Android vs iPhone

[claphamsa]

I have a thunderbolt... POS! I hate it... I can upgrade whenever....

the notes are cheap, the Samsung s3s are cheap....or do I wait for an s4? thoughts?

I dont really wanna pay for another 200$ phone, and hate it like I do my thunderbolt... not sure what to do.

[cougarfreak]

That's why I jumped to an iPhone, I know it will stay updated and fast. Hell, my iPad 2 is still awesome.

[stevew]

I'd get the note or wait for the s4. Apple products do have great resale though. I traded a iPhone 4 in at bestbuy and got $140 for it...not too shabby.

[ISiddiqui]

I am planning on waiting for the S4, myself.

[albionmoonlight]

Our Droid Xs are dying and we are due for an upgrade (Verizon). Mrs. A is getting an iPhone. I've been happy enough with Android, though it isn't like I'm a real fanboy of either OS.

Is there any reason that we would want to have the same kind of OS? If she gets an iPhone, should I also upgrade to one?

Also, independent of her decision, has anything really changed over the last few months to really make a difference in choices? Last I researched, both Android and iOS seemed like a choice between good and good. Is that still true?

[molson]

I lasted about 4 months before I smashed the screen on my Samsung Note II. I've never insured a phone before this one, and I was pretty amazed how simple and easy the process was through Asurion (who I've read nothing but terrible things about). Made the claim online in about 90 seconds, new phone arrived the next day, it appears to be as good as new, and I got a spare battery and charger out of it.

[CU Tiger]

Two iPhones allow face time and iMessage which equal free convo I to I..

Other than that not much.

I don't like IPhones but am carrying both an iPhone and a droid currently to decide which to keep in August.

[finketr]

Originally Posted by CU Tiger

Two iPhones allow face time and iMessage which equal free convo I to I..

Other than that not much.

I don't like IPhones but am carrying both an iPhone and a droid currently to decide which to keep in August.

Skype works as well on the iphone and probably the droid.

[ISiddiqui]

Originally Posted by albionmoonlight

Our Droid Xs are dying and we are due for an upgrade (Verizon). Mrs. A is getting an iPhone. I've been happy enough with Android, though it isn't like I'm a real fanboy of either OS.

Is there any reason that we would want to have the same kind of OS? If she gets an iPhone, should I also upgrade to one?

Also, independent of her decision, has anything really changed over the last few months to really make a difference in choices? Last I researched, both Android and iOS seemed like a choice between good and good. Is that still true?

It depends on how long you are willing to wait. The Samsung Galaxy S4 is just about to come out (later this month, IIRC) and it is much better spec wise than the iPhone 5, but the iPhone 6 should be coming out in September. I imagine Motorola's X Phone should also be dropping this Summer.

[Scoobz0202]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

It depends on how long you are willing to wait. The Samsung Galaxy S4 is just about to come out (later this month, IIRC) and it is much better spec wise than the iPhone 5, but the iPhone 6 should be coming out in September. I imagine Motorola's X Phone should also be dropping this Summer.

Also, if he isn't with Verizon the HTC One is getting a lot of love right now. It would be my top choice with the S4/Note coming behind. Not a bad time to be in the market for a phone.

[ISiddiqui]

Well he mentioned Verizon .

I wish HTC One was coming to Big Red... it'd be my phone of choice.

[Scoobz0202]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

Well he mentioned Verizon .

I wish HTC One was coming to Big Red... it'd be my phone of choice.

Doh. Missed that. Frustrating that Verizon isn't getting it. I still read rumors that it is, but you know how phone rumors are. Without any leaks yet of photos and what not it isn't likely

[ISiddiqui]

Verizon always gets phones late anyways (and updates them late).

If it wasn't for the amazing coverage, I'd be on AT&T in no time. Getting phones first, quick updates, can by Nexus phones direct from Google (Hell, Verizon didn't even GET the Nexus 4).

[Logan]

Just got my S4 yesterday. Still playing around with the customization and getting things to where I want them. Is there a way to clean up the notification bar so that your emails/texts/whatever show up before the widgets like GPS/bluetooth/sound. Anyone have links for general tips?

[ISiddiqui]

Samsung Galaxy S4 - Android Forums at AndroidCentral.com is always good to poke around.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I have a Motrolla Razr M (for work) and an iPhone 4 (for my old work and personal use).

While it could be the fact that I've had the iPhone for over two years now and I am more comfortable and familiar with it, I still feel the iPhone 4 is vastly superior in pretty much everyway.

[korme]

My battery life for my S3 is now considerably shit. Just an overnight sleep and no touching of it for eight hours last night took the battery from 100% to 58%. That's awful.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by korme

My battery life for my S3 is now considerably shit. Just an overnight sleep and no touching of it for eight hours last night took the battery from 100% to 58%. That's awful.

I think alot is related to the "upgrade" in OS.

I'm on S2 (see my saga here http://www.osatwork.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=86919 )

The S2 I originally bought July of 2012, I could use throughout the day, stay connected to Wifi, and go home after 8-9 hours and still be around 70%.

The new/refurb S2's I've gone through in the thread above, if I play 10 minutes of Candy Crush at work, I'll be down 12-15% in that short period, and regularly charge throughout the day. The original was still on ICS. All the refurbs are running JB.

It sucks

[korme]

Going to a festival tomorrow through Sunday where the chance to charge will range from sporadic to no chance, so I'm thinking of going out today and buying a second battery.

[Scoobz0202]

Originally Posted by Logan

Just got my S4 yesterday. Still playing around with the customization and getting things to where I want them. Is there a way to clean up the notification bar so that your emails/texts/whatever show up before the widgets like GPS/bluetooth/sound. Anyone have links for general tips?

I don't think. The notification bar on samsung phones is pretty much why I still root my phone (note 2). I'd rather not, but they are so shitty at design sometimes. With a screen the size of the Note and the S4 they really don't know how to utilize the screen size at all. I much prefer the stockish look on my current rom:

[LastWhiteSoxFanStanding]

Just upgraded to Jelly Bean. Very underwhelmed. LG decided to install bloatware in the notification swipe down menu that takes up too much space. I installed Jelly Bean primarily because the reviews on Google Now were quite positive, but it seems like a waste so far.

I was under the impression it would push updates to your home screen which I thought might be useful. Instead it just pushes to my notification bar and I have to hunt for it and all I get are weather updates. meh.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by LastWhiteSoxFanStanding

Just upgraded to Jelly Bean. Very underwhelmed. LG decided to install bloatware in the notification swipe down menu that takes up too much space. I installed Jelly Bean primarily because the reviews on Google Now were quite positive, but it seems like a waste so far.

I was under the impression it would push updates to your home screen which I thought might be useful. Instead it just pushes to my notification bar and I have to hunt for it and all I get are weather updates. meh.

Try searching for things (on your phone, or on your computer while signed into google). It'll start pushing other stuff (sports scores, restaurant reviews, directions to places you commonly go @ the times you usually go, local events, etc). It learns as you use it/have it installed - it doesn't just pop out of the box as kickass.

I love Google Now. It was sending me flight info on my upcoming flights because I had the confirms for them sent to my gmail. Was also sending me reviews + pictures of stuff around my vacation destination. It has the traffic and the time estimate for my route to/from work ready everyday.

[jeff061]

There is a Google Now widget. However, even with the widget, it's more of a cool thing than a useful thing.

[jeff061]

You also need to turn on all of Google's shady tracking features to really make any use of it, which is why the developed it.

[ISiddiqui]

I dunno what you are talking about. Google Now is insanely useful, ESPECIALLY for flight information. For example, it gets gate changes when they happen, preventing you from finding out randomly after you've already walked all the way down to what your Boarding Card said it was the night before.

In addition, it sends me tracking information on packages I've been shipped, due to emails with the tracking info sent to my Gmail account.

[jeff061]

I've found FlightTrack to update at least a good 20 to 30 minutes before Google does(even when I manually refresh Google). I've had similar issues with sports scores.

I have, however, found package tracking to be useful

[ISiddiqui]

Google Now gets its info on flights directly from FlightTrack, IIRC.

Regardless, one isn't just randomly checking FlightTrack - but Google Now is something that is looked at quite frequently.

[jeff061]

I travel a lot, I rely on the FlightTrack app(which sends alerts, so I do check frequently). When I got Google Now I had them both running simultaneously and FlightTrack was up to date when Google Now wasn't. Like I said, same with sport scores, I'll use Google Now, notice it's several minutes out of date(even on a manual refresh), so I'll fail back to a second source.

I don't know why that's the case, I just know I always inevitably check a secondary source since Google Now isn't up to date.

Hell even it's alerts for leaving for a meeting on time, I get alerts 25 minutes ahead of time to "leave now" to make a meeting on time when I'm already at the meeting location.

Mostly kinks, I figure they'll iron them out. But with all this inaccurate info, I don't trust what I get from it. Ultimately I use it for 2 things, packages and GPS to Airport/Hotel/CarRental(I think car rental is there) since it has them all in a single spot after gathering from my email.

[LastWhiteSoxFanStanding]

Getting a new phone today. A Blu Life View which to put simply is a samsung note knockoff at half the price. 5.7 screen but average specs. I am by no means a power user so I hope this is a good compromise for me. Part of me is worried it is going to break in about two seconds. Comes with a one year warranty.

[Desnudo]

Anyone have thoughts on Nexus 5 vs. Galaxy S4? I'm buying one for my father so would prefer it to be simple and intuitive to use which has me leaning towards the Nexus. But T-Mobile has a nice deal on Samsung products at the moment which is making me reconsider.

He'll probably use it for basic features like texting, email, web surfing.

[Groundhog]

I have an S4 and I was playing with a mate's Nexus 5 yesterday. I love my S4 overall, but the Nexus was pretty damn sweet. I'd go with the Nexus - interface-wise they are pretty similar (as you'd expect), but I think the default layout for the Nexus is probably a bit more user friendly.

[ISiddiqui]

I would LOVE to have a Nexus 5, but I'm on Verizon .

Nexus 5 is the way to go, IMO.

[LastWhiteSoxFanStanding]

Well since the thread is bumped anyways....

I am beyond thrilled with my blu life view. No contract phone and I only pay 30 bucks a month to tmobile for 100 minutes plus unlimited texts and internet.

It plays games and apps without a hitch. Again, I am not a power user and don't do anything high end, but for people who want a huge screen at a reasonable price who don't play top of the line games I would definitely consider this phone.

[fantom1979]

I read rumors today that the Galaxy S5 will launched in the first quarter of 2014. Something to keep in mind if anyone is thinking about a new phone.

[sterlingice]

Anyone placed a phone upgrade order through Amazon? They're cheaper than any retail outlet by a substantial margin. For instance, I'm looking at the HTC One and, while Best Buy had a deal for $30 yesterday, they're back up to their standard $100 now and the Sprint store wants $200 while Amazon is at 1c. What's the catch or downside?

Do you have no active phone for a couple of days while your new one is being mailed or do you activate it once you get it? And what does that process look like?

SI

[DaddyTorgo]

i have a Galaxy S3 and an iPad 2. Looking at replacing probably both in this coming year, and standardizing on either Android or iOs.

Here's my dilemma:

I love the UI of Android over iOs. Love the larger screen size on the S3/S4 and the ability to swype-type versus hunting and pecking on the fucking iPhone screen when I say write a text on my mom's phone.

So that's a huge + for Android and standardizing on Android.

HOWEVER

All my family has iPhones. So there's a lot of group iMessages that I miss out on the interchanges in.
FaceTime has a 100% adoption rate within my family. Skype, not so much. So if I want to say...video chat with my nieces I'm like 99.9% more likely to get them on FaceTime then on Skype.

So those are plusses for iPhone.

I guess what I COULD do to solve the FaceTime problem is cancel my data plan on my iPad and just keep it as wifi-only to do facetime with them, and then buy an Android tablet and an S4 for my everyday use, since I like the Android UI better.

Is that crazy?

[CU Tiger]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

i have a Galaxy S3 and an iPad 2. Looking at replacing probably both in this coming year, and standardizing on either Android or iOs.

Here's my dilemma:

I love the UI of Android over iOs. Love the larger screen size on the S3/S4 and the ability to swype-type versus hunting and pecking on the fucking iPhone screen when I say write a text on my mom's phone.

So that's a huge + for Android and standardizing on Android.

HOWEVER

All my family has iPhones. So there's a lot of group iMessages that I miss out on the interchanges in.
FaceTime has a 100% adoption rate within my family. Skype, not so much. So if I want to say...video chat with my nieces I'm like 99.9% more likely to get them on FaceTime then on Skype.

So those are plusses for iPhone.

I guess what I COULD do to solve the FaceTime problem is cancel my data plan on my iPad and just keep it as wifi-only to do facetime with them, and then buy an Android tablet and an S4 for my everyday use, since I like the Android UI better.

Is that crazy?

Almost exactly what I did.
Only I traded my ipad2 for an ipad4 wifi only

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by CU Tiger

Almost exactly what I did.
Only I traded my ipad2 for an ipad4 wifi only

Yeah? So you don't think that'd be crazy?

[CU Tiger]

Nah...I love android and accepted that apple had done a great job of capturing many members of my family (my 91 year old grandma iMessages and facetimes.) instead of trying to convert them I just accepted it and still enjoyed what I preferred.

[AnalBumCover]

Same. we are Android users (phone and tablets), and we have an iPad for our 2yo to play with and for us to FaceTime with extended family.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by AnalBumCover

Same. we are Android users (phone and tablets), and we have an iPad for our 2yo to play with and for us to FaceTime with extended family.

Cool. I don't feel so silly about the concept now that I've heard this from you and CU Tiger.

[fantom1979]

Originally Posted by sterlingice

Anyone placed a phone upgrade order through Amazon? They're cheaper than any retail outlet by a substantial margin. For instance, I'm looking at the HTC One and, while Best Buy had a deal for $30 yesterday, they're back up to their standard $100 now and the Sprint store wants $200 while Amazon is at 1c. What's the catch or downside?

Do you have no active phone for a couple of days while your new one is being mailed or do you activate it once you get it? And what does that process look like?

SI

I've bought phones from Newegg and Amazon. You activate it when you get your new phone. I never had any down time between the old phone and new phone. Instructions were in the box, but if I remember correctly for my Verizon phones, I just had to go to a Verizon website and activate the new phone. I don't remember if I had to deactivate my old phone or if it just did it automatically.

I do remember having a difficult time activating my Droid X2 I bought online four years ago, but that was because I had used another line eligibility on my family account. By the time I bought my S3 last year, Verizon had made it so you could just transfer eligibility right on their website.

[Desnudo]

I ended up buying a Galaxy S3 from Virgin Mobile. Since my dad doesn't make many phone calls, $35/month was about as good as it gets. Getting activated was simple. Not too much bloat ware to uninstall either.

[Scoobz0202]

Ordering through Amazon is simple and painless. The only thing you want to know beforehand is that it must be used on the line you're upgrading . I almost ordered from there using another upgrade on our family plan and was going to transfer the phone to my line once I got it but you have to pay a hefty fee to do so.

If you are using the upgrade on your line and not planning on transferring phones then amazon can have some great deals.

Also, just for some personal opinion from somebody who reads way more about cell phones than somebody should, I only really recommend somebody get the Nexus 5 or the Moto X these days.

The Moto X is smaller than what seems to be the standard 5 inch phones, but it feels great in the hand. Plus, Motorola seems to really stepped up their game lately. They have the closest UI to stock of any of the non-nexus phone companies, their software additions (Active Display, Voiceless controls) are actually great and not gimmicky, and finally Motorola updated the Moto X to 4.4 before some Nexus 4's even received the update. Which as far as Samsung, LG, and HTC go this is a miracle. Also, a lot of their apps such as the camera are now on the play store so they can update those without having to do an OTA update. But the one negative for the X is that it is probably the least capable camera of any of the modern flagship devices, so if the camera is a huge priority for you then it may not be the best bet. Also, I have read reports that the new update may have decreased battery life for many but hopefully that is fixed shortly with an update.

For those on Verizon who can't get the Nexus device the Moto X is a great choice and I would also throw the new Razr MAXX into the mix. Essentially the same exact software in a different body. Depending on preference though you get a larger screen, wireless charging, and one of the best battery lifes on the market. Really depends upon how much you like the build of the X versus the Maxx.


I'm going to be upgrading on Verizon here within the next week. I am unsure of what I will do. I really want the Nexus, but fuck Verizon. Considering leaving and heading to AT&T. But if I stay Verizon I am just deciding between the Moto X and the MAXX. I really like the build of the Moto X, but the battery life on the Maxx is pretty damn impressive. I just am not to fond of the kevlar build that Motorola has for their Razr devices. I have also considered the Note 3. It seems like a great device, but I am so fucking tired of the Touchwiz UI (I currently have a Note 2). Also tired of the plastic. I have rooted the Note 2, but I don't want to do that shit anymore. I just want something I like out of the box and to work as it should.

I'm a huge nerd though, so the UI's of LG (G2), Samsung (S4 and Note line), and HTC (One) may not bother others. I just think they are ugly.

[Fidatelo]

I moved to a Moto X a month ago and really like it. The size is perfect and the Active Display thing is cool.

[DaddyTorgo]

Just picked up an S5 today as I was due for an upgrade. Also swapped my plan over to one of the "no contract/upgrade every 12 months" versions from my old "2yr contract/upgrade every 20 months". The extra few $$ a year it'll cost is worth it I figure as long as I upgrade on time every 12 months.

[Marmel]

So....Galaxy s5 or iphone 6?

[DaddyTorgo]

S5...S5!!!!!

[stevew]

Really want that Plus 128GB model but I'm guessing it's $999 off contract which is just flat out bonkers.

[RainMaker]

I love my S5 and think it's a better phone than the iPhone which I had for years. But Samsung really loads their shit up with bloatware.