Other Moving to iPhone from Android

[neuronik]

I always had android phones but I am getting tired of not having updates, no internal space, and bad battery consistency. I am thinking of buying my first iPhone.

I have been a very happy Mac user since I changed from Windows (15" MBP 2013). The hardware is exceptional and worth every penny. The software has grown on me and I like its robustness.

Are there any real-life advantages in having an all Apple ecosystem? Funnily enough, I do not have any Google Play purchases because I never bought any apps from it, but I have a few from my old iPad (1st Gen!) that I do not use anymore.

I found iPhone prices in the past to be ridiculous but now I guess everyone is following Apple (see Pixel 3). So, should I consider the move and what should I focus on? Is the XR a good starting point?

 

[praterkeith]

An iPhone would solve your problems with updates, internal storage, and battery consistency. Apple has given you many options, I’d recommend going into an Apple Store or Best Buy and spending time with an XS, XS Max, and an XR when it’s released and see how you feel about them.

 

[Ralfi]

Possibly, but since the XR isn't in people's hands yet, it's hard for anyone to vouch for it.

The Max is a huge financial commitment so it may be better to jump on with the XS, trial the heck out of it for 12 days & work out of that experience suits your needs, which I think it will seeing as you have other Apple products already.

Only thing you may need to work out during that trial period is whether a boost in screen size will improve your. experience.

Now, since Apple have the XR & Max as larger screen options, you may be better to wait a little longer until some XR reviews come in, as you may conclude that a 6.1" screen + a reduced feature-set will be your happy medium in terms of screen size/form factor & your best value introduction to an iPhone.

 

[blwade]

No one can help you decided between android/iOS there are perks and drawbacks to both. I’m a fully sold Apple guy, but my wife refuses to use Apple and has a Pixel (original, non-xl). For her use, it’s fine...

Having everything integrated with Apple is truly awesome, but if I’m being honest, online storage such as Dropbox and google drive are probably my most commonly used way to move files between devices (perhaps because I share things with my wife and she doesn’t have iCloud).

I think one of my favorite things is the native text forwarding to all my Apple devices. Being able to pick up my phone, tablet, or computer and continueing conversations is great. If you are already fully immersed in something like hangouts, perhaps it’s not a big deal to you because you can use the same on all devices.

I also love the Apple Watch and AirPods. I don’t think anyone has a wearable that really compares to the Apple Watch and the AirPods are one of my favorite headphones. I think they feel comfortable to wear in bed at night (tablet on nightstand and laying in bed watching something until ready to sleep) and having the option to relatively quickly change which device I’m using them for is pretty cool.

I also have an Apple TV that I frequently use to cast things to.. less common now that it has its own App Store and people are actually making apps for it.. but allowing me to type searches/passwords from my phone while using the Apple TV is a great feature.

 

[imartez]

I use google services a lot (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Assistant, Google Home, etc.) and I can use them all on the iPhone. I have used Android phones for years, but the problem I always faced was the inconsistency of how apps behaved in addition to the lack of updates. I switched to the iPhone X last year and recently upgraded to the XS Max and for me it's been a pleasure to use. The one thing that will keep me in the Apple ecosystem is the Apple Watch, Android Wear OS does not come close to watchOS. The integration within the Apple ecosystem is great as well, when I travel all my boarding passes go into the Apple Wallet and it's readily available on the lock screen. I can unlock my MacBook with my Apple watch as well.

iMessage is another reason I like iOS, it really is the best messaging service for me, I also like how I can use the watch to view and reply to messages. Overall the experience works great for my needs and I don't see myself switching back anytime soon

The other option on the iPhones this year that made me upgrade is the dual SIM capability, I have a personal and work phone and I hate carrying 2 phones, so I can't wait until carriers start supporting this feature. It's also the only dual sim phone that I know of that supports both GSM and CDMA networks on one device.

I debated on getting the Pixel 3 but I didn't because of the HUGE notch on the XL, I just can't deal with it. Apple's implementation of the notch is so much cleaner.

 

[DNichter]

There are definitely advantages to being all in on the Apple ecosystem. All of their services and products work so well together that it makes users never want to leave, and for good reason. I'd take a look at the XR when it comes out and go from there. You can't go wrong with any of their new phones, it just comes down to cost.

 

[Wide opeN]

Yeah I really want to give android a try, but as soon as I upgraded this past Saturday from the iPhone 7 to the Xs, I literally fell in love with Apple all over again.

If money weren't a thing I'd give the Pixel a try, but having an apple watch, Apple TV, and iPhone... It's just a pleasure to use them all.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Possibly, but since the XR isn't in people's hands yet, it's hard for anyone to vouch for it.

The Max is a huge financial commitment so it may be better to jump on with the XS, trial the heck out of it for 12 days & work out of that experience suits your needs, which I think it will seeing as you have other Apple products already.

Only thing you may need to work out during that trial period is whether a boost in screen size will improve your. experience.

Now, since Apple have the XR & Max as larger screen options, you may be better to wait a little longer until some XR reviews come in, as you may conclude that a 6.1" screen + a reduced feature-set will be your happy medium in terms of screen size/form factor & your best value introduction to an iPhone.

The XS is an expensive phone in its own right. If you are already willing to pay for the XS you might as well pay £100 more and get the max if you’re interested in a larger screen. I think the Xr is reasonably priced for someone just getting into the ecosystem.

 

[AppleB]

Back in 2011 I had switched briefly to Android and one thing that bugged me the most were the OS updates.
By the time Ice Cream Sandwich was available for my phone the EVO 3D it was EOL.
I amazed that updates are still a issue with Android phones.

Having the Apple Ecosystem is very convenient and productive. All devices work together texts phone calls etc.

 

[jjohnstonjr]

I have gone back and forth with wanting to go to Android several times and actually buying a device only to return or stick with Apple. Android does indeed provide some great features to their devices that Apple should adopt but at the end of the day for ME at least Apple is just easier to use, navigate around and the fact that I am neck deep in their ecosystem makes it harder for me to switch.

 

[MistrSynistr]

Once you get iMessage you'll wonder why you never used iPhone.

 

[ericgtr12]

I always had android phones but I am getting tired of not having updates, no internal space, and bad battery consistency. I am thinking of buying my first iPhone.

I have been a very happy Mac user since I changed from Windows (15" MBP 2013). The hardware is exceptional and worth every penny. The software has grown on me and I like its robustness.

Are there any real-life advantages in having an all Apple ecosystem? Funnily enough, I do not have any Google Play purchases because I never bought any apps from it, but I have a few from my old iPad (1st Gen!) that I do not use anymore.

I found iPhone prices in the past to be ridiculous but now I guess everyone is following Apple (see Pixel 3). So, should I consider the move and what should I focus on? Is the XR a good starting point?

There are huge advantages to being in the Apple ecosystem IMO, all Apple products work together in one form another, for example you can text with iMessage from your iPhone or your MBP, pickup where you left off on one from the other, it's very seamless. The same goes for photos, iCloud, etc. I also have the Apple watch and it unlocks my iMac as soon as I'm within 2 feet of it (very cool).

They put a lot of thought into how Apple devices work together. Yes, you pay for it but you also get a great experience as a result. Also, to me paying over $1000 for a phone is not unreasonable as I consider it my main computer for most things anyway, in that light the cost is justified.

 

[neuronik]

Thank you everyone for your replies. It sounds that the full ecosystem works very well for most people and I am curious to try for myself. I am interested in the Apple Watch, the latest version looks fantastic. How is the battery life on that? Does it need charge everyday with normal use? I have a Samsung Gear Fit 2 but there is a complete lack of useful apps and I stopped using it (cannot answer messages without a Samsung phone I think).

I'll wait for the XR reviews because it's a good compromise in size and price (the Max is too big and expensive). I am worried for the screen though. It would be a big downgrade from my current 1440p screen. Of course, I expect everything else about the screen to be exceptional as is usual with Apple.

 

[kasakka]

Once you get iMessage you'll wonder why you never used iPhone.

Unless you live in a country where nobody cares about iMessage and everyone is using some other IM service. For me iMessage is entirely irrelevant because everyone uses WhatsApp or FB Messenger.

I recently moved from Android to iPhone XS and to me the Apple ecosystem is pretty overrated. There isn't really much that I would consider better than using for example cloud services that work cross-platform. The Continuity features are nice but not something I use all that much.

 

[Garemlin]

I was an Android user from pretty much the beginning. All the way back to the original Moto Droid. In the early days I rooted and flashed custom ROMS. I stayed with Android until 2015. Lollipop totally borked my phone. Had to do several wipes and it was never right. I had enough and decided to give iOS a try.

Started with a 6+ and went to a 7+ about 6 months later. Had it up until July when I decided to give Android another shot. While it has improved, it is far from perfect. In the two months I have been back I have had numerous freezes, app crashes and just overall bad behavior. And this is with a Pixel 2 XL. In the two or so years I had my iPhone I had one I single freeze up and maybe a few app crashes. It just ran so smoothly and always worked. Which I need. A fully functioning phone.

There are so many things that are so much more difficult to do on Android after using iOS. One example is saving pictures. With an iPhone you save a pic and it goes to one place. With Android it could go to any number of folders. Which requires moving if you want to share easily. There are other examples but I won't go too deep into it.

Right now the only thing Android has going for it is customization. Which is a good thing and a bad thing. I find I am right back where I was before spending more time than I should making changes. When I had my iPhones I never changed a thing. Same wallpaper. Same folders. I let it be.

If you want try Android then by all means give it a shot. I consider myself very tech saavy. But I just don't enjoy tinkering with my phone like I used to. I just want my phone to work all the time and do what it's suppose to do.

Oh and one other thing I really don't like about current Android is how big brother is watching it has become. It is spooky sometimes. And in all honesty troublesome. You have to shut off so much to keep the mighty Google from following your every step or thought.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Unless you live in a country where nobody cares about iMessage and everyone is using some other IM service. For me iMessage is entirely irrelevant because everyone uses WhatsApp or FB Messenger.

I recently moved from Android to iPhone XS and to me the Apple ecosystem is pretty overrated. There isn't really much that I would consider better than using for example cloud services that work cross-platform. The Continuity features are nice but not something I use all that much.

Do you like your phone?

 

[ericgtr12]

Thank you everyone for your replies. It sounds that the full ecosystem works very well for most people and I am curious to try for myself. I am interested in the Apple Watch, the latest version looks fantastic. How is the battery life on that? Does it need charge everyday with normal use? I have a Samsung Gear Fit 2 but there is a complete lack of useful apps and I stopped using it (cannot answer messages without a Samsung phone I think).

I'll wait for the XR reviews because it's a good compromise in size and price (the Max is too big and expensive). I am worried for the screen though. It would be a big downgrade from my current 1440p screen. Of course, I expect everything else about the screen to be exceptional as is usual with Apple.

I am still using the first gen Apple Watch and it works great, there are a few more features now but I still haven't needed to upgrade. My usage is mostly for notifications, it cuts down on my picking up the phone probably by 75% because I get a tap on the wrist and just glance. Outside of that I don't use it for a lot but it's packed full of features. I charge it every night at bedtime but I would say it's typically still above 60% at that time, surely they're far more powerful now.

 

[Shanghaichica]

I am still using the first gen Apple Watch and it works great, there are a few more features now but I still haven't needed to upgrade. My usage is mostly for notifications, it cuts down on my picking up the phone probably by 75% because I get a tap on the wrist and just glance. Outside of that I don't use it for a lot but it's packed full of features. I charge it every night at bedtime but I would say it's typically still above 60% at that time, surely they're far more powerful now.

If my gen 0 could of lasted more than 8 hours I might have thought about keeping it. However on top of the poor battery life I thought it wasn’t likely to get anymore updates and it didn’t get watch OS 5.

 

[kasakka]

Do you like your phone?

I do! I came from a Oneplus 3 and went for the iPhone because I felt that there were no good smaller options on the Android side. Didn't want Samsung's curved displays for example. The XS so far has been a very smooth ride though objectively you could do the same everyday things on a much cheaper Android phone.

The only complaints I have are the price and lack of headphone adapter in the box.

 

[blwade]

Thank you everyone for your replies. It sounds that the full ecosystem works very well for most people and I am curious to try for myself. I am interested in the Apple Watch, the latest version looks fantastic. How is the battery life on that? Does it need charge everyday with normal use? I have a Samsung Gear Fit 2 but there is a complete lack of useful apps and I stopped using it (cannot answer messages without a Samsung phone I think).

I'll wait for the XR reviews because it's a good compromise in size and price (the Max is too big and expensive). I am worried for the screen though. It would be a big downgrade from my current 1440p screen. Of course, I expect everything else about the screen to be exceptional as is usual with Apple.

The Apple Watch usage varies greatly depending on how you use it. I would say that it seems like the “average” user can get 2 days out of it no problem. You can find much more discussion about it here: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/battery-life-on-series-4.2140944/

I’d encourage you to check out the Apple Watch forum if you have any more questions about it!

 

[AppleB]

If my gen 0 could of lasted more than 8 hours I might have thought about keeping it. However on top of the poor battery life I thought it wasn’t likely to get anymore updates and it didn’t get watch OS 5.

My Series 0 will last 20 hours or a little more easy. For me the key was to keep it basic. Messages,Mail,weather and whatever Apple apps are there.
A few of my 3rd party apps were killing the battery.
It’s still works great as just a watch. I may hold on to it being the first Apple Watch and I’ll only get $25 on the Apple Give Back.

 

[AlphaGuitarist]

Back in 2011 I had switched briefly to Android and one thing that bugged me the most were the OS updates.
By the time Ice Cream Sandwich was available for my phone the EVO 3D it was EOL.
I amazed that updates are still a issue with Android phones.

Having the Apple Ecosystem is very convenient and productive. All devices work together texts phone calls etc.

Lack of updates, fragmentation and bloatware are some of the major drawbacks of Android. The only devices that get timely updates are the Pixels, with newer OnePlus devices and the Essential phone not too far behind, otherwise you're at the mercy of OEMs and carriers. Samsung is the worst culprit of all. Sure, many Android proponents will say "Well, why do you care about updates, what is your phone missing that you want it so much?" I'm one of those people who always wants up to date software, which is a big perk of being on the Apple ecosystem.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Lack of updates, fragmentation and bloatware are some of the major drawbacks of Android. The only devices that get timely updates are the Pixels, with newer OnePlus devices and the Essential phone not too far behind, otherwise you're at the mercy of OEMs and carriers. Samsung is the worst culprit of all. Sure, many Android proponents will say "Well, why do you care about updates, what is your phone missing that you want it so much?" I'm one of those people who always wants up to date software, which is a big perk of being on the Apple ecosystem.

Are Samsung really worse than LG and Huwawei?
[doublepost=1539872820][/doublepost]

My Series 0 will last 20 hours or a little more easy. For me the key was to keep it basic. Messages,Mail,weather and whatever Apple apps are there.
A few of my 3rd party apps were killing the battery.
It’s still works great as just a watch. I may hold on to it being the first Apple Watch and I’ll only get $25 on the Apple Give Back.

My Apple Watch was from launch day in 2015 so I think the battery had degraded by the time I upgraded to the series 3 in December 2017. That’s great Battery life though.

 

[AlphaGuitarist]

Are Samsung really worse than LG and Huwawei?

My wife is a Samsung fangirl. They got better with security updates (although the carriers still meddle with those here in the US), but the major version updates are delayed by months. Also, since carriers are always involved in the Android equation, they all have their own update approval process. For instance, one carrier may push their update out in May, whereas another may not push it until August. Also, the US unlocked Samsung models don't get updates until all major carriers have pushed theirs out.

I've heard plenty of horror stories about LG and Huawei, though.

 

[AppleB]

Are Samsung really worse than LG and Huwawei?
[doublepost=1539872820][/doublepost]
My Apple Watch was from launch day in 2015 so I think the battery had degraded by the time I upgraded to the series 3 in December 2017. That’s great Battery life though.

I got my Series 0 July 2015 a few months after launch. I may get a Series 5 whenever that happens.