Probably. Would you switch then? I would love to see live icons/ widgets in iOS 5. Just sayin'.
I would switch in a heartbeat if the iPhone5 adds widgets and a slightly larger screen.
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Android phone or iPhone.
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I would switch in a heartbeat if the iPhone5 adds widgets and a slightly larger screen.
Probably. Would you switch then? I would love to see live icons/ widgets in iOS 5. Just sayin'.
As long as they don't slow down the device, i'm game. In my old Android phone i ended up disabling them all, otherwise the lag of returning to home screen was unbearable.
I doubt we'll see a larger screen until the next major revision of the iPhone, say WWDC 13' maybe?
I am open minded to getting an iPhone5. But I need two changes. #1 widgets added to iOS. #2 larger screen is a must have. 3.5" is way to small in the year 2011.
Widgets are totally plausible, but as I already mentioned, I don't see a larger screen coming for a few years yet. The iPad exists for a reason, you know.
The OP's original question, "Android vs. iPhone" is way too vague.
Is the OP referring to which OS to prefer? Android OS vs. iOS?
Or is the OP referring to a particular Android phone vs. and iPhone 4?
Or any Android phone vs. iPhone 4?
1. So lets try to answer Android vs. iOS. If that's the question, than it's a Windows vs. MAC debate. It's totally up the individual person. Some people like customization. So if one prefers the vast control of Windows, than one would prefer Android. If one wants something simple, than they choose a Mac. If someone wants a simple (but powerful OS) without the customization that they probably don't need, than they should go with iOS (iphone 4).
2. Now if the OP wants to compare a particular Android phone vs. the iPhone4. Than we can debate to the end of time.
Apple doesn't rely totally on "specs" with their flagship phone. Although the iPhone 4 still has top of the line hardware specs found in similar high end Android phones. 1GZ processor, 512MB RAM, the highest screen resolution. Plus Apple has something most Android phones doesn't have: it has at least 16GB of "usable" flash memory. Many Android phones are limited to 1-2 GB of usable "memory" for apps, although 2.2 enables apps to be stored from an microSD card. Sure most Android phones support microSD slots, but unless you have a class 6 microSD card, the speed to access those apps can't compete with the built in storage of Apple's 16GB/32GB.
There are a lot of crappy Android phones out there. There are a lot of awesome flagship Android phones out there also.
I think it's funny Android fans say their EVO or Droid 2/X, Galaxy S, Nexus S etc is the best. But almost none of them say their "stock/factory Android OS" that comes with their phone. Almost all of them have to root their Android phones to get it running to their own tastes. But stock iPhone 4's iOS is very smooth and zero "lag".
So to the OP, it's a toss up between iPhone 4 vs. other "flagship" Android phones. Sure there are new duo core Android phones coming out. But you won't be comparing similar phones at that point. We would need to wait till iPhone 5 comes out to compare 2011 phones.
It's just a matter of personal taste.
I love all phones. Just do what I do (if you can afford it). Just buy the Android phone of your choice and and iPhone. You get the best of both worlds. Better yet, have 2 lines. I have my Samsung Vibrant (finally 2.2 update!!) on Tmobile USA. And I have my iPhone 4 on ATT. I get the best of both worlds.
Is the OP referring to which OS to prefer? Android OS vs. iOS?
Or is the OP referring to a particular Android phone vs. and iPhone 4?
Or any Android phone vs. iPhone 4?
1. So lets try to answer Android vs. iOS. If that's the question, than it's a Windows vs. MAC debate. It's totally up the individual person. Some people like customization. So if one prefers the vast control of Windows, than one would prefer Android. If one wants something simple, than they choose a Mac. If someone wants a simple (but powerful OS) without the customization that they probably don't need, than they should go with iOS (iphone 4).
2. Now if the OP wants to compare a particular Android phone vs. the iPhone4. Than we can debate to the end of time.
Apple doesn't rely totally on "specs" with their flagship phone. Although the iPhone 4 still has top of the line hardware specs found in similar high end Android phones. 1GZ processor, 512MB RAM, the highest screen resolution. Plus Apple has something most Android phones doesn't have: it has at least 16GB of "usable" flash memory. Many Android phones are limited to 1-2 GB of usable "memory" for apps, although 2.2 enables apps to be stored from an microSD card. Sure most Android phones support microSD slots, but unless you have a class 6 microSD card, the speed to access those apps can't compete with the built in storage of Apple's 16GB/32GB.
There are a lot of crappy Android phones out there. There are a lot of awesome flagship Android phones out there also.
I think it's funny Android fans say their EVO or Droid 2/X, Galaxy S, Nexus S etc is the best. But almost none of them say their "stock/factory Android OS" that comes with their phone. Almost all of them have to root their Android phones to get it running to their own tastes. But stock iPhone 4's iOS is very smooth and zero "lag".
So to the OP, it's a toss up between iPhone 4 vs. other "flagship" Android phones. Sure there are new duo core Android phones coming out. But you won't be comparing similar phones at that point. We would need to wait till iPhone 5 comes out to compare 2011 phones.
It's just a matter of personal taste.
I love all phones. Just do what I do (if you can afford it). Just buy the Android phone of your choice and and iPhone. You get the best of both worlds. Better yet, have 2 lines. I have my Samsung Vibrant (finally 2.2 update!!) on Tmobile USA. And I have my iPhone 4 on ATT. I get the best of both worlds.
At this time, unless you absolutely must buy the phone immediately, you should wait a few months. There are a bunch of new Android phones coming out and the iPhone 5 should arrive in June or July.
One factor not discussed in choosing a phone platform is whether you have a lot invested in either camp's other products. So if you have a lot of media in iTunes, sync'd accounts via MobileMe, etc. then iPhone is probably a better choice. However, if you're a heavy GMail user with tons of stuff on Google Docs, then Android may be better.
Personally, I've been mulling over switching from my 3GS to an Android phone, but am going to wait to see what iPhone 5 brings. I've got a lot of stuff in the Apple ecosystem (media, apps, etc.) and don't want to dump that if I don't have to. The main attraction of Android for me are the 4.3" screen phone models (HTC EVO, Droid X), so I'm hoping that iPhone 5 ups the screen size to at least 4" (I seriously doubt they'd go bigger).
In looking at the current state of Android, if you're into hacking your phone and can live with some instability/bugs then go for it. If you just want your phone to function smoothly without a lot of fuss, then iPhone/iOS is the clear choice.
One factor not discussed in choosing a phone platform is whether you have a lot invested in either camp's other products. So if you have a lot of media in iTunes, sync'd accounts via MobileMe, etc. then iPhone is probably a better choice. However, if you're a heavy GMail user with tons of stuff on Google Docs, then Android may be better.
Personally, I've been mulling over switching from my 3GS to an Android phone, but am going to wait to see what iPhone 5 brings. I've got a lot of stuff in the Apple ecosystem (media, apps, etc.) and don't want to dump that if I don't have to. The main attraction of Android for me are the 4.3" screen phone models (HTC EVO, Droid X), so I'm hoping that iPhone 5 ups the screen size to at least 4" (I seriously doubt they'd go bigger).
In looking at the current state of Android, if you're into hacking your phone and can live with some instability/bugs then go for it. If you just want your phone to function smoothly without a lot of fuss, then iPhone/iOS is the clear choice.
Asking this question is like going to Staples Center during the NBA season and asking people wearing purple and gold colors who their favorite NBA team is.
It is better to go to Howard Forum to get a more objective answer. Most people on here probably never owned an Android phone to begin with or used it extensively.
It is better to go to Howard Forum to get a more objective answer. Most people on here probably never owned an Android phone to begin with or used it extensively.
Personally, phones like the Evo and Droid X are just to damn large for me. (IMHO) They're hard to use with one hand, uncomfortable to carry in a pocket and typically have poorer battery life because of the screen size.
IF Apple could squeeze a 4" screen in *without* making the iPhone any bigger otherwise, I'd be ok with it. But I think the trend towards 4.3" and up is just too much.
I've had an iPhone ever since the first iPhone. I recently moved, and AT&T was dropping calls left and right. I got frustrated and bought a Droid Incredible off eBay for Verizon. I thought Android would be better for me, anyways. Android is pretty great, and I love the 7 different home screens and all of the widgets. The notification system is great. However, I still found myself missing my iPhone 4. Here's why:
iOS4 is incredibly polished and well thought out. Everything just works. I've had far fewer issues with iOS than with Android iOS. The iPhone 4's camera spanks any other smart phone camera. The iPhone 4 has better battery life than android phones, and it's build quality is superior. You can install an app on Android that could kill your phone. The iPhone 4's screen is plain amazing.
I never realized how much I missed my iPhone 4 until I got an Android phone. I will be getting the iPhone 4 on Verizon on launch day, and will probably get the iPhone 5 (if it's that much better) on my girlfriend's line in June/July and give her my iPhone 4.
Hope this helps. Oh yeah, and I regularly jailbreak my iPhone 4...mainly due to i0S's poor handling of notifications, and for further customization. I think a jailbroken iOS device is the best of both worlds. I will miss Android's widgets, however.
iOS4 is incredibly polished and well thought out. Everything just works. I've had far fewer issues with iOS than with Android iOS. The iPhone 4's camera spanks any other smart phone camera. The iPhone 4 has better battery life than android phones, and it's build quality is superior. You can install an app on Android that could kill your phone. The iPhone 4's screen is plain amazing.
I never realized how much I missed my iPhone 4 until I got an Android phone. I will be getting the iPhone 4 on Verizon on launch day, and will probably get the iPhone 5 (if it's that much better) on my girlfriend's line in June/July and give her my iPhone 4.
Hope this helps. Oh yeah, and I regularly jailbreak my iPhone 4...mainly due to i0S's poor handling of notifications, and for further customization. I think a jailbroken iOS device is the best of both worlds. I will miss Android's widgets, however.
im switching back to iPhone
i switched to an android phone Evo 4g when iPhone 4 was just coming out, because i didnt want to be with AT&T anymore. So I switched to an android phone and told myself if there will be an iPhone for Verizon or Sprint for say I will return to it. I definitely will be because I hate the android market there are no good apps to find on there. The android market is nothing compared to iTunes. I must say if HTC Evo 4g was able to have ios on the phone I would be so happy. But, I dont know if I should pick up the Verizon iPhone 4 now or wait to see if there will be an iPhone 5 with Verizons "4g network" LTE will be out later this year. I sooooooooo miss my iPhone and can't wait to switch back!!!
i switched to an android phone Evo 4g when iPhone 4 was just coming out, because i didnt want to be with AT&T anymore. So I switched to an android phone and told myself if there will be an iPhone for Verizon or Sprint for say I will return to it. I definitely will be because I hate the android market there are no good apps to find on there. The android market is nothing compared to iTunes. I must say if HTC Evo 4g was able to have ios on the phone I would be so happy. But, I dont know if I should pick up the Verizon iPhone 4 now or wait to see if there will be an iPhone 5 with Verizons "4g network" LTE will be out later this year. I sooooooooo miss my iPhone and can't wait to switch back!!!
I agree that the android market is nothing compared to the app store. But, widgets, (dare I say it) flash, larger screens, live wallpapers and little extras (3DS-like screen), is what is keeping me in the "middle" of both worlds. But, then again, the iPhone 4 is beautiful; even though the screen is small.
All I want is a good app store, large screen, widgets, decent notification system, beautifully designed device and Adobe Flash. For me to purchase the iPhone 5 all I would want is a larger screen (main thing), widgets, a decent notification system and a new GUI, a complete redesign.
It helps a lot to mention which phone or device it was.
For instance, I stopped using live wallpapers on the inexpensive Archos 101 because they made the homescreen-scroll lag at times. But my Fascinate and Incredible have never had any lag worth mentioning.
Some cheaper or less powerful Android devices cannot be expected to do a lot, just as we cannot expect older iOS devices to run 4.x as well as a newer iOS device can.
In my opinion:
iPhone - get it if you like to play with your phone
Android - get it if you like to mess with your phone
iPhone provides a better out-of-box experience, a lot more apps, lots of 3rd party accessories, good customer support from Apple, and better resale value.
Android phones give you lots of freedom to tweak your phone to your liking, far superior notification system and voice controls, and much better Google apps.
So it's really up to what you like to do with your phone.
(If you're getting an Android, there is no point in getting anything other than the Nexus S for obvious reasons.)
iPhone - get it if you like to play with your phone
Android - get it if you like to mess with your phone
iPhone provides a better out-of-box experience, a lot more apps, lots of 3rd party accessories, good customer support from Apple, and better resale value.
Android phones give you lots of freedom to tweak your phone to your liking, far superior notification system and voice controls, and much better Google apps.
So it's really up to what you like to do with your phone.
(If you're getting an Android, there is no point in getting anything other than the Nexus S for obvious reasons.)
I agree with this statement for the most part except for the last sentence. I just recently bought a My Touch 4G from T-Mobile and holy smokes it is a sweet phone. I will admit I may be a bit biased as I was coming from a My Touch 3G, so any new-generation phone is going to seem like a step-up. I have watched Android mature over the last 2 years and must say Android is now a very rock-solid OS.
If you use Google for a lot of things, an Android phone is a good choice. I have a great widget on my phone that shows me all the events in my calendar, I don't even use a paper day planner anymore. The free Google Navigation app is a great feature as well.
Regardless of what mobile OS you are going for, do a bit of research. In this day and age, anything with less than a 1 GHz processor is going to be dated. The flagship phones on any of the carriers will be a good choice. If you have a bit of extra cash, look on E-Bay or Craigslist for your phone. I bought my MyTouch 4G from Craigslist for $250.00, which was only $50.00 more than if I went with a new contract from T-Mobile. I want to save my upgrade for one of the potential dual-core phones slated to come out in 2011. It really is a great time to be looking for a phone, there are great choices from almost any carrier. Good luck!
I mentioned (maybe in another thread though
) it was oldie oldie htc Magic. I totally realized that my phone was old, but when i was upgrading i was careful to research the lag issue (because it drives me mad serious), and i found that even the latest at the time android phone - samsung galaxy s - was laggy as people on many forums complained. That scared me off android so much that i decided to buy an iPhone (having owned nothing of apple before, and being an open source geek linux and all - that's saying something!)Incidentally, i bought an iPhone4 at the same week as Nexus S came out; i did have a thought maybe to wait and see what people report about the latter if its laggy or not, but then the price on it in UK went ridiculously high (almost 1.5 more than iPhone4) and i thought nope thank you very much. Now maybe Nexus S is better regarding the lag issue, to be honest i don't know as i literally never looked back since i have the iPhone.
The way I see it is... if you want a phone that works well as a phone, Android is your best bet. The contacts system, voice command and SMART DIALING whoops any of the iOS based phones. Also, the free turn by turn GPS Navigation works much better than Navigon on the iPhone. I also feel that it handles Exchange and Gmail much better than iPhone. Those stupid weird AT&T HTML attachments on some of the emails I send from my iOS device are annoying and sometimes it cuts off half of the email chain. I don't have that issue with my Evo.
However if your main purpose is to have an all in one gaming/app device on the go, iOS is great for that. However as a phone, lacking simple features like smart dialing and weak support for voice commands makes it impractical for me at this time. Waiting to see what iPhone 5 has to offer!
However if your main purpose is to have an all in one gaming/app device on the go, iOS is great for that. However as a phone, lacking simple features like smart dialing and weak support for voice commands makes it impractical for me at this time. Waiting to see what iPhone 5 has to offer!
Good app store = iOS
Large screen = Android (the iPhone's 3.5" screen is decent, but if you want something larger, the [insert large Android phone] is recommended)
Widgets = Android (at least for now - it's possible that widgets could make an appearance in iOS 5)
Decent notification system = Android (again, though, iOS 5...)
Beautifully designed device = iPhone 4
Flash = Android (iOS also has an app called SkyFire that converts Flash videos - might be worth taking a look at, or you could JB)
Hopefully you'll be able to make a good decision soon!
If you want stock (which is usually the best), take this guy's opinion.
I think what a couple people have said sums up the Apple VS. Android battle perfectly. I, personally, the owner of many Apple products, including a 32 gb iPhone 4, and an iPhone owner now for nearly 3 years, can say that I love the iPhone dearly. Not to take away from anything that Android has done and will continue to do. How could you take away from their success? They are a great, innovative platform. But, for me, it's just too complicated. Too much. I like simple. I like easy. And that's the premises behind Apple products, which is why, for me, it's perfect. But back to my original point, what a couple people said sums it all up, and I've heard it before, from Android users. "Well, if Apple did this, I would switch to an iPhone." Or, "If Apple added or changed this, I would ditch my Droid for an iPhone." I myself, have never heard anyone say, nor myself say, "If Android did this, I would totally switch to a Droid." But that's just me. I read this in an article (Apple article, but still true, lol) Apple and the iPhone JUST WORK. At the end of the day, it's a phone, and while all the other stuff is amazing and useful, I don't want to spend my entire life customizing and switching and rooting and having to worry about what I download maybe destroying my phone. The apps I have, the things I do on my iPhone, just work. Which let me go about living my life away from my phone. I love simple, I love easy. But that doesn't mean Android sucks. They are a great platform who will hopefully reignite the fire that some people say is now missing from Apple.
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I've made up my mind: I'm going to finish off my contract and buy the iPhone 5, and hope that Apple redesign the notification system, widgets and a larger screen; however, widgets I can get off cydia, but it could make an apperance in iOS 5, same with notifications. And, the larger screen isn't a necessity, but would be nice and isn't a deal breaker for me.
Android, I feel, is a version of iOs with no limits, but *slower*, less integrated with the hardware and more buggy. Don't get me wrong, it's a great OS, but the iOS apps are the deal breaker. Android apps cannot compare to iOS apps and even flash can't help with that.
iOS will get widgets and a decent notification system (a larger screen is less likely). Which, I relised, is the only thing that android has that iOS doesn't have, that I want (apart from flash - but that won't be an issue when HTML5 takes over - let's say in 2020). Live wallpapers on android are cool but useless - Apple doesn't put useless features that take up battery and slow the phone down.
I've made up my mind: I'm going to finish off my contract and buy the iPhone 5, and hope that Apple redesign the notification system, widgets and a larger screen; however, widgets I can get off cydia, but it could make an apperance in iOS 5, same with notifications. And, the larger screen isn't a necessity, but would be nice and isn't a deal breaker for me.
Android, I feel, is a version of iOs with no limits, but *slower*, less integrated with the hardware and more buggy. Don't get me wrong, it's a great OS, but the iOS apps are the deal breaker. Android apps cannot compare to iOS apps and even flash can't help with that.
iOS will get widgets and a decent notification system (a larger screen is less likely). Which, I relised, is the only thing that android has that iOS doesn't have, that I want (apart from flash - but that won't be an issue when HTML5 takes over - let's say in 2020). Live wallpapers on android are cool but useless - Apple doesn't put useless features that take up battery and slow the phone down.