Stuck between iPhone and Android

[tech3475]

I am soon going to be going for a contract phone in the UK. The main reasons are for the internet, apps and GPS.

Right now I am considering either Android or iPhone. Right now I am considering the iPhone mostly because of it's popularity and I own an iPod Touch so I am familar with iOS. I would if I got this iPhone immediately jailbreak it regardless of warranty.

However, I am also considering getting an Android phone because I know that it offers similar capabilities and can cost allot less while offer more. I also hate the feel of Android 4 while the HTC Desire for example felt allot more comfortable.

I was wondering if you could answer some questions:
1. Can I sync Android phones with iTunes? I have all my music on there so it makes things allot easier.
2. How good is the web browser? The demo unit had no internet access so I couldn't test it out
3. What apps are there?
4. Is there anything similar to the following apps on a JB iPhone:

• SBSettings
• Use volume controls to change music tracks
• Peggle
• Youtube downloader
• Free Tethering
• loads of games e.g. Peggle, Tetris, etc.
• Listen to music while in any app

5. Is there a chance that updates will stop being released, like with the iPhone 2g?
6. What does rooting do?
7. How hard is it to develop for?
8. How good does it run compared to iPhone 4? e.g. is it sluggish, etc?
9. What does Rooting do?
10. How hard is it to get apps and what is compatibility like? One thing I hated about WM6 (my dads) is how hard it is to get working apps.
11. Is there a good shop which will let me have a really good go with it including internet access, etc?
12. How good is GPS on the go?

Thank you

 

[brett611]

I have a mac, and used the iPhone 3g and 4g, but 2 weeks ago switched to HTC Droid Incredible. Main reason was due to ATT, but iPhone 4g had too many phone problems for me to deal with. I've also jailbreak(ed) my 3g.

Answers:
1 - "yes" but not natively. iTunes won't recognize any non-Apple device. There are several alternatives (i've dumped iTunes) but if you want to stay with iTunes you should check Salling Software - Home. Its non-free but in my experience works the best at integrating between itunes & the phone. iSyncr is a close 2nd About JRT Studio | JRT Studio.

2 - web browser is 'fine'. I think its faster than the iPhone's but in my experience text resizing doesn't always work / work as fast. But its a minor annoyance only. There are multiple other browsers available that you can SET AS THE DEFAULT BROWSER! so if you like Opera or Dolphin better you're all set.

3 - there are plenty of apps. Frankly the only app that I used to use that isn't available is Bloomberg. Android is missing 50k fart apps, but .... You can only browse apps on your phone for now (supposed to be offered via web soon) which is kind of a pain.

4 - everything you listed is available on my phone out of the box. I'm not "rooting" or otherwise hacking my system. Tasker is an app that I use more and more and more to completely customize how my phone works. eg - have GPS off but when I launch "XYZ APP" turn GPS on. When I close XYZ APP, turn GPS off.

5 - I suppose, but iphone 3g was 'allowed' to upgrade to ios 4 and it killed the phone. I don't really know

6 - rooting is like jailbreaking i think. except I haven't come across a good reason to go thru the effort. rooting also has a higher risk of bricking your device. ignore it IMO

7 - no clue

8 - my HTC Incredible on 2.1 is almost identical to the iphone 4 speed. I have noticed that the first time you load an app (like calendar) it takes longer (2 sec) than iphone but every subsequent launch is faster. Android 2.2 is supposed to result in 2-5x speed increase

9 - see 6

10 - see 3

11 - VZ in Texas had a fully functional version of all android phones to play with. That's how I ended w/Incredible vs Droid X

12 - GPS works great in TX. Faster location than w/iPhone. Plus the built in Navigation app is AMAZING! I always thought the maps app on iphone was good enough. The navigation app is so much better than the nav system in my lexus.... The phone also lets you set "shortcut" icon on your screen and you can enter a default address. So I have 1 for home. No matter where I am, I launch that shortcut and DONE - nav starts from my GPS id'd location to home.

So - biggest consideration is how much you're in love with tight iTunes integration. Oh and battery life. Make sure you check out stock phone battery specs and compare it to the iphone battery specs. iPhone battery life was pretty good. My phone has terrible battery life, but I knew that going in.

If you do go android - get Juice Defender and Tasker. Don't bother with a task/app killer. No need for one. Besides, if you find you really want to force an app to quit Android has built in functionality to allow that.

I am soon going to be going for a contract phone in the UK. The main reasons are for the internet, apps and GPS.

Right now I am considering either Android or iPhone. Right now I am considering the iPhone mostly because of it's popularity and I own an iPod Touch so I am familar with iOS. I would if I got this iPhone immediately jailbreak it regardless of warranty.

However, I am also considering getting an Android phone because I know that it offers similar capabilities and can cost allot less while offer more. I also hate the feel of Android 4 while the HTC Desire for example felt allot more comfortable.

I was wondering if you could answer some questions:
1. Can I sync Android phones with iTunes? I have all my music on there so it makes things allot easier.
2. How good is the web browser? The demo unit had no internet access so I couldn't test it out
3. What apps are there?
4. Is there anything similar to the following apps on a JB iPhone:

• SBSettings
• Use volume controls to change music tracks
• Peggle
• Youtube downloader
• Free Tethering
• loads of games e.g. Peggle, Tetris, etc.
• Listen to music while in any app

5. Is there a chance that updates will stop being released, like with the iPhone 2g?
6. What does rooting do?
7. How hard is it to develop for?
8. How good does it run compared to iPhone 4? e.g. is it sluggish, etc?
9. What does Rooting do?
10. How hard is it to get apps and what is compatibility like? One thing I hated about WM6 (my dads) is how hard it is to get working apps.
11. Is there a good shop which will let me have a really good go with it including internet access, etc?
12. How good is GPS on the go?

Thank you

 

[tech3475]

thanks for the reply, sorry for repeating the rooting question.

Do Android phones feature something similar to DFU mode?

Also, I should emphesize the fact that I live in the UK where all the major android phones aren't stuck to a particular network so none of the AT&T problems.

My main reason for sticking with iTunes is that I currently have two iPods (the touch (a 2g 16GB) and a Classic 80GB). So it makes music management allot easier for me especially when dealing with apps, etc. So iTunes is my only realistic option.

 

[grainysand]

2. How good is the web browser? The demo unit had no internet access so I couldn't test it out

It is amazing. It is fast. Best of all, when you scroll around while a page loads, it doesn't shit checkerboard patterns. Bonus--it runs Flash. So if there's a game you can't find in the market but it's available online as a Flash game, well then.

3. What apps are there?

A lot? We've got about 70,000 available. Probably more, now. Check out Appbrain.

4. Is there anything similar to the following apps on a JB iPhone:

[*]SBSettings

Rejoice. On Android there is no need for an app like that because the OS offers quick, accessible system toggles that don't ****ing suck. You get a power control widget that comes stock on all handsets:

The Desire also offers Sense widgets which add toggles for airplane mode, 2G/3G, turn mobile data on/off. You can stick these widgets onto a homescreen of your choice so they are always no more than one swipe away. Still not enough? There're alternative power control-esque widgets on the market that can be configured to your liking, like Dazzle, Extended Controls and Switch Pro. Not quite enough still? Quick Settings lets you access system toggles with a long-press of the search button. Best of all, you don't need to go digging on some alternative market like Cydia. They're all available on the official marketplace. You don't need to root to use 'em.

[*]Youtube downloader

Of course.

[*]Free Tethering

Built-in feature of Android 2.2. No extra app needed. Mobile hotspot, wired tethering and all.

[*]Listen to music while in any app

True multi-tasking, my friend. Yes, you can listen to music any time, both via the stock app and a streaming service of your choice ala Pandora et al. While the phone is running five other apps.

5. Is there a chance that updates will stop being released, like with the iPhone 2g?

The Nexus One is currently Google's developer phone. It has been, and will be, the first to receive OS updates. With that said, the Desire is running the latest (2.2).

6. What does rooting do?

Full control/admin privileges. Flashing custom ROMs, flashing custom kernels, overclocking, underclocking, adding 720p recording to a device hitherto incapable, theming, modifying every part of the OS, ability to use root-only apps. Contrary to the previous poster's comment, the risk of bricking your device is very small. All you need to be able to do is follow a set of instructions. Then there's this little one-click root app that is gradually developing compatibility for a lot of different devices.

8. How good does it run compared to iPhone 4? e.g. is it sluggish, etc?

My Nexus One responds as fast as I can tap buttons/icons. The only time it slows down is when I, er, underclock it to half the normal frequency.

10. How hard is it to get apps and what is compatibility like? One thing I hated about WM6 (my dads) is how hard it is to get working apps.

Go to the Android market. Search for apps. Click download. Extra: unlike on the App Store, all Android apps must show its system permissions before it can install. So if you actually read said permissions, the chance of any app breaching your phone's security is nil. When it comes to compatibility, generally if an app doesn't play nice with your OS version, it simply doesn't show up on the market.

There are plenty of games. There aren't as many as on the App Store, obviously, but that's what the PSX emulator is for.

 

[tech3475]

Couple of things about Android market:
1. What's installing apps like? I just saw that appbrain which used it's own installer for example.
2. What's the DRM like? i.e. is it attached to the phone or an account like the iPhone
3. Is there an emulator to try them out on the PC?

Also, what kind of root only apps are there?

 

[grainysand]

1. You can use Appbrain's installer (which lets you install apps from the web) or just, you know, use the built-in one on your phone.

2. It's attached to your Google account. Change phones, lose your phone, whatever. You will always get access to your paid apps.

3. Sure. Google up "android SDK."

Search appbrain with "root." Titanium Backup, SetCPU (over/underclocking), Cachemate, to name a few. The thing is that for day-to-day use, you don't need to root. Android out of the box, plus a few apps, can already do most of the things you need to jailbreak an iPhone for.

 

[tech3475]

ok thanks, what are some good phones? I know about the Samsung galaxy and HTC Desire but I also saw offers for the HTC widefire and Samsung Galaxy Portal and others.

 

[tom_pop]

ok thanks, what are some good phones? I know about the Samsung galaxy and HTC Desire but I also saw offers for the HTC widefire and Samsung Galaxy Portal and others.

If you after a quick phone get the desire over the wildfire the processer is twice as fast. Im new to this too and went for the desire i think its a great phone i prefer it to the galaxyS.

 

[grainysand]

The Galaxy S has the fastest processor/GPU combination out of any mobile phone available. Disadvantage: it's made of cheap plastic and its take on Android custom skinning sucks, but you can switch to an alternative launcher. The Desire has a processor clocked at the same speed but an unimpressive GPU (though it'll run most current 3D games fine), but its custom UI is smooth and the chassis is classy brushed metal/soft-touch fingerprint-immune plastic.

The Wildfire and Galaxy Portal are absolutely not worth considering.

 

[tech3475]

Ok thanks.

Since I am getting this for games as well I am guessing that I should get the Galaxy S then if I decide to go Android (which right now is very likely).

Just wondering, how hard is it to tether Android either by wifi or USB?

 

[robo555]

Tethering is built-in in Android 2.2, so pretty hassle free.

I got the Desire over Galaxy S, mainly 'cos HTC tends to release Android updates quicker than other phones, the better GPU in the Galaxy S isn't too much of a worry for me, prefer Sense UI over Samsung's, and feels more solid.

 

[sadiepaige01]

Combination of user interface, and hardware. Second to none. But, Google is on all carriers, there is a wider variety of hardware, and the best hardware is head and shoulder above iPhone. And, in the coming years, there will be little difference between iPhone and Android in terms of ease of use of the user interface

 

[tech3475]

How much of a difference is the GPU? Is it like say comparing an Intel GMA 950 to an ATI 5870 or are the differences minimal?

 

[felixor]

I don't know how it is in the UK, but here in the states, all wireless companies have a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. If the carriers over there have it too, go pick up both and return the one you like the least (or buy one first and then the other).

I will warn you that the one you buy first might (and probably will) affect which one you keep. If you buy the iphone first, you'll fall in love with the shiny and pretty aspect of it and then think the android is ugly in comparison. If you buy the android first, you'll fall in love with the functionality of widgets and then learn to live without the iphone's shiny stuff. That's just how I see it happen way too often.

 

[Member203005]

I was wondering if you could answer some questions:
1. Can I sync Android phones with iTunes? I have all my music on there so it makes things allot easier.

DoubleTwist is a decent way to sync your music as well. It will integrate with your iTunes library and bring over all the playlists so you can quickly add what you already have.

2. How good is the web browser? The demo unit had no internet access so I couldn't test it out

I've found the web browser to be serviceable. My biggest complaint is that the screen just isn't as accurate in Android, at least not 2.1, compared to the iPhone. I'm constantly having to zoom farther in order to tap on links otherwise I'll "miss". It also doesn't pinch to zoom or double-tap to zoom quite as fluidly. But it's still a good browser.

3. What apps are there?

A lot. But if you've used an iPhone this is going to be the biggest difference for you. In most cases the Apps in the Marketplace are not as good as whats in the App Store. I'm not just alking about functionality, but in execution. sure there are a lot of RSS apps available, but the best one in the Marketplace wouldn't be in the top 5 of whats available in the App Store.
5. Is there a chance that updates will stop being released, like with the iPhone 2g?

Its already happened. But the problem isn't caused by Google, but the carriers and the hardware manufacturers. Its an issue that will always exist so get used to it. 2.2 is out, but it'll take a while before Motorola or Verizon will release it to me here in the US. So I'm stuck waiting.

8. How good does it run compared to iPhone 4? e.g. is it sluggish, etc?
I think this also depends on your choice of harware. My DX is pretty good. The only problem I've had was a bad widget that really dragged down my performance.

10. How hard is it to get apps and what is compatibility like? One thing I hated about WM6 (my dads) is how hard it is to get working apps.

I haven't had any problems with compatibility so far. I have had a problem finding well designed apps, especially games.

12. How good is GPS on the go?
The Google Navigation app is pretty awesome. It works really well and its free so you can't beat that.

 

[tech3475]

I don't know how it is in the UK, but here in the states, all wireless companies have a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. If the carriers over there have it too, go pick up both and return the one you like the least (or buy one first and then the other).

I will warn you that the one you buy first might (and probably will) affect which one you keep. If you buy the iphone first, you'll fall in love with the shiny and pretty aspect of it and then think the android is ugly in comparison. If you buy the android first, you'll fall in love with the functionality of widgets and then learn to live without the iphone's shiny stuff. That's just how I see it happen way too often.

I believe it's 7 days if you buy online although the iPhone may have 30 days due to antennagate.

I already have experience with iOS due to my 2g ipt but my main issue is with Android because I lack an Android device. So far my reason for not getting an iPhone 4 is that it is quite uncomfortable while holding it and I found it quite ugly to look at, the only real reason for me getting it is because it's an upgrade from my ipt.

I never plan to really use widgets, I have a hackintosh and an old G3 running 10.6/10.4 and I never used widgets since the sites I use have very slow/no RSS feeds, etc.

 

[tech3475]

Just wondering, when are the next lot of Android phones due to be released?

 

[Bearsyzf]

Just wondering, when are the next lot of Android phones due to be released?

Go with the Samsung Galaxy S Captivate, it can do pretty much everything your asking about .

 

[tech3475]

About the Galaxy:
1. Are there any apps which currently run better on that or any coming soon?
2. What are Samsung like with releasing updates?
3. Can it be rooted?

 

[Ozymandias88]

A mate of mine just bought the Galaxy S (I have a nexus) and I was very impressed with it. Its super light, felt like it was about half the weight of mine and it has a bigger screen too.

The UI was actually quite nice, I was quite impressed with it, it looks like a custom launcher I use called Launcher Pro and there are other nice things too, like the puzzle blocks on the lockscreen which were nice. The Galaxy S also has the best music/video player I've seen on an android phone. It has a very impressive list of compatible codecs.

As it's Samsungs flagship phone I'm guessing they're going to keep it updated for a while as well. Once they stop with the updates though you can just root the phone and keep flashing it whichever ones you choose.

 

[holyblood]

if mobile gaming has a >70% weight on your decision in purchasing a smartphone, then you might want to read on this thread:

http://androidforums.com/lounge/105062-if-you-love-games-phone-avoid-android.html

don't get me wrong though, i'm perfectly happy with my Desire and I'm just showing you that thread to avoid any more of those kinds and for you not to regret your decision whatever it may be..

 

[tech3475]

I would say about 30/35% of the phone is for games.

Can anyone give a list of good games for Android?

 

[tommy_ed]

-Robo Defense
-Winds of Steel
-Derek Jeter Baseball 09
-Doodle Jump
-don't forget: Every nintendo, super nintendo, and sega genesis game!

 

[Bnice]

Gameloft have a few games for android as well,just have to go to their website.

 

[tech3475]

Is Tetris available?

Also, is it possible with the emulators to use a bluetooth controller like the Wiimote or are the touchscreen controls good enough?