To Iphone or not to Iphone

[diver110]

I lean a little to actually getting an Android phone with Verizon given its superior connectivity vis a vis AT&T. I it vital that I be able to synch over a server with Outlook, but I gather I can do that with an Android app called Touchdown. I also need to synch with OUtlook on my home computer, but I gather there is an app for that too. I did not like the DroidX which to me felt cheesy and I also thought was too big, but I hear there is a new phone, Droid2, coming out soon that might better meet my needs. In any event, would like to hear views on Android v. IPhone, preferably without flaming. Thanks.

 

[Deleted User]

well... one is an operating system, the other one is a phone...

 

[marefin]

As a former iPhone user I'll advise you to STAY AWAY FROM APPLE. I mean this from the bottom of my heart, Apple is Hell and Steve Jobs is the Devil. Everything you can do on the iPhone you can do just as easily on an Android phone (if not better).

There are some aspects of the iPhone I did find better, mostly just small tweaks here and there. But doing a overall comparison of the two OS you'll find that Android is a lot better than the iPhone. And aside from the big issues with the iPhone, like signal reception, no customization ability (being able to change the wallpaper doesn't count as customizable), there are minor issues here and there that will eventually grow to annoy you.

The thing with iPhone is, well IMO at least, that when people buy it they buy it without actually knowing anything about the device. They seem to buy it because it's Apple and Steve Jobs says to buy it.

As far as which Android phone is the best, I think that honestly comes down to personal preference in the end. But I personally would say that the Motorola Droid X is the best Android phone out in the market (I don't have a Droid X, I own a Samsung Captivate).

 

[marefin]

But if you absolutely HAVE to get the iPhone 4, then for the love of God wait till that phone goes to another carrier. AT&T is just plain horrible.

 

[Intervenient]

I've had an iPhone. I now have an Android phone.


No lies, the iPhone 4 is a nice piece of tech. Very sleek, very industrial. That retina display is absolutely gorgeous, and every Android user, no matter how much they deny it, wishes they had it. iOS 4 is simple to use, and the upgraded RAM makes it quick and snappy. The App store is amazing, and it's turning out to be quite the capable gaming machine. iOS 4 is also multitasking (finally) and apparently it does so quite well. The battery is also something to behold, and the cameras are very good quality for a phone.



If you stay on AT&T, you can get a high powered Android phone called the Samsung Captivate. A lot of people are split on it's physical appearance, but I think it's gorgeous. I've stayed away from Android phones for a while because they were physically unattractive, but this phone hits it right on the spot. Very thin, and the plastics are high quality. The screen is Super AMOLED, so it's very bright, and very beautiful. It runs Android 2.1, but is overlayed with Samsung's own skin called Touchwiz 3.0. Some people like it, others don't. I didn't mind it, but it felt kind of laggy so I switched to ADW launcher and have had no problems. As it's an Android phone, you get multitasking, and it's a pleasure to use. There have been problems with this phone with the GPS, and battery, but both have been being fixed lately. I'm very happy with my choice, and while there is still a few bugs that may deter me from taking it back (MMS is big for me), I'm more than likely keeping this bad boy. If you do decide to change networks, T-Mobile is offering this exact phone (albeit in a different form factor and name, the Samsung Vibrant), and from what I've heard the experience is not different from the Captivate.


I hope this helps

 

[marefin]

I can honestly say that after playing around with a few of my friends who got the iPhone 4 that I have absolutely NO desire for it what so ever. Everything I could do on this phone, I have been doing on my jail broken iPhone 3G. I'll admit iPhone 4 does have a pretty sweet screen, but the Captivate is on par with it and I honestly have no regrets about getting the Captivate. There are some minor bugs I'm running into, but been able to fix most with getting a different launcher.

 

[diver110]

Thanks for the helpful posts. I gather people are happy wiht their Androids, which is partly what I wanted to confirm. If I go with an Android, I probably would want to go with Verizon, though I have had good luck with T Mobile in the past. I want something around the size of the Iphone, but with the newest processor, so I will have to wait a bit.

 

[Aerimus]

I wouldn't feel quite as strong as Marefin about this, I'll give you slightly different advise. The iPhone is a walled garden, where as Android isn't. I think the iPhone is perfect for my wife and father. It's very hard to mess up, because you can't do much with it. You download apps, and those apps do what you want them to do very well. However, they are limited in what they can do, which is part of why it's very hard to mess up. I could get them Android phones, but I'd be answering A LOT more questions. With iPhones, I can hand them out and forget about it for the most part.

However, Android is perfect for me. I want customization, I want to be able to do what I want with a phone that I purchase. I hate being told by apple "we've decided not to let our phone do that". HUH! It's my fuc**** phone, I bought it! I love Android for what it is, and I appreciate the iPhone for what it is. It's just not for me.

As a side note, I currently own a Captivate on AT&T and have used an iPhone 4 quite a bit. AT&T in my area is just as good as Verizon, and even better in some places. I realize this is not the case everywhere, but I travel all over our territory for work, and believe me I've tested this heavily. Another advantage is that we are right next to Canada and can easily use Rogers for when we cross the border. I also want to say that the iPhone 4 is a GREAT device. The screen is amazing and I really wish that my Captivate had the same resolution. The SAmoled display is great, but it was hard for me to downgrade the resolution, and believe me, it's noticeable. I love my Captivate about 5x as much as the iPhone, but I just want to be honest about it.

Hope this helps, and feel free to ask me any other questions you might have.

 

[diver110]

Thanks, Aerimus, that was also helpful. I am probably more like your wife and father than you. The two things that may drive me to a Droid are Verizon (though you are right, that is sometimes neutral depending on where you live), and the fact that I can get unlimited date on Verizon but only 2G on AT&T.

I do prefer the Iphone screen and the fact I don't need to buy an app to synch with Outlook over my work server. Apple staff are usually better than Verizon staff. When I asked about synching with Outlook at Verizon, I was told I can, maybe I can, and I need an app (but not what the app is). I only got a clear answer by going on line. (Apparently, Touchdown is the way to go.) That would not have happened in an Apple store.

 

[The K-Zoo Kid]

Thanks, Aerimus, that was also helpful. I am probably more like your wife and father than you. The two things that may drive me to a Droid are Verizon (though you are right, that is sometimes neutral depending on where you live), and the fact that I can get unlimited date on Verizon but only 2G on AT&T.

I do prefer the Iphone screen and the fact I don't need to buy an app to synch with Outlook over my work server. Apple staff are usually better than Verizon staff. When I asked about synching with Outlook at Verizon, I was told I can, maybe I can, and I need an app (but not what the app is). I only got a clear answer by going on line. (Apparently, Touchdown is the way to go.) That would not have happened in an Apple store.

I'm also a former iphone user, and i am definitely not going back to that. I actually did buy the iphone without any knowledge on it, except that everyone thinks its the best. Since then, my cousin got a n1 and i instantly fell in love.. I actually traded my iphone (3g) to my brother for his g1, which had horrid battery life. I then bought the vibrant (basically same thing as the captivate) and i couldnt ask for anything more. Actually thats a lie, but you know what i mean.

 

[cyaiphone]

I'm a current Iphone 3gs user and i would say to you to not iphone. I'm tired of this phone already and gets old quick! Plus not too mention the way apple' goes about business is shady to say the least. I will no longer let apple tie me down and force me to use their products and ONLY their products. Im a future new droid owner just deciding on whether i should leave att for the evo or get the captivate on att.

 

[marefin]

Oh if you're a former iPhone user and have a shit ton of music iTunes there's a way to use iTunes with non-Apple products. Not sure how many people were aware of this, but once I found this out I almost cried out of happiness. Mostly because it was my screw you to Apple (I have A LOT of music in iTunes).

How to sync the Samsung Captivate with iTunes - Know Your Cell

 

[diver110]

If I end up going with the Iphone, it will be because of the screen. It has more pixels than the current Droid offerings which, apparently, permits better enlargement of text, helpful for my aging eyes. I am holding out for the Droid2, though, hoping it will meet my needs.

 

[mrspeedmaster]

I have an Iphone 4, Captivate, Droid Incredible, and another Android phone I am too embarrass to mention. I often have 3 phones in my pocket.

The Galaxy S/Captivate is the first Android phone to really challenge the iPhone 4. Seriously. It is uses top-notch gear and internals. For example, it has a Wolfson DAC which makes its audio playback on par with the 3Gs. The screen is gorgeous but all AMOLED/Super AMOLED screen suffer from Pentile Matrix distortion. The Screen on the iPhone 4 is stunning. Other than the screen, the build quality on the Samsung is really good and the hummingbird processor is fast.

They're ALL good devices. It boils down to your preference. I swap my SIM between my iPhone and Captivate all the time depending on my mood.

I continue to use the iPhone for my work. Nothing on Android can do what I need to do my work. Period. I also have some specialized iOS apps that I use on the phone on a regular basis. The Apps is what is keeping the iPhone alive. I also love the battery life of the iPhone and camera. I can go 2-3 days with only a minor 15-20 minute top-off charge in the morning on the iPhone. I also don't have to run task-killers, disable notifications, wifi,bluetooth or gps. Power management is iOS forte. Battery life, there is simply no comparison.

But I do like the Samsung phone. It is swhuuuuuueeeet.

The only fear I have is Samsung is notoriously bad at shafting their customers with updates and supports. I am taking my chance with Samsung so take my recommendation with a bit of warning.

As for the antenna issue, I know 30 people w/ iPhone4 and none of them have reception or drop call issue. It effects like .05 of the most vocal users and ihaters.

 

[diver110]

I have an Iphone 4, Captivate, Droid Incredible, and another Android phone I am too embarrass to mention. I often have 3 phones in my pocket.

The Galaxy S/Captivate is the first Android phone to really challenge the iPhone 4. Seriously. It is uses top-notch gear and internals. For example, it has a Wolfson DAC which makes its audio playback on par with the 3Gs. The screen is gorgeous but all AMOLED/Super AMOLED screen suffer from Pentile Matrix distortion. The Screen on the iPhone 4 is stunning. Other than the screen, the build quality on the Samsung is really good and the hummingbird processor is fast.

They're ALL good devices. It boils down to your preference. I swap my SIM between my iPhone and Captivate all the time depending on my mood.

I continue to use the iPhone for my work. Nothing on Android can do what I need to do my work. Period. I also have some specialized iOS apps that I use on the phone on a regular basis. The Apps is what is keeping the iPhone alive. I also love the battery life of the iPhone and camera. I can go 2-3 days with only a minor 15-20 minute top-off charge in the morning on the iPhone. I also don't have to run task-killers, disable notifications, wifi,bluetooth or gps. Power management is iOS forte. Battery life, there is simply no comparison.

But I do like the Samsung phone. It is swhuuuuuueeeet.

The only fear I have is Samsung is notoriously bad at shafting their customers with updates and supports. I am taking my chance with Samsung so take my recommendation with a bit of warning.

As for the antenna issue, I know 30 people w/ iPhone4 and none of them have reception or drop call issue. It effects like .05 of the most vocal users and ihaters.

If I have to end up with AT&T anyway, I think I would just as soon get the Iphone. Part of the lure of the Droids is to get with Verizon.

 

[Tre Lawrence]

I say give em both a try, and stick with the one that suits your needs the most.

And no, it's not a cardinal sin to own an iPhone...

 

[iAndroiid]

I actually own both phones. Well up until the iPhone dropped and the screen cracked which it still sorta works. I do love some features on the iPhone however at the end of the day i'd choose Android os over the iPhone. It all comes down to preference.

 

[ricker666]

as a recent iphone convert to android, i have to say i prefer android. much more freedom and the user interface is even better imo

 

[streetslide]

Never had a smart phone but was with AT&T. No issues with them. I went with the Droid X for a number of reasons but a big one was the camera (panoramic mode) and HDMI out & I like bigger vs dinky.

Just wanted to say I have no regrets but contrary to Verizon's advertising they don't rule the air. I go from 3 bars of 3G to a half to 1x to none sitting at my desk at home. This is not the Droid as my wife has a cheap Samsung with same thing. Verizon tells me I live in an outside only area. HUH?
Map shows 3G coverage. Long story not worth telling.

Anyway I like the Droid X so much that I am keeping it and Verizon. 95% of the time my signal is good and love the phone. Observation is Moto's graphic suck compared to Apple - blah greys vs vibrant colors and I expected the Apps to be more reliable & polished. The main ones are fine but a lot of the stuff in the App market is buggy or looks like a guy at his computer at home developed it vs a commercial company. Not ready for prime time.

I understand that is part of the attraction and home brew is sometimes great - it's just an observation. Someone else said it best. If you want a phone that anyone can use.....as long as you use it his way go with the iphone.
If you want a little more freedom ....then go with an Android phone.

Your mileage may differ -

 

[zaim87]

Android, because there are less restrictions. And the iphone 4 is not that much different from the iphone 3gs.

 

[ari-free]

Iphone!!!


__________________
--- Lock it UP ---

It's already locked up for you

 

[xdreamer]

As a former iPhone user I'll advise you to STAY AWAY FROM APPLE. I mean this from the bottom of my heart, Apple is Hell and Steve Jobs is the Devil.

Wow. No flaming huh?

As one who switched from Att to Verizon and the droid1.

It doesnt matter how spiffy your phone is if it doesn't have service.

 

[takeshi]

In any event, would like to hear views on Android v. IPhone, preferably without flaming.

You can read our opinions all you want but it really doesn't matter unless you happen to have needs/wants that fall exactly in line with one or more of us. You really need to determine how the options fit in to your specific priorities and make a decision based on that. Selecting a smartphone is all about finding whatever suits you best, not what's most popular on a particular forum site.

I it vital that I be able to synch over a server with Outlook

Outlook doesn't really mean anything in this context since it's just a client app (that supports many types of mail servers). What type of server are you trying to sync with? Exchange? If so, what options are available to you to access the server: ActiveSync? IMAP? POP?

To sync locally with Outlook you will need a sync solution such as CompanionLink. IIRC, some HTC devices ship with a sync solution of their own.

Apparently, Touchdown is the way to go.

Touchdown is just one option. For some, the stock app meets their needs. Other use the HTC Work Email app, Moxier, RoadSync, etc. There's more than just one Exchange client out there. Try them out and see what suits you best. I personally prefer Touchdown but I need to be able to customize email alerts for my Exchange account. Additionally, Touchdown lets me specify any number of days to sync.

But doing a overall comparison of the two OS you'll find that Android is a lot better than the iPhone.

That's a highly subjective matter. There's no one-size-fits-all device and people can certainly prefer the iPhone over Android alternatives, regardless of your own personal preferences (same as about anything else in life).

AT&T is just plain horrible.

Again, subjective. This point in particular can vary depending on market.

Oh if you're a former iPhone user and have a shit ton of music iTunes there's a way to use iTunes with non-Apple products.

There's far more than just one way (discussed in various threads on every Android forum site I've been on). I like iTunes Agent but just be aware that it doesn't sync playlists while some other options do.

I also don't have to run task-killers, disable notifications, wifi,bluetooth or gps.

I don't have to either...

 

[clutchy]

iphone convert here as well.

I've never used apple products and on the whole i've never liked the company. Their walled philosophy has always bothered me. That being said i bought an iphone 3G b/c it was the best phone at the time. I picked up a nexus one back in march and hocked my iphone.

I will not be going back to apple. I bought the iphone 4 to sell on ebay to make my nexus one free and i played around with it for awhile. Definitely a sexy beast but then i remembered about itunes and universal USB input and i felt this feeling of terror... So i boxed it up and sold it...

I've been completely satisfied with android so far. I've converted from M$ outlook to using google calendar for work and i've been very pleased so far. The navigation is amazing and i actually like ATT. They get great reception wherever i travel for work and i haven't ever had any issues with them. They're 3g speeds are fast and who can complain about that... Also i use the FREE wifi tether with the nexus for work sometimes when i don't have internet or the hotel internet is spotty. It's been a lifesaver and really a great bonus.

i like the ability to drag and drop music and movies onto my phone whenever i want

I don't think i could ask for a better phone right now. I use the desktop dock and car docks and i have a couple of extra batteries. 2.2 really is amazing and the speed bump and processing increases are incredible. Notification bar is great as well as opposed to those stupid popups... I'd give android a serious look.

btw, i've always been a geek and i'd describe myself as a power user just so you have some basis for comparison.

if you don't want an X, check out the incredible or the droid 2 when it comes out. There is also a version of the galaxy S for verizon.

 

[Deleted User]

I switched from a 3g iphone to nexus one aswell. The only thing I really miss about the iphone was its superior battery life. Nothing even comes close. Even their laptops.. I'm using a macbook thats running windows7 just because I like the sleekness in design and battery power.

other than that.. android is really growing at an exponential rate.