IPhone VS Androids Phones?

[ViViDboarder]

...
Android right now reminds me of the days when I built my own computers....constantly tweaking and upgrading. I decided that was not a good thing on a phone. I just want it to work, every time. Most people don't want to think about the OS of the device, they just want to use it.

...

Exactly why I got the EVO!

I'm running nightly builds of new versions of Android compiled from source. I'm a tweaker.

That said... I'd say both platforms are fantastic! One of the things that attracted me to the iPhone was the hacking community, and it still is pretty large. The EVO has a great one as well, so that's cool too.

You really can't go wrong with either Phone in my opinion. What it came down to for me was that I was bored of iOS, wanted to switch to Sprint (cheaper for me), and wanted a bigger screen (EVO screen still has really great DPI)

 

[Apple...]

This only applies to laptops and desktops, where the average price of a MB/MBP and iMac/MP are much higher than their competitors. With these products, the money Apple makes is well out-of-proportion to their marketshare.

For cellphones, I don't think this holds true because the prices of most smartphones, including the iPhone, are roughly the same. Now, with the majority of smartphones sold now being Android-based phones, the majority of money spent on smartphones is not going to Apple.

No; it is. It's one of Apple's main money-makers. Just like the whole iPod line before it. Next up to join the iPhone; iPad. With more than 4 million sold, it's looking good!

 

[wirelessmacuser]

No; it is. It's one of Apple's main money-makers. Just like the whole iPod line before it. Next up to join the iPhone; iPad. With more than 4 million sold, it's looking good!

Even though none of the profit your so thrilled with goes to you, enjoy it while it lasts.

 

[Apple...]

Even though none of the profit your so thrilled with goes to you, enjoy it while it lasts.

Yeah... somehow all my money ends up in Mr. Jobs' pocket?

LOL!

 

[notblackmac]

Android's notification system is much better then apple's and I believe apple is locked into the UI at this point which is very restricted in terms of allowing them to update their screens for a better notification system. Look how they had to add their version of a task manager. Sliding everything up. A bit kludgy and un-apple like.

I agree with the fact that they are "locked in" with how there interface is going to look in the future.

 

[MacJones]

Well said!

The iPhone is a great beginners phone. Simple & easy it requires very little from the user. This is why they are popular, anyone can use one.

Android is only a bit more involved and well worth it. After one learns the basics, the payoff is handsome. Yet that said many people have no interest in learning new things. Usually it's those who fear change. Kind of sad really, as they have no idea of the fun they're missing.

Until I started reading some of your posts I thought iPhone was the only way to go and if you were an Android user you were out of your mind. Recently I've started looking into the Android platform, specifically the HTC Evo 4G, and I must say I'm very impressed with what I've seen. I'm someone who likes to mess around with the UI and tweak things which is one of the reasons why I'm incredibly bored with my iPhone 4. The only thing I can change is the wallpaper and the order of apps.

I love how polished the iPhone 4 is with the smooth interface, "retina display" and mature app store. But the features of Android already outnumber iOS and Android is growing and improving all the time.

Another positive is how much cheaper Sprint is over AT&T, $80 vs $100, and the coverage is about the same in my area.

I'm seriously considering returning my iPhone 4, canceling my AT&T contract and switching to the HTC Evo. I have until the 30th to decide.

 

[PlatinuM195]

I'm not quite sure about the smoothness of Android, but in this unrelated to OS smoothness test (a test of phone browsers), Android seemed significantly laggier than iOS and WP7.

 

[kasakka]

Until I started reading some of your posts I thought iPhone was the only way to go and if you were an Android user you were out of your mind. Recently I've started looking into the Android platform, specifically the HTC Evo 4G, and I must say I'm very impressed with what I've seen. I'm someone who likes to mess around with the UI and tweak things which is one of the reasons why I'm incredibly bored with my iPhone 4. The only thing I can change is the wallpaper and the order of apps.

I, on the other hand, hate having tons of customizability. iOS has just the right amount. I've never liked the widgets, custom desktops thing in Android, the iOS menu screen is all I need. With good placement of app icons I have my favorite apps within quick access.

There are times when I wish feature x was available for the iPhone, but overall it provides a smooth, effortless smartphone experience that I haven't found in other phones yet. Especially since the actual phones running Android tend to be as good as the iPhone only on paper (specs). I have to say that the latest Android phones are pretty impressive though. After a few more updates Android will be really good so when it comes time to get a new phone I may have to reconsider my options.

 

[Apple...]

Until I started reading some of your posts I thought iPhone was the only way to go and if you were an Android user you were out of your mind. Recently I've started looking into the Android platform, specifically the HTC Evo 4G, and I must say I'm very impressed with what I've seen. I'm someone who likes to mess around with the UI and tweak things which is one of the reasons why I'm incredibly bored with my iPhone 4. The only thing I can change is the wallpaper and the order of apps.

I love how polished the iPhone 4 is with the smooth interface, "retina display" and mature app store. But the features of Android already outnumber iOS and Android is growing and improving all the time.

Another positive is how much cheaper Sprint is over AT&T, $80 vs $110, and the coverage is about the same in my area.

I'm seriously considering returning my iPhone 4, canceling my AT&T contract and switching to the HTC Evo. I have until the 30th to decide.

If you want the heavy customization, go ahead and get the EVO. No one's stopping you. Switch now, and come back to the iPhone later (when's it's on Sprint, Verizon or T-Mobile and has those fancy customizations (such as live wallpapers, widgets, etc.). Problem solved!

P.S. Hopefully you're including that $10 a month 4G fee in your costs!

I, on the other hand, hate having tons of customizability. iOS has just the right amount. I've never liked the widgets, custom desktops thing in Android, the iOS menu screen is all I need. With good placement of app icons I have my favorite apps within quick access.

There are times when I wish feature x was available for the iPhone, but overall it provides a smooth, effortless smartphone experience that I haven't found in other phones yet. Especially since the actual phones running Android tend to be as good as the iPhone only on paper (specs). I have to say that the latest Android phones are pretty impressive though. After a few more updates Android will be really good so when it comes time to get a new phone I may have to reconsider my options.

Why would you have to reconsider your options, exactly?

 

[xi mezmerize ix]

I prefer Verizon over AT&T. I like Apple but I am not going to put up with ****** service at a higher price just for the sake of having another Apple product.

 

[MacJones]

If you want the heavy customization, go ahead and get the EVO. No one's stopping you. Switch now, and come back to the iPhone later (when's it's on Sprint, Verizon or T-Mobile and has those fancy customizations (such as live wallpapers, widgets, etc.). Problem solved!

P.S. Hopefully you're including that $10 a month 4G fee in your costs!

That's exactly what I was thinking. Jump ship until Apple starts innovating again instead of playing catch up and when I can choose what provider I want instead of being stuck with AT&T. Yeah I added the $10 fee for 4G with it. I'm probably off but it's still cheaper than the iPhone each month.

 

[ViViDboarder]

I, on the other hand, hate having tons of customizability. iOS has just the right amount. I've never liked the widgets, custom desktops thing in Android, the iOS menu screen is all I need. With good placement of app icons I have my favorite apps within quick access.

There are times when I wish feature x was available for the iPhone, but overall it provides a smooth, effortless smartphone experience that I haven't found in other phones yet. Especially since the actual phones running Android tend to be as good as the iPhone only on paper (specs). I have to say that the latest Android phones are pretty impressive though. After a few more updates Android will be really good so when it comes time to get a new phone I may have to reconsider my options.

I don't know how you can really say that... But the rest of your post makes sense. It really does, and always will, come down to preference. Some people like one thing and other people will like the other.

 

[wirelessmacuser]

At the end of the day, Android is the competition that Apple needs to remain relavent. Both platforms have great features, Apple has little reason to innovate without serious competition. With massive cash on hand Apple is in a great position. Able to do whatever they want, Android could be just the threat that keeps Apple from falling victim to it's own success.

 

[IgnatiusTheKing]

Hopefully you're including that $10 a month 4G fee in your costs!

Single user plan...

EVO 4G on Sprint: 450 minutes (unlimited night/weekend, unlimited mobile-to-mobile on any network), unlimited data, unlimited SMS/MMS, 4G $79.99

iPhone 4 on AT&T: 450 minutes (5000 night/weekend, unlimited mobile-to-mobile to AT&T customers, rollover), 2GB data, unlimited SMS/MMS $84.99

So you get a lot more from Sprint for a bit less ($120 over the life of a two-year contract), even considering the stupid $10 fee for 4G (which you have to pay even if you don't ever use it). The only thing AT&T does better in terms of billing is rollover, which I'm still a little astounded no one else has copied.


Family plan saves you even more ($480 over the life of the contract)...

Two EVO 4Gs on Sprint: 1500 shared minutes (unlimited night/weekend, unlimited mobile-to-mobile on any network), unlimited data, unlimited SMS/MMS, 4G $149.99

Two iPhone 4s on AT&T: 1400 shared minutes (unlimited night/weekend, unlimited mobile-to-mobile to AT&T customers, rollover), 2GB data, unlimited SMS/MMS $169.99


Sprint also has better corporate discounts (for me, at least). I'm getting 22% from Sprint where I was only getting 18% from AT&T.

 

[MacJones]

Single user plan...

EVO 4G on Sprint: 450 minutes (unlimited night/weekend, unlimited mobile-to-mobile on any network), unlimited data, unlimited SMS/MMS, 4G $79.99

iPhone 4 on AT&T: 450 minutes (5000 night/weekend, unlimited mobile-to-mobile to AT&T customers, rollover), 2GB data, unlimited SMS/MMS $84.99

So you get a lot more from Sprint for a bit less ($120 over the life of a two-year contract), even considering the stupid $10 fee for 4G (which you have to pay even if you don't ever use it). The only thing AT&T does better in terms of billing is rollover, which I'm still a little astounded no one else has copied.


Family plan saves you even more ($480 over the life of the contract)...

Two EVO 4Gs on Sprint: 1500 shared minutes (unlimited night/weekend, unlimited mobile-to-mobile on any network), unlimited data, unlimited SMS/MMS, 4G $149.99

Two iPhone 4s on AT&T: 1400 shared minutes (unlimited night/weekend, unlimited mobile-to-mobile to AT&T customers, rollover), 2GB data, unlimited SMS/MMS $169.99


Sprint also has better corporate discounts (for me, at least). I'm getting 22% from Sprint where I was only getting 18% from AT&T.

My AT&T bill is $101.45 each month for unlimited data, unlimited text, and 450 minutes. It's about $20 cheaper a month unlimited data vs unlimited data.

 

[IgnatiusTheKing]

My AT&T bill is $101.45 each month for unlimited data, unlimited text, and 450 minutes. It's about $20 cheaper a month unlimited data vs unlimited data.

Two things: unless you're grandfathered in, you can't get unlimited data on AT&T anymore. And the $101.45 is including tax. I bet the Sprint plan is around $90/month including tax.

 

[kasakka]

I don't know how you can really say that... But the rest of your post makes sense. It really does, and always will, come down to preference. Some people like one thing and other people will like the other.

What I meant is that while specs may be equal or in some cases even superior to the iPhone, the stuff that isn't shown on spec lists like the design or materials of the actual phone tend to be worse. There are also typically more physical buttons that could've been easily dropped with better UI design.

 

[ViViDboarder]

What I meant is that while specs may be equal or in some cases even superior to the iPhone, the stuff that isn't shown on spec lists like the design or materials of the actual phone tend to be worse. There are also typically more physical buttons that could've been easily dropped with better UI design.

That does not mean it's better though. My EVO has 3 physical buttons. Power, Volume up and Volume Down. On top of that they made better use of the face of the phone. Instead of one large home button taking up a vertical strip across the bottom of the phone nearly 3/4 of an inch high, they have 4 touch "buttons", really just dedicated locations for you to touch, that are spread across. This actually utilizes far more space on the face of the phone. Rather than having to worry about double tapping, tapping and holding for different tasks, I just have to hit one button for each of the 4 tasks. Home, brings you to home (like hitting show desktop, it leaves applications running for multitasking), Menu brings up the menu for settings so you don't have to have that bar across the bottom of the screen in every app for you to see their settings panels. Back will take you back and close apps in the process. Search, quick access to search (Google, local, music, etc). Long press on home brings up your task switcher, long press on search brings up voice commands.

I guess everyone has their own preference, but I much prefer the way Android works. It's also way more intuitive for novices. My girlfriend always got flustered when I gave her my iPhone because there are no labels or anything. It's not intuitive to hold the button for different tasks and what, not. It's also not intuitive to hit home and switch between different apps or having to touch around to get to different app screens.

With my EVO she easily sees that there is a home button for going home, menu for the menu (she rarely needs this) and Back button for going back (back button functions between apps as well. For example, you are in Maps and launch Navigation to go to your GPS. You pull down the status menu and get an email. You can read it and then hit back, and you're back in Nav, back once more and you're back in Maps).

I am only saying this to show you that they didn't add these buttons because of poor UI decisions. The decisions work very well and again, it comes down to preference. There are even a lot of people here that have commented on the fact that the home button is getting WAY to many functions for just one button, but the iPhone face is far to iconic now to change. Oh well.

 

[ChazUK]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (Linux; U; Android 2.1-update1; en-gb; Dell Streak Build/ERE27) AppleWebKit/530.17 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile Safari/530.17)

After what ViViDboarder posted i've got to agree about the back button.

Most people here complain about ads yanking you out of any app you are using which it is a problem in iOS but on Android, a simple tap on the back button takes you back to the last app you were using seamlessly and naturally.

Sometimes more buttons is better.

 

[IgnatiusTheKing]

What I meant is that while specs may be equal or in some cases even superior to the iPhone, the stuff that isn't shown on spec lists like the design or materials of the actual phone tend to be worse.

Some, perhaps, but you cannot really make a blanket statement like that about all Android phones. The EVO, in particular, is made of ver high quality materials, and while some people don't like plastic, the stuff this phone is made of is less "cheap feeling" than the previous design of the iPhone (which I loved, incidentally). The rubberized back is great and, I suspect, much more durable than the back of the iPhones 3G/3GS or 4.

There are also typically more physical buttons that could've been easily dropped with better UI design.

My EVO has far fewer physical buttons/switches (two: power, volume rocker) than the iPhone 4 (five: power, home, vol. up, vol. down, mute).

 

[shandyman]

Most people here complain about ads yanking you out of any app you are using which it is a problem in iOS but on Android, a simple tap on the back button takes you back to the last app you were using seamlessly and naturally.

Sometimes more buttons is better.

With iAds, they don't yank you out, so that is a non issue.....

 

[ChazUK]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (Linux; U; Android 2.1-update1; en-gb; Dell Streak Build/ERE27) AppleWebKit/530.17 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile Safari/530.17)

Most people here complain about ads yanking you out of any app you are using which it is a problem in iOS but on Android, a simple tap on the back button takes you back to the last app you were using seamlessly and naturally.

Sometimes more buttons is better.

With IAEA, ads don't yank you out, so that is a non issue.....

Do you mean iAds? That is a good solution to a problem that only exists on iOS but people here complain that other ad services rip you out of your app.

Are they allowed to integrate like iAds at all?

 

[itsmemuffins]

I've had each iphone made and love them. However, I was getting "bored" with the singular way apple lets you do things and wanted to test the android waters. I used the HTC EVO (and Droid X briefly) and here is my bottom line: if there was no iphone I would have an EVO. However, what I loved most about android was ultimately it's undoing for me: "It's customizable".

At first I LOVED the fact that I could change just about everything, and that there were multiple ways to accomplish the same task, just take your pick. After about a week of tweaking, that proved to be very frustrating. The phone would become unresponsive and I would have to find the offending app and either delete or reinstall.

There often seem to be too many steps to accomplish what I can do in a few clicks on my iphone. Up until the FROYO update, copy and paste was maddening.

The iphone often gets the term "elegant" attached to it, and after using android, I have to agree. Yes there is one way to do something, but it is intuitive and works every time.

Android right now reminds me of the days when I built my own computers....constantly tweaking and upgrading. I decided that was not a good thing on a phone. I just want it to work, every time. Most people don't want to think about the OS of the device, they just want to use it.

Don't get me wrong, android is up and coming and in a few more iterations it will be ready for the masses. I just don't think it's quite ready for my mom just yet!

Exactly why I got the EVO!

I'm running nightly builds of new versions of Android compiled from source. I'm a tweaker.

That said... I'd say both platforms are fantastic! One of the things that attracted me to the iPhone was the hacking community, and it still is pretty large. The EVO has a great one as well, so that's cool too.

You really can't go wrong with either Phone in my opinion. What it came down to for me was that I was bored of iOS, wanted to switch to Sprint (cheaper for me), and wanted a bigger screen (EVO screen still has really great DPI)

Ah your posts are a sight for sore eyes.

level headed and factual.

Unlike wirelessmacuser posts who likes nothing more than bash people over the head with Androids "superiority" and that iPhone users are simpletons who are affraid of their own shadows.

Well said!

The iPhone is a great beginners phone. Simple & easy it requires very little from the user. This is why they are popular, anyone can use one.

Android is only a bit more involved and well worth it. After one learns the basics, the payoff is handsome. Yet that said many people have no interest in learning new things. Usually it's those who fear change. Kind of sad really, as they have no idea of the fun they're missing.

 

[shandyman]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (Linux; U; Android 2.1-update1; en-gb; Dell Streak Build/ERE27) AppleWebKit/530.17 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile Safari/530.17)



Do you mean iAds? That is a good solution to a problem that only exists on iOS but people here complain that other ad services rip you out of your app.

Are they allowed to integrate like iAds at all?

iAds was made to replace those other ad services due that very reason, to improve the user experience. It's then down to the developer to choose iAds, so in this day and age, the ad situation is down to developers. It was never a problem by apple.

In my opinion, too many physical buttons is a waste. The size of some of the android phones are absurd, takes up far far too much room in my pocket. Much prefer the iPhone 4, perfect size phone, great screen.

 

[ChazUK]

iAds was made to replace those other ad services due that very reason, to improve the user experience. It's then down to the developer to choose iAds, so in this day and age, the ad situation is down to developers. It was never a problem by apple.

In my opinion, too many physical buttons is a waste. The size of some of the android phones are absurd, takes up far far too much room in my pocket. Much prefer the iPhone 4, perfect size phone, great screen.

This is where my opinion will differ from yours. It seems you are pleased with the situation with iAds, which is good!

When I think of the ad provider situation Apple are at an advantage having so much control over the platform. There is no way or room for another provider to create ads that could perform at an iAD level due to the control Apple have.

The "openness" of Android gives other parties a way to flourish on the platform with no direct control from Google (or any 3rd party application provider) so they can come up with new ways of doing things.

With the iPhone's single button, you end up with extra UI elements using up screen real estate, for example:

iPhone last.fm app:

On the iPhone last.fm app, we have the Back and Info buttons on screen on top, we also have the Love, Ban, Settings, stop, skip and Volume (for first gen touch which lacked volume rocker I assume) buttons all displayed on screen.

On the android app we have less buttons on screen:

Just love, ban, stop and skip buttons on screen thanks to the universal menu, back and home buttons on the handset. The menu button on the phone will access extra features like info and settings. This could lead to Android apps having an advantage when using screen real estate thanks to the dedicated buttons (it seems the people at last.fm have squandered these extra pixels by having extra large media buttons) but the potential is there.

Neither way is right or wrong but both have advantages/disadvantages. It's all personal preference really.