When I think about it, the iPhone isn't a top 10 smartphone

[sentinelsx]

I notice almost all of those phones are 4.7-5.5 inches.

There needs to be an option of quality android phones with good specs and performance in the 4-4.3 inch range.

Until then i think many people would rather use an iPhone. It is fun to mock those "midget phone users", but one size doesn't fit all.

Not everyone buys a SUV to drive.

 

[appletoandroid]

I don't need to impose anything. There's nothing I can do if people refuse to admit that iOS is, at this point in time, an inferior operating system compared to Android even if they prefer iOS.

That's why there are so many isheep in the world. Blind loyalty and really no freedom to think outside of one OS.

 

[onthecouchagain]

I notice almost all of those phones are 4.7-5.5 inches.

There needs to be an option of quality android phones with good specs and performance in the 4-4.3 inch range.

Until then i think many people would rather use an iPhone. It is fun to mock those "midget phone users", but one size doesn't fit all.

Not everyone buys a SUV to drive.

Motorola aims to fill that range.

----------

That's why there are so many isheep in the world. Blind loyalty and really no freedom to think outside of one OS.

I think it's that for sure but also people who just can't admit their beloved ios has been beaten on nearly all fronts except for a few areas. If this was a war, the ios campaign would be in the process of getting crushed with only a few strongholds left. And one of their last line of defense is that the competition is offering too many features or that they actually prefer less. Suddenly preferences is the be all and end all of operating system discussion. It wasn't the case when ios was indeed the top operating system. But now that the competition is winning, preference this and preference that. We can't say operating systems are better than the other because not everyone prefers the same one. Big whoop. As if no one knew that already.

 

[sentinelsx]

Motorola aims to fill that range.

Well, lets hope they do so in 2013.

 

[appletoandroid]

I think it's that for sure but also people who just can't admit their beloved ios has been beaten on nearly all fronts except for a few areas. If this was a war, the ios campaign would be in the process of getting crushed with only a few strongholds left. And one of their last line of defense is that the competition is offering too many features or that they actually prefer less. Suddenly preferences is the be all and end all of operating system discussion. It wasn't the case when ios was indeed the top operating system. But now that the competition is winning, preference this and preference that. We can't say operating systems are better than the other because not everyone prefers the same one. Big whoop. As if no one knew that already.

Totally agree. And while I'm still rocking an older MBA, I came to realize how inferior Mac and Linux were for those very reasons. It's why I have it currently booting Windows only!

 

[Night Spring]

I don't need to impose anything. There's nothing I can do if people refuse to admit that iOS is, at this point in time, an inferior operating system compared to Android even if they prefer iOS.

And I, and several other people, keep telling you that that is your subjective opinion, but you refuse to accept that and insist that you are being objective. I guess there is nothing we can do to convince you otherwise. Oh, well.

I do believe that for you, couch, Android is the better system. For me, I could probably get by with either, but I prefer iOS. For my mom, I believe that iOS is the better system.

Most things in this world are subjective. Only things that could be truly considered objective are maybe mathematical facts, like 1+1=2.

I think if you stop insisting that people accept that Android is the better OS, and just talk about particular features of Android that you'd like to see in iOS, you might have better luck at keeping these threads on topic. Every time you insist that Android is better than iOS, the thread gets derailed into discussions of objective vs subjective, because there is just no way you'll ever get everyone to agree to that statement.

 

[onthecouchagain]

And I, and several other people, keep telling you that that is your subjective opinion, but you refuse to accept that and insist that you are being objective. I guess there is nothing we can do to convince you otherwise. Oh, well.

I do believe that for you, couch, Android is the better system. For me, I could probably get by with either, but I prefer iOS. For my mom, I believe that iOS is the better system.

Most things in this world are subjective. Only things that could be truly considered objective are maybe mathematical facts, like 1+1=2.

I think if you stop insisting that people accept that Android is the better OS, and just talk about particular features of Android that you'd like to see in iOS, you might have better luck at keeping these threads on topic. Every time you insist that Android is better than iOS, the thread gets derailed into discussions of objective vs subjective, because there is just no way you'll ever get everyone to agree to that statement.

I've tried. Look at my iPhone 5 journey thread where I mostly talked just about ios' shortcomings. See the responses. They'll sound very familiar.

But fair enough.

 

[strausd]

That's why there are so many isheep in the world. Blind loyalty and really no freedom to think outside of one OS.

You say that as if there is nobody in this world who has a high-end Android in addition to an iPhone and prefers the iPhone.

 

[ReanimationN]

I don't need to impose anything. There's nothing I can do if people refuse to admit that iOS is, at this point in time, an inferior operating system compared to Android even if they prefer iOS. There are far and few things that iOS can do better than Android. And if iOS 7 continues its upgrade path that it's been on and if Android continues its upgrade path that it's been on, it'll remain that way, if not grow even more distant.

And there will still be people saying, I still prefer iOS. And that's perfectly okay. I know plenty of older people or non-techy people preferring iOS. More power to them. It's still an inferior operating system compared to Android. Every corner of it reeks of limitations. Even the basic, everyday uses of a smartphone require more steps to do on iOS. I've gone into more detail in other threads, but what's that matter, right? It's all preference.

There you go again! There's 'few and far' things that iOS can do better than Android that you value. I've said it time and time again, not everyone is going to value what you value. For example, you may place the most importance on the general framerate and performance, and so you would find an OS with jerky transitions and framerate dips during operations utterly unacceptable. No features in the world, or how many less taps an action takes, are going to matter to someone like this if they can't handle how the OS performs through every single action. It's going to remain a sub par and inferior experience to these people, and thus an inferior OS. You could quantify this, so why isn't this the measurement we use to ascertain which is the superior OS? Is it because, shock horror, it's not something you place great importance on, and is something you don't believe should be used to define what the superior OS is?

What about things like audio latency? What if you're a regular user of the multitudes of audio apps found on iOS, the same apps which aren't possible on Android thanks to the increased audio latency- again, Android is going to be the inferior OS. You can't speak for everyone, everyone is going to value different things- some people are happy to accept things like a couple of extra taps here and there in order to gain something that they find important. And these people aren't wrong in finding iOS to be the superior OS. And neither are you in thinking that Android is the superior OS for you. Where you are wrong is thinking that Android is objectively the superior OS for everyone- it's not.

I also posted this on 'extra taps' in another thread, I think it's relevant:

"What if, say, you have a job that uses a small group of mobile apps to monitor data on the go, and let's say these apps are available on both iOS and Android. Now let's say you need to use the menu options of these apps on a regular basis, and let's say these apps actually adhere to normal Android design and use the menu button to access these options, while the iOS app places them along the bottom of the screen, as is standard in the App Store, Music app etc.

Now what's this? To move between these menu options, you're going to need to tap once on the menu button, and then again to select the menu option you want, whereas on iOS you'd only need to tap once as these options are onscreen already?? But this is an objective measurement! iOS requires more taps than Android! Now what's this you're saying? Some people prefer the way Android does it, as burying the menu options allows for a little bit more screen real estate, whereas some people prefer the iOS layout, as everything's more easily accessible? You mean some people actually prefer doing a couple of extra taps here and there in order to gain some other advantage that they find important? Unacceptable."

 

[onthecouchagain]

There you go again! There's 'few and far' things that iOS can do better than Android that you value. I've said it time and time again, not everyone is going to value what you value. For example, you may place the most importance on the general framerate and performance, and so you would find an OS with jerky transitions and framerate dips during operations utterly unacceptable. No features in the world, or how many less taps an action takes, are going to matter to someone like this if they can't handle how the OS performs through every single action. It's going to remain a sub par and inferior experience to these people, and thus an inferior OS. You could quantify this, so why isn't this the measurement we use to ascertain which is the superior OS? Is it because, shock horror, it's not something you place great importance on, and is something you don't believe should be used to define what the superior OS is?

What about things like audio latency? What if you're a regular user of the multitudes of audio apps found on iOS, the same apps which aren't possible on Android thanks to the increased audio latency- again, Android is going to be the inferior OS. You can't speak for everyone, everyone is going to value different things- some people are happy to accept things like a couple of extra taps here and there in order to gain something that they find important. And these people aren't wrong in finding iOS to be the superior OS. And neither are you in thinking that Android is the superior OS for you. Where you are wrong is thinking that Android is objectively the superior OS for everyone- it's not.

I also posted this on 'extra taps' in another thread, I think it's relevant:

"What if, say, you have a job that uses a small group of mobile apps to monitor data on the go, and let's say these apps are available on both iOS and Android. Now let's say you need to use the menu options of these apps on a regular basis, and let's say these apps actually adhere to normal Android design and use the menu button to access these options, while the iOS app places them along the bottom of the screen, as is standard in the App Store, Music app etc.

Now what's this? To move between these menu options, you're going to need to tap once on the menu button, and then again to select the menu option you want, whereas on iOS you'd only need to tap once as these options are onscreen already?? But this is an objective measurement! iOS requires more taps than Android! Now what's this you're saying? Some people prefer the way Android does it, as burying the menu options allows for a little bit more screen real estate, whereas some people prefer the iOS layout, as everything's more easily accessible? You mean some people actually prefer doing a couple of extra taps here and there in order to gain some other advantage that they find important? Unacceptable."

It's great you prefer ios. I'm sorry you can't admit it's an inferior operating system. There's not much more I can say.

 

[maxosx]

I was talking with a friend of mine, and I told him there are several phones that are better than the iPhone. Once I started naming some, I realized the iPhone isn't even in the top 10. In no particular order, here are 10 phones I rank ahead of the iPhone.

• Galaxy S4
• Galaxy Note 2
• HTC One
• Nexus 4
• Optimus G Pro
• Optimus G
• Galaxy S3
• Razr Maxx HD
• Galaxy Note
• HTC One X+

I own the phones in Bold.

Each & everyone has its strengths, all are great fun & very useful.

That said, I've had every iPhone with the iP5 being my present iOS Phone. I'd definitely put it in the top ten.

Unfortunately for my personal usage it's going to rank near the bottom for the fact that its equipped with such an odd, cramped display.

Oh sure the OS leaves things to be desired but since I use a smartphone for all that its designed for, having such a small display just kills the fun of using it as much as I would if it had a display offering more room to work.

 

[Night Spring]

Totally agree. And while I'm still rocking an older MBA, I came to realize how inferior Mac and Linux were for those very reasons. It's why I have it currently booting Windows only!

Hmmm, can't tell if you're being sarcastic, but in case you aren't, I too mostly use Windows via bootcamp on my iMac and MacBook Air. But I wouldn't say Mac OS X is inferior to Windows (can't say anything about Linux, have never used it), just that I prefer Windows. I have friends who swear by OS X and can't stand Windows, and I'm sure they have totally valid (for them) reasons for preferring OS X. I say good for them, and I'm fine with that, as long as they don't tell me that OS X Is objectively the better OS, why can't I just admit that?

It's great you prefer ios. I'm sorry you can't admit it's an inferior operating system. There's not much more I can say.

But why would anyone admit that the system they prefer is the inferior one? We prefer it for a reason (or reasons). Those reasons make it the better OS *for us*. Nobody prefers an inferior system. And yes, I've said "less is more." That means I think less is superior and more is inferior. Understand?

 

[sentinelsx]

Totally agree. And while I'm still rocking an older MBA, I came to realize how inferior Mac and Linux were for those very reasons. It's why I have it currently booting Windows only!

Android is dependent on a linux kernel...

And i would say Windows is inferior to linux and OS X (if you take away all the software from third party developers). Been using windows for a good 15 years, linux for 5 and OS X for a couple months here and there and the stupid issues i see on my windows machines seem pretty non-existent on linux and OS X.

 

[tjl3]

It's great you prefer ios. I'm sorry you can't admit it's an inferior operating system. There's not much more I can say.

I'm with him on it too =(

Which sort of begs the question, why go to a Mac forum to post about how inferior iOS is and not just migrate to one of the major Android forums? MR forums is sort of unique in that they have this sectioned off. But you'd be hard pressed to find any iOS discussions on any of those Android forums, and when people go there to troll or sound off on Android, mods generally act fast.

 

[sentinelsx]

I'm sorry you can't admit it's an inferior operating system.

This is taking it too far IMO.

 

[Night Spring]

Which sort of begs the question, why go to a Mac forum to post about how inferior iOS is and not just migrate to one of the major Android forums? MR forums is sort of unique in that they have this sectioned off. But you'd be hard pressed to find any iOS discussions on any of those Android forums, and when people go there to troll or sound off on Android, mods generally act fast.

For the record, I like it that macrumors has decided to have this subforum, and have a place for people to discuss other mobile systems in comparison to iOS. And it's good to have people around who prefer other systems to iOS, it makes for a more robust and full-sided discussion. What I don't like is people from either side insisting that their system is the better one, and anyone who doesn't admit that is in denial. That kind of attitude may be ok in a forum devoted to a particular device or OS, but this subforum is by nature a mixed forum. So every viewpoint should be respected, and insisting that someone with a different opinion is "in denial" and "not being objective" isn't being respectful of the other viewpoint.

 

[ucfgrad93]

For the record, I like it that macrumors has decided to have this subforum, and have a place for people to discuss other mobile systems in comparison to iOS. And it's good to have people around who prefer other systems to iOS, it makes for a more robust and full-sided discussion. What I don't like is people from either side insisting that their system is the better one, and anyone who doesn't admit that is in denial. That kind of attitude may be ok in a forum devoted to a particular device or OS, but this subforum is by nature a mixed forum. So every viewpoint should be respected, and insisting that someone with a different opinion is "in denial" and "not being objective" isn't being respectful of the other viewpoint.

Agreed. I like that MacRumors has this forum. However, you are just wasting your time trying to argue with onthecouchagain.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I think it's that for sure but also people who just can't admit their beloved ios has been beaten on nearly all fronts except for a few areas. If this was a war, the ios campaign would be in the process of getting crushed with only a few strongholds left. And one of their last line of defense is that the competition is offering too many features or that they actually prefer less. Suddenly preferences is the be all and end all of operating system discussion. It wasn't the case when ios was indeed the top operating system. But now that the competition is winning, preference this and preference that. We can't say operating systems are better than the other because not everyone prefers the same one. Big whoop. As if no one knew that already.

You are very entitled to the opinion you give here but you are in danger of passing it off as fact. You state iOS is being beaten on all fronts and is no longer the top operating system. There are many people like yourself who feel that way, but you have to remember there are consumers who are buying iOS devices believing the opposite. I swapped to iOS from a 4 year Android stint late last year because I felt in my own humble personal opinion that iOS was a better operating system. That is a very subjective and personal opinion held by myself, and I wouldn't shoot anyone down for disagreeing, but to state one is superior than the other and try and pass it off as fact is silly IMO. I don't think its a case of people who prefer iOS are in denial like you insinuate. People prefer different things and iOS offers a very different way of doing things. Its a lot simpler than Android and works straight out of the box without the need to customise. For a lot of Android users the need to customise and have the choice to have more features is the reason they love it. I used to enjoy that experience too and there is nothing wrong in that whatsoever, but it doesn't mean those who view it differently simply 'can't admit it'. I can only speak for myself, but nobody forced me to ditch Android and buy an iPhone. I did it through choice and preference and denial didn't even come in to it. 🙂

----------

It's great you prefer ios. I'm sorry you can't admit it's an inferior operating system. There's not much more I can say.

Sorry just seen this. I'm afraid that is a very immature way to shoot down somebody's opinion. They don't agree with you, so are simply in denial in your view. There is nothing to admit and everybody has a choice in what they buy. I doubt there are people who buy something that they truly believe is inferior, just for the hell of it. I think you'll find both OS's are very good at what they do and offer a service that is very capable.

 

[onthecouchagain]

All fair points. So be it. Everything I've said is just an opinion.

 

[Abazigal]

I've never said those conversations aren't worth having. Night Spring points out exactly why they're worth having.

But if the conversation has a more objective perspective and becomes "should the operating system allow people to choose the default browser regardless of whether they need it or not?" then you're starting to get somewhere. I don't see how that answer shouldn't be a yes no matter what anyone feels about that feature.

Ever had the scenario where you ask someone what they would like for dinner and they just answer "Anything?" Having served in the army, I have realised that there can be a certain sense of relief and liberation when, instead of having to agonise what to have for dinner, you instead just eat whatever the cookhouse decides to serve you. And you eat it willingly and happily because you trust that the people preparing the food have carefully calibrated the portions to fit your nutritional needs.

I could do the same outside, but I am no nutritionist, and eating becomes a chore if I actually have to start keeping track of my calorie and salt intake.

While it is true that Android probably boasts of more features than IOS, the main issue I have with your assertion is that you are equating more features with being the better choice of OS overall.

To me at least, complexity isn't a feature. Simplicity is. It may sound contradictory because "complexity" looks like "more" and people generally associate having more features with getting more value for your money (Look! I have live wallpaper! Widgets! Ability to flash my rom!). It's like choosing to upsize your value meal even though you know very well that you won't be able to finish all that food.

In this case however, I am not getting more of what I want, but instead am being saddled with more that I need to contend with (which brings me back to an earlier point about the option at least being there even if I don't care or need to select a different default app).

Allowing users to select from more than 1 browser may result in them spending more time than they should in evaluating which one is the best, and less time actually enjoying them. And then they start getting paralyzed by choice because each browser has some features that appeal to them, but there is no one "best" browser that presents itself as a clear choice.

For IOS, the path is clear. Don't think. Just do and enjoy. So yes, in a sense, I am paying more for less. Less headaches. Fewer issues to deal with, and more time spent doing meaningful stuff that actually matter, IMO. 🙂

 

[onthecouchagain]

Snip

It's not just that Android offers more features and freedoms. That is nice, but I'd also argue that at this point in time, it's actually easier to use Android. In many ways, iOS is so simple that it's harder to use. Even basic functions are usually more easily accomplished on Android. I've given many examples in other posts if you care to dig through my post history. Having a dedicated back and menu button, for example, does wonders. It goes from basic uses like making a phone call or turning on private browsing (count how many steps it takes you to do and undo private browsing), all the way to less basic things like the ability to share to anything I want, the ability to email any attachment, etc. Many other examples.

And generally speaking, I have to use my hypothetical scenario again that I used earlier in this thread:

Imagine for a moment if it was Google (or any of their Android OEMs) who refused to let people select their preferred keyboards and preferred browsers? Then imagine it was Apple that allowed this. Imagine if Apple allowed their plethora of apps in the App Store to really be put to the fullest advantage where iOS would allow you to set your preferred keyboard, browser, mail client, etc. Again, would the response be utterly turned around? Would the Apple fans ridicule Android users who were stuck using whatever keyboard and browser and mail client that Google insisted on? (Then imagine the keyboard sucking for many years. Remember, the iOS keyboard gave birth to the internet phenom "Damn You iPhone Auto Correction").

For all those people who keep weighing in on preferences, you're sure not appreciating what Google is allowing with Android (and what Android OEMs are offering with different handsets on the hardware front).

Again, imagine if Apple offered choices, and Samsung/HTC, etc didn't. Imagine if Samsung, etc., all decided to stay with a 3.5" phone for four or five (or whatever the number is) years. And imagine if it was Apple that offered 3.5", 4", 4.3", 4.5", 4.7" and even 5" phones as the years went by? Imagine if Android OEMs stuck with one hardware button, while Apple moved onto capacitive and/or on screen buttons. Imagine what would be said about that. Imagine if Apple offered SD expansions and Android OEMs refused to? Or notification lights while Android OEMs refused to? Or NFC while Android OEMs refused to? And so on and so forth.

Really try to imagine those scenarios. Nobody would get away with what Apple gets away with. And you'd bet their fans would let people hear about it. Yet, that's precisely what Apple is doing. So when the competition is offering freedom of choice, it's "too many features" or "too complicated" or "too daunting to research so many different handsets" etc.

PS. This is all my opinion relative to my subjective experience and I am not speaking for everyone. 🙂

 

[daveathall]

To me at least, complexity isn't a feature. Simplicity is. It may sound contradictory because "complexity" looks like "more" and people generally associate having more features with getting more value for your money (Look! I have live wallpaper! Widgets! Ability to flash my rom!). It's like choosing to upsize your value meal even though you know very well that you won't be able to finish all that food.

I am in the army so hear where you are coming from with regards to choice in a cookhouse. 😀

Lets just take the portion I have quoted though, One could argue that after eating one's value meal, if one is still hungry, the option to have more is there, isn't that better than staying hungry?

I think people are under the impression that these features start straight from the get go on Android phones, and understandably overwhelm the new user, I did not find this to be the case. When I first switched on my Android phone it was very easy to set up, as easy as my previous iPhones, but as I become more confident I found that I could switch these extra features on, (A second helping as it where), if not needed, they stayed switched off, I wasn't hungry for more. 🙂

 

[Shadow Puppy]

While it is true that Android probably boasts of more features than IOS, the main issue I have with your assertion is that you are equating more features with being the better choice of OS overall.

To me at least, complexity isn't a feature. Simplicity is. It may sound contradictory because "complexity" looks like "more" and people generally associate having more features with getting more value for your money (Look! I have live wallpaper! Widgets! Ability to flash my rom!). It's like choosing to upsize your value meal even though you know very well that you won't be able to finish all that food.

In this case however, I am not getting more of what I want, but instead am being saddled with more that I need to contend with (which brings me back to an earlier point about the option at least being there even if I don't care or need to select a different default app).

Too many people are confusing lack of choice/functionality with simplicity. iOS' lack of functionality and choice does not inherently make in simpler. For example, if I am in an email and click on a link that takes me to a webpage, and after I'm done I want to go back to the email...on Android I simply tap the back button and I'm done. On iOS, I either have to use the multitasking button, or go back to the home screen and reopen the app. Neither of those is as simple as just tapping the back button, which is much more intuitive. This is a perfect example of lack of a function not resulting in simplicity, and in this case is actually less simple because of it.

Allowing users to select from more than 1 browser may result in them spending more time than they should in evaluating which one is the best, and less time actually enjoying them. And then they start getting paralyzed by choice because each browser has some features that appeal to them, but there is no one "best" browser that presents itself as a clear choice.

Paralyzed by choice? And so the solution is no choice? So being stuck with something and having no say is better, because it's "simpler". I think you are confusing "simple" and limitations. They are not synonymous.

For IOS, the path is clear. Don't think. Just do and enjoy. So yes, in a sense, I am paying more for less. Less headaches. Fewer issues to deal with, and more time spent doing meaningful stuff that actually matter, IMO. 🙂

This is a bit of rationalizing that I tend to hear iPhone apologists make. The old "I don't have to think" and "I can spend my time doing meaningful stuff" argument. They make it seem as if, by having a customizable home screen, that people spend all day every day customizing it. The same argument could have been made back when you couldn't even change your wallpaper in iOS....hey, you didn't have to think about it. Now you have options to choose from with your wallpaper, and you could become "paralyzed by choice" 😉 since no wallpaper is clearly better than another. 🙄

----------

I am in the army so hear where you are coming from with regards to choice in a cookhouse. 😀

Lets just take the portion I have quoted though, One could argue that after eating one's value meal, if one is still hungry, the option to have more is there, isn't that better than staying hungry?

I think people are under the impression that these features start straight from the get go on Android phones, and understandably overwhelm the new user, I did not find this to be the case. When I first switched on my Android phone it was very easy to set up, as easy as my previous iPhones, but as I become more confident I found that I could switch these extra features on, (A second helping as it where), if not needed, they stayed switched off, I wasn't hungry for more. 🙂

According to his logic, it would be better to remain hungry and have no other choice of what to eat, because you could become "paralyzed by choice", since no food is clearly better than another. It's better for you to be hungry and not have to think about it, and not have "issues" to deal with like stomach aches or gas, than to eat what you want.

 

[jrswizzle]

It's not just that Android offers more features and freedoms. That is nice, but I'd also argue that at this point in time, it's actually easier to use Android. In many ways, iOS is so simple that it's harder to use. Even basic functions are usually more easily accomplished on Android. I've given many examples in other posts if you care to dig through my post history. Having a dedicated back and menu button, for example, does wonders. It goes from basic uses like making a phone call or turning on private browsing (count how many steps it takes you to do and undo private browsing), all the way to less basic things like the ability to share to anything I want, the ability to email any attachment, etc. Many other examples.

And generally speaking, I have to use my hypothetical scenario again that I used earlier in this thread:

Imagine for a moment if it was Google (or any of their Android OEMs) who refused to let people select their preferred keyboards and preferred browsers? Then imagine it was Apple that allowed this. Imagine if Apple allowed their plethora of apps in the App Store to really be put to the fullest advantage where iOS would allow you to set your preferred keyboard, browser, mail client, etc. Again, would the response be utterly turned around? Would the Apple fans ridicule Android users who were stuck using whatever keyboard and browser and mail client that Google insisted on? (Then imagine the keyboard sucking for many years. Remember, the iOS keyboard gave birth to the internet phenom "Damn You iPhone Auto Correction").

For all those people who keep weighing in on preferences, you're sure not appreciating what Google is allowing with Android (and what Android OEMs are offering with different handsets on the hardware front).

Again, imagine if Apple offered choices, and Samsung/HTC, etc didn't. Imagine if Samsung, etc., all decided to stay with a 3.5" phone for four or five (or whatever the number is) years. And imagine if it was Apple that offered 3.5", 4", 4.3", 4.5", 4.7" and even 5" phones as the years went by? Imagine if Android OEMs stuck with one hardware button, while Apple moved onto capacitive and/or on screen buttons. Imagine what would be said about that. Imagine if Apple offered SD expansions and Android OEMs refused to? Or notification lights while Android OEMs refused to? Or NFC while Android OEMs refused to? And so on and so forth.

Really try to imagine those scenarios. Nobody would get away with what Apple gets away with. And you'd bet their fans would let people hear about it. Yet, that's precisely what Apple is doing. So when the competition is offering freedom of choice, it's "too many features" or "too complicated" or "too daunting to research so many different handsets" etc.

PS. This is all my opinion relative to my subjective experience and I am not speaking for everyone. 🙂

I know you and many think the reason Apple gets away with it is because there are a ton of blind followers out there drinking koolaid, but do you want to know why Apple gets away with it and Android doesn't?

It's because of each group's approach. The very nature of Android is OS driven and fragmented. People NEED the options in order to make Android something they can really love and use to the fullest.

On the other hand, Apple works hard at polishing their handsets to fit the needs of a majority of consumers. It's all about apps, leaving the OS to be as efficient and out of the way as possible. Apple provides arguably the best in-app experience (and app ecosystem) which allows them to get away with more.

CS also plays a role in that. As Abizgal said, less headaches on Apple devices, less thinking about tweaking here and there. These things trump the "lack of choices".

But when you are trying to cater to the consumer who doesn't care and just wants the phone to work and do all kinds of things (with 800,000+ apps, there isn't much an iOS device CAN'T do), why would you think those same consumers would want 27 different display sizes?

And "less taps" doesn't NECESSARILY mean easier. I, personally don't care about a dedicated back button. I know you SAY its much easier, but I don't agree. For me, having a back button within an app lets me know I'm going back WITHIN the app. There is only one way to go and I know exactly where that is. If I want to go all the way home, I press the home button.

On Android, that "dedicated back button" can mean back in the app, back to the previous app you were in, back to home etc....and its not consistent.

I could enter an app and press the back button that takes me home. Then enter another app, press the back button and it takes me back a menu/spot within the app. Not all devs code for the dedicated back button the same so you get inconsistent use.

Plus, if you're used to something, even if it takes more "effort" (three taps instead of two, omg), it might be easier for you because its second nature.

I know I feel that way about a great many things in iOS over Android. I have to think about what I'm doing in Android - whereas on my iPhone, its all muscle memory. Granted this is all relative to how much time you spend on each platform....

But given we're on MACrumors, I'd reckon there are a great many of us who are completely used to iOS and feel its easier to use than Android, even though we have to tap a few extra times (which really isn't always the case).

That being said, bring on improvements in iOS 7. Toggles would be great, the new refreshed UI, awesome.

 

[Shadow Puppy]

It's because of each group's approach. The very nature of Android is OS driven and fragmented. People NEED the options in order to make Android something they can really love and use to the fullest.

This is so untrue. My HTC One has no "Need" for that, in order for me to love it and use it to the fullest. To be honest, I have made very few changes to that phone at all, and I really like it a lot. My mother has not made any customizations to her GS3, and she loves that phone. My fiance hasn't customized her GS3 either, and loves her phone. So this misnomer that people "need" these options in order to enjoy the phone, and couldn't enjoy them without said options, is untrue. The choices and options just further enhance the experience, but are not required just to enjoy it.

And "less taps" doesn't NECESSARILY mean easier. I, personally don't care about a dedicated back button. I know you SAY its much easier, but I don't agree. For me, having a back button within an app lets me know I'm going back WITHIN the app. There is only one way to go and I know exactly where that is. If I want to go all the way home, I press the home button.

I gave a very specific example, and there is no arguing that it is much simpler in that example.

Plus, if you're used to something, even if it takes more "effort" (three taps instead of two, omg), it might be easier for you because its second nature.

That doesn't necessarily mean it's easier for you. It just means you're used to having to do more.

I know I feel that way about a great many things in iOS over Android. I have to think about what I'm doing in Android - whereas on my iPhone, its all muscle memory. Granted this is all relative to how much time you spend on each platform....

Like you just said, it's all relative to how much time you spend on the platforms. I have the same issue, but with the iPhone. I find it's lack of a back button rather odd, and have to actually think about how I want to navigate around the phone. I find it vexing that I have to open an app for every little thing. For example, if I want to check my calendar and take a look at headlines, I have to open two different apps. Or, if I'm in the middle of browsing the web or reading something, and an email comes in that I want to archive...I have to leave what I am doing to archive it. The same is true with text messages, if one comes in while I'm reading, I have to stop what I'm doing to reply to it. Coming from a platform where I don't necessarily have to do any of those things if I don't want to, I find it vexing that I am forced to do them on iOS.