Android 2.x simply can not compete with iOS 4.

[Consultant]

Latest Android still doesn't pass the ACID3 test.

Actually Android is iOS' only viable competitor & you should be thankful for it. Without competition innovation tends to stagnate.

There is plenty of competition between

Nokia
Motorola
Windows Mobile
Palm

Sure that results in the innovations we see in the market place today.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

There's a reason why the Android platform is growing exponentially faster than Apple's.

Yes, it's called ATT exclusivity.

Don't delude yourself. Android would be a non-factor if iPhone was available on all networks the way Android is. Even still Android's growth is limited to 18-34 geeks, mostly male, if you go by recent data. So future growth is doubtful. Once you lock up all the ATT/Apple haters not many other customers to attract.

There will come a day when Apple and the other U.S. cellcos can't resist the growth potential of the iPhone and we'll see it on more U.S. networks -- likely when LTE is built out enough, say 2013. I don't think Android market share will withstand that onslaught unless they steal some of Apple's iOS engineers.

I appreciate Android. It has made the iPhone a better device. I don't think Apple is that genius that everything we see in today's iOS or iPhone was part of the original road map. Some of that thanks goes to developers that demanded the ability to develop real apps, not just web apps, but a lot goes Android phones that emphasized tethering, better cameras, and better screens. However, ultimately, the OS and hardware us unpolished and the apps unsecured b/c of Android's open nature.

 

[thercanbeonly1]

4) Two words: Google Goggles

Google Goggles??? seriously? google muthtruckin goggles? that has got to be one of the most ridiculous reasons android os is superior to ios.

I have owned android devices before and the biggest gripe i have about android is the fact that there are so many phones out there with android but not all of them get the latest s/w. Sure everyone is talking about how great android 2.2 is but the only phone out there with 2.2 is the Nexus One, sure you can root your phone and if your lucky find a 2.2 build for your handset but its gonna be missing a couple features (bluetooth or wifi might not work). In my opinion Android will really excel once they get a good stable software maybe 3.0 then set some requirements and regulations in terms of hardware for the cellphone manufacturers and then begin releasing updates maybe once or twice a year that will be compatible with all phones

 

[JediZenMaster]

Honestly as much as i like the iOS i would say it's true competition is WebOS it's the only OS that seems to get multitasking done right as well as truly integrated Eco system.

Even though palm is the underdog as this point i'm sure eventually they will get their game back. But untill then i think the iOS is the winner between iOS and android but that's just personal preference.

I've used android devices before and i don't like the interface it seems like it's designed for someone who has ADD. It's very busy and i don't really need dancing wallpaers and such.

I like iOs and WebOs because they are very robust and polished however i do get there are people over there who need to Tweak every setting and that's what android is for and i'm not going to bash anyone over a Mobile OS but i do ask that people respect my Preference as well.

I appreciate Android. It has made the iPhone a better device. I don't think Apple is that genius that everything we see in today's iOS or iPhone was part of the original road map. .

I think what we have in iOS was part of the road map. It's pretty much what Nokia used to do as far as Releasing one model that has X features then releasing another variant of the same model that has more features and so forth.

It's rather genius because it really proves that people will spend money on 1 product when they could wait till a refresh comes around that has more features.

 

[army91c]

AT&T is killing the iPhone for sure. That's probably the #1 reason people don't get an iPhone. I agree, iOS does need a better push notification system, and a revamped UI.

Yeah tell that to apple and at-t..... how many iPhone 4's did they sell so far? AT-T /apple combo is doing JUST fine. Now they'll do even better when Vrz gets it but your statement, and others like it, are simply ignorant at best.

 

[Acejam2k]

Yes, because it's free.

The end user doesn't always know that though. Verizon/Motorola sold a ton of Droids, and I can guarantee you half of the people who bought the phone have no idea what "open source" is. Regardless, that cost is not passed to the end user, and there still going to pay $99, or whatever it is now, for a Droid. (though the high-end Android phones are a lot of $$)

Replies in-line:

Two words: Android fanboy. Absolutely sickening.

1) It doesn't compare. Navigon and TomTom kick Google's free navigator system to the curb.

Clearly, you've never used the maps application on an Android 2.1+ device. Google maps/Navigation on these phones is better than Navigon and TomTom, combined. There is no company in the world that has more "information" about various businesses and such than Google. Simply open maps, type or say "panera bread". It will find the closest one, and begin to route you, or place a phone call, or give you reviews, or tweet/buzz/share the place (twitter/facebook are INTEGRATED into the OS), all with 1 single touch. I've used both TomTom and Navigon on the iPhone, and it can't do that. Simple as pie.

2) It's not Apple's fault. It's AT&T's. Blame them.

I have an AT&T 3G Nexus One, and I'm still able to tether/setup a wifi hotspot natively without any special plans. Apple sells the iPhone to several other countries, so why don't they include that feature for them?

3) Yes. It does. Android's version of multitasking is crap. I seriously need a Task Manager? Yes. Do I really need that game running in the background? No. Can I switch between apps as fast as Apple's fast-switch multitasking method? No. Do I conserve battery life? No way. So yes, it's "done the right way."

You don't need a task manager at all. With a Linux OS, it's not needed. The "rumors" that you've read about needing these task killers are rubbish, and Android will automatically kill any programs (not in use) when it's needs more memory. (which it doesn't since the N1 has 512MB RAM, but so does the IP4)

When I receive and instant message, I flick down the notification bar, click on the message, and it's there. Instantly. Not just the "text" that I received in the message, but the whole app is there, loaded and ready to be used. With iOS4, you have to wait until the app loads up again. Android is the clear winner here.

4) Who cares? I'm sure there's an app similar to it already in the App Store, which has far more high-quality apps than Android.

There isn't. Try and find one.

5) Flash = battery sucker, CPU hog, annoying ads, etc. Forget it.

Flash is on millions of websites. Millions. It may use up additional battery, but when your done, simply close the browser or the page in question. It's that easy. Apple is essentially hindering your web experience by not rendering content that was put there by the web page owner/creator.

 

[br0adband]

http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/08/t-mobile-roadmap-leaks-out-plenty-of-android-in-store/

Android gains more ground, with 16 new phones rolling out for T-Mobile... it won't matter in the long run as Chupa Chupa noted, but at least it's something going on, I suppose.

<pss... personally I still prefer Windows Mobile 6.5, actually... >

I'll be using my Dell Axim X51v for years to come, it seems.

 

[Silencio]

Speaking of dated, iOS 4's UI could use some updating after three years of being virtually the same. It would be nice if Apple allowed something like this (time/calendar/weather) on the top of the home screen.

You're seriously using the HTC Sense UI home screen to paint the iPhone UI as "dated"? You realize that HTC has been using that same home screen on their Windows Mobile devices for years now, right? Talk about dated.

 

[Apollo 13]

I hate how ppl like to state their opinion as fact. Some ppl like Android better then then the Iphone and vice versa. Both phones have their pros and cons. Seems thread starter is shaking in his boots afraid of ppl ditching the Iphone 4 for the new android devices. I'm one of them and I have no regrets. Android has the same apps I used on my Iphone and more. Android doesn't have all the games that IOS have and that's a fact, but the developers are porting over their games to the Android OS. I really don't care that much for games anyways since I have a PS3 and Xbox 360. What I want to see is WebOS with a bigger app store and on a phone like the HTC EVO. I would take that phone over an Iphone or Android device anyday.

 

[Fernandez21]

Latest Android still doesn't pass the ACID3 test.



There is plenty of competition between

Nokia
Motorola
Windows Mobile
Palm

Sure that results in the innovations we see in the market place today.

Just because they haven't been as successful as the iPhone doesn't mean they haven't competed. By your analogy I guess that means windows 7 wasn't spurred by the competition from Mac.

 

[Apollo 13]

You're seriously using the HTC Sense UI home screen to paint the iPhone UI as "dated"? You realize that HTC has been using that same home screen on their Windows Mobile devices for years now, right? Talk about dated.

no they haven't. How about doing a Google search and see how they changed the UI over the years. Hell even the HD2 and EVO have a different UI. I actually like the way the HD2 looks over the EVO's UI.

 

[nickweston]

Android vs iOS4

just my two cents-

I've owned every version of iPhone so far, not much to complain about, one of the, if not THE greatest piece of technology I've ever owned (and I've owned a LOT).

That being said, I was stunned when I finally got my hands on an Android phone...I had heard so much about it.

I was very disappointed in general...all the same claims as the main poster here, sluggish, bad apps, etc.

For lack of better words, it looked "windows-y." By that I mean ugly aesthetics and clumsy navigation. The fonts and icons look childish compared to the iPhone.
Swiping is slooooooow...

But I think the biggest difference is iTunes. My buddy couldn't figure out how to get his music on to his Android! iTunes is the hub that makes the iPhone so easy to use, sync, etc.

I had prepared myself for an "iPhone killer" and did not see one. iOS4 is still the sh^t in my humble opinion.

 

[Fernandez21]

I hate how ppl like to state their opinion as fact. Some ppl like Android better then then the Iphone and vice versa. Both phones have their pros and cons. Seems thread starter is shaking in his boots afraid of ppl ditching the Iphone 4 for the new android devices. I'm one of them and I have no regrets. Android has the same apps I used on my Iphone and more. Android doesn't have all the games that IOS have and that's a fact, but the developers are porting over their games to the Android OS. I really don't care that much for games anyways since I have a PS3 and Xbox 360. What I want to see is WebOS with a bigger app store and on a phone like the HTC EVO. I would take that phone over an Iphone or Android device anyday.

I agree with you one webos, if it had the hardware of the iPhone I would be all over it. Really looking forward to what hp is gonna do with it and I think my next upgrade next year will be really tough.

 

[Apollo 13]

just my two cents-

I've owned every version of iPhone so far, not much to complain about, one of the, if not THE greatest piece of technology I've ever owned (and I've owned a LOT).

That being said, I was stunned when I finally got my hands on an Android phone...I had heard so much about it.

I was very disappointed in general...all the same claims as the main poster here, sluggish, bad apps, etc.

For lack of better words, it looked "windows-y." By that I mean ugly aesthetics and clumsy navigation. The fonts and icons look childish compared to the iPhone.
Swiping is slooooooow...

But I think the biggest difference is iTunes. My buddy couldn't figure out how to get his music on to his Android! iTunes is the hub that makes the iPhone so easy to use, sync, etc.

I had prepared myself for an "iPhone killer" and did not see one. iOS4 is still the sh^t in my humble opinion.

Have you tried a Droid Increadible or HTC EVO? These devices are fast at swiping and not slow. You must be talking about old android devices. Hell even my GF HTC Hero swiped fast, but it was laggy because the hardware wasn't fast enough. Todays hardware on the android devices make the OS run fast.

 

[naths]

android or ios4...ferrari or pagini...hmmmm...choices choices...get whichever one you like the best..some people like android..some people like ios4....both as good as each other....far to many people think ios4 is the best,same with android.....if each operating system was just a phone..the usual fanboys would buy it....no matter what its like!!!...
Although at least with android there is a choice of hardware...lol....i'v got both..one for work and one for play...and sorry to say on this forum my HTC desire is doing both for me at the moment...who knows in a couple of months i might change to the iphone...especially as it a £600 toy in the drawer...

 

[IgnatiusTheKing]

You're seriously using the HTC Sense UI home screen to paint the iPhone UI as "dated"? You realize that HTC has been using that same home screen on their Windows Mobile devices for years now, right? Talk about dated.

Uh, no. I am using the fact that the iPhone interface has not really changed since its introduction to paint it is as dated.

I just like the HTC time/calendar/weather display on the home screen.

 

[Jack Dangers]

before the iPhone 4 I was using an ATT nexus one and will say it's a pretty capable phone.
My biggest complaints were the overall "laggy-ness" of the phone, and the quality of the apps. Those who say Android apps are the same as iOS are in denial. There might be some polished apps out there (mostly by Google), but they're few and far between. That being said, the widgets and notification system of android is top notch and also the integration between apps is pretty convenient. I wish Apple would do something similar.

Last night I installed Froyo on my Nexus one hoping it would fix the lag and other issues I was having, but it didn't, so I'm definitely sticking with the iPhone4 due to smoothness, ease of use and battery life.

oh and after getting used to the retina display, the nexus one screen was pretty painful to look at. It really makes a difference.

 

[mtwilford]

You're seriously using the HTC Sense UI home screen to paint the iPhone UI as "dated"? You realize that HTC has been using that same home screen on their Windows Mobile devices for years now, right? Talk about dated.

I have too disagree, yes the HTC UI is a few years dated. My biggest gripe with the iPhone is you are limited to what thinks you need to see on your home screen. I would love to have the option to change this without jail breaking the device. Will this keep me from giving up the iPhone, probably not at this time.

 

[dmorris01]

just my two cents-

I've owned every version of iPhone so far, not much to complain about, one of the, if not THE greatest piece of technology I've ever owned (and I've owned a LOT).

That being said, I was stunned when I finally got my hands on an Android phone...I had heard so much about it.

I was very disappointed in general...all the same claims as the main poster here, sluggish, bad apps, etc.

For lack of better words, it looked "windows-y." By that I mean ugly aesthetics and clumsy navigation. The fonts and icons look childish compared to the iPhone.
Swiping is slooooooow...

But I think the biggest difference is iTunes. My buddy couldn't figure out how to get his music on to his Android! iTunes is the hub that makes the iPhone so easy to use, sync, etc.

I had prepared myself for an "iPhone killer" and did not see one. iOS4 is still the sh^t in my humble opinion.

Agreed. I bought the HTC EVO on Sprint's 4G network and had it for three weeks. The experience wasn't bad, but they have a lot of ground to cover before it's as smooth as the iPhone. And I never got my library transferred to the EVO because there is no great app to emulate iTunes.

The Android market is a joke. You can find a lot of really useful apps, but you have to sort through the cr*p to find them, and there's a LOT of cr*p. Also, quality control is a huge issue. I don't like Apple's "walled garden" approach, but they DO make sure the apps are compatible and the quality is good.

Also, the Android platform is junked up with things like Google Talk, which can be switched off, but it pops right back up automatically, even though it's configured NOT to do so. Those kinds of services consume battery life and make the EVO almost impossible to own unless you're always near a charger.

I LOVED the customizability of the EVO, and if/when Android can make their UI as smooth, fluid and clean as Apple's, (and address the other issues) I will be happy to revisit it.

 

[Apple...]

Replies in-line:

Clearly, you've never used the maps application on an Android 2.1+ device. Google maps/Navigation on these phones is better than Navigon and TomTom, combined. There is no company in the world that has more "information" about various businesses and such than Google. Simply open maps, type or say "panera bread". It will find the closest one, and begin to route you, or place a phone call, or give you reviews, or tweet/buzz/share the place (twitter/facebook are INTEGRATED into the OS), all with 1 single touch. I've used both TomTom and Navigon on the iPhone, and it can't do that. Simple as pie.

Fine. I'll give you that one. Slightly. Those are just features. I'm talking about actual navigation.

I have an AT&T 3G Nexus One, and I'm still able to tether/setup a wifi hotspot natively without any special plans. Apple sells the iPhone to several other countries, so why don't they include that feature for them?

You must have no idea how chaotic that would be for AT&T. Do you realize how many iPhones are out there that are on AT&T's network? If AT&T allowed that, their network would be severely fried. Apple "would need AT&T's "blessing" for the wireless hotspot, in the words of Engadget. Also, you can tether the iPhone to a computer anyway. As for other countries, I have no idea.

You don't need a task manager at all. With a Linux OS, it's not needed. The "rumors" that you've read about needing these task killers are rubbish, and Android will automatically kill any programs (not in use) when it's needs more memory. (which it doesn't since the N1 has 512MB RAM, but so does the IP4)

When I receive and instant message, I flick down the notification bar, click on the message, and it's there. Instantly. Not just the "text" that I received in the message, but the whole app is there, loaded and ready to be used. With iOS4, you have to wait until the app loads up again. Android is the clear winner here.

Yes you do. I don't care if the Android OS kills other apps to allow other ones to run in the background. You can't kill all of them, or individual ones without a task killer. Android is not the clear winner: you cannot conserve battery life as well, switch between apps as fast, or worry about the OS closing apps you don't want closed or apps crashing because there's not enough RAM left.

There isn't. Try and find one.

The Google Goggles comparison is pretty lame anyway. I'm not the only one who agrees.

Flash is on millions of websites. Millions. It may use up additional battery, but when your done, simply close the browser or the page in question. It's that easy. Apple is essentially hindering your web experience by not rendering content that was put there by the web page owner/creator.

I don't need/ want Flash. It kills battery life, is a CPU hog and is a pure nuisance to have. I don't need ads all over the place, nor do I need my browser experience hindered by having my other web pages slowed down. Tests have proven that it definitely slows the browser down. I don't need Flash. I don't need unnecessary problems.

Your obviously an Android fanboy, the worst type of fanboy to walk the planet yet (worse than an Apple fanboy, I know).

The arguments over Android vs. iPhone are most indeed pointless. If Android suits your needs better, go Android. If it doesn't, go iPhone. It all comes down to personal preference. Neither one will truly win. Competition is healthy, and it pushes each other to innovate further and become a better platform. Thus, in the long run, it's truly the consumer who wins, and not the phone.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

I think what we have in iOS was part of the road map. It's pretty much what Nokia used to do as far as Releasing one model that has X features then releasing another variant of the same model that has more features and so forth.

It's rather genius because it really proves that people will spend money on 1 product when they could wait till a refresh comes around that has more features.

Based on what I've seen since '07 my gut tells me different. For example the App Store was clearly not part of the original plan. You will recall at the first iPhone announcement that Jobs told developers that they could design Apps...Web Apps. Apple wanted the iPhone to be 100% closed. It was only until jailbreaking took hold that Apple capitulated and announced an API and App Store. But for that it may not have been until Android that we saw an App Store, and that would have reduced the iPhone's advantage greatly.

Obviously, model refreshes need new features to keep people from buying and rebuying. My point is that I don't think Apple would have gone as far as it has were it not for phones like the Nexus One w/ it's OLED screen. That phone really led the way to higher res phone screens. Apple followed. Now I think Apple's retort is better and more practical, but I don't think it was part of the road map. I think it was Apple sensing where the market was going and feeling a need to stay ahead or at least not fall back.

 

[Apple...]

I LOVED the customizability of the EVO, and if/when Android can make their UI as smooth, fluid and clean as Apple's, (and address the other issues) I will be happy to revisit it.

I'm not so sure they will. It's the fluent UI of the iPhone that keeps Android users Android. They're mostly geeks. They enjoy having complete control of the OS, heavy customization and different UI styles. They claim the iPhone to be to easy to use: they say something along the lines of "I don't want something my Grandma could use. I want something geeky, something fairly difficult to understand and something totally under my control." That's what they get in Android, and that's what they like. That doesn't go for all Android users, but for most, it is.

 

[jenzo]

That doesn't necessarily mean the iPhone's UI is dated. It's still more fluent and consistent than Android, and has a much more polished look and feel, although I don't disagree that the iPhone is in need of a major UI overhaul and needs far more customization.



Not true. Apple's App Store has far more high quality apps than Android, and they're not all just stupid gag ones like iFart, etc. I know: I go through hundreds of them everyday. Plus, you don't have to worry about accidentally installing malware on your phone, or getting caught for using illegal services that an Android app may offer.



However, it all depends on what kinds of widgets you're using. Some widgets use more battery power than others.



Yellow screen issues = not a big deal. What's causing the yellow screen is the chemical Apple uses to seal the screen/ glass together. Once it dries entirely, you shouldn't have a problem. If, however, you're still having an issue, you can always exchange your defective iPhone for a new one.

The green tinge can be fixed by going to an Apple Store, explaining the problem, testing the replacement iPhones to avoid repeated journeys, and presto! Problem solved! Fortunately, it's not an issue too many people have experienced.

I'm not real familiar with the white balance problem. If it's not a hardware issue, it'll be fixed in an upcoming software update or by getting a replacement iPhone. ("This seems to be a common problem with a lot of cellphone cameras. Pictures showing the problem in the Nexus One and a Samsung phone (Omnia?) were posted and/or linked to." - pcguru83)

Proximity Sensor issues = no big fuss. This can be fixed by going to Settings -> Reset and then by tapping Reset Network Settings or Reset All Settings. Apple is also expected to release a software fix for this pesky bug.

Lastly, the antenna issue is a little bit overhyped. If you are having a problem, it can be fixed by holding the phone differently, putting a case on the it or by returning the phone altogether. ("A problem which the Nexus One has, Evo 4G has, older iPhones have, my moms dumbphone has, etc when you cover the antenna." - quagmire)

All phones in the past have all had similar problems, including the Nexus.

hey bud you can quote people who have dismissed the antenna issues and seem like its fact. fact is the antenna issue is VERY real. in anything under 5 bar coverage with the "32.00 bumper" my phone goes from 2000mbps/down 1800mbps/up to 42down and 0up. (office in hollywood ) not death gripping not doing anything but holding the phone! i love the iphone4 but the antenna design bums me out alot. when im typing an email in some areas i have to wait sometimes 20 seconds to send the email or it fails and gets stuck. its even lost 2 emails like that because i reboot the phone and i guess outbox isnt stored locally

i have tried the EVO and no way you hold it affects the antenna- FACT we have 5 in my office.

i have tried my 3GS and no matter how i hold it it works -FACT i have 2 in use still.

i have tried 4 ip4s and every one has exhibited the data degradation when holding it - FACT

now stop trying to make people think this phone is perfect. it isnt and it has a very serious flaw that affects MANY people. maybe not you but that doesn't necessarily make it a BS issue.

-jenzo

 

[Apple...]

Based on what I've seen since '07 my gut tells me different. For example the App Store was clearly not part of the original plan. You will recall at the first iPhone announcement that Jobs told developers that they could design Apps...Web Apps. Apple wanted the iPhone to be 100% closed. It was only until jailbreaking took hold that Apple capitulated and announced an API and App Store. But for that it may not have been until Android that we saw an App Store, and that would have reduced the iPhone's advantage greatly.

Obviously, model refreshes need new features to keep people from buying and rebuying. My point is that I don't think Apple would have gone as far as it has were it not for phones like the Nexus One w/ it's OLED screen. That phone really led the way to higher res phone screens. Apple followed. Now I think Apple's retort is better and more practical, but I don't think it was part of the road map. I think it was Apple sensing where the market was going and feeling a need to stay ahead or at least not fall back.

That's what Steve does. He said that at the D8 conference. It's basically where ever the market is going, or what's up next in tech (ex: Flash -> HTML5).

 

[dogie678]

Speaking of dated, iOS 4's UI could use some updating after three years of being virtually the same. It would be nice if Apple allowed something like this (time/calendar/weather) on the top of the home screen.

UGLY.