I am really thinking of switching from my 5S and getting the LG G4 because the prices of iPhones are just getting way to recidivous and I just don't have that kind of money to spend on something I am just going to use for phone calls, and music mostly! Has anyone made the change from Apple to Android and did you regret it?
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Making a change
- Thread starter HeyKatie
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You should have a look in this subforum: https://forums.macrumors.com/forums/alternatives-to-ios-and-ios-devices.157/. There are many people on this forum who posted their experiences.
I've been switching back a forth for last few years. I would say the only real advantage of Android is customization and maybe google integration. Ios is smoother and most apps work seamlessly. I also dislike how long it takes to get updates on Android-unless you have a nexus. I agree iphone are over priced but you get what you pay for. If you really want to switch wait a little the 2016 android will be rolling out soon. My friend has the g 4 and the snapdragon 810 processor gets very hot.
AustinIllini
macrumors G5
I go both ways. Android is fine, it's just a little rougher around the edges, but if you have a PC or and Android tablet, it's as good with an iPhone.
Max(IT)
Suspended
I don't know how much involved in Apple ecosystem you are, but you'll possibly regret it badly...
Being in the android word so many times, starting from android 1.5 up to lollipop, has been a nightmare in many ways.
timeconsumer
macrumors 68020
I'm actually switching from an iPhone 6 to a Nexus 6P tomorrow. The main reason I'm switching is due to the cost (iPhones are quite expensive in comparison) but my phone uses are much more different than you. I also like that I'll get a better screen, more battery life and more storage for much cheaper than what it would cost for me to move from a 6 to a 6S plus. I've used Android in the past (Nexus 7 until it was dropped and the screen shattered) but I haven't used it as a daily driver as a phone. I do like Android a lot (but also like iOS) and also have access to an iPad mini, so I'll have both iOS and Android. I think the thing is, if you really want to make the switch you have to dive right in and not think about it. For me the biggest loss will be iMessage but you don't mention this as one of your main uses so for phone calls/music I think you'll be fine. Are you having issues with your iPhone? The 5S is still a good phone.
Could you please elaborate on how it's been a nightmare for you? I'm just curious as I'm switching to Android. But I'm not heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, I've only bought 1 app that I can remember (1Password, love it!) and they have an Android app I can use.
JaySoul
macrumors 68030
I did the same, only I switched from a 6s plus to a Nexus 6p. I was on a monthly payment plan with t-mobile, and switched to google fi. The 128gb Nexus 6p is cheaper, monthly, then my iPhone 6s Plus was, and so is my cell phone plan. That being said, I absolutely love the Nexus 6p. Its the first android phone (and I have owned tons) that I have not found something sorely missing from. There is usually a trade off both ways, for myself, going either way. If I am being honest, I miss fantasical 2 and the slightly better battery life on the 6s plus...but the Nexus 6p has apps (google on tap, llama, etc) and a faster charging rate that offsets the lack of the above. Google fi also intergrates with hangouts in a way that mimics continuum and hand off between the nexus 6p and the PC/Mac. It is honestly a great phone, and I don't see any real down side to it.
Actually, my two month old Macbook pro 13inch retina died a few days after getting the Nexus 6p, and so I turned around and got a surfacebook pro. Its an amazing device, and works really well with my Nexus 6p. I am actually selling my ipad air 2 now, because it doesn't getting any use at this point.
mi7chy
Suspended
LG G4 is overkill for those purposes. Perhaps if you tell us what carrier, mobile plan, 3G or 4G, tiered data or unlimited data and if you play music stored locally on the phone or stream via mobile data we can suggest some options. What's nice about Android is you have a ton of options for devices and price ranges. Also, it has personalization so you can set it up to work and look the way you want. Imagine having the freedom to wear what you want vs wearing a uniform every day or having a car with adjustable seat vs one that's fixed in one position. Don't be concerned with updates since both iOS and Android have different approaches where iOS requires it for app compatibility but every update makes your phone worse while on Android it's not required and every update usually offers an improvement in performance and usability. Even something like the $96 4.5" Moto G LTE with its iPhone 6 quality display, micro SD card slot to store all your media and loud speaker is an excellent upgrade from the iPhone 5S. Or, if you want to go high end with a Galaxy Note 5 or S6 Edge Plus you can take advantage of Samsung Ultimate Test Drive when it reopens to get $100 Google Play credit for apps, $100 bonus iPhone trade-in on top of whatever you get for trading in, for example, at Apple for $200.
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Andres Cantu
macrumors 68040
Get the BLU Life One X for $149 at Amazon. Amazing phone for the price, and unlocked! It's specs are very similar to the GS5 for a fraction of the price.
lowendlinux
macrumors 603
OP I have no phone recommendations but I will say that I personally wouldn't trade Apple integration just to get a new phone. If your 5s is still working just be patient.
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Fernandez21
macrumors 601
Did your 5S break? I agree with the first reply, if all you do is phone calls and music, your 5S should be able to handle those just fine.
Also, how do you listen to your music? Do you stream or sync with iTunes? That would also help as far as how well an android phone will work for you.
Also, how do you listen to your music? Do you stream or sync with iTunes? That would also help as far as how well an android phone will work for you.
No issues with the phone I just stupidly settled for another 16gb phone and I'm constantly deleting things to make space and it gets quite irritating after awhile! My friend just made the switch today was the iP6 to the g4 and my contract isn't up until August anyways so I will play with hers a bit before I make my final decision!!
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Everything is stored locally, currently all music is compressed to 128 kbps ACC so I can fit more. I don't stream only because I don't want to go over my 2gb of data 🙁
Fernandez21
macrumors 601
Ah, ok. Then my next questions are what carrier do you use, what is your budget, and how recent of a phone/software do you want?
Virgin Mobile in Canada, I can get the phone for $226 after tax and keep my $70 2gb data plan 😀 And I'm not very fussy when it comes to software, the only thing I have against the lg g4 is the 5.5 screen!! I'm looking at some smaller Samsung's also.
Fernandez21
macrumors 601
Ok. Not sure of the pricing in Canada, but in the US on eBay I could find some HTC One M8's for around $100. HTC is still updating them and they come with 32gb storage plus you can add a micro sd card if you need more. Only downside is the camera, but it's decent enough.
For a little more I found some Moto X's (2014) and Nexus 5's for under $200, also the 32gb models but they don't have micro sd slots. Their cameras are also sub par. All phones are unlocked.
Those are probably your best bets for a good sub $200 phone that's smaller then 5.5" (HTC and Nexus are 5" and Moto is 5.2") that also offer really good music capabilities. You can also get an app from the playstore (iSync) that'll let you sync up your android phone with iTunes.
Hope this helps.
I would go for the G4 over every other phone if you're getting it for $226. Now if you can get one of the cheaper phones for much less then they will be worth considering. If you care about camera then the G4 will beat anything in that price range.
you can check out the Honor 5x. It is 5.5 inch screen two but it has a finger print scanner (not sure if you will miss that on your 5s).
For $226 though a G4 is extremely hard to pass up.
Ended up getting it for free, playing around with it right now but I am really loving it so far.
I swapped from an iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 5 to a Nexus 5. I had a few Android tablets so knew what it was like, and I still have my Nexus 5 as my backup phone, but last year I bought an iPhone 6S as it is a compact phone, I did import a Note 5 but it was too big for me so sent it back.
Anyway I have found iOS to just be dull on the 6S, I also agree that the price is ridiculously expensive. So this year I will be going back to Android, most likely an Xperia Compact, possibly the Z5 or whatever the next one Sony launch is.
I don't regret at all going to Android, the both have plusses and minuses.
And as for the G4, at the end of the month is MWC and LG are launching the brand new G5 at the event to replace the G4, so you could get the new model G5 or wait for the G5 to be on the shelfs and get a much cheaper G4.
Take this persons advice with the koolaid dowsed Pinch of salt that comes with it. He's on some bizarre apple propaganda mission 24/7. If he isn't employed by them, jeez. . He needs a girlfriend or.a hobby or something...