Do you plan to switch from iPhone to Android? (2016)

[widgeteer]

Yeah absolutely, that's another peeve of mine, the wasted space under the keyboard. Although if you compare that to let's say the Note 8 or S8, then you'll see it's not so much "wasted" space as you think when you factor in that 2/3 of it could have been hardware bezel like on the Samsungs. Of course it depends on the application, something full screen like a movie uses that space.

I think the Samsung design on the top and bottom is just about perfect (don't love the form factor though, if that makes sense). I don't see an immediate advantage to having nothing but screen. If it's an aesthetic preference, I get it.

 

[spinedoc77]

What I am curious about is that since Apple is launching X and X Plus next year, will they continue to offer the older design at the usual price point with spec bumps while the X Plus occupies the $1100 slot with X at $999? If thats the case, the usual $699 price point will never see a new design for years now? I think customers will really start looking at Android as a good option in that scneario

Yeah, the million dollar question, or should I say the billion dollar question, heck I guess I mean the trillion dollar question if Apple hits the stride analysts say it will hit.

But what will they do next year? My opinion is they will introduce a x-plus, for even MORE money than the current X, and that will be the new flagship duo. But will they keep the mid/upper priced iPhone 8 or a lesser iPhone? Or will the market bear a total shift towards only the X priced phones? If Apple totally commits to the X price then Android will have a HUGE opening to capitalize on, especially with offerings from the likes of LG, Huawei, etc who are offering flagships for 2/3 or less the price.

Next year is definitely a huge unknown. I think much of it hinges on how well the X sells and to a certain extent Apple themselves are not certain which direction they will take. I'm sure they are working on prototypes for 8 "S" models to hedge their bets in case consumers don't buy the more expensive X in droves. All I care about though is a X-plus. I'm completely sold on the design of the X, it's just that the screen and text are too small.
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I think the Samsung design on the top and bottom is just about perfect (don't love the form factor though, if that makes sense). I don't see an immediate advantage to having nothing but screen. If it's an aesthetic preference, I get it.

Yeah aesthetically, and functionally I like Apple's implementation better overall. No bezels on the bottom and a small "bezel" on the top, although we know this as the notch, but in essence that top bezel/notch only takes up maybe 60% of the space, leaving the other 40ish % as usable screen space, although functionally how usable it is questionable. It's use as a status bar is excellent, but it's use in other apps is poor at best. But it still stands that you cannot put the status bar in Samsung's top bezel because it's hardware all the way across.

I think at this point we are just nitpicking on 2 excellent designs. I've long complained about bezels, and now I'm getting overloaded with non-bezel options so I'm extremely happy.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Which customers? Customers who opt for high-end phones or those seeking a more budget minded phone. Which country are you referring to? Judging from the iPhone X response I don’t think there will be a mass exodus. A few people on online forums....sure.

In the UK the iPhone 7 and 8 have seen reduced sales in comparison to the iPhone 6S and earlier. In the first week the iPhone 8 went on sale the biggest seller was the iPhone 7 as the price had lowered. Apple have been creeping the price up of their flagships here and consumers are starting to get wise to it.

The iPhone X was reported to have sold out in 8 minutes yet was available on launch day all over the country. Lots of people have cancelled pre orders with late November delivery dates so they can just walk into a store and buy it. I don’t think it’s dine as well as early reports suggested here.

I’m not keen on Apples new pricing structure personally. I invested in the iPhone originally because I wanted the best Apple could offer, not be forced into a lower tier because they’ve decided yesterday’s premium is today budget offering. The price they offer the iPhone 8 for here is £699 ($920) for the 64GB or £849 ($1118) for the 256GB. These aren’t Plus models I have to add and the latter is more than you guys pay for the iPhone X! That phone is £999 ($1315) just for the 64GB! Now we are made to believe the iPhone 8 is a poor mans iPhone and that stinks. It’s far from budget and Apple need to apply more effort into satisfying wha5 I would say are the lions share of their user base.

They have become far too complacent with the assumption their brand power sells any old shyte. We have already started to see a shift.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

One point I’ve seen pop up today is Apples use of tax avoidance schemes within the EU, Britain and Ireland. We saw in the UK last year what was to become known as Apples ‘Brexit Tax’ yet they pay less tax here than in places like the US where the products are often hundreds of pounds cheaper?

Why are we absorbing the cost for something that hasn’t been paid in the first place? Maybe i’ll pop to my local Apple Store and ask for a 20% discount to cover the VAT Apple have included within the RRP?. I could ask Apple to pay that for me. Robbing bar stewards lol.

 

[I7guy]

In the UK the iPhone 7 and 8 have seen reduced sales in comparison to the iPhone 6S and earlier. In the first week the iPhone 8 went on sale the biggest seller was the iPhone 7 as the price had lowered. Apple have been creeping the price up of their flagships here and consumers are starting to get wise to it.

The iPhone X was reported to have sold out in 8 minutes yet was available on launch day all over the country. Lots of people have cancelled pre orders with late November delivery dates so they can just walk into a store and buy it. I don’t think it’s dine as well as early reports suggested here.

I’m not keen on Apples new pricing structure personally. I invested in the iPhone originally because I wanted the best Apple could offer, not be forced into a lower tier because they’ve decided yesterday’s premium is today budget offering. The price they offer the iPhone 8 for here is £699 ($920) for the 64GB or £849 ($1118) for the 256GB. These aren’t Plus models I have to add and the latter is more than you guys pay for the iPhone X! That phone is £999 ($1315) just for the 64GB! Now we are made to believe the iPhone 8 is a poor mans iPhone and that stinks. It’s far from budget and Apple need to apply more effort into satisfying wha5 I would say are the lions share of their user base.

They have become far too complacent with the assumption their brand power sells any old shyte. We have already started to see a shift.

Across the pond, maybe seeing a shift there, but here it is being said iPhone X will steal dollars from more traditional retailers. I’m not sure how it is in the rest of the world.

 

[Zaft]

Using the X since yesterday. Apple nailed Face ID. Blows away anything Samsung or other oems have done. You don’t even think about it. Lift the phone and it’s unlocked.

Design reminds me of iPhone 4, heavy and premium.

 

[epicrayban]

Using the X since yesterday. Apple nailed Face ID. Blows away anything Samsung or other oems have done. You don’t even think about it. Lift the phone and it’s unlocked.

Design reminds me of iPhone 4, heavy and premium.

I've been using Face ID for the past few days, too, on my X, and it's definitely an improvement over the S8's facial unlock (I don't really use IRIS). It's still slower than when I use my FPS on the S8, but if we're talking strictly about face unlock, the X certainly beats the S8.

It isn't the leapfrog technology I thought it would be, but it's still a fairly seamless and smooth experience, albeit slower than Touch ID/FPS in general (the Pixel 2, which I've also been testing, has hands-down the fastest FPS sensor). Face ID can only get better from here on out, too.

With regards to the design, I still have qualms with it. Despite working around it, the notch is still a poor design decision. One, that I think, was meant to make the iPhone more recognizable and iconic than for actual practical purposes. You lose more than you think -- for example, there is no longer a battery percentage in the status area anymore. There's simply no room for it. The notch is what it is; you get used to it simply because you have no choice.

Also, I don't think this is Apple's best quality design. There is a noticeable break between the metal frame and the back-glass panel. Run your fingers between it and you'll feel it. And that camera hump is atrocious, not just in looks either. Putting the X down on a flat surface results in serious wobbling, like nothing I've ever experienced in a smartphone before.

Having said all that, the X is still an enjoyable iOS experience. One that is far superior than previous generations. I like the direction Apple is going. Hardware always mattered. It's great Apple is back in the game.

Now for iOS...

 

[Zaft]

I've been using Face ID for the past few days, too, on my X, and it's definitely an improvement over the S8's facial unlock (I don't really use IRIS). It's still slower than when I use my FPS on the S8, but if we're talking strictly about face unlock, the X certainly beats the S8.

It isn't the leapfrog technology I thought it would be, but it's still a fairly seamless and smooth experience, albeit slower than Touch ID/FPS in general (the Pixel 2, which I've also been testing, has hands-down the fastest FPS sensor). Face ID can only get better from here on out, too.

With regards to the design, I still have qualms with it. Despite working around it, the notch is still a poor design decision. One, that I think, was meant to make the iPhone more recognizable and iconic than for actual practical purposes. You lose more than you think -- for example, there is no longer a battery percentage in the status area anymore. There's simply no room for it. The notch is what it is; you get used to it simply because you have no choice.

Also, I don't think this is Apple's best quality design. There is a noticeable break between the metal frame and the back-glass panel. Run your fingers between it and you'll feel it. And that camera hump is atrocious, not just in looks either. Putting the X down on a flat surface results in serious wobbling, like nothing I've ever experienced in a smartphone before.

Having said all that, the X is still an enjoyable iOS experience. One that is far superior than previous generations. I like the direction Apple is going. Hardware always mattered. It's great Apple is back in the game.

Now for iOS...

My only issue is the aspect ratio all these new phones are doing. I like it except for video which does not fit the whole screen with no clipping like 16x9. The notch is not the best design but does not really bother me much. I can see it getting smaller in future iPhones.

My wife has a 7 Plus and she actually prefers the bigger phone because she is used to the size.

I have 12 more days to decide if I keep it. So far I’m not actually missing the wider screen of the Plus, I thought I would TBH.

 

[mellofello]

I've been using Face ID for the past few days, too, on my X, and it's definitely an improvement over the S8's facial unlock (I don't really use IRIS). It's still slower than when I use my FPS on the S8, but if we're talking strictly about face unlock, the X certainly beats the S8.

It isn't the leapfrog technology I thought it would be, but it's still a fairly seamless and smooth experience, albeit slower than Touch ID/FPS in general (the Pixel 2, which I've also been testing, has hands-down the fastest FPS sensor). Face ID can only get better from here on out, too.

With regards to the design, I still have qualms with it. Despite working around it, the notch is still a poor design decision. One, that I think, was meant to make the iPhone more recognizable and iconic than for actual practical purposes. You lose more than you think -- for example, there is no longer a battery percentage in the status area anymore. There's simply no room for it. The notch is what it is; you get used to it simply because you have no choice.

Also, I don't think this is Apple's best quality design. There is a noticeable break between the metal frame and the back-glass panel. Run your fingers between it and you'll feel it. And that camera hump is atrocious, not just in looks either. Putting the X down on a flat surface results in serious wobbling, like nothing I've ever experienced in a smartphone before.

Having said all that, the X is still an enjoyable iOS experience. One that is far superior than previous generations. I like the direction Apple is going. Hardware always mattered. It's great Apple is back in the game.

Now for iOS...

Face ID doesn’t work well for me. I wear sunglasses and have a beard so maybe that is a factor but it doesn’t want to unlock more then 50% of the time.

 

[convergent]

With regards to the design, I still have qualms with it. Despite working around it, the notch is still a poor design decision. One, that I think, was meant to make the iPhone more recognizable and iconic than for actual practical purposes. You lose more than you think -- for example, there is no longer a battery percentage in the status area anymore. There's simply no room for it. The notch is what it is; you get used to it simply because you have no choice.

Now, now... Jony Ive never going to pick "practical" over "iconic"! 😱

Good that you are enjoying the X!

 

[tbayrgs]

My only issue is the aspect ratio all these new phones are doing. I like it except for video which does not fit the whole screen with no clipping like 16x9. The notch is not the best design but does not really bother me much. I can see it getting smaller in future iPhones.

My wife has a 7 Plus and she actually prefers the bigger phone because she is used to the size.

I have 12 more days to decide if I keep it. So far I’m not actually missing the wider screen of the Plus, I thought I would TBH.

Pretty much my feelings as well. I wasn’t previously a fan of the new trend towards ‘tall and skinny’ but after using both the X and Pixel 2 XL, I don’t dislike it as much as I thought I would. I don’t love it but I’ve adjusted. There a few games I play that are in landscape orientation so that’s where I feel the squished screen the most.

The notch has pretty much just disappeared for me. In fact, I like how status icons can be placed in the ears and allow more content to push further up. It’s less than ideal in landscape but again, not really bothering me. Of course YMMV.

As far as navigation goes, I absolutely love how it’s all gestures now and they’ve become second nature for me. If you didn’t see the front page post about 6 key gestures, go have a read/watch as they make a huge impact on moving around the UI quickly. In fact the biggest problem I’m having with the new UI is that I try using it on older phones and tablets..have to actively tell my brain to switch back.

FaceID also took some initial adjustments but I have to admit I was wrong about my initial resistance to it. It’s now already second nature and often don’t even think about it..it just happens. No, it’s certainly not as fast as TouchID, mostly because of the need to swipe to open but I’m finding it plenty fast enough. I also think it has been improving/learning as I use it more. I find it seems to be working better off angle that it initially did—could certainly be imagining it but I just don’t notice it unlocking anymore which means I’m also not needing to pay attention to how I position the phone. I’ve also used Apple Pay a bunch of times and it was every bit as quick an experience as before with TouchID.

I hadn’t intended on upgrading but of course, I had to try it 🙄 and now think I’m likely keeping it. Dammit...😉

 

[jamezr]

Pretty much my feelings as well. I wasn’t previously a fan of the new trend towards ‘tall and skinny’ but after using both the X and Pixel 2 XL, I don’t dislike it as much as I thought I would. I don’t love it but I’ve adjusted. There a few games I play that are in landscape orientation so that’s where I feel the squished screen the most.

The notch has pretty much just disappeared for me. In fact, I like how status icons can be placed in the ears and allow more content to push further up. It’s less than ideal in landscape but again, not really bothering me. Of course YMMV.

As far as navigation goes, I absolutely love how it’s all gestures now and they’ve become second nature for me. If you didn’t see the front page post about 6 key gestures, go have a read/watch as they make a huge impact on moving around the UI quickly. In fact the biggest problem I’m having with the new UI is that I try using it on older phones and tablets..have to actively tell my brain to switch back.

FaceID also took some initial adjustments but I have to admit I was wrong about my initial resistance to it. It’s now already second nature and often don’t even think about it..it just happens. No, it’s certainly not as fast as TouchID, mostly because of the need to swipe to open but I’m finding it plenty fast enough. I also think it has been improving/learning as I use it more. I find it seems to be working better off angle that it initially did—could certainly be imagining it but I just don’t notice it unlocking anymore which means I’m also not needing to pay attention to how I position the phone. I’ve also used Apple Pay a bunch of times and it was every bit as quick an experience as before with TouchID.

I hadn’t intended on upgrading but of course, I had to try it 🙄 and now think I’m likely keeping it. Dammit...😉

Nice mini write up
How has the phone flipping gone?

 

[widgeteer]

Pretty much my feelings as well. I wasn’t previously a fan of the new trend towards ‘tall and skinny’ but after using both the X and Pixel 2 XL, I don’t dislike it as much as I thought I would. I don’t love it but I’ve adjusted. There a few games I play that are in landscape orientation so that’s where I feel the squished screen the most.

The notch has pretty much just disappeared for me. In fact, I like how status icons can be placed in the ears and allow more content to push further up. It’s less than ideal in landscape but again, not really bothering me. Of course YMMV.

As far as navigation goes, I absolutely love how it’s all gestures now and they’ve become second nature for me. If you didn’t see the front page post about 6 key gestures, go have a read/watch as they make a huge impact on moving around the UI quickly. In fact the biggest problem I’m having with the new UI is that I try using it on older phones and tablets..have to actively tell my brain to switch back.

FaceID also took some initial adjustments but I have to admit I was wrong about my initial resistance to it. It’s now already second nature and often don’t even think about it..it just happens. No, it’s certainly not as fast as TouchID, mostly because of the need to swipe to open but I’m finding it plenty fast enough. I also think it has been improving/learning as I use it more. I find it seems to be working better off angle that it initially did—could certainly be imagining it but I just don’t notice it unlocking anymore which means I’m also not needing to pay attention to how I position the phone. I’ve also used Apple Pay a bunch of times and it was every bit as quick an experience as before with TouchID.

I hadn’t intended on upgrading but of course, I had to try it 🙄 and now think I’m likely keeping it. Dammit...😉

Landscape with the notch will be fine once sites specifically video apps, are updated to work with it.

You're right about gestures. I think Apple nailed that part of it. They need a better scheme to access control center though. Sharing the top of the screen with notifications is clunky.

 

[tbayrgs]

Nice mini write up
How has the phone flipping gone?

Thanks—literally just threw down first thoughts that popped into my head after using it since Friday. It’s certainly far from perfect but I’m liking it far more than I expected.

As far as flipping goes, sadly the Pixel 2 XL is on its way back to Google. As I mentioned in the Pixel thread, it really had nothing to do with the hardware. It’s really a wonderful device and I didn’t mind the display at all. I just still find my personal workflow preferences fit much better with iOS and some apps that are just better on iOS or don’t exist on Android. I try at least one Android phone every year to see if my feelings change and this year I’m still drawn toward iOS. However, if someone asks my for my advice on choosing an Android phone, the 2 XL would be my recommendation.

 

[AustinIllini]

Landscape with the notch will be fine once sites specifically video apps, are updated to work with it.

You're right about gestures. I think Apple nailed that part of it. They need a better scheme to access control center though. Sharing the top of the screen with notifications is clunky.

Yeah, my problem with the notch isn't so much the notch as much as the awkward way Apple handled software surrounding it.

 

[tbayrgs]

You're right about gestures. I think Apple nailed that part of it. They need a better scheme to access control center though. Sharing the top of the screen with notifications is clunky.

Agreed. My first thought was ‘why not the bottom right corner, to keep it quite close to the former activation gesture?’ but then that would’ve interfered with the quick app switching swipes from either corner. After thinking on it a bit more, I think Apple should’ve mimicked the implementation on the iPad and had it on the right side of the recent apps screen, thus activated using the same gesture.

 

[widgeteer]

Agreed. My first thought was ‘why not the bottom right corner, to keep it quite close to the former activation gesture?’ but then that would’ve interfered with the quick app switching swipes from either corner. After thinking on it a bit more, I think Apple should’ve mimicked the implementation on the iPad and had it on the right side of the recent apps screen, thus activated using the same gesture.

Hmmmm...that could work. Nice.

 

[koigirl]

My only issue is the aspect ratio all these new phones are doing. I like it except for video which does not fit the whole screen with no clipping like 16x9. The notch is not the best design but does not really bother me much. I can see it getting smaller in future iPhones.

My wife has a 7 Plus and she actually prefers the bigger phone because she is used to the size.

I have 12 more days to decide if I keep it. So far I’m not actually missing the wider screen of the Plus, I thought I would TBH.

I really like the taller aspect ratio of the Note 8 and iPhone X. I moved to Note 8 from 6s Plus and find it far easier to grip than the wider iPhone Plus. I find I am far less likely to lose grip or drop my phone. I also like web browsing on the taller screen as well as it seems to fit more text on a page.

 

[epicrayban]

Yup, don't knock the new aspect ratio until you try it. I love it.

 

[Zaft]

Yup, don't knock the new aspect ratio until you try it. I love it.

I think I will return the X. I just know that I will want the Plus version next year for sure.

6.4 inch screen on the body of the a 6/7/8 Plus is gold.

 

[Radon87000]

I think I will return the X. I just know that I will want the Plus version next year for sure.

6.4 inch screen on the body of the a 6/7/8 Plus is gold.

Did you notice a big difference from the 7 Plus screen quality in terms of brightness?

 

[Zaft]

Did you notice a big difference from the 7 Plus screen quality in terms of brightness?

Not much, both are bright but the screen on the X stays solid with blacks while the 7 Plus gets a bit washed out. OLED screen on the X is very nice.

 

[FFR]

Across the pond, maybe seeing a shift there, but here it is being said iPhone X will steal dollars from more traditional retailers. I’m not sure how it is in the rest of the world.

I’m across the pond. The iPhone X is completely sold out everywhere.

Rang ee yesterday to update my contract the iPhone X is sold out and back ordered for three to four weeks.

Other Carriers and car phone warehouse are also sold out with shipments expected within the next two weeks.

 

[FFR]

Pretty much my feelings as well. I wasn’t previously a fan of the new trend towards ‘tall and skinny’ but after using both the X and Pixel 2 XL, I don’t dislike it as much as I thought I would. I don’t love it but I’ve adjusted. There a few games I play that are in landscape orientation so that’s where I feel the squished screen the most.

The notch has pretty much just disappeared for me. In fact, I like how status icons can be placed in the ears and allow more content to push further up. It’s less than ideal in landscape but again, not really bothering me. Of course YMMV.

As far as navigation goes, I absolutely love how it’s all gestures now and they’ve become second nature for me. If you didn’t see the front page post about 6 key gestures, go have a read/watch as they make a huge impact on moving around the UI quickly. In fact the biggest problem I’m having with the new UI is that I try using it on older phones and tablets..have to actively tell my brain to switch back.

FaceID also took some initial adjustments but I have to admit I was wrong about my initial resistance to it. It’s now already second nature and often don’t even think about it..it just happens. No, it’s certainly not as fast as TouchID, mostly because of the need to swipe to open but I’m finding it plenty fast enough. I also think it has been improving/learning as I use it more. I find it seems to be working better off angle that it initially did—could certainly be imagining it but I just don’t notice it unlocking anymore which means I’m also not needing to pay attention to how I position the phone. I’ve also used Apple Pay a bunch of times and it was every bit as quick an experience as before with TouchID.

I hadn’t intended on upgrading but of course, I had to try it 🙄 and now think I’m likely keeping it. Dammit...😉

Great write up.
Love the notch and the gestures as well.
I’m kind of conflicted. I keep switching back and forth from the x the 8 plus.

 

[convergent]

P
The notch has pretty much just disappeared for me. In fact, I like how status icons can be placed in the ears and allow more content to push further up. It’s less than ideal in landscape but again, not really bothering me. Of course YMMV.

Good writeup, but I just have a question. This is a glass half full or half empty kind of thing. The notch takes away part of the display, but you described it as effectively extra space for status icons? If Apple measured the screen size diagonally, not including the notch area, I'd agree that its extra space. But instead, they measured corner to corner and then removed a big chunk of it. They might have avoided this whole debate if they had measured it differently and said that they expanded the display up around the customer as extra space. Personally, I really like things to be symmetrical so it would bug me a lot in landscape mode. Probably not so much in portrait mode.