ICS: This is why Apple iPhone trumps Android.

[steveo42]

I hate Apple, I really do. They are an arrogant, fanbois company that are experts at marketing. However, when you compare Android vs Apple the Apple phones win by a mile.
Why?
Certainly not functionality.
Certainly not choice.
Certainly not bang for the buck.

And many other factors that Apple ends up being behind on the curve with.

However: Apple wins overall because of consistency. The apps work. The updates work, within reason. Yes they lock you in to using iTunes and so forth but really what is better, being locked into a single application, like Siri or iTunes that actually works or 5 different applications that semi work?

Look at Android for example.
Back up your phone?
Verizon, Google, Motorola back up?
Confusing.
Voice control?
Scattered all over the place and one doesn't talk to the other.

Contacts?
Do you want to create a new contact with Outlook, Lotus notes, Phone etc?

ICS lowers the bar even lower IMHO.
It has so many problems, like dim notification icons.
Who approved this?
Apple would NEVER release crap like this.

Say what you will about Apple, I will probably agree with most of it, but we can't deny that Apple sets the standard. I'm dumping my Razr maxx as soon as the new iPhone is released, maybe earlier because I have had it with this inconsistent piece of trash.
Yea, with Apple you do it their way or it's the highway, but honestly I would rather have something that works one single way than something that has 18 different ways of doing things none of which really works well.

 

[cwrig]

Well, its pretty easy to maintain an OS that is basically an application launcher. If that functionailty is sufficient for you; then have at it.

But for me; using an iphone is like going to some kind of tinker toy. It works, but its real tiny and doesnt do very much.

And battery life compared to the MAXX is dismal.

 

[Rxpert83]

I see everything you've listed there as choices. And I prefer choices to having none.

The great thing about android is that if you do not like something you have the power to change it. With apple your stuck with what you have until you buy a new phone.

 

[HookEmHorns*UT*]

Wow good luck with Apple. I personally love android. I like having the choice to put contacts in certain places. I like having the choice of different and inexpensive apps. There is so much with Android that is way better than Apple will ever be. I haven't really experienced any bad Android devices yet. They have all performed very well. The upgrades to the operating system have gone smooth. Yeah waiting is hell but hey it is what it is. The Razr has been the best Android experience for me to date. Now with ICS it is even better besides my battery life which is still close to 11 hours. But on the other hand my brother in laws IPhone only gets 7 to 8 so no complaints there. My Razr is thinner smoother and has 10 x the functionality of that IPhone.

 

[j2cool2012]

Well, android isn't for everyone. It's meant to be a more powerful and customizable platform. You despise it for the same reasons others praise it. It all comes down to user preference. If you want simplicity, the iPhone was *made* to be simple. Android has many offerings because people *enjoy* choice. That's why once you find the one you like, you set it as default and it doesn't bother you anymore. As for the dim notification icons, that's a feature. You can change notification transparency in the settings.

 

[scary alien]

Okay, let's all take a deep breath here...(yes, I temporarily locked this thread while I did a little housekeeping).

Let's all:

1. Watch the language--please!

2. Attack the issues and not each other

3. Review and remember the Site Rules & Guidelines

No one is exempt from these rules to which you all agreed to when you signed-up here at AF.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

 

[dylo22]

. As for the dim notification icons, that's a feature. You can change notification transparency in the settings.

Wait, where is this setting?

 

[Rxpert83]

Wait, where is this setting?

Enjoying the cusomizations available now?

Just some friendly ribbing

 

[jroc]

I never have seen Android vs iOS as serious as some ppl...lol.

I just go by wants n needs. Whatever cons I run across....I decide if I can live with it or not. My kids mother has an iPhone 4. After helping her get used to it...I still prefer Android more....flaws n all.

Gotta agree with all who mentioned choice. Why is it some ppl see choice as a bad thing? On desktop PC's its never a problem....but on phones an epic fail....

 

[steveo42]

I realize this thread is somewhat incendiary however think about it for a second. Would you rather have a single solution that works perfectly for the majority of people, or multiple solutions, each of which half works?

In reality the inevitable question is going to be asked: "Which is the best xxyyzz" application. That's just the way it is.

When I look at iPhone I see problems, no doubt. It's not perfect. However I see a community that is united and interested in fixing the problems. Compare this to the Android world where some people with certain phones have problems and others with different phones have no problems.
The reviews and experiences are all over the place.
Choose the right phone and things might work good for you.
Choose the wrong phone and you are screwed.

This doesn't happen in the Apple world.
You take it or leave it.

So what is better?
A situation where you have choice, and 15 different applications that half work or being forced to use one application that does work.
I choose the latter.
YMMV.

 

[mdcowby]

There is no settings to change the notification dimness in settings.

 

[jroc]

I realize this thread is somewhat incendiary however think about it for a second. Would you rather have a single solution that works perfectly for the majority of people, or multiple solutions, each of which half works?

In reality the inevitable question is going to be asked: "Which is the best xxyyzz" application. That's just the way it is.

When I look at iPhone I see problems, no doubt. It's not perfect. However I see a community that is united and interested in fixing the problems. Compare this to the Android world where some people with certain phones have problems and others with different phones have no problems.
The reviews and experiences are all over the place.
Choose the right phone and things might work good for you.
Choose the wrong phone and you are screwed.

This doesn't happen in the Apple world.
You take it or leave it.

So what is better?
A situation where you have choice, and 15 different applications that half work or being forced to use one application that does work.
I choose the latter.
YMMV.

Well...the problem is...everything I tried I didnt consider it half working. Everybody wants n needs arent the same.

For me...contacts is a simple back up to Google and restore. Some may ....choose...to use Motorola. Some may....choose...to use Verizon.

Choices...It seems like your biggest gripe is choices. Its the same scenario in the PC world. The PC market has survived by offering many choice for the same thing. From different software to low end to high end PC's. For software...some works good, some doesnt. For hardware...some is better than others. I think Android will survive too.

Find what option works best for you. I have for many things. And none I considered half working...based on my wants n needs.

Like it was mentioned...Android isnt for everyone. Some ppl may prefer or feel more comfortable with iOS.

 

[mauiblue]

I think Apple iPhone is cool for a lot of people. But android is what I prefer because I like to tinker. I've built a couple PC desktops and like to upgrade my cruiser bicycle with cool bits. So android and my Razr Mazda is a great fit for me.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

The OP has it 1/2 right...

Its the carriers that make Android so complicated by stuffing apps on our phones that we cannot remove (without root).

If it were not for that we wouldn't have 3 different email apps trying to do the same thing at the same time...email is only 1 example.

The only cure for that is (a) Apples way (b) let the phones be custom ordered so we can choose which "company apps" we actually want.

But then that would get into the subsidies and raise the price of the phones...

 

[jroc]

The OP has it 1/2 right...

Its the carriers that make Android so complicated by stuffing apps on our phones that we cannot remove (without root).

If it were not for that we wouldn't have 3 different email apps trying to do the same thing at the same time...email is only 1 example.

The only cure for that is (a) Apples way (b) let the phones be custom ordered so we can choose which "company apps" we actually want.

But then that would get into the subsidies and raise the price of the phones...

I have used my kids mother as an example when ever this came up...

Texting, playing games, GPS, Youtube app, calls, web browsing, apps and games from the Market, music player. She doesnt even use email from her phone. So it wouldnt apply to her...

Android can be as simple or as complex as we make it. Wants n needs...She doesnt consider it complicated....based on her wants n needs. She actually thought her iPhone was more complicated after spending 2 years using my Android phones. Even my use which goes more beyond hers...I dont think its complicated.

3 Different email apps....why not just use one? No one is forced to use all 3 different email apps if they are already on the phone. Just pick one that works the best for you and go from there.

Take me...for file management...I use Root Explorer and the Files app that came with the RAZR. I use them both. I use Root Explorer when I wanna go deeper into my phones file system. And I could just use Root Explorer all the time, I just choose not to. Ppl that dont root their phones will be fine with the Files app already on the phone. I used to have multiple file managers installed...I finally settled on Root Explorer when I realized I dont use all the features with some of the others. And I like the way the Files apps is setup, with it being linked to Motocast and shared folders.

Which reminds me...thats why I settled on Root Exploere...cuz the Files apps took care of what I used other file managers for: connecting to my PC wirelessly.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

3 Different email apps....why not just use one? No one is forced to use all 3 different email apps if they are already on the phone. Just pick one that works the best for you and go from there.

Thats true...and easy enough...once you know how to do it

But having the other apps on there taking up space just bugs some people...it does me...

Its the same with my PC, as soon as the warranty was up I removed all the BS that HP had on it. I don't need anything telling me to update my computer...its a computer...they all need it regularly. So its just that...something I don't need taking up space, using RAM, and annoying me with all sorts of notifications (most of which couldn't be turned off without uninstalling the HP crap)

I like Android and I'm certainly not knocking Android...I'm saying that carriers could find a better way to do things without telling us what we have to have on a phone.

I mean NFL...WTF...why is that a required app?

MOG?

Kindle?

Netflix?

The list goes on...

 

[gloriousnumber1]

When I went from Gingerbread to ICS on my Maxx, the app I was using to play my music couldn't find most of it. Was it gone? I knew it wasn't. I freaked out for a few seconds, then just downloaded a new free app to play the music. It was all there, no problem.

With an iPhone, what would I have done if an OS update caused iTunes to malfunction? Replace the app? Call India for tech support? (no offense if you're from there), factory reset? I have come to the conclusion that iPhones work well because the software and hardware are built by the same company, so it always works, only the networks vary. No fragmentation at all.

However, for the fact that there are thousands of Android device models, hundreds of networks, and so many countries involved, I would say it works pretty darn well.

I don't own an iPhone mainly because of no LTE, and higher price. Also, small screen and no micro SD option. If they offered more options to people who have gotten used to those things that would make them want to leave they Android devices, then we might be talking.

I don't see the direct competition as much as I used to. 2007 iPhone and 2012 iphone have same size screen, still no LTE though it's been around for a year and a half or so.

Apple knows that true fans will stay with them. People afraid of technology will buy them.

Android manufacturers push the envelope on performance, data speeds, screen types and sizes, batteries, customizibility, amount of cores, durability, etc. It's like a performance sportscar vs. an old, slow, family car that hardly breaks down. Learn to work on it and fix the bugs and you're gonna be overjoyed. Want to let other people take care of your problems, even if it's not as fun, iPhone.

 

[jroc]

Thats true...and easy enough...once you know how to do it

But having the other apps on there taking up space just bugs some people...it does me...

Its the same with my PC, as soon as the warranty was up I removed all the BS that HP had on it. I don't need anything telling me to update my computer...its a computer...they all need it regularly. So its just that...something I don't need taking up space, using RAM, and annoying me with all sorts of notifications (most of which couldn't be turned off without uninstalling the HP crap)

I like Android and I'm certainly not knocking Android...I'm saying that carriers could find a better way to do things without telling us what we have to have on a phone.

I mean NFL...WTF...why is that a required app?

MOG?

Kindle?

Netflix?

The list goes on...

I forgot to add she uses Netflix too. lol.

But having a choice of 3 different email apps, options doesnt equal complicated to me. It means choices, thats all. If the first email option you try works fine...does the other 2 matter? Why even try the other 2? If all I used was Gmail....I think it would matter even less.

Take me again...I have used Gmail...obviously... and Hotmail before. I used to use a hotmail app, then I decided to add Hotmail to my accounts. Was fine....until it seemed to not sync as good as the app. Went back to the app. In that case...it did half work. But I found 1 app that did all I wanted n needed. I didnt have to go thru 5-6.

Bloatware...thats another topic for debate. Some may consider Smart Actions bloatware...until you see how many ppl are using it. Since I have a Netflix account...I dont consider it bloatware.

It all goes back to wants n needs. And since I'm a NFL fan..and use that app....I dont consider it bloatware. When I was rocking PC's from HP...I removed bloatware about a month after first boot up. I agree for performance bloatware can be an issue. I just dont consider it making Android complicated.

 

[carracerz14]

I'll take my Android over an I phone any day. Even if I have yo use different apps to do something which Is basically what you're saying. I don't have that problem. I am smart enough to figure out the problems I have and learn how to fix them. Most people just think that if there is a problem then it is automatically android that sucks. No not really. I used to have an ipod touch. I could point out plenty of things that didn't work right but I never pointed the finger at ios. So good luck on your 3.5 inch screen full of apps. Widgets and a day dedicated app screen are only two of the things I love most about android.

 

[jroc]

I forgot to add...iOS has issues just like Android. And any other OS.

I suggest anyone who doesnt think so....take a gander on over to macrumors.com for starters...and just skim thru the first few pages of the iPhone troubleshooting section and just the iPhone section in general.

 

[Caesars]

Apple succeeds because...well you're gonna have to ask every ios consumer because i bet you get at minimum thousands of answers.

Edit:OP should change original argument being that ios AND Android both have multiple 100%fully functional ways of doing EVERYTHING a smartphone is supposed to do.

 

[OfTheDamned]

The view of what works will always be in the eye of the beholder.

Personally, I will more than likely never own another Samsung phone because I've had bad experiences with them, but millions of other people love theirs. I will never do business with At&t again due to a multitude of problems I had with coverage and customer service, but my parents and others love them. I will never own a Dell computer because of problems in the past, but I know plenty of people that use them without an issue.

Someone that buys an Android device, that turns out to be defective, often will determine that Android is the problem and turn to something else. My girlfriend was one of those people for a few years. There is not a company on the planet that makes a perfect product. Parts break, bad parts are installed, laborers get sloppy, things break in shipping, things get setup wrong, software gets corrupted, etc. It all falls under Murphy's Law.

Right now, I am in love with my Razr Maxx. Out of the 10 different smartphones that I have owned through the years I can honestly say that it is the best I have ever used. Out of the 20 different cell phones I've owned over the years, it has the best call quality and signal of any of them. I don't say this as a fangirl or as a moderator, I say this as a tech geek.

OP, I am sorry to see that you are having problems with your phone. I'm actually sorry to see anyone have issues with ICS especially, since I think it is so great. If you want to start a thread to try and sort through your problems, I am sure there are people willing to help. If you don't, that is alright too.

At the end of the day we all say that Android is about choice and sometimes that choice is to pick another device or another platform. If iOS is the platform for you then I wish you the best of luck and I hope you find what you are looking for.

 

[carracerz14]

Apple succeeds because...well you're gonna have to ask every ios consumer because i bet you get at minimum thousands of answers.

Edit:OP should change original argument being that ios AND Android both have multiple 100%fully functional ways of doing EVERYTHING a smartphone is supposed to do.

Apple succeeds because they feel like they can sue everyone who has a similar idea as them. Seriously when will they be considered a monopoly, which are illegal but the us government doesn't seem to remember that.

 

[Squatly]

Cats vs Dogs.

 

[mtollin]

Apple builds a great product. Simple and easy to use. So is a pen and paper or typerwriter, hence some people won't even buy a smartphone or computer because of the simplicity and no overload of choices.

My wife to this day won't use the guide or menu on the cable box, still scrolls every channel. Does mean the cable box is inferior because it offers more?

I enjoy the customization and freedom of choice. If I want it simple, I'll add a launcher program to make it simply work like an Apple. That's a choice I have. You can't put a widget on on Apple though, and with the new share plan on verizon or not, I can still hotspot my phone saving me alot of money.

I will never rag on Apple products, but I hate the company with a passion. I couldn't get through the Jobs Bio, he was such a worthless human with no regard for others. True, may have been a business genious at the cost of others, but never practiced what he preached, and was a lying sack of S@%t . My money goes to people who live by the golden rule whenever possible.

Back on topic, the Razor Max is the best phone I have ever owned, period. I even spy from time to time my apple friend watching me use it with it's huge screen.

If Apple makes their screen bigger, maybe Motorola should sue them for copying them, heck Apple is the biggest patent troll out there, and even sued Samsung over "similarities" and having a screen close to the Ipad size, they even went as far as the "swip to unlock." PLEASE! I only wish Apple had been sued over the use of a mouse by Xerox, after all they stole GUI from them.