Survey Explores Why People Switch Mobile Operating Systems

[antonis]

I'm surprised Better user privacy and security isn't a category. That alone is enough reason to switch to iOS in my opinion.

Hmmm ... "security/privacy" wasn't even a category????? "Ecosystem", anyone, anyone?? I never really thought much of PCMag anyway.

The categories seem indeed very odd, and not necessarily only to android favour. For example, where's the "ease of customisation" category ? Is it missing just because it is non-existent in iOS ? Where's the "syncing content" category ? Is it missing because of iTunes curse ?

I can only assume that most major android-favoured categories fall very conveniently into the "Others".

 

[rodpascoe]

A survey of 2500 is statistically irrelevant. Add some noughts to the end of that number and you'll get some accurate stats.

 

[Gilligan's last elephant]

most of them try and fob you off by telling you to take it up with the manufacturer. Although John Lewis are quite good though it depends on the retailer. Most of them try and wash their hands and pass the buck.

I rarely need to take claim under warranty , electronics, white goods, furniture etc etc but have never been fobbed off like that. It is the LAW that the retailer handles your warranty issue. You should be more firm

Once buying a Sony Playstation from Tesco, we were forewarned that any issues needed to taken up with Sony. I wasn't pleased about that. However we did have an issue and Sony sent a courier to collect faulty item and we received a new one. Well done Sony.
The one thing I notice from this forum is the number of times people have to take Apple products back.

 

[RuffyYoshi]

So you come to an apple forum to bitch about them some more?

Of course! Gotta use my lunch hour somehow other than lurk in Smash forums.

 

[Grey Area]

A survey of 2500 is statistically irrelevant. Add some noughts to the end of that number and you'll get some accurate stats.

If they were selected randomly from the population of switchers, 2500 would be plenty - 95% confidence level, less than 2% margin of error. Unfortunately the article does not go into much detail on how the participants were selected.

 

[RuffyYoshi]

What lead to your decision?

Well, for one here in Serbia the App Store is not supported so that's always been an issue. Another is that I personally feel that Apple is not giving me my money's worth anymore. I used to love iOS and thought the price was justified (mostly), but recent years, starting with iOS7, Apple dropped the ball in terms of quality and design. They're not what they used to be and it's amazing they can't release a single version of iOS that doesn't resemble beta software. They bark at presentations, but they got no teeth in my opinion. I had a choice to buy an iPhone 7 or an S8. I looked at many videos comparing the two in terms of hardware and software, later I got a chance to play around with both of them in my town, and I chose the S8 in the end cuz it just enticed me so much. I've had it since March and I must say, it was the right choice. It's looks beautiful, the software is lightning fast and well designed, battery is great, and it's waaay more flexible than iOS. Oreo with Samsung enhancements on top is what iOS should be capable of today.

Apple is exploiting fans and really screwing over everyone if you ask me. SO many issues that did not exist, or at least WAY less when Steve was around. They shifted towards profit rather than good products. Macbooks have crappy keyboards and no magsafe, dongles are everywhere, Macpros have ventilation issues, mice have charging ports on the bottoms, iPhones have notches and floating bars that get in the way of user experience. They don't care, they knew the keyboards were bad, they knew iphones bent, they knew about every issue and they still sold it to us and had the balls to say there's no issue. We had to force them to implement battery settings and to have them replace batteries for $30 instead of hundreds of dollars. I really wish more people would speak up, so we can go back to the better days because they are most certain capable, but it seems most are complacent and happy to put up with them, so more power to them, I guess. MacOS is the only good thing they still have, but I have to use a hackintosh cuz I'm not giving them a dime for their overpriced, poorly engineered hardware.

Rant over.

 

[PG(Austin)]

More people switched to Android than people switched to iOS for “better customer service”?!?! What customer service does Android even have???

Agree. Apple support has been nothing but stellar for ANY Apple product I've owned.

Maybe they just really like the Wireless stores.

 

[kdarling]

I'm a little surprised that only 4% of Android to iOS users cited faster operating system updates.

Android users don't need an OS update in order to get core apps updated.

Plus many will set a different default app for key operations, and again, those are updated outside of the OS.

With iOS, once your phone falls outside of OS update availability, core apps such as Maps never get updated again. With Android, even old devices are often running the latest core apps.

 

[BlargKing]

They didn't get more expensive. They offered one extra-expensive model. But yeah $500 won't buy you an iPhone unless you get an old one like I do.

They did get more expensive. The last iPhone I bought, the 5S, was 720$ CAD when it launched. The iPhone 8 is 930$ CAD, so the price of the latest model of iPhone has gone up 210$.

 

[pedzsan]

My personal experience -- for what its worth.

I borrowed a friends Android phone, got a prepaid SIM card, and fired it up. I was lost and was confused. Nothing seemed intuitive. I used it for a few months or more and was never comfortable. That's the key word I think.

I then went to the local Apple store and while we were waiting for the phone to be brought out, he showed me a few things. He suggested get the free ebook about iPhone (which I did). He set things up for me. Basically held my hand through the first half hour or so. It was a wonderful experience and I've -- for the most part -- been comfortable with iOS ever since.

My main complaint with Apple on all devices is the lack of deep technical documentation. What, precisely, do each of the settings do? The ebook doesn't tell you. There is probably some developer documentation -- maybe? -- somewhere that is what I'm looking for but I haven't found it. And, very often, there are Easter eggs hidden around. That is true for all software these days and its sad.

 

[fourthtunz]

....forgot in this case Consumer Reports is a legitimate well respected publication that is relevant and matters.
[doublepost=1535080097][/doublepost]

It’s probably because it matters to the 71 folks on this site, but for the rest of the planet, no one gives a ......
[doublepost=1535080391][/doublepost]

Given that sales of iPhones are 10 x Mac sales, at least 9 iPhone users in 10 don’t have a Mac to integrate with, so that can’t be an issue to the vast majority[/QUOTE

....forgot in this case Consumer Reports is a legitimate well respected publication that is relevant and matters.
[doublepost=1535080097][/doublepost]

It’s probably because it matters to the 71 folks on this site, but for the rest of the planet, no one gives a ......
[doublepost=1535080391][/doublepost]

Given that sales of iPhones are 10 x Mac sales, at least 9 iPhone users in 10 don’t have a Mac to integrate with, so that can’t be an issue to the vast majority

Mac sales are not what iPhone sales are to be sure but that doesn't mean many are not using a mac with their iPhone.
Macs last forever and many of us buy used so Im not sure that number is 9 out of 10 or the vast majority but I
get your point.

 

[Gilligan's last elephant]

Agree. Apple support has been nothing but stellar for ANY Apple product I've owned.

Why do you need support so much?
All bar one of the last six phones I have bought have not needed any support. And Phones 4 U handled my issue fine. Laptops since 2009 - no support needed.

 

[mib1800]

My personal experience -- for what its worth.

I borrowed a friends Android phone, got a prepaid SIM card, and fired it up. I was lost and was confused. Nothing seemed intuitive. I used it for a few months or more and was never comfortable. That's the key word I think.

I then went to the local Apple store and while we were waiting for the phone to be brought out, he showed me a few things. He suggested get the free ebook about iPhone (which I did). He set things up for me. Basically held my hand through the first half hour or so. It was a wonderful experience and I've -- for the most part -- been comfortable with iOS ever since.

My main complaint with Apple on all devices is the lack of deep technical documentation. What, precisely, do each of the settings do? The ebook doesn't tell you. There is probably some developer documentation -- maybe? -- somewhere that is what I'm looking for but I haven't found it. And, very often, there are Easter eggs hidden around. That is true for all software these days and its sad.

You don't know how to tap an icon and run app in Android? That's all you can do in iPhone isn't it?

 

[mingravity]

Yah know, Samsung ain't the only android phone manufacturer. And Apple's CS ain't the best in the world. Hail, my wife had to wait for nearly an hour just to have a Genius look at her iPhone. There are lots of smaller manufacturers have outstanding CS. Very easy to talk to customer service rep and no lines. With big corps, you're just a number.

As for software updates. I'll have whatever they're smoking unless they mean custom ROMs (highly unlikely). Custom ROMs are updated weekly, even nightly. With android manufacturer's ROM, you're lucky to get ANY update.

Apples CS is considered the best in the industry, just google it. the case with your wife could be sheer bad luck or didn't book an appointment prior to going to the store. I had to seek CS at a store twice in last 10 years of being an apple user and can't complain: going to the store and getting the issue resolved (end to end even if that meant a new phone) in less than 10-15 mins

 

[I7guy]

You don't know how to tap an icon and run app in Android? That's all you can do in iPhone isn't it?

Unfortunately, this is not that easy, nor as intuitive as IOS.
[doublepost=1535116940][/doublepost]

Why do you need support so much?
All bar one of the last six phones I have bought have not needed any support. And Phones 4 U handled my issue fine. Laptops since 2009 - no support needed.

I somehow got locked out my apple id and had to call apple support to assist in fixing it. And secondly the battery on my 6s was recalled and replaced under warranty.

Usually the family needs apple support to fix damaged devices, where the damage was self inflicted.
[doublepost=1535117150][/doublepost]

Apple is exploiting fans and really screwing over everyone if you ask me. SO many issues that did not exist, or at least WAY less when Steve was around. They shifted towards profits[...]

Your statement is confusing. Are you saying when Steve was around the price of Apple's computers were inexpensive?

 

[Gilligan's last elephant]

My personal experience -- for what its worth.

I borrowed a friends Android phone, got a prepaid SIM card, and fired it up. I was lost and was confused. Nothing seemed intuitive. I used it for a few months or more and was never comfortable. That's the key word I think.

I then went to the local Apple store and while we were waiting for the phone to be brought out, he showed me a few things. He suggested get the free ebook about iPhone (which I did). He set things up for me. Basically held my hand through the first half hour or so. It was a wonderful experience and I've -- for the most part -- been comfortable with iOS ever since.

My main complaint with Apple on all devices is the lack of deep technical documentation. What, precisely, do each of the settings do? The ebook doesn't tell you. There is probably some developer documentation -- maybe? -- somewhere that is what I'm looking for but I haven't found it. And, very often, there are Easter eggs hidden around. That is true for all software these days and its sad.

To clarify, you got an Android phone and set it up yourself and never sought any online assistance or help from an experienced user.
Then you got an iPhone where an experienced user set it up for you and went through basic operations etc. And that means iPhone/iOS is better.

 

[I7guy]

Android users don't need an OS update in order to get core apps updated.

Plus many will set a different default app for key operations, and again, those are updated outside of the OS.

With iOS, once your phone falls outside of OS update availability, core apps such as Maps never get updated again. With Android, even old devices are often running the latest core apps.

The bolded is one of the items in ios 12 that apple is working on. I'm betting they are also working on decoupling core apps, or at least some of them.

 

[ipponrg]

Unfortunately, this is not that easy, nor as intuitive as IOS.

Intuition is subjective.

When I had to develop on Android, it was very foreign to me. However you get used to it, and then you realize you just have a preference for one, the other, or both.

My preference is still iOS which based on this article, supports people like me because we enjoy the UX more

 

[Gilligan's last elephant]

Unfortunately, this is not that easy, nor as intuitive as IOS.
[doublepost=1535116940][/doublepost]
I somehow got locked out my apple id and had to call apple support to assist in fixing it. And secondly the battery on my 6s was recalled and replaced under warranty.

Usually the family needs apple support to fix damaged devices, where the damage was self inflicted.
[doublepost=1535117150][/doublepost]
Your statement is confusing. Are you saying when Steve was around the price of Apple's computers were inexpensive?

The op poster has needed support with every Apple product he has had. I was asking him why he needed support soon much.

 

[I7guy]

The op poster has needed support with every Apple product he has had. I was asking him why he needed support soon much.

I got that.

I was citing cases, whereby randomly I needed support. Some people need a lot of hand-holding support for various reasons.

 

[Gilligan's last elephant]

I got that.

I was citing cases, whereby randomly I needed support. Some people need a lot of hand-holding support for various reasons.

On rare occasions when I am unsure about something, I Google it and get a solution in a matter of minutes. Excellent community support

 

[mi7chy]

iOS is better for retirees while Android is better for tech savvy. When I retire and my needs are more basic I'll likely switch back to iOS since I won't be needing a file manager, a command line shell, emulation, background multitasking, mouse support, freedom of placing icons anywhere on home screen, more app categories, etc. One thing about iOS is they need to unbundle apps like Safari from iOS updates so they can be updated independently from app store. Difference is when an iOS device stops getting iOS updates it no longer gets browser updates which is a major security attack vector while Android still receives browser updates independently from system updates.

 

[Baymowe335]

While I agree that this type of behaviour is common, the survey asked people why they switched, not whether and why the OS they switched to was actually better than the one they came from. Switching requires a bit more effort than staying, so those who did switch likely had some reasons in mind when they decided to make that effort, and the survey is asking for those reasons. It is quite possible that the same people then later realized that the grass is not greener after the switch, maybe the new OS has some annoyances they had not been aware of, or they realize they were mistaken in their belief that, say, the customer service would be better - but that does not change their original reasons for switching.

My reasons for switching to iOS last year would have been faster updates and better user experience. Both are commonly touted advantages you read about when you are on Android. In hindsight, the user experience is not better, maybe worse actually, but privacy is beginning to look like a more significant advantage. But this does not change the reasons I had when I decided to switch.

Yeah and that basically justifies their reason to switch. People don't take action and then think they did it for no reason or the wrong reasons. People love justifying their reasons for purchase and/or action. It's a flawed methodology.

 

[I7guy]

iOS is better for retirees while Android is better for tech savvy. When I retire and my needs are more basic I'll likely switch back to iOS since I won't be needing a file manager, a command line shell, emulation, background multitasking, mouse support, freedom of placing icons anywhere on home screen, more app categories, etc. One thing about iOS is they need to unbundle apps like Safari from iOS updates so they can be updated independently from app store. Difference is when an iOS device stops getting iOS updates it no longer gets browser updates which is a major security attack vector while Android still receives browser updates independently from system updates.

IOS doesn't require a file manager, and I can literally get to anything I have to get to through our corporate applications.

Don't need a command line shell. It's like shooting a fly with and elephant gun. That's so yesteryear.

Importantly, my surface pro is always near to me, so in the event of a real situation, I am not hamstrung by lack of functionality on android.

IOS has five years of support and for all I know ios 13 may be supported on the 5s. But, imo, I see people upgrading their phones about every 4 years, so my wet finger in the air, says five years is enough.

 

[MacBH928]

I am surprised 30% actually think Android is a better user experience. maybe more capable...but not better experience...

That being said, Apple is becoming greedy not happy with what seems like 30% of world market share. IMHO there should be at least 1 more alternative competitor. I would prefer 5 in total, so customers actually have an option and there is a real competition.

Now if you don't like Android, there is only iPhone, and if you don't like iPhone there is only data hoarding Android. Is it really an option?