I'm an iPhone user, convince me.

1. More choices.
2. More customizable.
3. Freedom!

SuperJimbo said:

With iPhone however, i've never felt like i was missing out on any useful features.

Click to expand...

Option 1, upgrading to the iP6, seems like a no-brainer in that case. You're used to the convenience and familiarity of iOS, and the 6 retains all that whilst giving you a significantly larger display and much-improved hardware. I'd never advocate change-for-changes-sake regardless of platform.

Play hard-ball with your current network's retentions dept, as they'll bend over backwards to keep high-tier customers, and you should get a good deal on a 64GB iP6.

It's like comparing blondes with brunettes. It's all down to personal preference.

Androids and Macs get along just fine together - Android and OS X have far, far more in common than OS X and iOS - except for codependency issues.

It's a tall order to answer how you'd benefit from Android when an iPhone does everything so far - but - let's see.

When was the last time you saw a Mac with a one button mouse? Apple hasn't sold them that way in years. Yet that's exactly the use model they hand you on an iPhone. I know - I used an iPhone 6 for three days last week and yes, it did work. It worked very well. Compared to my HTC One M8, it worked very quaintly. That's not snark - I don't think that I can describe the pain using a one-button phone causes until it stops.

Here's the key difference at the heart of Android -

http://droid-den.com/breaking-the-ecosystem-shackles-the-power-of-defaults-and-intents-in-android-2/

Customization - you jailbreak an iPhone for maximum flexibility, you root an Android. Jailbreak your iPhone and you're kicked out of the protection of the ecosystem. Root your Android (same thing as admin access on your Mac) and not only are you not kicked out of the ecosystem, you extend your reach to enlarge it.

Ease of use - an iPhone is a thing. iOS is a thing that varies by features on the generation of iPhone that it's on.

Android is not a thing. It's a family. Some you may find easier to transition to than others - Android varies a LOT by manufacturer.

Therefore everything you've heard and read about iPhone vs Android ease of use was a lie. iPhone vs Sony, iPhone vs Samsung, iPhone vs HTC, etc etc, are valid comparisons.

Most everywhere gives you a return grace period. Go pick up the one that appeals to you and try it. If I'm wrong, trade it back, get the iPhone.

They may be like a brunette compared to a blonde - ok why not yeah? Good a comparison as any.

I find that it's more like comparing two blondes. And one has very dark roots and is kind of a bitch to be with because it's all about her.

But, that's just me.

All I can say is. Although I have never ever owned an iPhone. I have never ever thought about having one either.
Clearly something is missing, or some spark of excitement is yet to be gained by Android, for you to even pose the question.
Take the leap, this is a family here in the android world. Like @EarlyMon said, you can switch back but I doubt you will ! Just do it !

Btw, this is pretty good, I used to use it via wifi. Check out "iSyncr : iTunes Sync (Pro)"

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jrtstudio.iSyncr

And there are other apps that are certainly excellent, that one just sprang to mind.

Anymore, I just drag and drop from my iTunes library (or whatever) to my phone. There's no wrong way to transfer music. While you will miss some of the iTunes integration with a little experiments you can find a suitable option for your tastes.

I also want to put in a plug for platform-agnostic cloud services. Use them on wifi and you don't eat your data plan.

My granddaughter is managing her music from her account on mom & dad's Mac, her Google Chromebook and her iPhone using copy.com.

My wife walks in the door, waits a little bit, her Android phone photos go to the cloud, then to her Mac - she just opens iPhoto and does an import. And that last part is strictly by choice, there's an AppleScript you can grab that will even automate that for you.

For direct wifi convenience, there's AirDroid, and it's free as well.

Launch it on your phone, surf to AirDroid on your browser (you don't connect outside your house unless you choose to) and a bar code (ok really a QR code) appears on your Mac. Point your phone camera at the Mac, it'll help you find the QR code, do nothing, bingo - you're paired for that session. Media transfers made easy.

And that's the tip of the iceberg on possibilities, hope that helps.

Crashdamage said:

1. More choices.
2. More customizable.
3. Freedom!

Click to expand...

Oh gawd, I've been drawn into a Linux forum...

jefboyardee said:

Oh gawd, I've been drawn into a Linux forum...

Click to expand...

1. Android is a compact real-time Linux.

2. The things you seem to object to are true.

3. You weren't drawn in, you entered freely and chose what to respond to.

4. Instead of helping the OP, you chose to complain.

5. Look, a squirrel!

Yeah. No.

There's no such thing as the best phone, just the best phone for someone at some point in time.

Analyzing the OP's question escapes me, I don't see why you did that.

It's simple - would you get more bang for your buck with a Sony Z3 or an iPhone 6?

The Z3 has more hardware features and a better operating system.

If you think that the iOS improvements put it on par with Android, try both devices - I have and iOS is still far behind.

OP, I think that you owe it to yourself to try an Android. You've used music and Mac compatibility as examples of what's important to you. Beyond user preference for how things behave, you're not going to come up short with an Android on those fronts.

Yes, obviously changing systems - in either direction - takes some getting used to.

Rather than extol the virtues of not trying, I'll just repeat - "What could be easier than one button?" didn't work for the mouse and it doesn't work for phones. It's not easier, it's crippling.

For the exact same reason that it didn't work for the mouse - multitasking and multi-functions.

And while I'm on my soapbox, check out the M8 in addition to the Z3. I say that not just because I own one but to underscore that Android is not the same thing across all hardware. Then check out the LG G3 while you're at it. Because depending on your needs, you may want more internal storage. All of the phones I've mentioned have storage expansion by dropping in an SD card - that means being able to upgrade to carry more music for not a lot of dough. But you can't install apps to one so you want to consider that when choosing a model with the right storage capacity for you.

I'm taking a harder line than my confreres because I think I know something - you move up to a larger screen and you're likely going to find yourself doing more because you can. I don't care if that's Apple or Android, I found that out when I went to a bigger screen and so did everyone else I know.

And that's a big part of why I keep going on about multitasking and usability.

SuperJimbo said:

Hey Guys,
So, my 24 month contract is going to end soon and that means i'll be upgrading a new contract soon (1gb of internet is not enough.), this would include upgrading to a new phone. I've been using my iPhone 4S for almost 2 years now and at the time i bought it, the iPhone 5 was already out. I've never had any problems with my iPhone 4S except with those that come with a lack of storage (16gb isn't enough). I've dropped my Phone so many times and its screen never even as much as cracked. The Wifi did break once, but apple replaced my phone while in a foreign country on the same day! I've never felt like i was missing any features with my iPhone. I enjoy the convenience of iTunes. I've even subscribed to iTunes match which allows me to have all my music including CD's and non iTunes purchased stuff to be on my Macbook and Windows PC at the same time without any hastle.
Recently i was browsing through the local phone store and the Sony Xperia Z3 appealed to me.

The way i see it at the moment is: iOS has less features but is much sleaker and simpler. Android has more features but is less simple and less sleak. With iPhone however, i've never felt like i was missing out on any useful features.
At the moment i see 2 options:

Option 1: Upgrade to the iPhone 6
This would mean that i can keep using iTunes and the OS i am familiar with. It would also allow me to keep all the Apps i purchased.

Option 2: Switch to an android.
This would mean that i would have to step out of my comfort zone. It would also mean i would lose all my Apps and have to go through the tedious process of switching everything to Google. It would also mean i lose the convenience that iTunes offers me. (i heard you can't use Android with Macs. Is this true?)

It would be great if you guys could help me out with my indecision as this is a 2 year commitment for me and i want to be sure to make the right purchase.

Your guys's job is to convince me why i'm missing out on android and why i should go through the hastle of switching to it from Apple..

Kind regards and thanks in advance,
SuperJimbo

Click to expand...

based on what you wrote.. and the things that I underlined in your post...
I would guess.. you would NOT be happy with the change.
so for you.. the best fit would be iPhone6

SuperJimbo said:

Your guys's job is to convince me why i'm missing out on android and why i should go through the hastle of switching to it from Apple..

Click to expand...

I feel we would do you a disservice if we try to convince you to buy an Android phone if we do not feel it is the best option for you. From what you told us, you seem to be very happy with the iPhone. You haven't indicated any deficiencies with iOS that Android would satisfy. I see no justification for you to go through the hassle of switching to an Android phone and going through an adjustment period. I just don't see enough benefits that would be worth the trouble. I recommend you just stick with the iPhone. It seems to be the best option for you.

I don't think that advice to go to Android is any kind of disservice in this case.

I've got a good track record of telling others to stick with the iPhone. I may have even coined the phrase, "There is no best phone..."

But in this case, the OP is very adult, has stated some hot buttons up front, and has asked for fans to be convincing.

In light of the OP saddled with serious disinformation - Android and Macs don't get along, and I mean srsly, wow, at that - I think it's a disservice in this case to not help by pitching the benefits of Android. (I actually had one of my closest friends ask me if I could really get the whole Internet on my phone - that's how bad some of the confusion and disinformation is ok.)

It seems obvious that no one else is telling him and it seems obvious that an opening post by someone that smart will have no trouble making the right choice for him - provided he gets all the facts to make a decision.

I have nothing but respect for someone who stuck to what's right and bought 2011 technology wisely in 2012 and made it work over the course of sometimes tumultuous updates for two years after.

Yeah, staying in the comfort zone is right for a lot of people and the best answer.

But in this case, I think that brave questions - strictly from a consumer point of view - deserves bold answers.

Because before I said that there was no best phone, and before I said that Android is all about choice, I always used to say -

None of these companies are our friends and I stand for the consumer because that's us.

And because the question was asked - Can you convince me to go Android? - I say yes. Or at least I'll try. I've used the iPhone 6, I liked it a lot - but I've also used a 2014 flagship Android - and I have no issue trying to answer why an Android is better.

But that's just me.

Tip of the hat to Brian - no other Android site would have members politely and positively say that the iPhone is a great choice in this case.

I respectfully agree to disagree with that in this instance.

Cheers!

PS - I'm married to a natural blonde who happens to be the real raging Android fan in the family. So regarding the earlier metaphor, I'm just saying that I stand by that as well. Your mileage may vary.

PPS - I didn't find any deficiencies in the gal I was with before this. But the change was every bit worth the effort. Rotflmao!

Earlymon.. your points are valid and maybe right.

but my gut tells me otherwise.. because of the iTunes and how much he loves how that works.
it says a lot..and points to this person's preference of dealing with music, photos, and files in general.

I have tried to understand iTunes... (NEVER used it myself).
but when my friends tell me how they use it.. it is very counter to my android / drag and drop way of thinking.
file and folders management are very different.

so.. with my take on the OP... (very little info to gleam from)
he is best served with apple mobile devices.

I love android.. but it requires the desire to break free from apple's wall garden to go through the detox process and survive to the other side to be happy of the change. Change for the sake of change is NOT worth the trouble.
from what OP said... he is HAPPY in the walled garden.

of course... I could be wrong.
and there maybe more issues why the OP wants to change. maybe if he tells us more info.. details.
what he expects.. what he wants.. what he hates of IOS.. how he would like to use his device for..
until then....
I wish the OP luck .. which ever direction they choose.

I use iTunes a lot. Have for years. On the Macs across the house serving my media in various ways. Including syncing with my Android with iSyncr.

My advice is from firsthand experience with iTunes, Macs, and the latest iPhone. I don't have to guess.

Sorry - still not getting how a question about what the advantages are and an invitation to be convincing translates to psychoanalysis and singing kumbaya about the iPhone.

It's share has all but disappeared world wide.

Android is not some exclusive club open only to those not trapped in the walled garden.

It's really simple - it makes far more sense to try Android if you never have than the psych profile approach to staying in the past.

For the next week, use only the app drawer on your Android - no home screens.

Then tell me that's better and you still stand by your advice.

I sure couldn't. And if a bud asks, I'm not going to make out like Android doesn't have enough reasons to not try it.

That advice he can get on an iPhone site!

I've yet to suggest change for change's sake.

But I might.

What I'd suggest (if it's an option) is to pick up a z3 or another Android, take it home and play with it for the 14days or whatever it is they allow and give it a real chance and work out how to make it do the things you do on your iPhone as well as explore all the rest of the cool stuff and if you don't think you can live with it, return it and swap it for an iPhone 6 (PLUS, because you'll be addicted to the big screen lol)

EarlyMon said:

For the next week, use only the app drawer on your Android - no home screens.

Then tell me that's better and you still stand by your advice.

I sure couldn't. And if a bud asks, I'm not going to make out like Android doesn't have enough reasons to not try it.

Click to expand...

I am with u on this.. I love my android and how all the great new features... cutting edge/bleeding edge
are on android first... competition from different OEMs push each other.

Apple is just playing catchup and copying.. and then legal tricks to and marketing to make the apple users believe apple did it first.

many of the new features I do not use... but I am glad they are there.. just in case.
I would never change to apple.

but I have noticed that.. those that are happy in the garden...and don't see a good reason to break out.
a great number of these craw back in.. and have wasted some $$ and time.

the ones that beak out and have a many good reason... have seem to stay out.
and that is why the apple market share is slowly shrinking...

SuperJimbo said:

Hey Guys,
So, my 24 month contract is going to end soon and that means i'll be upgrading a new contract soon (1gb of internet is not enough.), this would include upgrading to a new phone. I've been using my iPhone 4S for almost 2 years now and at the time i bought it, the iPhone 5 was already out. I've never had any problems with my iPhone 4S except with those that come with a lack of storage (16gb isn't enough). I've dropped my Phone so many times and its screen never even as much as cracked. The Wifi did break once, but apple replaced my phone while in a foreign country on the same day! I've never felt like i was missing any features with my iPhone. I enjoy the convenience of iTunes. I've even subscribed to iTunes match which allows me to have all my music including CD's and non iTunes purchased stuff to be on my Macbook and Windows PC at the same time without any hastle.
Recently i was browsing through the local phone store and the Sony Xperia Z3 appealed to me.

The way i see it at the moment is: iOS has less features but is much sleaker and simpler. Android has more features but is less simple and less sleak. With iPhone however, i've never felt like i was missing out on any useful features.
At the moment i see 2 options:

Option 1: Upgrade to the iPhone 6
This would mean that i can keep using iTunes and the OS i am familiar with. It would also allow me to keep all the Apps i purchased.

Option 2: Switch to an android.
This would mean that i would have to step out of my comfort zone. It would also mean i would lose all my Apps and have to go through the tedious process of switching everything to Google. It would also mean i lose the convenience that iTunes offers me. (i heard you can't use Android with Macs. Is this true?)

It would be great if you guys could help me out with my indecision as this is a 2 year commitment for me and i want to be sure to make the right purchase.

Your guys's job is to convince me why i'm missing out on android and why i should go through the hastle of switching to it from Apple..

Kind regards and thanks in advance,
SuperJimbo

Click to expand...

I think it's a bit ridiculous that you need/want someone to "convince" you to buy an Android device.

How about you try an Android device and decide for yourself? [emoji106]

I've had a few android phones, HTC hero, HTC desire, HTC sensation, then I tried an iPhone 5, came back to android with my current LG G3, and for me it's no contest, I had the 32gb iphone 5 and I like lots of apps, having installed loads of apps the battery on the 5 was lasting half a day with fairly light use, in comparison to that my rooted GS3 is my second phone now that I use for business use and after finding the best rom and tweaking a few think the battery lasts 4 days on standby, the G3 gets a lot of use in the day and lasts at least 16 hours before a charge, sometimes I listen to music for about 9 hours of the day, if I tried that on the iPhone 5 it would of gone flat twice.
That's just one of the many benefits of a rooted android phone over iphones

I don't think Jimbo is coming back.

If you feel that if you need to be convinced to use Android, I have to say I don't think it's for you. You seem reluctant to leave ios, so it's probably best you stick with it imo.

That being said, if you do go to Android, stick to nexus devices. Phone manufacturers and their crappy skinned versions of android are horrible imo.

@jimbo, How about a glimpse into the short future what happens when an iphone grows up......(some may mimic the Galaxy Note, but.......)

A couple of things that has not been my fav with android: the latest updates stripping lots of features that weve come to love. The decision to move to "2-dimension 1950s looking flat graphics.....youd think 21st century technology could (and can) handle glossy graphics but choose to let cell phones greedy tiered data gimics dictate regressing to old looking graphics from yesteryear. Google really turning into "apple" with so many lockdowns like the latest devices cant be rooted "out-of-the-box) and Scroogle's outright intention and succeeding in scrambliny sdcards with 4.4 and later OS upgrades without forewarning or allowing unrooted customers the option to want the massively changing upgrade versions.

If apple ever open up customizations comparable to Googles Good Ole Days and provide sdcard expansion options...all that Google has begun to restrict.......i may "consider" bailing out and rolling around on Job's...

Omar Days said:

That being said, if you do go to Android, stick to nexus devices. Phone manufacturers and their crappy skinned versions of android are horrible imo.

Click to expand...

People centric rather than app centric operation, introduced to the Nexus in ICS, more than two and a half years after HTC Sense 1 already had it. Called bloatware by Nexus fans until Google "invented" it.

Quick settings in the status bar, introduced to the Nexus in Jellybean, more than two years after it was a standard feature in HTC Sense 2.5. Called bloatware by Nexus fans until Google "invented" it.

Actual Exchange ActiveSync support, built in to HTC Sense Mail for years, still accommodated by an IMAP workaround on the Nexus Gmail. None of the Play Store apps really do as well at this, this is a benefit from HTC being the major Windows phone maker years ago.

Google camera app - yeah. No. No kidding, it's so far behind it's not funny.

Actual FM radio that uses zero data and barely sips at your battery - nonexistent on the Nexus. Believed to be useless by every hard core Nexus fan because streaming radio is better.

SD card expansion - nonexistent on the Nexus. You don't need it, how dare you carry around that much storage, seems to be the standard battle cry.

User replaceable battery - nonexistent on the Nexus.

First phone with a front facing camera - HTC (and no, not the iPhone either on that).

Nexus 6 gets front facing speakers, 2014. HTC had that years ago, reintroduced and made popular in 2013.

First phones to market with HD screens (of all types to date) - Motorola Atrix (qHD) HTC Rezound (720p) (someone correct me if I go, HTC Butterfly (Verizon DNA) (1080p), LG G3 (1440p).

No idea which phone had HDMI first but I had that on an HTC in 2010 and I'm fairly certain that it wasn't the first. Others were also first with multicore processors and 4G.

If you want a lighter rom with the fastest Android updates, get the Nexus.

But the tradeoff from the "crappy skins" is that you're missing features that you either have to wait for Google to "invent" or increase your software stack size with more add on apps until you're sucking the same resources as a "crappy skin" version of Android - because there ain't no such thing as a free lunch. That or do without the features and wait.

Android is all about choice.

Just because you can't relate to another choice doesn't make it crappy.

Fwiw, I planned to get the Nexus 6 but was forced to get another HTC for the second phone due to some jerk ripping off the old one before the N6 came out. So I have nothing against the Nexus and have generally liked them. But I'm not kidding myself that they have any more pixie dust built-in than any other Android.