Other Would you ever switch to Android?

[Tsepz]

I would say chip sets is an issue on android certainly with samsung devices. The flagship Samsung phones in US will get a better SD chip than us in the UK on exynos. I know this is said to change next year but a note 20 ultra will have a below par exynos chip and for over 1k it is disapointing.

I plan on getting the note ultra but i don’t think i could use android as my daily driver due to too many things working better on the iphone for example iMessage/ecosystem/app suppporg/customer support/ Apple Watch and iPad being miles ahead of the comp.

Agreed!

i don’t understand the chip situation with Samsung at all.
1. There was a time where Exynos was THEEE chip to have, I remember in the Galaxy Note 3, Note 4 and Note5 it was the top chip, brining more media capabilities, especially with Note5 where Samsung we’re forced to use Exynos globally due th Snapdragon 810 being a messy chip.
2. Why do Samsung continue this dual chip strategy? They are essentially selling 2 different phones at this point with the same name.

The chip situation is really sad and I hate how Qualcomm basically has a monopoly on chips in Android, it means almost all manufacturers are limited to what Qualcomm allow. Gone are the days when you had Texas Instruments, Nvidia and some others in the running.

 

[The Game 161]

Agreed!

i don’t understand the chip situation with Samsung at all.
1. There was a time where Exynos was THEEE chip to have, I remember in the Galaxy Note 3, Note 4 and Note5 it was the top chip, brining more media capabilities, especially with Note5 where Samsung we’re forced to use Exynos globally due th Snapdragon 810 being a messy chip.
2. Why do Samsung continue this dual chip strategy? They are essentially selling 2 different phones at this point with the same name.

The chip situation is really sad and I hate how Qualcomm basically has a monopoly on chips in Android, it means almost all manufacturers are limited to what Qualcomm allow. Gone are the days when you had Texas Instruments, Nvidia and some others in the running.

Least Samsung are said to be fixing this in 2021 with exynos 1000 for all markets. Which is needed really

 

[44267547]

I like Android phones, my friends have them and I’ll play around on their phone sometimes but honestly after a few minutes there are just so many little things on iOS that I prefer (or at least I’m used to).

That said privacy and security keep me on iPhone (says the guy with a Facebook...)

I think the whole ‘Privacy’ thing for android is overplayed. I do agree that’s not as secure as the iPhone. But we don’t generally hear a lot of ‘hacks‘ where consumers use android or having their information abducted. It really depends on what venue somebody is involved in in terms of social media, how secure are they with their information, ect.

Now, in terms of biometric security, I think Apple definitely is the stronger foothold here with the Face-ID/3D facial mapping, but I don’t think Samsung is far behind with their optional biometric security methods.

 

[Tsepz]

I think the whole ‘Privacy’ thing for android is overplayed. I do agree that’s not as secure as the iPhone. But we don’t generally hear a lot of ‘hacks‘ where consumers use android or having their information abducted. It really depends on what venue somebody is involved in in terms of social media, how secure are they with their information, ect.

Now, in terms of biometric security, I think Apple definitely is the stronger foothold here with the Face-ID/3D facial mapping, but I don’t think Samsung is far behind with their optional biometric security methods.

Absolutely agreed!

As romantic as it is to think that iOS is vastly superior in terms of security, each month or so we hear of a new exploit on either OS, it makes me wonder more about what we do not know, heck we just saw a whole lot of famous people’s Twitter accounts get take over the other week.

One can only just ensure that they are being as careful as possible.

 

[The Game 161]

Absolutely agreed!

As romantic as it is to think that iOS is vastly superior in terms of security, each month or so we hear of a new exploit on either OS, it makes me wonder more about what we do not know, heck we just saw a whole lot of famous people’s Twitter accounts get take over the other week.

One can only just ensure that they are being as careful as possible.

Yeah it used to be the case but i certainly wouldn’t say this area is an issue anymore. Both are very much secure.

 

[saber32au]

That sounds very juvenile and not in line with anybody I know and most of my friends and family use iPhones.

The whole “blue bubble” messaging thing is very much an American phenomena, and as you’ve noted isn’t representative of most iPhone users.

 

[andeify]

I'd never say never, but Apples iCloud is so well integrated and complete "it just works". Keychain, iCloud Drive, Bookmarks, Photos, Mail, Contacts, Calendars, Notes, Backups and Find my Device - all synced and setup by simply entering my Apple ID.

I know there are Android alternatives but its not as simple as Apple to setup and get going.

 

[blairh]

I did at one point because Apple was dragging their feet with adapting to larger screens. This was back in 2013. I've been using an iPhone since 2016.

I strongly prefer using an iPhone for a variety of reasons. However I do worry that Apple will be late to the folding smartphone game. Mirroring the same scenario as 2013.

 

[nordique]

I have. They’re perfectly fine devices.

but for my own uses, it’s iOS. I’ve had enough purchases since 2010 on the App Store that it just wouldn’t make sense to move at this point, also I have an Apple Watch and AirPods and for me, that keeps iOS as my platform.

Jailbreaking gives me the customization and features I want, with the OS I prefer. I never feel like iOS is lacking in any way after I jailbreak it.

As far as hardware - since the 11 Pro, I have had the perfect phone - fits in one hand, battery life is outstanding, display and camera tech is amazing....speakers, call quality, water resistance, frosted rear finish....everything on this phone is ideal.


at the end of the day, I need a phone to make calls, texts, a few apps, emails and safari. I need something that just works and looks the way I want it to look; the iPhone 11 Pro is the perfect phone and platform for my needs/wants. No complaints from the battery or camera - two areas I’ve had issues with iPhones, especially the battery, until this device

 

[ericwn]

Lol.

Well, when you text an iPhone user, THEIR text bubbles show up green on their phone, and believe me, they notice it.

This is something I don't agree with at all, but generally iPhone users see the green bubble thing and think one thing - cheap! Or nerd. The person I'm talking to can't afford an iPhone, either that or it's one of those nerdy apple-hating video game people. I know that's a stupid assumption as plenty of androids cost as much as an iPhone. It's downright discrimination, really. But yes, I think the green bubbles could hurt you if that's your first interaction with a potential date who is on an iPhone. It might give them the impression that you are 'lower class'. It's stupid, discriminatory, and rude, but it's true.

That’s a story from a school yard, to me at least. Any halfway decently educated person would know it’s just showing green for text message.

The value that one attaches to that fact is entirely personal and to judge an entire group of users on this silly behaviour pattern is not doing anybody a service.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

The whole “blue bubble” messaging thing is very much an American phenomena, and as you’ve noted isn’t representative of most iPhone users.

I’ve seen it mentioned on here at various times over the years but never encountered it anywhere else. It does seem a bit like fake snobbery and rather ironic to me lol. Whether you use an iPhone or an Android I don’t think people give a toss what colour your bubble is lol.

 

[Shanghaichica]

I can get and use an android phone but I can't ever use it exclusively. I'm too tied up in the Apple ecosystem to switch to something else. I prefer to use a mac and if I use a mac it's better to have an iPhone. I can have an android phone to use alongside my iPhone though.
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I'd never say never, but Apples iCloud is so well integrated and complete "it just works". Keychain, iCloud Drive, Bookmarks, Photos, Mail, Contacts, Calendars, Notes, Backups and Find my Device - all synced and setup by simply entering my Apple ID.

I know there are Android alternatives but its not as simple as Apple to setup and get going.

It's because of services like this that I couldn't switch over to android as my daily driver. All of my stuff is tied up in apple's services and I don't have the time, or the will to move them over to other services. I don't see the point when what I have now works.

 

[The Game 161]

I can get and use an android phone but I can't ever use it exclusively. I'm too tied up in the Apple ecosystem to switch to something else. I prefer to use a mac and if I use a mac it's better to have an iPhone. I can have an android phone to use alongside my iPhone though.
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It's because of services like this that I couldn't switch over to android as my daily driver. All of my stuff is tied up in apple's services and I don't have the time, or the will to move them over to other services. I don't see the point when what I have now works.

Yeah pretty much same boat, things just work too damn well. Hardware specs are nice to brag about like periscope with better zoom and now 120hz display but what you want out of your phone is the basics. Software is more important than hardware for most part and lets face it the camera on the iphone remains great and how everything syncs is the best available.

the fact with iOS 14 my air pods will work no matter what device i pick up? Just works too well.

We Also have family sharing plan for photos have all iPhones and iPads in the house and it all works well even with our family’s devices.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Don’t really need to, both OS track you and listen. Google is clearly most known for it but even on apple devices google services are needed because areas like google maps/YouTube are both far better than what’s out there. Same with google search

Believe it or not I’ve learnt you are no more secure with apple devices than you are with android devices

Exactly. They are all listening in on us.

 

[ericwn]

Exactly. They are all listening in on us.

The questions to ask are:
What data is being monitored?
Where does that data live? Just on my device or in a cloud?
Can the hey “assistant” thingy be turned off?
Is my data used for ads?
Is it shared with third parties?

One being an ad company’s OS and the other one giving me a download link for all the data they have on me is quite a substantial difference. It may not be to others, but for me that’s a big differentiator.

 

[kazmac]

I tried. Android wasn’t for me. Some lovely Android phones, but customer service etc. is not there.

Since I am not a heavy camera & bells & whistles user, the iPhone SE works for me.

I will be very happy when Apple ditch the notch.

 

[DeApp1e]

I switched to Android last year with the OnePlus 7 Pro, and this year I've decided to return to Apple with the iPhone 12. The experience with OnePlus has been amazing but I've missed the streamline lifestyle I had when I had an iPhone and Apple Watch, and the way they all worked with my other Apple products.

iOS 14 has taken some of the best things I liked about Android and integrated it. So I'm excited to possibly return with the 12 Pro. Bit worried about the battery downsize, although that hasn't been confirmed yet.

 

[Puonti]

...each month or so we hear of a new exploit on either OS ... heck we just saw a whole lot of famous people’s Twitter accounts get take over the other week.

That was not an Android / iOS exploit, though. Per current understanding it wasn't any kind of software exploit, but rather social engineering.

 

[Tsepz]

That was not an Android / iOS exploit, though. Per current understanding it wasn't any kind of software exploit, but rather social engineering.

Hi! My point was that you can never be fully sure if all we use is secure. Apologies I didn’t thoroughly explain my thinking here.

I mean Obama’s account was hacked, he probably has the most secure devices, but because the hackers found a way into the platform owners own resources, whatever security Obama has was let down, because it was dependent on the platform owner.

It’s the same as if your bank gets hacked, when the owner of the building is reckless, no matter what you have done won’t really help.

Hope this makes more sense

 

[Puonti]

Hi! My point was that you can never be fully sure if all we use is secure.

...

Hope this makes more sense

Yep, that clarifies your point well. I do still think there's value in minimizing one's personal attack surface - that is, being mindful of the tech, software and service choices you make - even if you can't control the parties behind them.

What goes into making those choices varies from one person to the next, of course.

 

[Tsepz]

Yep, that clarifies your point well. I do still think there's value in minimizing one's personal attack surface - that is, being mindful of the tech, software and service choices you make - even if you can't control the parties behind them.

What goes into making those choices varies from one person to the next, of course.

Indeed, absolutely agreed!

 

[Bethanie21]

Hell no.

 

[tomtattoo]

Not in this life.

 

[MacAddictPM]

Was on Android years ago and purchased a flagship LG phone from Verizon. Within six months it was left behind due to the fact that a new Android phone was being released almost every six weeks. Never received an OS security update not received the newest version of Android OS. Left quickly for Apple, never looked back.

 

[Hal~9000]

I have an iPhone 7 Plus (with a MBA, AppleTV, Apple Watch, iPad, and Apple Card) and Galaxy S10e (with Tab S6 and Galaxy Buds). I like both and having the ability to easily switch between the 2 has been great to quell the “new phone itch” I get every now and then. Samsung phones have some great benefits to me:

• USB-C ubiquity across all devices. It really bugs me having to carry multiple cords. With Samsung I only need one cord to charge all my devices which increases my happiness. Really wish Apple would get it's act together and use USB-C across its entire lineup but alas...
• Galaxy Buds have a much better physical design without the stupid looking stems sticking out of your ears the way Airpods do, and have the option of a more subtle black color instead of bright white.
• Samsungs “Super Steady” camera mode is amazing! Feels like you are recording video on a gimbal like the professional filmmakers do.
• Samsung Pay can be used anywhere (both NFC + Magnetic Stripe readers), unlike Apple Pay which is NFC only and still not ubiquitous in the U.S.
• Samsungs system wide dark mode is much better than Apples as it even darkens all websites. Nothing more annoying than using my iPhone in bed while my girlfriend is sleeping and then a website, which is bright white even with dark mode enabled, waking her up ***GGGRRRRR***
• Android devices get YouTube PiP mode for free, while on iPhones you either need to be jailbroken or pay $12/mo for YT Premium.
• Boost for Reddit app (Android only) is simply amazing, even better than Apollo for iOS, with the ability to filter what I'm looking for and seeing which which subreddit a particular post was cross-posted from. Since 90% of my job is downtime, Reddit is huge for me to browse various topics so I'm always learning new things or for tons of entertainment / laughs.
• I like how Android gives you much more freedom to things which aren't allowed on iOS such as moving wallpapers, default apps to open things, etc.
• S10e has both fingerprint and face unlock options. The face unlock isn’t anywhere near as secure as FaceID but it’s nice having both options.
• Samsung devices have much better sales (if you're willing to wait a few months), whereas the newest Apple phones rarely, if ever, go on sale if one has prepaid phone service.
• Android devices let you turn off WiFi / Bluetooth with 1-click from their version of control center, while iOS devices force you to go into the settings app and dive deeper to do this.
• Samsung devices feel more cutting edge and can seem like you’re getting more if you are a spec geek. Apple devices are much slower to adopt new things but by doing so are usually more refined.

Now for the features of iOS that always seem to draw me back:

• iMessage. This is my #1 reason for sticking with iOS as most everyone I know have iPhones and don’t want to download / keep track of a completely separate app just to have full featured text conversations w/ me if I’m on Android.
• Facetime. See above.
• Security Updates. Sometimes this can be a double edged sword if the new iOS update decreases your devices performance or battery life, but I'd always rather have the latest security patches than not. Apple delivers consistent security patches for 5 years. Samsung though is no slouch and has been fantastic with updating their devices. With Samsung you normally get monthly security updates for 3 years, then quarterly updates in year 4, then in year 5 security fixes for when critical vulnerabilities are discovered.
• AirDrop. Allows me to send whatever I want to my girlfriend without burning through our limited data plans or having the videos I send to her be compressed in iMessage. If I'm on Android I can do this when on WiFi via Skype or Dropbox but again its another app for them to download.
• FindMyFriends. Helps to know my family members made it home safe without having to bug them for a text. Google Maps has this capability but some of my family members understanably don't trust giving Google access to their location all the time.
• iCloud Keychain. Built into the OS and makes it really simple to keep my passwords secure. Auto fills everywhere I need it to and works better than Samsungs version (Samsung Pass) does.
• Privacy. Apple seems like a good defender of privacy. While I don’t feel uneasy at all with Samsung devices due to their Knox security system which they developed for business / government contracts... I still feel safer with my data outside of Googles reach.
• App permissions. On Android, apps can be very pushy w/ wanting permissions. For example, in the past the Chase Banking app demanded to have access to read / write the files on my phone in order to let me use it (it has since been updated to not require it). The iOS version of this same app does not. In general iOS apps ask for less permissions and also accept less while still letting you use them.
• Apple Store Customer Service. I haven’t had to use my Samsung warranty but if I did I assume I’d have to send it in and wait for it to be fixed and returned. With Apple I can just walk in and get a replacement on the spot, usually by a really nice rep.
• Apple Watch. Tizen smartwatches are a decent option, with most of the same features as Apple Watch, but it bugs me that they don't have access to Google Maps. I prefer the silent vibration patterns Apple Watch gives me to turn right-or-left via Apple Maps so I don't have the GPS talking voice continually interrupting my conversations.
• Kindle app Immersion Reading to my AppleTV via AirPlay. I have a tough time staying attentive to a book I’m reading if I’m only getting one input method (audio or visual). Kindle Immersion Reading to my AppleTV lets me get both pathways: following along visually while the book is being read out loud, all on a big screen TV. This feature has allowed me to read countless books I would have never been able to before as my mind would have continually gotten sidetracked or lost focus of where I was in the book.