Convince me to get an Android!

[dlo604]

Hi All! First post so go easy on me.

First off, I used to be an iPhone user but lost it on NYE due to my ridiculous drinking that night. However, I can finally get off the crappy BlackBerry that I have and go back to the world of Apps. I loved them on my iPhone.

Here's my pickle. I have been looking to get an Android phone for a while now, but there are a few things that are holding me back.

1.)I'm familiar with 'Rooting' since I have an AppleTV and it's jailbroken. (yes hate me now =() This requires me to "SSH" the repos onto my Apple TV to be able to watch shows and movies. Is this process pretty similar to 'Rooting' for an Android phone?

2.) Currently I'm debating between the Google Nexus vs iPhone 4S I don't want to watch reviews because they're simply reviews. I would prefer someone who has experience with the Google Nexus to somewhat sell me.

3.) I would like to be able to tether my phone with my iPad 2. Will this be possible via app or phone?

Anything else that I should know about making this decision? Thanks for all your help, and sell me Android fans!

One huge thing for me is the weight difference between the iPhone and Android phones. I absolutely love the weight on the iPhone, but am willing to make an exception if the pros of an Android outweigh an iPhone. My friend also said that there are not as many apps on the Android compared to the iPhone. It should be iterated that she is an Android user as well. Is this true?

Thanks for all your help guys!

 

[chanchan05]

1.) Rooting and jailbreaking are sort of similar, but very different actually. A lot of the stuff that you need jailbreaking on iOS to achieve is already available on an unrooted Android, so unless you specify which apps or capabilities you want we can't say if you need to root at all.

2.) There are 3 Nexus phone, the latest is the Galaxy Nexus, so you may want to specify it so as not to end up with a three year old Nexus S by mistake. You may want to wait until May 3, when the Samsung Galaxy S3 is announced.

3.) Yes, just turn on the mobile hotspot in the settings.

The Apple AppStore does have more apps, and Android phones tend to get apps later than iOS on some cases. However this trend may be changing because Android has exceeded iPhone in terms of total sales.

 

[candroid11]

I have the Nexus S (the predecessor to the Galaxy Nexus), and despite being over 1 year old it is most certainly better than the iPhone 4S. So I would imagine the Nexus, being brand new, is also superior. This comes from an Apple computer user who once believed Apple was godly. Getting an Android phone made me realize I was duped. I believe high-end Android phones are superior to the iPhone in terms of both functionality and technical specifications.

 

[candroid11]

As for the lack of apps, you should go on the google play store and see if there is anything unavailable that you really want. All the major apps are there, and there is a much greater share of free apps than the Apple store offers. I think this "not enough apps" talking point is clearly outdated and simply untrue. Your friend must be in need of some very obscure app that is only on the iPhone, because everything important is on Android.

 

[james515]

'


<--------- enough said

 

[chanchan05]

I have the Nexus S (the predecessor to the Galaxy Nexus), and despite being over 1 year old it is most certainly better than the iPhone 4S. So I would imagine the Nexus, being brand new, is also superior. This comes from an Apple computer user who once believed Apple was godly. Getting an Android phone made me realize I was duped. I believe high-end Android phones are superior to the iPhone in terms of both functionality and technical specifications.

I'm not an Apple fan, far from it, but it would take a lot of convincing for me to believe you in saying that the Nexus S with its single core CPU is better than the dual core on the 4S, not to mention the superior GPU on it. Performance wise, 4S is better.

 

[wxman2003]

Do you have 4G where you live? If yes, then foxfi app and a 4G android is a no brainer. If no 4G, then stick with the iphone. Android and ios are equally annoying at times, and equally as good. They are smartphones that basically have the same most popular apps.

 

[omnius]

2.) Currently I'm debating between the Google Nexus vs iPhone 4S I don't want to watch reviews because they're simply reviews. I would prefer someone who has experience with the Google Nexus to somewhat sell me.

Baaaad call. Asking only for personal anecdotal opinions on a fan-centric website is risking getting more biased accounts. Take the time to go to non-partisan tech journals like Verge, Engadget, TechRadar, Cnet etc etc etc. Some of their writers are bad, some are good, but you'll get a fuller and more accurate picture also using reliable tech journals than you will refusing to use those resources and relying on fansites alone. And do NOT ask store employees for advice. Ever.

 

[chanchan05]

Engadget is Apple biased. I remember them bashing the Galaxy Tab for having a non-user replaceable battery but praising the iPad for one. :WTF:

I prefer GSMArena for unbiased reviews.

 

[omnius]

Nevertheless, the general gist of the post still stands.

 

[someone3974]

In my opinion, I would prefer to Android phone for the customization feature.

 

[EarlyMon]

Baaaad call. Asking for personal anecdotal opinions on a fan-centric website is just asking to be led around by a chain through a ring in your nose. Take the time to go to non-partisan tech journals like Verge, Engadget, TechRadar, Cnet etc etc etc. Some of their writers are bad, some are good, but you'll get a fuller and more accurate picture than you will using your method. And do NOT ask store employees for advice. Ever.

Nonsense.

This is the oldest and largest users helping Android users site in the world.

Yes, there are Android fans.

But yes, here are real people that have made the switch and can answer questions, too.

None of whom rely on page hits.

Please keep your personal bias outta here.

 

[Metroid Prime]

To be honest, I love android over IOS and always will, but as Earlymon said you can find honest people here who have made the switch and can get straight answers too.
If someone loves IOS then fine, but I love my Android for it's openness.

 

[NJSmoke]

Alls I am going to say is this....

And this...

 

[omnius]

Nonsense.

This is the oldest and largest users helping Android users site in the world.

Yes, there are Android fans.

But yes, here are real people that have made the switch and can answer questions, too.

None of whom rely on page hits.

Please keep your personal bias outta here.

All of this can be construed as your own opinion as well. The problem with your point of view is that by going on forum member posts in a fan-centric forum, bias is exactly what you are going to run into. It's exactly the same reason I would never go to a Camaro enthusiast website and expect an accurate answer to "convice me to buy a Camaro".

Sounds pretty silly when you use another product as an example, doesn't it? Then I don't understand the reason for the fairly heated response to my earlier statement. I can speculate but I won't go there.

Please keep in mind that the OP said he didn't want any reviews other than what he reads here. There's a significant difference between me telling him it's a bad idea to only rely on a fansite and me telling him not to rely on it at all.

Perhaps my "nose ring" analogy got a couple of you upset rather than the meaning behind it. I'll change it to something less sensitive.

 

[omnius]

edited the earlier post, that should clear up any misunderstanding of intent.

 

[chanchan05]

@omnius - maybe, but I have no qualms telling someone to get an iPhone if it seems the best choice for him given his situation, even if I won't buy one myself or sell it if I get one for a gift.

 

[scythefwd]

I guess it depends on what you want to do. I'm familiar with IOS and droid to an extent. I chose droid because I can expand my storage.. something you can't do on the Iphone. I'm running a generation back on both phones.. gingerbread on a Sony Ericson Xperia Play vs. a bone stock 3gs.

I'd check what apps you use, and make sure they are on droid or at least a functional equivilent. I just switched from WebOS, and honestly I see major failures for both platforms (but my prefered platform is dead.. no point in trying to find a phone with it to replace my old phone).

Tethering - its built into droid, no rooting needed. I believe that it's available on IOS now without jailbreaking.

Reviews, I can't say I've handled the Galaxy. I havn't handled the Iphone 4 either. I will say that apple is very good at keeping the same feeling for the os across their devices. Droid will feel different on every device if you don't root. The ONLY review you can believe is to go put your hands on a galaxy and be done with it. Most places have a 30 day return policy, with a small restocking fee. Get the galaxy, because you already know for the most part what the Iphone feels like. Play with it for a few weeks. If you don't like it.. return it and grab the Iphone.

 

[rui-no-onna]

The iPhone 4S feels smoother than the Galaxy Nexus but not by much. In terms of UI smoothness, I'd compare the Galaxy Nexus with the iPhone 4. There's no absolute "best" here. Just what's best (or at least works better) for you.

Just thought I should mention this. You have an iPad and you used to have an iPhone. Have you already bought apps for iOS? If all you want are free apps, then both Android and iOS should be fine. However, if you've actually paid for apps on iOS and there are no free counterparts for Android, then you're gonna have to buy a whole new set of apps.

 

[Nessal]

Well I've been an iphone user for the past 4 years and recently made the switch a few days ago. I got the Samsung Galaxy Note.

Let me just tell you this, there are things that my iphone had that I wish my android has and there are things that my android has that I wish my iphone has. It goes both ways. There are a few things that do bug the livng CRAP out of me on the android and I do feel that the performance on the iphones are much faster and smoother than even this supposidely "fast" android. The user experience is much more polished on the iphone whereas on this phone, it gets choppy for no good reason some times.

Anyways, that's all I'll say for now. I want to give it a fair shake before I make the final call on it. But so far the hardware really impresses me. Still deciding on the software.

 

[thegexx]

From g+
1) Because they have rounded edges, so you won't poke yourself.
2) Because the other kids in your high school class have one already.
3) Because you enjoy donating to CISPA every time you pay your bill.
4) Because Steve Jobs said to buy one and he knew everything.
5) Because you love to spend money on a minor upgrade each year.
6) Because you like to laugh at Siri trying to understand your accent.
7) Because you love Instagram and want the authentic experience.
8) Because the 3.5" screen fits your dainty little fingers so well.
9) Because you want to do your part to bring back slave labor.
10) Because you just don't know any better.

 

[rui-no-onna]

9) Because you want to do your part to bring back slave labor.

I'm really curious, what makes you think Android smartphones aren't being built under similar conditions?

 

[Bnice]

This is not to be rude but why would I need to convince anyone to get a device? To me the only way any individual will know whats best for them is to go out and try the variety of OS and devices to see what's best for them. Take some time to research, compare phones os and find the one that supports your needs best.

 

[rui-no-onna]

To me the only way any individual will know whats best for them is to go out and try the variety of OS and devices to see what's best for them. Take some time to research, compare phones os and find the one that supports your needs best.

Easier said than done. There's only so much that researching can do and the 10~20 minutes spent at a carrier store playing with a device is hardly enough time to determine if it will suit your usage. To get an actual feel for the device, you'd have to use it yourself daily for at least one week (2 weeks to 1 month would be better). Even if carriers offer 14- to 30-day money back guarantees, you're usually on the hook for a 15~20% restocking fee.

In other countries, when you buy a phone, that's it. No take backs, no refunds.

 

[Slug]

by going on forum member posts in a fan-centric forum, bias is exactly what you are going to run into. It's exactly the same reason I would never go to a Camaro enthusiast website and expect an accurate answer to "convice me to buy a Camaro".

Amongst our close-to 1 million registered members there are undoubtedly many with experience of both Android and iOS, though. Reviews are all good and well but they only give one person's viewpoint at one particular time. A forum like this on the other hand can provide a long-term view, as you'll find users who have spent months with the same device and can comment accordingly. The OP does appear to want that sort of input.

Some element of bias is inevitable whenever personal opinion is involved, but generally if a topic starts out objective it remains that way; fanboys quickly realise that they're not welcome.

why would I need to convince anyone to get a device?

You don't. Please feel free to ignore the topic.