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siravarice

macrumors newbie
Original poster
May 22, 2014
13
0
Hey guys, I coming to the end of my contract, and seeing as I have a Macbook Pro, am seriously considering getting an iPhone 6.

I would like to talk about why I should move over from Android (please don't come in like fanboys). I currently have a Nexus 5, and am running the pre-alpha version of Android L.

I knows the ins and outs of Android, it's advantages and disadvantages, as well as the merits of the new handsets that have recently been released, such as the LG G3, Xperia Z3, Samsung Alpha (although I hate Samsung devices with a passion) and HTC One M8.

I'd just like some frank answers really as to what reasons others may have had for moving over from Android, or what iPhone users really like about their phones that I can relate to.

Also, if you come along and just say that Android is *****, I'll just assume that you're of below average IQ.
 
That doesn't help me one bit, next please.

EDIT****

Also, some of my main reasons for using a Mac over a Windows laptop would actually push me away from an iPhone, so unless you're going to contribute properly, don't post again here thanks.
 
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There is and will be a bit more integration between your Mac and a iPhone such as iMessages currently but all messages including SMS. Same with phone calls received on the mac. Then the integration between native apps, Safari, Notes, Reminders, Maps, etc.

Thats really the only benefits I notice. If that stuff isn't of any concern for you then just stick with Android if you are happy with it. A lot of members on here are Mac users with something other then Apple phones. I use an iPhone 4S and have never been overly impressed with iPhones.

In its current form I find iOS 8 less functional and less stable then vanilla builds of Kit Kat.
 
I don't think you can go wrong with either platform.

Do you want to use Apple services, or Google services? That's basically what it boils down too. Apple you have a tighter integration but less ability to modify/customize (short of jailbreaking). With Google, you have less integration (with apple products/services) but greater ability to customize the OS to your needs.
 
dude come'on seriously, you should already know the differences.

iPhone is to OS X what Android is to Windows. That is to say by using iOS you sacrifice [native] customization along with a lot of bells and whistles for simpler UI which is easier to use and overall more stable.

Although once you jailbreak, customization is arguably better with the iPhone because the community is larger. (although good widgets are still missing if that is your thing)

Build quality on iPhone is better than most android phones; although specs are lower. Resale value is higher for iPhones than most android devices.

Legendary Apple Store Support.

The only real difference between the PC/Android comparison is that apps (especially from smaller developers) are usually better on iOS because this is where the money is.

So ya like I said iPhone is to OS X what Android is to Windows.

BTW iMessage is really cool because so many people use iPhones and it allows the sending of high quality pictures, videos, and even voice which regular sms/mms cannot handle.
 
Why is iOS better for me than Android in some respects?
  • TouchID has been a godsend for me since I like to secure my phone with a really complex password, but don't like to have to enter it 3872964 times a day. Simply press the home button, and start working. Nothing else on android like it since samsungs fingerprint scanner sucks comparatively.
  • iCloud Keychain has been a nice addition as I don't trust 3rd party apps (not even 1password).
  • I love how easy and smooth the swipe back gesture on Safari much more than pressing a back button on the bottom of the phone that my thumb has to reach for.
  • I like how bright the screen gets for direct sunlight visibility (nearly 600 nits according to Anandtech!)
  • It is wonderful knowing that if I break my phone, I can schedule an appointment that same day and get a replacement at the Apple store.
  • I really appreciate the quality of iOS apps compared to some of their android counterparts I've used.
  • Its nice being able to use control center on the lock screen, the only android phones I've used in the past year has been samsung's which didn't allow ANYTHING on the lock screen if you enabled a password.
  • It's comforting to know that the company I'm buying from isn't having money issues like so many other Android manufacturers out there (besides samsung) so I know I will continue receiving support in the future.
  • I can't stand carrier interference/bloatware, so the fact that Apple locks them out I find refreshing.
These are just some of the reasons I can think of off the top of my head, there are probably many more if I put any effort into it...
 
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I am in a similar position to you, but I have had the IP6 for a week now, with a week left to return it.

This is my first iPhone, all my previous devices where androids (G1, GS1/2/3, Note 2, Htc one M7). Like you, i recently moved from windows to mac and thought about the possibility of getting an iPhone because it integrates well with osx. The iPhone 5 never seemed like the phone for me given its size and frankly iOS just seemed very limited to me.

So why did i leave the htc m7 and get an iPhone 6? well tbh most things about the iPhone are still the same, iOS is still very limited the IP6 technology is still behind the times in many aspects and i haven't completely left yet. However, I have still enjoyed using the IP6 over the last week, I don't really miss many of the features of android(except notifications) and over time i have customised my androids less and less, so i don't miss that either. For the first time i have been able to sync with iTunes seamlessly without some crappy samsung/htc software (its a big deal for me), all my safari tabs sync with my phone and Yosemite looks its going to even more integrated. Furthermore my volume buttons work on my headset for the first time lol.

Am I going to keep the IP6? Im not sure, while i do like the simplicity of the IP6, its still very expensive for what it is. I don't feel like its an upgrade from my htc m7 but more like a side step into a different lane. However, i have definitely enjoyed it over the last week.....1 more week to go before i actually have to decide.

ps. i do like the fact there are physical apple stores if i need repairs. Repairs with androids have been so long winded I've actually not bothered a lot of the time.
 
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dude come'on seriously, you should already know the differences.

iPhone is to OS X what Android is to Windows. That is to say by using iOS you sacrifice [native] customization along with a lot of bells and whistles for simpler UI which is easier to use and overall more stable.

Although once you jailbreak, customization is arguably better with the iPhone because the community is larger. (although good widgets are still missing if that is your thing)

Build quality on iPhone is better than most android phones; although specs are lower. Resale value is higher for iPhones than most android devices.

Legendary Apple Store Support.

The only real difference between the PC/Android comparison is that apps (especially from smaller developers) are usually better on iOS because this is where the money is.

So ya like I said iPhone is to OS X what Android is to Windows.

BTW iMessage is really cool because so many people use iPhones and it allows the sending of high quality pictures, videos, and even voice which regular sms/mms cannot handle.

VERY arguably considering how moot of a point it currently is with the iPhone 6.
 
I am in a similar position to you, but I have had the IP6 for a week now, with a week left to return it.

This is my first iPhone, all my previous devices where androids (G1, GS1/2/3, Note 2, Htc one M7). Like you, i recently moved from windows to mac and thought about the possibility of getting an iPhone because it integrates well with osx. The iPhone 5 never seemed like the phone for me given its size and frankly iOS just seemed very limited to me.

So why did i leave the htc m7 and get an iPhone 6? well tbh most things about the iPhone are still the same, iOS is still very limited the IP6 technology is still behind the times in many aspects and i haven't completely left yet. However, I have still enjoyed using the IP6 over the last week, I don't really miss many of the features of android(except notifications) and over time i have customised my androids less and less, so i don't miss that either. For the first time i have been able to sync with iTunes seamlessly without some crappy samsung/htc software (its a big deal for me), all my safari tabs sync with my phone and Yosemite looks its going to even more integrated. Furthermore my volume buttons work on my headset for the first time lol.

Am I going to keep the IP6? Im not sure, while i do like the simplicity of the IP6, its still very expensive for what it is. I don't feel like its an upgrade from my htc m7 but more like a side step into a different lane. However, i have definitely enjoyed it over the last week.....1 more week to go before i actually have to decide.

ps. i do like the fact there are physical apple stores if i need repairs. Repairs with androids have been so long winded I've actually not bothered a lot of the time.

Thanks for the info! And yes I would probably see it as a step sideways really, as I find myself changing things less and less on my phone nowadays, although that may be because Android L is currently quite unstable so I have refrained from doing too much stuff to it. I don't use iTunes, I always find it strange that Apple can make such beautiful hardware and software, and then release and maintain iTunes. It's ****.

And I know the differences, but I want a users perspective. What annoys you about the iPhone? What's great? etc etc.

The integration with Yosemite is looking very nice, but I spend my time at work using windows computers so generally this is less of an issue. There are however certain functions I would miss:



NFC - I use it a lot, the missus has a nexus 5 as well and we are constantly using Android Beam. I also have NFC stickers which I use for different things, usually stuff that I can't be bothered to do when I'm in a rush.

Customisability - not that I do it too much now, but it's just there if I want to.

Apps - All of the ones I have paid for!

Google Music - I have spotify premium, but I have have over 7000 songs on Google Music, does anyone know what the app is like on iOS?

Chromecast - I have a chromecast, although I don't use it much. Not sure what the apps for it are like on iOS.

Multitasking: It's just really good on Android.

Google Now: I've watched the videos and read the reports vs Siri. GNow is just, really, really good.

An App Drawer: Never understood this about iOS.

The back button is always in the same place, and is always easily accessible. Also a dedicated multi-tasking button.



THINGS I WONT MISS:




The battery life: The battery life on a lot of android phones are generally not that great, and seeing as Samsung can't make a nice OS skin if they tried, I'm not going there.

The build quality: It's just not up to Apples Standards

The lag: seemingly, Android phones tend to get slightly slower over time, whereas apparently iPhones don't. Anyone able to confirm this?

The resale value: The iPhone always has awesome resale value. Android phones less so.

The lack of a mute button: This is something I wish Android phones had, they are generally terrible for changing volume settings as half the time you're changing the media volume and not the notification volume.

The cameras: I generally stick to nexus devices, mainly because Touchwiz looks like it was designed for children and HTC sense seems a bit... here and there. This means the cameras have never really been that great, and I like to take pictures a lot.

THE ICONS: I swear to god the icons irritate me so much. I hate that they aren't all the same size or style. Obviously that can be changed but it's just hassle.

The quick toggles are two swipes away, and do not function as well or as nicely as they do on the iPhone.



There are probably more things, but I can't think of any others at the moment.

----------

Why is iOS better for me than Android in some respects?
  • TouchID has been a godsend for me since I like to secure my phone with a really complex password, but don't like to have to enter it 3872964 times a day. Simply press the home button, and start working. Nothing else on android like it since samsungs fingerprint scanner sucks comparatively.
  • iCloud Keychain has been a nice addition as I don't trust 3rd party apps (not even 1password).
  • I love how easy and smooth the swipe back gesture on Safari much more than pressing a back button on the bottom of the phone that my thumb has to reach for.
  • I like how bright the screen gets for direct sunlight visibility (nearly 600 nits according to Anandtech!)
  • It is wonderful knowing that if I break my phone, I can schedule an appointment that same day and get a replacement at the Apple store.
  • I really appreciate the quality of iOS apps compared to some of their android counterparts I've used.
  • Its nice being able to use control center on the lock screen, the only android phones I've used in the past year has been samsung's which didn't allow ANYTHING on the lock screen if you enabled a password.
  • It's comforting to know that the company I'm buying from isn't having money issues like so many other Android manufacturers out there (besides samsung) so I know I will continue receiving support in the future.
  • I can't stand carrier interference/bloatware, so the fact that Apple locks them out I find refreshing.
These are just some of the reasons I can think of off the top of my head, there are probably many more if I put any effort into it...
Thanks for the reply, I can relate to quite a few of these issues, and TouchID does look really useful. I'm generally careful with my phone, so the support isn't such a big issue to me, but it's nice to know that it is there.
 
The lag: seemingly, Android phones tend to get slightly slower over time, whereas apparently iPhones don't. Anyone able to confirm this?

Each OS update after the first one tends to be a bit slower.

For example, the iPhone 4 came with iOS 4. iOS 5 ran very well on it, and iOS 6 was a bit slower, but still pretty good. iOS 7 is pretty slow on it.

The good news is, as iPhones get more powerful, they run newer versions of iOS better.

For example, the iPhone 4S came with iOS 5. iOS 6 ran very well on it, and so did iOS 7. Now it's on iOS 8, and it's not as fast as it was but it still runs pretty well, unlike the iPhone 4 did with iOS 7.

Every iOS update has people claiming that it's the buggiest version ever, and it may be true for that person. But everybody has different experiences, and it never hurts to update and try things out. If you experience serious issues, you can always go back to the previous version as long as you do it within a day or two.

The majority of people never have problems with iOS updates, MacRumors is simply where all the people that do come to complain. That's not to say you'll never experience problems, but I'd like to think that things will be improving after the debacle that was iOS 8.0.1.
 
If you get an iPhone 6, in four years (maybe more), you'll still be getting iOS updates without having to jailbreak (or root) your phone.

----------

That doesn't help me one bit, next please.

EDIT****

Also, some of my main reasons for using a Mac over a Windows laptop would actually push me away from an iPhone, so unless you're going to contribute properly, don't post again here thanks.

It should. I've been using Apple hardware since 1979 and OS X since the very day it went on sale. OS X has NEVER crashed. Not ONCE. My G3 Powerbook lasted 6 or 7 years before I sold it on eBay. A typical Dell laptop or any laptop running Windows won't last at least half the time and Windows 7 still sucks and locks up and crashes for me.
 
Hey guys, I coming to the end of my contract, and seeing as I have a Macbook Pro, am seriously considering getting an iPhone 6.
.

It's all about the eco system. It's about having everything in sync (contacts, calendars,reminders, notes, bookmarks, music in iTunes match, all the passwords, all the photos etc. etc. without you having ANYTHING to do. buy your new iPhone, put you apple id it in and done. modify anything on your macbook - and it's on your phone. add new album in iTunes - it's already on the phone. add new contact - boom, it's there. add an event - it's already there. that's the only reason i'm with apple. i have 3 macs, iPads, iPhone and i HATE maintaing stuff, making it work, optimising it or doing something manually. it just works, it's always updated, it's awesome.
Now with yosemite you'll get phone calls, texts, handoff (start reading on mac, continue on iPhone or the other way around) and stuff like that. if you care about these things - go for it. i understand that nexus 5 is one of the best android phones, and i understand that a lot of that stuff i described you can make work somehow with an android phone, but believe me, it's not the same. you have to experience it on daily basis.
 
same reason you'd use a mac instead of a windows computer.

Not a fair comparison, windows sucks!! Mac OS is is way better. Android and iOS is a tossup. I'd say that iOS is slightly better because of integration.
 
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or what iPhone users really like about their phones that I can relate to.

The need to not tinker/tweak constantly - it mostly just works (or doesn't sometimes, in which case you'll need to wait for a fix). Apps have a more unified/singular experience since the framework given in iOS shapes how the apps gets built and how people interact with them.

From an ecosystem perspective, it depends what your friends/etc use too - FaceTime and iMessage both work on a Mac, iPads, iPhones... and once we get Yosemite released, you can even do phone calls/SMS from your Mac. Your iCloud ID allows all your Apple devices to take on the same identity.
 
Each OS update after the first one tends to be a bit slower.

For example, the iPhone 4 came with iOS 4. iOS 5 ran very well on it, and iOS 6 was a bit slower, but still pretty good. iOS 7 is pretty slow on it.

The good news is, as iPhones get more powerful, they run newer versions of iOS better.

For example, the iPhone 4S came with iOS 5. iOS 6 ran very well on it, and so did iOS 7. Now it's on iOS 8, and it's not as fast as it was but it still runs pretty well, unlike the iPhone 4 did with iOS 7.

Every iOS update has people claiming that it's the buggiest version ever, and it may be true for that person. But everybody has different experiences, and it never hurts to update and try things out. If you experience serious issues, you can always go back to the previous version as long as you do it within a day or two.

The majority of people never have problems with iOS updates, MacRumors is simply where all the people that do come to complain. That's not to say you'll never experience problems, but I'd like to think that things will be improving after the debacle that was iOS 8.0.1.

To point out and maybe you disagree but I found the iPhone 4S on iOS 5 faster and less laggy then the iPhone 5S on iOS 7 and now the iPhone 6/6+ on iOS 8.

Lot of thread about iPhone 6 lag going on which is a first. Usually its people going on about older devices getting slower which is obvious but not newer device being laggy out of the box.

You don't find that to be the case? I did find the 4S to be much more fluid then on iOS5 then any demo or friends model 6 on iOS 8. Thats only my personal experience though.
 
I went from iOS to android to save money.

You don't need to be convinced, just try one out. If you don't like it, return it.

The only think I miss from iOS is the smooth integration with all my mac's and my apple TV. I don't think that's a concern for you from what I get.
 
iPhones will be more connected with your mac with features like handoff and continuity. I assume you've used iOS devices before? If not I would suggest trying one out at an Apple Store. iOS is more of a gated community, so you will be more restricted as to what you can do. But once a jailbreak is released for iP6, you can jailbreak the phone (similar to an android root) and have more customizability over the handset.

There is no real reason why to choose one over the other aside from preference, so I can't convince you one way or another. As others have said, I would suggest getting the iPhone 6 and test it out for a while, and if you don't like it, you can return it for another phone (buy from a store like best buy or wireless carrier where multiple phone choices are available).
 
After owning multiple Android flagships (G3, Note3, MotoX, HTC One) the simple and only reason I came back to iOS and OS X is integration between Android and Windows is fragmented and lacking when compared to Apple. Especially so with Yosemite and iOS 8. When you have to install this program to link this, and that program to link that, and both programs are really poorly written...well it was things like that with Windows/Android all the time.

It is snake oil feature claiming quite often in the Android/Windows ecosystem. "Oh we can or have been able do that with X and Y products." Then you get in and actually try it and it barely works or usability is horrible, interface design horrible, etc.
 
You're asking other people to answer a question that's incredibly subjective. The only thing you can really do is to go through the features and see if they are enough for you to want to switch. If you think they might then the next thing is to get your hands on a device and see if it holds up for you.

People can tell you why they use an iPhone, but the things that check the boxes off for them could be entirely different than what is best for you.
 
Its a lovely feeling phone. The os is great too though its a bit wonky at the moment but rest assured Apple will fix it because they strive for perfection and user enjoyment. If you go into an Applestore with a smile and a true love of the products you will receive the best experience ever. If you go in grumpy and pissed off don't expect the same friendly atmosphere. I don't know about your android experience but every apple iPhone user I speak with says the same thing when I ask how they feel about their iPhone. They say they love it, that every time they pick it up they love it, they smile and that there is something about it. I say what they are feeling is the level of care and effort that went into making it. Someone didn't just bang aloud of specs together and draw up a plastic shell on a cad program. People actually slaved and ached for hours upon hours over the minutest detail. This carries over into the product itself. It has a life a soul and a purpose.The new iPhone 6 is like rolling a smooth pebble you found on the beach around in the palm of your hand. Or a freshly dropped conker and when you put your hand into your pocket along with the iPhone the smooth edges carress your hand instead of attacking it. Its maybe not the best looking iPhone but I think this is deliberate. Apple is the master of selling and I feel they deliberately uglied the 6 so they can wow people with the 6+ and a slight cosmetic make up. Android does not put the same effort into making phones. Like Steve Jobs and Johnny Ive said the level of detail and effort put into the object is something you would only get in small one off quantities but Apple found ways to mass produce so more could experience apple magic. Not a apple fanboy haha (I won't just buy everything or anything apple) I just appreciate fine things :D
 
Apple core apps, especially iMessage, are better (for me) than android's. Apple seems to spend more time optimizing core software, and optimizing performance with modest specs, and keeps it simple and smooth.

With an iPhone, I seem to do what I need to and want to more often, with android, I seem to be altering and customizing things to get the phone to work the way I want it to.

Shortest way I can sum it up. I still love android. I just like ios more. Android goes further with the tech, Apple goes further with usability and daily function. All my opinion, none of this is fact.
 
Loving all the replies guys, great info here. I have used iOS devices before (not owned one). Quite a few of my friends have iPhones and my parents both have iPhones and iPads.

I get the nitty gritty of the jailbreak, I've rooted all my phones since my first Android phone, so jailbreaking is not scary to me.

The integration is something that is looking very nice to me, although my calendar already syncs across everything I have (Google Calendar will sync anywhere). My photos backup to google plus (something I don't actually like, it's a pain in the ass. And my dropbox is already bursting with pics.

The great thing for me is that I may even be able to keep my Nexus 5, the only problem is that I would likely have to get the iPhone on contract so I can't exactly return it (I think? I'm not sure about that).

I suppose it best to list the apps I currently use the most, in no particular order:

(The irony that I just had to restart my phone because it froze... Oh pre-alpha)

Play Store (this doesn't really matter)
YouTube
Calendar
Maps
Google Keep
Spotify
Google Play Music
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Snapchat
Flipboard
Eurosport
Native mail app
Clean Master
Fantasy Football Buddy (Barclays Fantasy)

I'd hazard a guess that a lot of these apps are better on iOS. The only issue is the Google apps that I currently use. However, these are only because I have an android phone, so I'm pretty sure iOS has their own versions of things (like Maps and Keep).

I know it's subjective, but I just don't want to get one and then regret it so I wanted to ask people that use them everyday. I'm not about to ask my friends as they are very much fanboys :rolleyes:
 
Apple core apps, especially iMessage, are better (for me) than android's. Apple seems to spend more time optimizing core software, and optimizing performance with modest specs, and keeps it simple and smooth.

With an iPhone, I seem to do what I need to and want to more often, with android, I seem to be altering and customizing things to get the phone to work the way I want it to.

Shortest way I can sum it up. I still love android. I just like ios more. Android goes further with the tech, Apple goes further with usability and daily function. All my opinion, none of this is fact.

I think thats a problem for me. If you give me too much control over things I'll spend all day changing the wallpaper and the icons and just messing around.
 
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