Lifelong Android User ...

[1str]

Hello!

I've been a lifelong Android user, I've been with Android since the HTC Dream/ G1. I've absolutely loved my Android devices. I've owned too many to count. I've loved all my Google accounts syncing up so well with my phone, loves the customization, etc.

That's not the point.. I've finally decided I'm going to switch to Apple. I have my eyes set on the iPhone 8. I am looking for some confidence in a few areas regarding the switch, I'm hopeful you guys can offer that.

I have 2 Gmail accounts, one business. I have a lot of Google services I rely on week to week, and I know they have these apps on the App Store, but do they play well with iPhone? Obviously they're not native persay, like they are on Android, but will I be wishing they played nicer with my iPhone a week or month into the switch?

I know Apple has introduced the notification bar a few years ago now, Android was built around the note bar. With every OS update for Apple it seems to me they implement it more and more. Is this something I will feel a smooth transition in?

3rd and probably more important than anything... Multitasking. Android handles multi tasking decently, and for years decently was better than not at all... Does the iPhone multi task well?


Sorry guys. I don't own one, never have, and short of youtube videos and articles, getting my hands on one when I make the switch is the only way I'll find the answers to some of the questions and nerves I have. Just hoping to get some more info.


Thanks in advance.

 

[Jimmy James]

Lifelong user starting with HTC Dream? So you're 8 years old?

 

[HallStevenson]

I've been an Android user since 2009 myself and just switched a few months ago. We have had iPods in the past and I use Apple computers though....

I have 2 Gmail accounts, one business. I have a lot of Google services I rely on week to week, and I know they have these apps on the App Store, but do they play well with iPhone?

My personal email as well as work email are Google and everything works just fine. I use the Gmail app instead of the default Mail app. I also use Google's Calendar instead of Apple's. Only downside, and I rarely run into it, is that you CAN'T assign default apps. Apple's apps are ALWAYS the default. So if you tap an email address to send an email, it's not going to open in Gmail, nor can you change this behavior.

I also use Google Photos vs Apple's 'photo' app. Apple tries to "organize" your pictures by date, by location they were taken, by groups based on who is in the pictures, and so on. I just want to view ALL of my pictures in a window - keep it simple ! Another great feature is Google Photos allows you to DELETE photos from the phone after they've been uploaded to their free cloud photo service. Apple gives you 5gb TOTAL for all cloud-stored data and then charges for more.

I know Apple has introduced the notification bar a few years ago now

It's not the same bar -- the status bar -- with notification icons, but more like Quick Settings (swipe down from the top of the screen to see notifications). Behavior is similar on both iOS and Android. iOS has add'l notification options too that you can play with and decide which you like.

 

[1str]

I've been an Android user since 2009 myself and just switched a few months ago. We have had iPods in the past and I use Apple computers though....
My personal email as well as work email are Google and everything works just fine. I use the Gmail app instead of the default Mail app. I also use Google's Calendar instead of Apple's. Only downside, and I rarely run into it, is that you CAN'T assign default apps. Apple's apps are ALWAYS the default. So if you tap an email address to send an email, it's not going to open in Gmail, nor can you change this behavior.

I also use Google Photos vs Apple's 'photo' app. Apple tries to "organize" your pictures by date, by location they were taken, by groups based on who is in the pictures, and so on. I just want to view ALL of my pictures in a window - keep it simple ! Another great feature is Google Photos allows you to DELETE photos from the phone after they've been uploaded to their free cloud photo service. Apple gives you 5gb TOTAL for all cloud-stored data and then charges for more.

It's not the same bar -- the status bar -- with notification icons, but more like Quick Settings (swipe down from the top of the screen to see notifications). Behavior is similar on both iOS and Android. iOS has add'l notification options too that you can play with and decide which you like.

Thank you. That is a bummer, something I've taken for granted it seems for years is choosing your default behaviors on Android.

 

[shyam09]

Lifelong user starting with HTC Dream? So you're 8 years old?

Don't be mean. It's OP's birthday month.

-----

Silly humor aside - here's my take OP:

1. I have an iPad, and had an iPhone 6+ for about a year, currently on an Android and moving to the iPhone 8 this year. Gmail and other Google apps play very well with iOS in my opinion. Obviously Android is their priority, so you might notice some specific features not available on iOS. On the other hand, iOS is really great for multiple emails. I had to juggle 4-5 emails (mostly business) once, and it really just sucked the battery from my S7 Edge. I had a much better experience with iOS when it came to battery life. Now then, can you elaborate on what you're expecting by "play well"? Which apps you're expecting to use, etc.

2. I prefer Android's notifications style, but that's just me. I never got used to iOS's notification style, it just felt a bit too clunky.

3. Depends on what you mean by multi-tasking. If you are expecting to have two apps open at the same time, that isn't going to happen. What Apple has implemented is "fast-app switching" whereby it freezes the app you were in when you leave it, so when you return to it, you can pick up exactly where you left off. The iPad devices, OTOH, have true multi-tasking.

 

[Ilikechainrestaurants]

I'm an Android user who has switched back and forth a few times. I think all the things you mention will be fine and easy enough to transition to/away from.

My biggest hurdles in moving back and forth are the lack of buttons, but the average reasonably tech-savvy person will make that adjustment in a couple of days. Otherwise I just get frustrated by the inability to change certain things and the obnoxiousness of Apple security protocols, app store, things like that.

 

[harlenmm77]

I've been an Android user since 2009 myself and just switched a few months ago. We have had iPods in the past and I use Apple computers though....
My personal email as well as work email are Google and everything works just fine. I use the Gmail app instead of the default Mail app. I also use Google's Calendar instead of Apple's. Only downside, and I rarely run into it, is that you CAN'T assign default apps. Apple's apps are ALWAYS the default. So if you tap an email address to send an email, it's not going to open in Gmail, nor can you change this behavior.

I also use Google Photos vs Apple's 'photo' app. Apple tries to "organize" your pictures by date, by location they were taken, by groups based on who is in the pictures, and so on. I just want to view ALL of my pictures in a window - keep it simple ! Another great feature is Google Photos allows you to DELETE photos from the phone after they've been uploaded to their free cloud photo service. Apple gives you 5gb TOTAL for all cloud-stored data and then charges for more.

It's not the same bar -- the status bar -- with notification icons, but more like Quick Settings (swipe down from the top of the screen to see notifications). Behavior is similar on both iOS and Android. iOS has add'l notification options too that you can play with and decide which you like.

You can view all your pictures in one folder without them being sorted.

Click on albums on the bottom right of photos, then click camera roll. That is every photo on your phone.

 

[pika2000]

Hello!

I've been a lifelong Android user, I've been with Android since the HTC Dream/ G1. I've absolutely loved my Android devices. I've owned too many to count. I've loved all my Google accounts syncing up so well with my phone, loves the customization, etc.

That's not the point.. I've finally decided I'm going to switch to Apple. I have my eyes set on the iPhone 8. I am looking for some confidence in a few areas regarding the switch, I'm hopeful you guys can offer that.

I have 2 Gmail accounts, one business. I have a lot of Google services I rely on week to week, and I know they have these apps on the App Store, but do they play well with iPhone? Obviously they're not native persay, like they are on Android, but will I be wishing they played nicer with my iPhone a week or month into the switch?

I know Apple has introduced the notification bar a few years ago now, Android was built around the note bar. With every OS update for Apple it seems to me they implement it more and more. Is this something I will feel a smooth transition in?

3rd and probably more important than anything... Multitasking. Android handles multi tasking decently, and for years decently was better than not at all... Does the iPhone multi task well?


Sorry guys. I don't own one, never have, and short of youtube videos and articles, getting my hands on one when I make the switch is the only way I'll find the answers to some of the questions and nerves I have. Just hoping to get some more info.


Thanks in advance.

Google services work great on iOS. I have about 4 GMail Accounts, and I simply use the native mail app. Imo it is one of the best email client with no frills. Of course, if you don't like it, you can simply get the Gmail App. I personally don't like the GMail app. Even on my Android phones I use Bluemail instead of GMail app. Contacts and calendars will sync just fine with iOS' native contacts and calendar app.

Depending on what Android devices you have used, the notification bar on iOS can feel more/less functional. Many Android skins ignored the improvements Google implemented for notifications that iOS one can feel more functional. Also, many Android apps are not taking advantage of the benefits vs Google first party apps, so I don't think you will be missing much unless you were heavily on stock Android and Google first party apps.

Imo Android is not handling multitasking any better compared to current iteration of iOS. Any apps that follow Apple's guideline can function and multi-task well on iOS. In fact, many Chinese Android OEM skins (eg. Funtouch, MiUI, etc) shut down apps aggressively to preserve battery life. So depending on the phones you've been using, I doubt you feel much different on iOS. If you have specific scenarios, then people here can share a bit more detail whether that experience will be the same or worse on iOS.

The obvious things you will miss on iOS from Android are home screen widgets and the ability to customize your home screen.

 

[1str]

I've been a steady root user, favoring AOSP based/CM based ROMs. My current device is a Nexus 6P. Thanks for your input, I appreciate it.

 

[pika2000]

I've been a steady root user, favoring AOSP based/CM based ROMs. My current device is a Nexus 6P. Thanks for your input, I appreciate it.

If you are a custom ROM user, then I fail to see why you want to be on iOS. One of the main draw of iOS is the software support, which is lacking on Android, but that's moot since you are using custom ROM.

Instead of the iPhone, depending on where you live, I would wait for the Mi A1. That's Xiaomi's first android One handset, and hardware is based on Mi 5X. Cheap flagship with stock Android? I will be keeping my eye on that.

 

[HallStevenson]

If you are a custom ROM user, then I fail to see why you want to be on iOS.

Every Android phone I have owned has been rooted (most within 3-4 hours of unboxing them after receiving them) and 75% of the time, running custom ROMs. After 6+ years, I no longer care about rooting or the supposed "benefits". One big factor was the bloat that carriers add to Android whereas Apple doesn't allow this. I do recall when iOS didn't allow the removal of ANY built-in Apple apps, which bugged me being a rooted Android user. On my iPhone, if I don't use the Apple app, it's gone .... except for the ones Apple still doesn't allow to be removed. Just checked on iOS 11 (beta 9) and it appears that a few more can be removed now but I could be wrong.

 

[1str]

If you are a custom ROM user, then I fail to see why you want to be on iOS. One of the main draw of iOS is the software support, which is lacking on Android, but that's moot since you are using custom ROM.

Instead of the iPhone, depending on where you live, I would wait for the Mi A1. That's Xiaomi's first android One handset, and hardware is based on Mi 5X. Cheap flagship with stock Android? I will be keeping my eye on that.

Due to compatibility reasons with work, mainly. I'm mainly tired of messing with settings to get stuff to work the way I want it to on my Android devices, and custom ROMs only add to the settings.

With my work I just need a phone that's going to work and be stable. My work "rig phone" is an iPhone as well. And I need iMessage's "read" feature to properly get shifts sometimes... It seems odd, but if someone's just not reading my messages I know not to count on me getting that shift 10 hours from now...

 

[Complex757]

Yeah, I'm not sure if you'd be happy with an iPhone.

I switched to an iPhone when I stopped caring about that stuff and found rooting unnecessary when you could start changing launchers, themes and icons.

 

[1str]

Every Android phone I have owned has been rooted (most within 3-4 hours of unboxing them after receiving them) and 75% of the time, running custom ROMs. After 6+ years, I no longer care about rooting or the supposed "benefits". One big factor was the bloat that carriers add to Android whereas Apple doesn't allow this. I do recall when iOS didn't allow the removal of ANY built-in Apple apps, which bugged me being a rooted Android user. On my iPhone, if I don't use the Apple app, it's gone .... except for the ones Apple still doesn't allow to be removed. Just checked on iOS 11 (beta 9) and it appears that a few more can be removed now but I could be wrong.

This for me as well. iOS has come a really long way, I have to admit.

Android has also made some more moves in it's latest editions of Android OS that are heading down a path I don't like.

I'm also tired of wondering if the brand new flagship Android phone I want is going to have a lot of Dev support, or a bootloader that will allow us to root in the first few months even.

I don't want to deal with it anymore. I just want stable.

 

[shyam09]

I'm an Android user who has switched back and forth a few times. I think all the things you mention will be fine and easy enough to transition to/away from.

My biggest hurdles in moving back and forth are the lack of buttons, but the average reasonably tech-savvy person will make that adjustment in a couple of days. Otherwise I just get frustrated by the inability to change certain things and the obnoxiousness of Apple security protocols, app store, things like that.

Yes. iOS's swipe gestures to go back and forth were largely missed when I moved back to Android. I don't really care too much for the nav. buttons on Android.

 

[Complex757]

Every Android phone I have owned has been rooted (most within 3-4 hours of unboxing them after receiving them) and 75% of the time, running custom ROMs. After 6+ years, I no longer care about rooting or the supposed "benefits". One big factor was the bloat that carriers add to Android whereas Apple doesn't allow this. I do recall when iOS didn't allow the removal of ANY built-in Apple apps, which bugged me being a rooted Android user. On my iPhone, if I don't use the Apple app, it's gone .... except for the ones Apple still doesn't allow to be removed. Just checked on iOS 11 (beta 9) and it appears that a few more can be removed now but I could be wrong.

One good thing about Samsung is that they have a few apps where you can at least disable all that junk without it being rooted.

 

[HallStevenson]

And I need iMessage's "read" feature...

Don't most people turn that off?

 

[HallStevenson]

I'm also tired of wondering if the brand new flagship Android phone I want is going to have a lot of Dev support, or a bootloader that will allow us to root in the first few months even.

We have Verizon so even with popular phone models with good dev support, Verizon has made the manufacturers lock the bootloader and in some cases, they're still not cracked. I don't keep up anymore but I don't think Samsung's bootloader has been broken. My last phone was an HTC and at the time, I had to locate a guy who had a special micro SD card (apparently a service tool that was leaked from HTC) to unlock the bootloader.

 

[1str]

I'm at the point where a lot of the stuff Android offers as far as customization and such doesn't affect me as much as the stability and apps that seem to be coded better/run more smooth matter now. Like I said, I just want something stable that works.

 

[eyoungren]

Since most of what I would say has already been pointed out by other users, I will just mention a couple of things and leave it at that.

I've used Google's services on my iPhone since the 5 in late 2012. I do use Dropbox instead of Google photos though. Unlike Apple's services which generally require you to be using newer devices with newer Macs, third party services have consistantly worked on my 2003-2006 era Macs. Consequently, I have no ties to any of Apple's services that would prevent me from leaving iOS and iPhone.

Google is cross platform.

Lastly, someone mentioned that Apple only allows 5GB for photo storage. And that's true, but you don't have to use it. Google Photos, Amazon, Dropbox, etc all provide automatic photo uploading. I turned off Apple's photo service under iOS 6 and I've never turned it back on again. What third party services offer is much easier to use then the potential downfalls of duplicated photo streams/photos with Apple. Just not a mess I want to deal with.

 

[The fudge]

I'm moving to the iPhone too when the X is released. one of my major concerns is how clunky the Google Music app is on iPhone. I also scrobble music on last.fm and past experience with the iOS app on iPad hasn't been the best.

 

[pika2000]

I don't want to deal with it anymore. I just want stable.

I see. Then going to iPhone is a good decision.
September 12 is getting closer. Enjoy.
[doublepost=1504311628][/doublepost]

We have Verizon so even with popular phone models with good dev support, Verizon has made the manufacturers lock the bootloader and in some cases, they're still not cracked. I don't keep up anymore but I don't think Samsung's bootloader has been broken. My last phone was an HTC and at the time, I had to locate a guy who had a special micro SD card (apparently a service tool that was leaked from HTC) to unlock the bootloader.

For Samsung, you don't only have to deal with that, you also have to deal with Knox. It's quite a pain.

 

[HallStevenson]

I'll never buy a Samsung phone after they did that. If I did go back to Android, my phone would most certainly be a Google Pixel.

 

[KGB7]

Dude...ive been an Android user from the getgo.

1.The awesome things about ios are; there is no need for root or custom firmware.
2.There is no need to debloat an iPhone. Apple made a very smart decision long time ago with iPhones to separate them selfs from cell phone carriers as far as possible, thus giving its customers a very clean and bloat free iPhones right out of the box no matter who your cell carrier is.
3.There is no need to tweak phone settings or iOS settings to give you more speed.
4.There is no need for Developer Options.
5. There are few minor settings to improve iphone battery life.
6, Better and more options for free add blockers for Safari, that work well.
7 - 10 Insert your own comments.

In my experience, Google apps work very well in the iOS environment, so well that you won't know the difference. In many cases, you will notice the difference because the iOS is better coded for its CPU and GPU, many apps for iOS are better written and coded.

The iOS is better, its better coded, its better tweaked, its just better in many ways, its not perfect. That's why you won't find 3rd party iOS firmware's. You dont have to wait 5 months for a cell carrier to release a patch after Google released a patch or any major updates.

iOS is not perfect, its not for everyone. But the reason i fell in love with it in a very short time, is because its hassle free. You turn the iPhone/iPad On and you use it.

Im not trying to sugar coat it. I used to be a diehard Android fan for many many years and i can list flaws with iOS, but the flaws are so insignificant that i don't care to write about them.

What ever you chose, i wish you the best. I and the rest of us, underpaid and unwillingly are here to help you in every step of the way in your transition when ever we feel like it.

 

[fred98tj]

I just recently, about 2 months ago, bought a iPhone 7 Plus. This is my first iPhone. I'm a long, long time (from the beginning) Android user with some Window phones and BB phones sprinkled in along the way.
I can truefully say that the 7+ is the best (for me and my needs) phone that I've ever owned.
It's warm buttery smooth, don't have to reboot it a thousand times a day, don't have to clear the chache every 10 mins, etc. . Well not quite that often but you know what I mean.
KGB7 expressed it well. This thing just works, always.
Updates are instant no waiting forever. Many of the apps are just better programmed for the iOS version.
I have 2 Gmail accounts, a couple of Yahoo accounts and 4 Outlook accounts. All work well with no problems at all.
The display is 2nd to none as far as accuracy goes. A and tech is their testing said that it was simply the most accurate that they've ever tested. It has a wide gamet range using P3. iOS has a color management system baked in. Andriod has none.
All Google services (Gdrive mainly) work just fine. No problems at all.
As far as mulitasking perhaps you're asking more about memory management. iOS is better at that then Android. Even some of the older iPhones with "only" 2 gb of memory do great. The A10 chip in the 7+ is a screamer for those into benchmarks.
I just recently also bought a iPad Pro 2 and the iPhone and iPad work absolutely seemlessly together.
iOS is glass smooth. The few times that I've fired up my other phone, which is Android, it feels so pieced together and Android is.
Some don't like the iPhone security which is tight. I like it. Some people say iPhones are boring. They are consistent. I bought the matte black, by choice. My phone is completely black except for a small cream dot on the back.
Lastly the camera is really second to none.
I use a phone for photography and msging basically with a little web browsing and social browsing.