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Switching from iPhone to the Note 8

koigirl

koigirl

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jul 29, 2011
846
401
Raleigh, NC
I just ordered two ATT Note 8’s for my husband and me. Very excited to try them out but apprehensive about leaving our iPhones behind as we have used iPhones since 2010 when we switched from Blackberry to iPhone 4. We use iPads, MacBooks, and Apple TV as well as Apple routers in our house so I’m a bit worried about stepping outside the ecosystem but open to learning new things. I had a Nexus 7 several years ago to play with so I’m already somewhat familiar with Android (more worried about the switch for my husband). We’re going to give it our best shot for 14 days, perhaps the year, as we signed up on ATT Next 12-month and could always switch back to Apple next year if they offer something compelling or we just miss iOS on our phones.

What I’d love to get from you guys and girls is some good advice on preparing for the switch (our phones should arrive Wednesday) and how to best protect/transfer from iPhone to Android and how best to make our Note 8’s play well with our Apple devices.

Specific concerns:

Synching photos, messages, bookmarks

Messaging recommendations

Browser recommendations

I’ve read before (as I’ve been thinking about doing this for the past two years and would have tried Note 7 last year but for the exploding battery) that I should try to transfer most services over to Google apps for continuity before the jump.

Thanks for any and all advice/suggestions. I have enjoyed and appreciated all the info I have gleaned from following your discussions on this forum.
 
First thing to do is get all of your information into Google. Google for contacts......calendar and so forth. This will work on your iphones and Note 8 when you get them and this way you have one place that can sync your information.
Google photos will sync all of your pics in one place as well. Get Google Chrome and sync your safari bookmarks. Then use Chrome on your new Note 8s.
I use the buitin Samsung messaging app. I think it works well.

Then install iSyncr on your Note 8 and it will sync all of your iTunes playlists and music.....tones onto your new Note 8.

Then don't forget to deregister from iMessage.

https://selfsolve.apple.com/deregister-imessage
 
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jamezr said:
First thing to do is get all of your information into Google. Google for contacts......calendar and so forth. This will work on your iphones and Note 8 when you get them and this way you have one place that can sync your information.
Google photos will sync all of your pics in one place as well. Get Google Chrome and sync your safari bookmarks. Then use Chrome on your new Note 8s.
I use the buitin Samsung messaging app. I think it works well.

Then install iSyncr on your Note 8 and it will sync all of your iTunes playlists and music.....tones onto your new Note 8.

Then don't forget to deregister from iMessage.

https://selfsolve.apple.com/deregister-imessage
Click to expand...
you got the gear watch? can't remember if you said you are into the smart watches. I do like how on my apple watch the calendars appointments are here on my wrist with the siri watch face. Would need something like this on the gear watches
 
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The Game 161 said:
you got the gear watch? can't remember if you said you are into the smart watches. I do like how on my apple watch the calendars appointments are here on my wrist with the siri watch face. Would need something like this on the gear watches
Click to expand...
I don't have a smartwatch yet. but I have my eyes on the AW 3....just mulling it over for now :)
 
The Game 161 said:
you got the gear watch? can't remember if you said you are into the smart watches. I do like how on my apple watch the calendars appointments are here on my wrist with the siri watch face. Would need something like this on the gear watches
Click to expand...
Yes we are getting two gear S3’s free ($10/month on our unlimited plan); ordered husband the frontier and I got the classic. We both like our Series 2’s and will re-home them to family members. S3 is kinda bulky and I have quite the collection of Apple Watch straps but I am hoping I will like s3.
 
koigirl said:
Yes we are getting two gear S3’s free ($10/month on our unlimited plan); ordered husband the frontier and I got the classic. We both like our Series 2’s and will re-home them to family members. S3 is kinda bulky and I have quite the collection of Apple Watch straps but I am hoping I will like s3.
Click to expand...

How are you getting on with the change? I moved from iPhone and Apple Watch to Note 8 and Gear S3 Frontier and am really happy with the move.

Regarding your app questions, what did you decide? I am using Samsung apps so far for Email and Messaging. This is primarily because I want to have the functionality on the S3, and my belief is that is required (I could be wrong). I'm using Firefox for default browser, because I use it on my other devices and sync bookmarks. For photos, I installed Google Photos, which is nice that you can get to from the Samsung camera app, and you can easily switch back and forth to use the built in photo stuff too... so I guess I'm using both.

Regarding @jamezr comment on syncing iTunes, you can install Apple Music app natively and its very similar to the iOS variant. I moved away from it though and am in a trial with Spotify since they have the Gear S3 app and support streaming and downloads. I can now go to the gym without my phone.
 
Use the Samsung browswer, it's faster, ad blocks, remembers passwords...etc.

My advice, before just jumping and using all of google's apps, try Samsungs built in apps. In many cases these days, Samsung apps are actually BETTER than google's (The browser is significantly better than chrome).
 
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dallas112678 said:
Use the Samsung browswer, it's faster, ad blocks, remembers passwords...etc.

My advice, before just jumping and using all of google's apps, try Samsungs built in apps. In many cases these days, Samsung apps are actually BETTER than google's (The browser is significantly better than chrome).
Click to expand...

I'll have to give it a try... I tend to jump around with browsers, but ended up gravitating to Firefox for a bizarre reason. I am using my Surface Pro for work, and they don't allow me to join the domain. There are a lot of single sign-on issues, and not all are prompts from the browser. Sometimes its a dialog panel. The only good solution I could find was 1Password with Firefox, which allows a hotkey to automatically get through those with a single keystroke. So that is why I'm using Firefox now across my devices, but I do often use others... like if I'm in tablet mode on the Surface Pro and on battery I'll use Edge because I know its more efficient.
 
dallas112678 said:
Use the Samsung browswer, it's faster, ad blocks, remembers passwords...etc.

My advice, before just jumping and using all of google's apps, try Samsungs built in apps. In many cases these days, Samsung apps are actually BETTER than google's (The browser is significantly better than chrome).
Click to expand...
I try to use Samsungs apps for everything. They work so good.
 
JackieInCo said:
I try to use Samsungs apps for everything. They work so good.
Click to expand...

Yup, it doesn't make sense to get a samsung device and not give the apps a chance now that you can get a pixel. Those apps may have been considered bloatware in the past, but honestly, some of them are better/more useful than google apps.
 
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convergent said:
I'll have to give it a try... I tend to jump around with browsers, but ended up gravitating to Firefox for a bizarre reason. I am using my Surface Pro for work, and they don't allow me to join the domain. There are a lot of single sign-on issues, and not all are prompts from the browser. Sometimes its a dialog panel. The only good solution I could find was 1Password with Firefox, which allows a hotkey to automatically get through those with a single keystroke. So that is why I'm using Firefox now across my devices, but I do often use others... like if I'm in tablet mode on the Surface Pro and on battery I'll use Edge because I know its more efficient.
Click to expand...
Samsung Browser is very underrated, puts Chrome to shame.
 
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I use the Samsung app " smart switch". For my iPhone 6 to my S8. It's pretty easy and transfer everything from contacts, photos, bookmarks, calendar, call logs even the notes I have in my iPhone. Btw if you have notes in your iPhone with password secure you need to unlock then before the transfer.
 
torana355 said:
Samsung Browser is very underrated, puts Chrome to shame.
Click to expand...

That may be, but I don't think it will help me authenticate all the Single Sign-on challenges on my Surface Pro! I will definitely use it sometimes, but not as my daily driver due to wanting access to my unified favorites list.

Nand said:
I use the Samsung app " smart switch". For my iPhone 6 to my S8. It's pretty easy and transfer everything from contacts, photos, bookmarks, calendar, call logs even the notes I have in my iPhone. Btw if you have notes in your iPhone with password secure you need to unlock then before the transfer.
Click to expand...

A couple of questions on this... first, can I use this after the fact? I got the Note 8 a week ago and didn't copy anything from my iPhone. I don't need contacts, bookmarks, or calendar, as they are sync'd to Exchange and Google. But, I would like my photos, messages, and call log. Would it merge these in, or is it going to wipe out my week's history on the Note 8? Second, can you use this to backup the Note 8? I usually backup my iPhone to iTunes about once a month. Is this a good mechanism to back things up so that if for example my Note 8 died and had to be replaced, I could quickly get back to where I was? I hate to think how long it would take me to configure it back to the way I have it now, and its only been a week.
 
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convergent said:
That may be, but I don't think it will help me authenticate all the Single Sign-on challenges on my Surface Pro! I will definitely use it sometimes, but not as my daily driver due to wanting access to my unified favorites list.



A couple of questions on this... first, can I use this after the fact? I got the Note 8 a week ago and didn't copy anything from my iPhone. I don't need contacts, bookmarks, or calendar, as they are sync'd to Exchange and Google. But, I would like my photos, messages, and call log. Would it merge these in, or is it going to wipe out my week's history on the Note 8? Second, can you use this to backup the Note 8? I usually backup my iPhone to iTunes about once a month. Is this a good mechanism to back things up so that if for example my Note 8 died and had to be replaced, I could quickly get back to where I was? I hate to think how long it would take me to configure it back to the way I have it now, and its only been a week.
Click to expand...

I really don't know if you "back up" now and wipe out your's week history. I used smart switch only one time and I had a great experience. I used iTunes to back up my data too. Now I use the samsung cloud. Samsung recommend in their page " Kies" to backup from the phone to the computer. http://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/app/kies
When I get electricity again (hurricane) I will test Kies.
 
Just noticed this thread is again active and will post longer response later but yes, we are both loving our new phones and watches although it is a major process making the complete switchover. Loving the screen, watch functionality, and customization after so many years in the walled garden.
[doublepost=1507479516][/doublepost]These are awesome phones - what's honestly not to like?
 
I tried to make the switch to an S8 but I love iMessage too much. I lasted a month with the S8. It was a nice phone design wise, but it still has too much bloatware that I had to disable. There isn’t a good messaging app and I tried them all! I think the Note 8 would have been a better choice for me because it seems to be more polished than the S8. I’m even tempted by the Pixel 2 XL. Glad you are enjoying the phone.
 
Here's a brief synopsis on my switch to Note 8 from 6S Plus. I've had a Mac since 2000 and iPhone/iPad since 2010 so this was a big move. I have to say I absolutely love my new phone and am kinda surprised as I thought I might return it within the 14-day window.

Switching over has been a hassle with some of my apps (password keeper and Cardstar) but I have only found one of my iOS apps (Fantastical) that is not available on Android. And I haven't used any of my favorite apps on Android yet that don't seem equivalent in features/quality to their iOS counterparts. Still struggling a bit to adjust to new keyboard but am thinking I will stay with Gboard. Using Google calendar and photos which seem as good or better than iOS equivalents. Using Textra and WhatsApp for messaging and like them fairly well. Yes, I miss iMessage somewhat but not enough to switch back. Some of the iMessage features are just plain silly. I don't need Animojis or sticker packs. I do wish I had the GIF directory. My immediate family has all been willing to install WhatsApp.

My husband, whom I talked into switching with me, has adjusted surprisingly well and loves his Note as well. He doesn't have a lot of free time to tinker with his electronics so I was concerned he might get frustrated but it has been a fairly easy switch for him (with my help).

We really like the Gear S3 watches as well. At least as well as our Series 2 Apple watches.

Honestly, my biggest complaint at this point, which is pretty shallow, is the dearth of cute cases for my new Note 8 and difficulty finding smaller, feminine watchbands for my S3 Classic. I had lots of great watchbands for my Series 2 and lots of cute Sonix and Kate Spade cases for my iPhone.
 
koigirl said:
Here's a brief synopsis on my switch to Note 8 from 6S Plus. I've had a Mac since 2000 and iPhone/iPad since 2010 so this was a big move. I have to say I absolutely love my new phone and am kinda surprised as I thought I might return it within the 14-day window.

Switching over has been a hassle with some of my apps (password keeper and Cardstar) but I have only found one of my iOS apps (Fantastical) that is not available on Android. And I haven't used any of my favorite apps on Android yet that don't seem equivalent in features/quality to their iOS counterparts. Still struggling a bit to adjust to new keyboard but am thinking I will stay with Gboard. Using Google calendar and photos which seem as good or better than iOS equivalents. Using Textra and WhatsApp for messaging and like them fairly well. Yes, I miss iMessage somewhat but not enough to switch back. Some of the iMessage features are just plain silly. I don't need Animojis or sticker packs. I do wish I had the GIF directory. My immediate family has all been willing to install WhatsApp.

My husband, whom I talked into switching with me, has adjusted surprisingly well and loves his Note as well. He doesn't have a lot of free time to tinker with his electronics so I was concerned he might get frustrated but it has been a fairly easy switch for him (with my help).

We really like the Gear S3 watches as well. At least as well as our Series 2 Apple watches.

Honestly, my biggest complaint at this point, which is pretty shallow, is the dearth of cute cases for my new Note 8 and difficulty finding smaller, feminine watchbands for my S3 Classic. I had lots of great watchbands for my Series 2 and lots of cute Sonix and Kate Spade cases for my iPhone.
Click to expand...

Well they Samsung makes a pink alacantra case, and alacantra is AWESOME!
 
koigirl said:
Here's a brief synopsis on my switch to Note 8 from 6S Plus. I've had a Mac since 2000 and iPhone/iPad since 2010 so this was a big move. I have to say I absolutely love my new phone and am kinda surprised as I thought I might return it within the 14-day window.

Switching over has been a hassle with some of my apps (password keeper and Cardstar) but I have only found one of my iOS apps (Fantastical) that is not available on Android. And I haven't used any of my favorite apps on Android yet that don't seem equivalent in features/quality to their iOS counterparts. Still struggling a bit to adjust to new keyboard but am thinking I will stay with Gboard. Using Google calendar and photos which seem as good or better than iOS equivalents. Using Textra and WhatsApp for messaging and like them fairly well. Yes, I miss iMessage somewhat but not enough to switch back. Some of the iMessage features are just plain silly. I don't need Animojis or sticker packs. I do wish I had the GIF directory. My immediate family has all been willing to install WhatsApp.

My husband, whom I talked into switching with me, has adjusted surprisingly well and loves his Note as well. He doesn't have a lot of free time to tinker with his electronics so I was concerned he might get frustrated but it has been a fairly easy switch for him (with my help).

We really like the Gear S3 watches as well. At least as well as our Series 2 Apple watches.

Honestly, my biggest complaint at this point, which is pretty shallow, is the dearth of cute cases for my new Note 8 and difficulty finding smaller, feminine watchbands for my S3 Classic. I had lots of great watchbands for my Series 2 and lots of cute Sonix and Kate Spade cases for my iPhone.
Click to expand...


I posted this before. Great ideas for women to customize their S3 in this video.


And as the other poster mentioned, the Alcantara cases are a great choice. I find them to be both elegant and professional. Great feeling as well.

 
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convergent said:
That may be, but I don't think it will help me authenticate all the Single Sign-on challenges on my Surface Pro!
Click to expand...

I'm not sure I follow but we use a single sign on with MSOutlook at work and I have mine configured to use either fingerprint or Iris to log me in and and it works perfect.
 
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