iPhone 3g or wait for a high-end Android device?

[Whiz]

When the iPhone 3g was announced many people certainly thrived in joy, and I was one of them. Mostly the fact that it finally would come here to Sweden, but also the new hardware including 3g (obviously) and gps. Sounds like a dream phone huh, running OS X?

Thing is, that I will probably have to sign a two year long contract with Telia, the carrier with the iPhone-deal here in Sweden. And in one year - not to talk about two - how outdated won´t the iPhone hardware seem? As some things (Camera, no video etc) already is outdated.

Then there is Android, the Open Handset Alliance OS, led by Google. Likely to ship with the first devices later this year, with HTC having their Dream set for Q4. This OS is completely open to developers, wich is the whole idea. For you unfamiliar with Android, check this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOSk9TW7z-4

Now my question is: Should I buy the iPhone 3g when it ships, or wait for an Android phone later on?

As it seems to me now:

iPhone 3g:
Pros - OS X.
- Ipod
- Already big developer base
- Capacitive touch screen

Cons - Two year contract (probably).
- Hardware (Some parts).
- A bit closed, developers wont be able to do wahtever they want.

Android:
Pros - Fully open OS, where developers can do whatever they want.
- Many hardware alternatives, HTC will probably outdo iPhone later this year.
-Potentially very large developer base.

Cons - Resistive touchscreen, as it seems.
- Many hardware alternatives may cause apps to not be optimized, or to not use the phone´s whole potential.

Someone with insight, enlighten me! How will Android shape up to compete with iPhone?

End note: I´m new (been reading a while though). Hi everybody!

 

[nickspohn]

iPhone 3G.

The developer base is going to be much larger for the iPhone. Many more apps for everyone from a teenager to a "geek" to things you can count on every day.


And it won't be "a bit closed". Rules are rules, and you can't have things that effect AT&T (VOIP on 3G, MMS) or for people under 18 (porn). I'm pretty sure things like MMS will be allowed, but i doubt they are going to be strict.

 

[-M7-]

I would also choose the iPhone because:

- it's available earlier
- the 2.0 software fixes most of peoples needs
- the firmware will always be improved over the 2 years (keeping pace)
- it has been out for over 1 year and is pretty stable
- OSX support is a dream on the iPhone

The Android phones would still need one year to really get good and bugfree. I wouldn't want to beta test the HTC dream for a year. It's way to uncertain how Android will turn out. Could be a great hit but also could really dissapoint. Nothing I would wait that long for.

 

[Justinerator]

<SNIP>
End note: I´m new (been reading a while though). Hi everybody!

I just wanted to give you props on actually asking a decent question in an intelligent way!

Anyways, back to your question:

The android os looks really promising, but there is no way to tell how it will compare to say, the blackberry os or osx... So I would say stick with what you know works - the iphone.

In a couple of years, I suppose android might be better than the osx, but we won't know until then.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

Justin

 

[kdarling]

A lot depends on how you feel being tied to Telia. And if you often travel, and are used to buying and using local SIMs.

Then there's the feature set. Are you okay without tethering, MMS, copy/paste, video cam, video calls, and so forth?

Only you know what's important to you.

 

[alphaod]

Get a Symbian S60 device.

 

[Cleverboy]

Get a Symbian S60 device.

Yeah... like the N95. Everyone knows the N95 is superior to the iPhone. Aaanyway.

My feeling is, if you think the Apple platform has legs, go for it. If you think another platform will be able to provide a better long term value for your dollar, definitely go with that one or hold off. There's a distinct problem however, and Apple is doing their best to highlight the disparity. alphaod's comment seems symptomatic of the attitude that many "feature-chasers" have, which is, "Don't limit yourself, to a platform with few options... pay more money, and be prepared to switch devices as often as it takes to insure you can have the best of breed features, no matter how clunkily implemented." Personally, I think that approach is garbage. I'm strictly a user-experience person, and I no longer have a high threshold of pain when it comes to bad UI's. On that, the iPhone has spoiled me.

Android:
Pros - Fully open OS, where developers can do whatever they want.
- Many hardware alternatives, HTC will probably outdo iPhone later this year.
-Potentially very large developer base.

To-Date, Google's Android browser, based on WebKit (what S60 browsers are based on, though the version an implementation will vary greatly), looks truly usable... many of its other facets are very excellent as well. Added to that, a growing and active developer-base (and rumors of an AppStore)... and Google is primed to deliver on what is likely to be the only OTHER mobile OS that I might consider over OSX iPhone.

So, on the choice... I'm totally with you. iPhone or Android. The only problem Android begins to introduce however, is the question of execution. End-to-end, I think the iPhone just WORKS. Whether its hooking it up to my computer, and syncing with iTunes, or using the system itself to listen to my voicemails or get things done. Also... Android is ONLY an OS. It's not a platform like Nintendo DS, PS3, or Gameboy. There isn't one given "spec" people can develop for. They have a range or slightly different devices with different capabilities. That means, for as many developers as there will be for iPhone/Touch that will be writing apps for that hardware profile... the developers on Android are going to be fractured, constantly making provisions for features that may or may not be present.

This isn't just true for the screen real estate, accelerometer, and touch features... but its also true for hardware connectors. I was NEVER more liberated than on the day I got my iPhone, and hooked it up to my car with the same power adapter I'd used for my iPod. Moreover, after a software update, even my TV video converter worked. Not enough can be said about Apple's decision to keep the iPhone jack universally consistent. This give you a HUGE list of devices that can extend it, from stereos to cars.

Right now, I have an Apple TV, laptop, iMac and iPhone that can purchase and playback the same media and live in the same ecosystem. I can download a podcast on my home machine, and access it from my iPhone when I wake up in the morning. Android will have a difficult time connecting all these dots, especially when DRM comes into play. For instance, I've purchased songs and albums at work, on my iPhone, and recently "transferred" them to my laptop, and played those same songs over breakfast with my fiance using Frontrow on my laptop (connected to a 24" monitor). That was nice. It would BUG me to return to a world where suddenly my different devices have arbitrary incompatibilities. This morning, we watched a stand-up routine from Comedy Central that had been on my desktop machine... had been synced to my iPhone... and pulled off to my laptop.

The things I think Android would excel at... I'm not sure I care about... but I would readily admit, they would be really nice. #1.) It will probably support Bluetooth more robustly, so that my Bluetooth headphones will work with my phone as WELL as my laptop and desktop machines. #2.) Storage will probably be unlimited with memory cards. Can't deny that this would be potentially useful.... especially if... #3.) I can record video clips. #4.) Nice to have extra batteries... though that's becoming increasingly a non-issue, with adapters even being added to plans. #4.) Theoretically more software freedom, though I'm still somewhat skeptical of what that means and the experience it ultimately creates for the user (I'm not sure developers will agree on how best to use system resources in a mobile device when given cart blanche, but its just a suspicion).

There's a lot of things the iPhone can do when jailbroken... but I hate having to do that. I'm looking forward to iPhone 2.0, and hopefully some other updates Apple will make over time to its Bluetooth and media recording support.

Cons - Resistive touchscreen, as it seems.
- Many hardware alternatives may cause apps to not be optimized, or to not use the phone´s whole potential.

Bottomline, is that I think the iPhone is a wholly SUPERIOR platform overall to anything else in the market. Android is, hard to believe, even YOUNGER than OSX iPhone when it comes to public/consumer exposure. Both OSX iPhone and Android have deep roots in development... but I'll be more sure of Android after its been shipped, and shown me how it will not only perform, but evolve. And remember... just because Android is open, doesn't mean there will be software to exploit a specific "neato" feature of a phone you bought. For me, there's a reason why Apple's hardware/software "integration" won hearts and minds (and will continue to).

I didn't mind being a genuie pig with iPhone 1.0. Even then, it was superior to the Motorola Nextel/Sprint platform I'd been on. Now having tasted the power of a platform that is equally good on the web than it is media, and computing... I'm loathe to look to anything that doesn't hold much of the same promise.

I was just reading reviews from the InSTINK, and it seems to prove that Apple software leadtime is really holding up. I'm anxious to see how Google's awesome promise (loved the "compass" and "streetview" demos), will raise the bar, but with all the new iPhone 2.0 additions, I'm afraid all the independent development in the world isn't going to bridge the gap in platform universality and ease-of-use, for at least a couple of years. By that time, I'll be watching and constantly reevaluating.

~ CB

 

[Cleverboy]

AND ONE MORE THING

I HAVE to add this... um, I don't think I'll ever get an Android phone, unless its just to play with. Apple has been absolutely FANTASTIC with its support. Recently, I noticed the "on/off" button on my phone pressed down, and wouldn't come up. I called Apple, and ended up going to an Apple store. I scheduled someone to look at my phone... and 1 hour later, told them my problem. They just gave me a new phone, and I walked out golden. One resync, and everything was brand spanking NEW. This is the SECOND time this has happened for me. Not only could I speak to someone on a Saturday evening about my technical problem, but they resolved everything about it in short order.

Whether its HTC, Samsung, or whoever... Apple will apparently refuse to take 2nd best to ALL of them on support. They generally have been VERY common-sense about what I would need to do. My friend at work has also attested to very good support with Apple. Dealing with phone resellers and different carrier stores has always seemed like a huge pain in the ass to me. With my iPhone, its all been a remarkeable difference. I can't easily see giving that up.

Needless to say, I'm on board for 3G.

~ CB

 

[BOSS10L]

I'm going to keep my 1st gen iPhone for the time being. If Apple releases A2DP and MMS with firmware 2.0 (not bloody likely), I'll consider bumping up to the 3G iPhone. If not, I'll jailbreak my current phone, and then wait to see how Android fares. Of everything else out there, I think Android has the best chance of coming up with a great competitor to the iPhone.

 

[Merlosso]

I had the same thought. I have been excited about the iPhone 3G for a long time. I've also been really interested in Android and what it might bring. It may or may not be better than the iPhone OS. Apple definitely has a head start but no one will know for sure until an Android phone hits the market.

You could hold out and see what the Android OS will offer but we're looking at the end of the year until the first phone is available. At that point you should probably hold out until after MacWorld to see if anything new is in store for the iPhone (like the 3.0 firmware). If that were to be released next summer, you should hold out for that. Of course as soon as that comes out, rumors will come up about Android 2.0 and at that point you should probably hold out until that is released in order to make a good comparison.

The point is, there is always something new on the horizon. If you're always looking to what's next you'll never enjoy what is available now. So if you are in the market for a new phone now and you like the iPhone, go for it. If not, hold out until Android is official for a direct comparison and then make the decision.

Good luck.

 

[2002cbr600f4i]

I'm having the same dillema right now. What's even worse is that I want to do some programming for whichever device I purchase both for work and for personal stuff, and as a Java programmer, Android would be the least headaches (don't have to learn Obj-C before learning how to work with the SDK...)

I'm tossed up... From a user perspective, I think the iPhone is better, especially if you have a Mac that you want to Sync with (like I do). the UI is MUCH snappier on the iPhone than what I've seen on the Android development devices so far...

As a programmer - Andoid would be easier for me to jump into, but the lack of "standard" hardware makes coding a nightmare since you can't depend on user interface controls, hardware, computing power, etc. But, it IS a more open "do anything you want" model, where as Apple+AT&T have their thumbs up their rear about what you'll be allowed to do.

Chances are I'll go with the iPhone, keep it for a year or two, let the Android stuff mature and then decide what to do then.

 

[kamiboy]

A iBird in the hand is better than two android birds in the bush.

 

[Whiz]

Thank you all for great and fast responses. You seem pretty united in your points of view, but maybe thats to be expected, since this is an forum. Still though you have valid opinions, and right now it leans toward an iPhone.

 

[sunfast]

Only just come across this thread and it's a point well worth discussing. I'm frankly surprised there aren't more threads on this!

I'm going for the iPhone for a few reasons.

*It's available now (almost)

*The platform's had a year to mature - the phone I'll be getting in a few weeks is benefitting from a lot of things learnt with the first iPhone generation.

*I really want the tight integration with my mac at home.

You provide many valid reasons for an android phone but, seeing as the first device won't be out for a while, why not get an iPhone 3G now and by the time your contract expires Android will be a year or so old and you can see how it has faired in the wild and if you prefer it.

Also, would it be an option for you to sell you iPhone during your contract and put your SIM in an Android phone if you were so inclined?

 

[2002cbr600f4i]

Only just come across this thread and it's a point well worth discussing. I'm frankly surprised there aren't more threads on this!

I'm going for the iPhone for a few reasons.

*It's available now (almost)

*The platform's had a year to mature - the phone I'll be getting in a few weeks is benefitting from a lot of things learnt with the first iPhone generation.

*I really want the tight integration with my mac at home.

You provide many valid reasons for an android phone but, seeing as the first device won't be out for a while, why not get an iPhone 3G now and by the time your contract expires Android will be a year or so old and you can see how it has faired in the wild and if you prefer it.

Also, would it be an option for you to sell you iPhone during your contract and put your SIM in an Android phone if you were so inclined?

Yes, subject to the whims of mother AT&T....

 

[BongoBanger]

Android's just pie in the sky for now. It's at concept stage and even if devloped has yet to prove it'll add anything to the table. In fairness, you could say that about the iPhone's OS and apps too.

Up to you. I was going to buy an iPhone 3G on contract through O2 but will probably get an N96 and an iPhone on PAYG instead if at all because, despite the improvements and the great UI, the iPhone 3G is still too far behind to tie myself into an 18 month contract.

 

[dbwie]

go with iPhone

News out today is that Android will be delayed. Besides, creating a phone OS and working with multiple developers on the platform is a somewhat new direction for Google. As capable as the company is, there will be some growing pains in their efforts here. Apple, on the other hand, is leveraging their years of work on OS X, and working with an existing Mac developer base (and bringing in new developers) to bolster the iPhone. Apple is leveraging their strengths in OS development on the Mac and bringing it to the iPhone. Therefore, I doubt that Android, in its first incarnation, will compare favorably to the iPhone 3G. This may change in a couple of years. By that time, your iPhone 2 year contract will be up. Thus, my 2 cents is to go for the iPhone, as it will take at least a couple of years for Android to catch up.

 

[LiveForever]

High End Android phone - What? Android is just software which can run on any phone which will sign up for it. It's main driver will be to sell Google services so there will be google adwords, adsense everywhere. Just tell me how is this going to be better than iphone?

I would seriously choose any phone which didn't run it. Google are a great search engine but they just want to funnell you into their search environment and advertises stuff.

I love google, their maps and google earth but show me a piece of hardware they have been involved in.

Google Docs like many of the other google labs offerings is half baked. They put out so much stuff but only 1/10 is of any use. But in the end they just do stuff to make you click on adverts or use their search engine This single minded motivation is flawed from the start when it comes to mobile phones. They will also store you personal data so they can find what you like and then sms you targeted adverts and who knows what else they do with all this data they have stored. Yes please, sign me up .. People will see through this very quickly,

A google employee obviously started this thread. High end Google Phone,yes we believe you...

To answer your question. I have pre registered for my iphone and hope to pick it up July 11th. Like I'm going to wait for some software to run on a HTC touch flo thing that shows me ads all the time. Are you serious??

I'm not just a blinkered apple fan boy ( I actually make part of my income from adsense and google so I know how they think) before anybody accuses me, but Google Android sould be renamed Google AD roid.