I have been on Android since my Blackberry Curve, I prefer Android but I’m not some nerd/fanboy about stuff like this or anything actually but anyway. I have an iPad and love it minus a few things like sharing files etc. I have a desktop that is 10+ years old I don’t use but since the m1 I have been thinking about getting a Mac Mini. The problem is I don’t like spending a bunch on a phone and I don’t have to have the latest but feel like I’ll have to spend a considerable amount on an iPhone because a camera is the most important thing to me on a phone. I use a Pixel 3 XL and am very happy with it so if I get an iPhone what is the minimum iPhone that would be at the same level as my Pixel in the camera? The main reason is if I get a Mac Mini I would like to use calls and text on the Mac and on my iPad. I don’t currently use iMessage on my iPad but it would be convenient
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Other I’m thinking about getting an iPhone as my phone for the first time
- Thread starter mclld
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The iPhone 11 and 12 series have good cameras for phones.
One thing to keep in mind about MacOS— it looks borderline horrible on a non-retina monitor. A mid grade monitor will leave you frustrated with how crappy MacOS looks and how difficult it is to read the text. MacOS looks great on their laptops because they're very sharp displays - but on a regular PC monitor? I think it looks like crap.
Do yourself a favor and buy one of their laptops if you don't already own an ultra-fine display
One thing to keep in mind about MacOS— it looks borderline horrible on a non-retina monitor. A mid grade monitor will leave you frustrated with how crappy MacOS looks and how difficult it is to read the text. MacOS looks great on their laptops because they're very sharp displays - but on a regular PC monitor? I think it looks like crap.
Do yourself a favor and buy one of their laptops if you don't already own an ultra-fine display
Not sure what carrier you are on but att is offering a killer deal for the new 12 series phones with a trade in and they all have awesome cameras. My wife loved her google pixel phones and just recently changed to Apple and she is like you wants for nothing lol.
I will be paying cash and I can't go to a smaller phone. I recently bought the Pixel 5 and went by to my 3XL because of the size. I may just have to stick with my Pixel which is fine. I normally buy my phone us d because I don't like paying a lot for a phone.
If you can wait until September when the next iPhone is announced, Apple could be keeping the iPhone 11 in the lineup and reduce its price to $499.
Just another option if you get that Mini.
AirMessage allows for iMessage on Android. It leverages a server app running on a Mac (which in your case would be the new Mini). That'd allow you to reply using your Pixel.
I have a Mac Mini running AirMessage and I can use iMessage on my own Pixel 3a XL.
I would wait until September when the 12s/13 comes out. It will have a more efficient 5G Qualcomm X60 modem. A higher refresh rate display, an ultra wide with a better aperture of 1.8, possibly an in display fingerprint scanner, a thinner notch and whatever else. If you can wait, I would wait.
I have a Pixel 4 I use with my iPhone 11 Pro. Also had a 12 mini for a bit and returned it. This is a contentious topic with many subjective elements, but I believe that any of the 11 or 12 series iPhones will give you photos comparable to your Pixel 3 (which I also had). The 11 and 12 series are *very* similar in terms of camera quality, so I decided to hang on to my 11 Pro due to battery life. If you can find a good price on the 11 Pro or Pro Max I wouldn't hesitate.
Apple and Google do tune their processing for different looks (contrast, dynamic range, etc.) but in terms of overall quality they're very comparable. Personally, I would go for the Pro models with the 11 or 12. This site won't show you camera samples, but it's a great resource: Apple comparison tool
That info is on the comparison page I linked as well. The ones I mentioned are good for up to 30 minutes at varying depths 👍
I think I would need a max version, the others are smaller screen. My gf has the 12 Pro Max, I figure I have another good year or more out of this Pixel and then I bet a used 11 Pro Max would be reasonable. I did have someone offer an Xs max for my Pixel 5 but I said no
Just keep in mind…it's not actually the phone iMessaging. You have to install the server part on your Mac and the app on your Pixel. You have to open ports in your router so that when the app on your Pixel checks the app on the host Mac it can communicate. It is technically the Mac that is doing the iMessaging, it's just that it passes that info to and from your Pixel. It also means you're using that specific app to iMessage as it does not integrate into whatever messaging app you're using on your Pixel.
Just don't want you to be thinking someone created an iMessage app that works on Android.
Note, that there are other similar apps out there, but they use the same process - leveraging your Mac.
My understanding from reading these posts is that using AirMessage on an iMac would require the iMac to be on 24/7 if need at random times
ATM, I am using an iphone 11 non pro. The cameras in it are really good. I use real cameras and not my phone for work, but just out farting around I can't see where another phone, would offer more than the iphone in terms of camera quality. Battery life is killer as well. Downsides, you are buying a locked down device that, if you like android for the customization you will HATE iOS. I would like the ability to use icon packs in the next version of iOS. I would be fine then, I only have one screen of apps, 2 widgets and then use the app drawer for the rest. I like a clean look on my phones.
I am stuck with my iPhone for another year and a half, so I have to make the best of it. After that time, I am moving to android.
I am stuck with my iPhone for another year and a half, so I have to make the best of it. After that time, I am moving to android.