as they are affordable and have better tech compared to Moto at that price point.

What do you think about Linux phones?

I used to be optimistic, but now I am disappointed. Linux phones had so much potential, but have gone nowhere. Don't talk to me about Linux phones. I'm still sulking.

 

[SanderB]

I used to be optimistic, but now I am disappointed. Linux phones had so much potential, but have gone nowhere. Don't talk to me about Linux phones. I'm still sulking.

Agreed. I was optimistic also, but they are slow, clunky, overpriced and basically failed. Was hoping for a future where phones can use desktop apps and run like a desktop connected to a monitor, and switch back to mobile mode after unplugging from a monitor. Sadly, the only thing we have as a society is Samsung Dex. Can't even run most desktop software on that.

 

[Lynx]

Agreed. I was optimistic also, but they are slow, clunky, overpriced and basically failed. Was hoping for a future where phones can use desktop apps and run like a desktop connected to a monitor, and switch back to mobile mode after unplugging from a monitor. Sadly, the only thing we have as a society is Samsung Dex. Can't even run most desktop software on that.

I'm going more for Moto easy share than Samsung dex. But yes, it is in general disappointing. And that has been my dream ever since they made the first alleged smart watches a few years ago... A smartwatch that can connect to a screen and keyboard and become a desktop.

 

[SanderB]

I'm going more for Moto easy share than Samsung dex. But yes, it is in general disappointing. And that has been my dream ever since they made the first alleged smart watches a few years ago... A smartwatch that can connect to a screen and keyboard and become a desktop.

Same here. Technological innovation seemed to have slowed since the late 2010s. Thought we would have more progress by now. At the least, I thought Apple would release a convertible laptop that can switch from iOS to MacOS. Seems that it never happened.

 

[Lynx]

Same here. Technological innovation seemed to have slowed since the late 2010s. Thought we would have more progress by now. At the least, I thought Apple would release a convertible laptop that can switch from iOS to MacOS. Seems that it never happened.

Oh I think we're going to get there with smart watches becoming desktops. They can almost do it already.

We won't be seeing Linux on them though. And I'm not sure either Moto easyshare or Samsung dex will be able to make the jump. It might be a little no name company like unihertz that makes the first move, and comes with a lot of compromises, before we see the big name companies doing it.

 

[SanderB]

Oh I think we're going to get there with smart watches becoming desktops. They can almost do it already.

We won't be seeing Linux on them though. And I'm not sure either Moto easyshare or Samsung dex will be able to make the jump. It might be a little no name company like unihertz that makes the first move, and comes with a lot of compromises, before we see the big name companies doing it.

Potentially, but we also have to contend with the end of Moore's Law in the mid-2020s, which we are almost in. Shame that Linux can't get traction.

 

[Lanolin]

what...someone bought 10 i-phones over the past 10 years???

Im on android and have used it for about 6 years and never had to upgrade, only put in a new sd card to expand the memory and thats it.

while my cousin is trying to offload her old i-phone on me for an new one. The new ones seem to have five cameras on them, and they are always getting broken or smashed because people dont put covers on them. to look after them.

Ive used this same ipad for about ten years now I think and never had to upgrade. I only have one app on it that I use lol

the mac air I use had been pretty good too never had to buy any new parts and has been long lasting for about 7 years, I keep it updated and never had any issues with it, unlike windows computers and laptops that always were breaking down.

I think cos I have two other apple devices I dont need a third when the others can do the work for me. I wouldnt load EVERYTHING onto one small smartphone. I had an ipad mini at school and that quickly got wrecked by year 2 children smashing the button, so sent it back and the IT dept gave me a bigger (normal sized) one instead and I use that. Then I dont need to use their clunky windows laptop for taking the roll.

 

[Lanolin]

I think with apple though I prefer it to windows and microsoft in terms of desktop apps
android functions well for basics and whats app I pretty much use for communication

Depends on what you use it for, I never use any of the i-tunes, I-books or I whatevers that you have to pay for. Facetimes and i-message with others are good for those who also have i-phones but I only really facetime my sister.

I think if you have both and use each for a specific purpose than you have the best of both worlds. The problem with iphones and apple generally is its not compatible with things that arent i-programmed. And its true that the tech has tended to stagnate a bit...like what happened to the i-pod lol. That went obsolete very quickly. Im sure they will go onto the next big thing (apple watches, earbuds, etc) and it will all be a big marketing push to get people hooked on constant upgrades and spending all their money on them lol

 

[Lynx]

what...someone bought 10 i-phones over the past 10 years???

Im on android and have used it for about 6 years and never had to upgrade, only put in a new sd card to expand the memory and thats it.

while my cousin is trying to offload her old i-phone on me for an new one. The new ones seem to have five cameras on them, and they are always getting broken or smashed because people dont put covers on them. to look after them.

Ive used this same ipad for about ten years now I think and never had to upgrade. I only have one app on it that I use lol

the mac air I use had been pretty good too never had to buy any new parts and has been long lasting for about 7 years, I keep it updated and never had any issues with it, unlike windows computers and laptops that always were breaking down.

I think cos I have two other apple devices I dont need a third when the others can do the work for me. I wouldnt load EVERYTHING onto one small smartphone. I had an ipad mini at school and that quickly got wrecked by year 2 children smashing the button, so sent it back and the IT dept gave me a bigger (normal sized) one instead and I use that. Then I dont need to use their clunky windows laptop for taking the roll.

You gotta get the latest iphone. Apple publicly admitted they actively slow down older iphones. Of course they claim it is to make older batteries last longer, so they are trying to improve customer experience, but they still actively slow down older phones.

Almost all of them use some jiggery behind the scenes. Lots of phone makers have admitted to actively slowing down selected apps, for fun and profit. Many new phones won't run at full speed (for heat reasons) but they will temporarily disengage that safety measure if you run a benchmarking app (program that tells you how fast your phone functions) just to look good.

 

[mailmandan]

I made the switch from iPhone to Android about 1 year ago and it was not a smooth transition. iPhone is much simpler for me. The only reason my wife and I switched is because my son and daughter in law switched first and sending pictures and videos from iPhone to Android and vice versa resulted in blurred pictures and videos. We send a lot of pictures and videos back and forth, since we are grandparents now but the phones are not very compatible in that regard.

 

[Lynx]

I made the switch from iPhone to Android about 1 year ago and it was not a smooth transition. iPhone is much simpler for me. The only reason my wife and I switched is because my son and daughter in law switched first and sending pictures and videos from iPhone to Android and vice versa resulted in blurred pictures and videos. We send a lot of pictures and videos back and forth, since we are grandparents now but the phones are not very compatible in that regard.

That is one of the main selling points of iphone, and the single only reason I recommend it to anybody. It makes the user interface as simple as possible. As one of the primary goals of nerds is to make computers easier to use for normal people, I have to approve of that.

 

[notmyown]

If you are a modern basic end user, the Moto Pure is looking like a great option this year. Low price (around 110 bucks) high reliability, not a lot of flashy stuff, allegedly takes any SIM card from any provider in the USA.

Of course if you play any games above solitaire and angry birds, you will probably want something with more processing and graphics. Moto pure is only what I would recommend for people like my father, who only use a phone for calls, text messages and ebay. For anyone else I would recommend something quite different.

thank you for this, Lynx! my 74 yo husband needs a new phone, but really all he does with it is call the kids and text the kids and check the weather, lol.

he's still my favorite person on the planet, and the king of life hacks.

 

[Gojira]

I have used an iPhone since the iPhone 4S, upgrading every year. Until last year when I opted to keep my 13 Pro when seeing the 14 Pro as hardly an upgrade. The 15 is shaping up to be another “pass” for me. The design rumors are very much the same look as the past three years, save for a few tweaks. However, that camera bump is looking obscene and apparently the bezels are going to be even thinner - which makes me concerned for structural integrity when dropped. Let alone iPhones seem to be getting more slippery every year. I’m being tempted to switch to Android. Have any other longtime iPhone users made the switch? If so, did you regret it or was it a “where have you been all my life?” experience for you?

I just use the highly effective Otterbox. No worries about it slipping out of my hand with that thing.