I'm speaking from experience. It's too bad for Samsung/Android. I'm not saying I'll never give it another go but I was really let down by the lack of support on the Android device I used and it seemed like any effort to actually *fix* an ongoing issue made 3 things worse in the process.
Regardless of what version of Android or timeframe considered, Android and the manufactures of the devices still operate the same: Rush to market with either a half-assed hardware or software design crammed with as much *new* tech as possible (even if they don't quite know how to best utilize it and DEFINATELY haven't tested it for longevity or quality), support it for about 2 weeks, then move on to the next device. Meanwhile, us consumers are locked into a 2-year contract with said device watching commercials about the "next big thing" constantly reminding us that our device is "old hat" and that the manufacturer doesn't give a damn.
I've personally experienced this with Samsung but a quick browse around different forums shows that other maunfacturers do it too.
Looking at Apple (the iPhone) from the outside, it's pretty obvious to see that they actually care about their customer, they don't have (literally) 10 different devices out at once running potentially 10 different versions of the OS that they must try to maintain... They have strategically positioned themselves with greater control over all aspects of operations whereas Android manufacturers have to contend with carriers and carrier-relations, bloatware, etc. (as a side note: Most blame THIS for the fallout of the samsung fascinate).
No, Apple has ONE device that, as a consumer, you KNOW is going to be the ONLY option for at least a year (half of your contract), there's ONE operating system and EVERYONE has the same one, as a result you KNOW they are going to SUPPORT their ONE device and won't leave you stranded.
Sure it may not have all the latest "cutting edge" features jam packed into it but you know everything that's in it will WORK and if it doesn't, they will FIX IT.
Let me make this analogy: Would you buy a new car that goes 0-60 in 3.5 seconds, has a 1000 watt stock sound system, gets 35MPG? Now let's say this car is a Chevy. After 1.5 years (halfway through your 3-year loan), the stereo flakes in and out, the MPG isn't quite as promised, it breaks down every so often, and now Chevy has made a car that goes 0-60 in 2.5 seconds, gets 40 MPG, etc, etc. and really no longer cares about the car you bought as that's the "nature of the beast".
Or would you rather buy the "Ford" That maybe only goes 0-60 in 5 seconds, has the same 1000 watt premium sound system, gets 35MPG but doesn't have many issues, is one of two cars produced by the manufacturer, you know they won't come out with a new one for another 3 years, bla bla bla.
I guess you could call that "personal preference" but it only makes sense. If you *REQUIRE* cutting edge tech, top-of-the-line this and that, you will ALWAYS be chasing the latest android device and may never be completely satisfied. If you want something that simply works, is supported, etc. I think the choice is clear.
/rant
These are exciting times, and technology is moving fast...!