Departing Windows Phone...to ios or android though?

T

Toejam

Weaksauce
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Oct 27, 2009
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Well, my four year experience with windows phone looks like it is coming to an end. I've cycled through a handful of them, lately from the titan to the 1520 to the htc one. I think I've finally reached the point where, for work and for recreation purposes, I'm feeling pretty restricted by what is offered and what is possible with the windows phone. So.

Looking at branching out. Has anyone else switched from WP lately? Care to share your experience?

I'm looking largely at the iphone 6 plus, as I enjoy the larger screen and I really want a phone experience that is lacking in glitches and issues...and I feel like that is something Apple can deliver. I don't care much about customization. I do find myself checking out the new nexus and other phones in that category, just to give android due consideration and explore what they offer.

I do love the calendar and mail apps that are included with windows phone. Would one OS be an easier transition for me than another? Any suggestions on that as well?
 
my next device will be a droid unless MS pulls a miracle out of it's bottom end...
 
Either would be good, but I suspect you'd want to go the iPhone route. The relative stability is part of it, but I'd also point to the timelier OS updates (with longer-term support) and the app ecosystem. In some ways, iOS is the exact antithesis of Windows Phone/Mobile: you not only get all the apps, you get some of them weeks or months before they hit any other platform... including some Microsoft titles.

On the Android side, your best bet would likely be a Nexus model (preferably the 6P). It's the closest you'll get to day-one OS updates on Android, and it provides a clutter-free take on Android that will let you see what it's like without unnecessary cruft on top. Good cameras, too, which is no mean feat given the Nexus line's history.
 
There are both good and bad elements of both. The main thing I'd suggest is that if you go Android - go as vanilla as possible. That's usually with a Nexus or Motorola device. While the hardware specs on some other devices (mainly Samsung) is great, their bloatware suite of unremovable apps is a pain. You're also stuck with a launcher that may or may not be to your liking and updates are slow. If you go with one of those, you'll have to root it and install another ROM to do anything about it.
With iOS - it is what it is, which is a bonus IMO. It's straightforward and simple. You might feel a little locked down by comparison, but there's a lot of polish and updates come quickly straight from Apple.
 
I currently have a Windows Phone which is in need of replacement and am mulling the alternatives. After Apple's recent idiocy bricking a phone after emergency 3rd party repairs, I won't be buying an iPhone. That leaves WP 10 or Android. I'm not a great user of apps, so it's pretty even.
 
Quartz-1 said:
I currently have a Windows Phone which is in need of replacement and am mulling the alternatives. After Apple's recent idiocy bricking a phone after emergency 3rd party repairs, I won't be buying an iPhone. That leaves WP 10 or Android. I'm not a great user of apps, so it's pretty even.
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I don't know what the outrage is here. It's pretty clear that the home button replacements restriction is for security, not greed. Apple should arguably make sure that trusted 3rd-party repair shops can install home buttons that pass muster, but what does that matter to you if you live within range of an Apple Store (or are willing to ship your phone)?

I'm also curious about the policies that apply to other manufacturers' fingerprint readers. If you break your Nexus 6P's reader, can you go to any old shop to get it replaced?
 
Quartz-1 said:
I currently have a Windows Phone which is in need of replacement and am mulling the alternatives. After Apple's recent idiocy bricking a phone after emergency 3rd party repairs, I won't be buying an iPhone. That leaves WP 10 or Android. I'm not a great user of apps, so it's pretty even.
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The Error 53 has been around for 2.5 years and people haven't been bitching about it much at all. It is just another topic of the week for some news sites to make an issue seem bigger than it is. Also what do you expect to happen when the primary security device on a phone is replaced by a third party?
 
Quartz-1 said:
I currently have a Windows Phone which is in need of replacement and am mulling the alternatives. After Apple's recent idiocy bricking a phone after emergency 3rd party repairs, I won't be buying an iPhone. That leaves WP 10 or Android. I'm not a great user of apps, so it's pretty even.
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This isn't new and only applies to the ToughID sensor/Homebutton which should be repaired by Apple anyways, since they are the only ones who hold OEM parts.

Aurelius said:
I don't know what the outrage is here. It's pretty clear that the home button replacements restriction is for security, not greed. Apple should arguably make sure that trusted 3rd-party repair shops can install home buttons that pass muster, but what does that matter to you if you live within range of an Apple Store (or are willing to ship your phone)?

I'm also curious about the policies that apply to other manufacturers' fingerprint readers. If you break your Nexus 6P's reader, can you go to any old shop to get it replaced?
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Until these third parties get actual legit home buttons that are OEM parts, I highly doubt Apple will sign off on anyone installing 3rd party hardware.
 
Either would be good. I prefer android myself. I like to tinker with my phone. Custom kernels and ROMs. But the 6s phones are really good. On the android side try and wait for a bit longer with the new snapdragon chips with new flagship phones here the next 60 to 90 days
 
If you already have an iPad or mac, get an iPhone. If not, then it's a harder decision. For me, it's either Nexus or iPhone. Not going to get any other phones.

I am hoping that the Surface phone x86 happens.
 
Wow, thanks for all the solid responses!

I was also hoping for a surface phone, but I feel like microsoft is probably going to bail on flagship phones before that becomes a thing.

I don't have a mac or ipad, but my fiance does use a lot of apple products. One of my worries is the use of itunes....don't like having to rely on them for all my music and what not.

My last experience with android was with the samsung moment and it was just frustrating. Didn't enjoy android much. I don't tinker with my phone much, I just use apps to perform functions that make my life easier/ help me with work, and I just want stability. Based on what I've read, it seems like this should make me lean towards the iphone. but man, those price tags...is it worth it? I don't know.

Android has always seemed...less efficient. Less efficient at doing e-mail, various texts, sorting through apps...is that kind of the case, (more user customization and options, less streamlined) or is it more just user experience?
 
Based on what you said I would go with apple. If you do go with android now go with a nexus 6p. Asop android is the way to go.
 
I recently bought a Nokia 1520 and go with it for awhile and then switch back to my Nexus 6. I love the 1520 and the Nexus 6.

If you do go Android, I recommend getting a Nexus phone. Unless you like to root and try out some ROMs.

Good luck to ya!
 
Want to spend 700$ ? - Apple
Want to spend fraction of that - Android since you can get very nice phones for 300-400$

Also getting any music or video files onto ios is serious pain in the rear part compared to droid.
 
Michaelius said:
Want to spend 700$ ? - Apple
Want to spend fraction of that - Android since you can get very nice phones for 300-400$

Also getting any music or video files onto ios is serious pain in the rear part compared to droid.
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You can get a seriously good iPhone for the same price as well.

As for getting media onto iPhones, if you use iTunes (which isn't that bad anymore) its easier than Android. It will also auto format any media to play on your device as well.
 
Toejam said:
Android has always seemed...less efficient. Less efficient at doing e-mail, various texts, sorting through apps...is that kind of the case, (more user customization and options, less streamlined) or is it more just user experience?
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I blame a lot of that on Samsung. Vanilla Android is actually pretty similar to iOS in terms of bundled apps, interface, etc. Samsung doubles up on the stuff from normal Android, so you have their own clumsy apps mixed in. Plus, their launcher overlay for TouchWiz adds very little and is intrusive.
I do still think the iOS dialer and messaging app are slightly better, but in Marshmallow that advantage has narrowed a lot. The Android dialer is fine and Hangouts is wonderful while it still has SMS functions. Supposedly Google is spinning that off, which is kind of lousy.
The Gmail app supports other accounts (Hotmail, Yahoo, Comcast, etc.) and works just like the e-mail client in iOS. If you actually use a Gmail account, it's much better. Chrome is much better than Safari, IMO.
At this stage it's a toss-up and neither is significantly better or worse than the other. I just hated the process of syncing and file transfers with iOS. Android essentially treats your device like a USB drive.
 
Trimlock said:
You can get a seriously good iPhone for the same price as well.

As for getting media onto iPhones, if you use iTunes (which isn't that bad anymore) its easier than Android. It will also auto format any media to play on your device as well.
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How are you getting brand new Iphone 6 or 6s for 300-400$ without failing for operator contract ?
 
I'll echo the recommendation for Nexus 6P or Moto X Pure Edition on the Android side. I have the latter and the only word to describe its performance the last few months is "flawless." Glitchiness is largely a thing of the past, as long as you stick with AOSP and don't overload your phone with useless apps. I never see app crashes or any evidence of instability.

Main advantages of the MXPE/6P over the 6S Plus: price, price-to-performance ratio, access to the filesystem (important if you like loading media on your phone instead of just streaming), no iTunes, screen size-to-bezel ratio, customization if you change your mind about that down the road.

For about $100 more, the 6P gets you a fingerprint scanner and slightly better camera over the MXPE, although you lose the microSD slot. The 6P really does fight the 6S Plus to a draw in almost every category of the user experience.

The 6S Plus will no doubt work just fine if you're willing to spend the cash, and gets the edge on battery life. But the 6P and MXPE are both phones I'd totally be willing to recommend to my own parents or grandparents without expecting to field support questions on the regular (well, any more so than iOS products, anyway).
 
Toejam said:
I don't have a mac or ipad, but my fiance does use a lot of apple products. One of my worries is the use of itunes....don't like having to rely on them for all my music and what not.
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I've been an iPhone (and Mac) user for a while now. iTunes sucks. I haven't used iTunes for much of anything in several years now. You don't need it to set up or run your phone. There is an App Store external to iTunes, which is much cleaner. The phone has a "Music" app, that is not iTunes (although it is integrated into the iTunes store). Spotify and Pandora are both available and work well, as are Amazon Musicand Google Music.

If you want to transfer MP3s (or other supported formats) onto your phone (they don't have to necessarily be bought from Apple), yeah I think you'll have to use iTunes from a computer to do that, but once the MP3s are transferred, they are available in the Music app on the phone, and you don't have to deal with iTunes again.

iTunes is an embarrassment to Apple, Out of all the things they do, I can't believe revamping it hasn't been a priority for them. It's like the antithesis of all things Apple.
 
Brian_B said:
iTunes is an embarrassment to Apple, Out of all the things they do, I can't believe revamping it hasn't been a priority for them. It's like the antithesis of all things Apple.
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Back in the iPod's heyday, it was great... sync all your songs, playlists, podcasts and such in one shot. I still think it's particularly good for local syncing, but it is trying to do a whole lot these days... probably more than it should.

I wouldn't be surprised if a revamp is in the works, but that it's taking a while. Unlike iMovie or Photos, Apple can't afford to drop significant features in the name of streamlining things on iTunes. It'd either need to separate apps (say, one for Apple Music, one for local music) or take its time getting everything just right.
 
I am firmly in the "separate apps" camp. If i recall correctly, in the early iPhone days, there was a "Device Sync" app that was outside of iTunes - it worked with Palm Pilots and such.
 
I went from a 928 to a rom'd SGS4 and eventually back to a 928. My previous android experience was 2.3.

My only advice, go the nexus/pure/vanilla route. The ROM route was not fun and trying to find a mix that was even usable was difficult and nothing came close to the stability I had on WP8/8.1
 
For anything android that you want to "just work" and get updates your only choice is a Nexus device. If you dont like what they are offering then you probably shouldnt get an android phone based on the things you just posted.

iOS and Apple are basically synonymous with everything you wanted in a phone, also no one manufacturer will give you anywhere near the support and warranty Apple and the Apple store does. You cant really go wrong with either Nexus or iPhone these days, though the large majority here prefer Android over iOS. I use both daily and for the last 2 years my preference has been iPhone by a large margin.
 
Dont hold your breath on the Surface phone. Mobile markets are not as easy as Tablet PC replacements

iOS vs Droid is a debate that you need to use before anything, as its all about personal preferences. With the release of a dedicated Nexus Lineup rivaling the iPhone lineup in design and software abilites, its all about the end users preference.

For instance, if you like the bubble style copy and paste of iOS rather then the two arrow selection method of Droids thats upto you. If you like legit two app multitasking versus, close one app then use the other, then Droid is where its at.

You have to use it and not believe the masses on phones. Spend some time at a best buy store if you can with working Nexus displays. You`ll get to experience both and make a better informed decision.
 
Aurelius said:
Back in the iPod's heyday, it was great... sync all your songs, playlists, podcasts and such in one shot. I still think it's particularly good for local syncing, but it is trying to do a whole lot these days... probably more than it should.

I wouldn't be surprised if a revamp is in the works, but that it's taking a while. Unlike iMovie or Photos, Apple can't afford to drop significant features in the name of streamlining things on iTunes. It'd either need to separate apps (say, one for Apple Music, one for local music) or take its time getting everything just right.
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Nah, it will probably go the way of Quick Time, still used but hardly upated.
 
iTunes has had roughly the same UI for a decade. At this point, they're either happy with it or if they aren't - it'll be totally overhauled.
As much as I hate it, I know a lot of casual users that love it.
 
iTunes is pretty redundant these days. Honestly the only real use it has anymore is making and restoring backups (and that's ONLY because I like having a local copy of my backups as well as a cloud backup). Otherwise, everything else can be done directly on the iPhone/iPad. No need to sync anything as iCloud has really taken over that job.

Hell, currently neither of my machines even have iTunes installed.

And now that Windows can natively see an iPhone and import pictures, without needing any iPhone drivers installed via iTunes, there really is almost zero reason to use it anymore unless you happen to like it.


As for the OP, Go with an iPhone... seems like a no brainer. You're already used to a fairly locked down mobile OS, so if anything you'll probably feel more at home. It's far more secure, has more quality software, is extremely stable and has a huge 3rd party market. Android is cool and all, but it doesn't sound like what you're looking for.
 
dr.stevil said:
iTunes is pretty redundant these days. Honestly the only real use it has anymore is making and restoring backups (and that's ONLY because I like having a local copy of my backups as well as a cloud backup). Otherwise, everything else can be done directly on the iPhone/iPad. No need to sync anything as iCloud has really taken over that job.

Hell, currently neither of my machines even have iTunes installed.

And now that Windows can natively see an iPhone and import pictures, without needing any iPhone drivers installed via iTunes, there really is almost zero reason to use it anymore unless you happen to like it.


As for the OP, Go with an iPhone... seems like a no brainer. You're already used to a fairly locked down mobile OS, so if anything you'll probably feel more at home. It's far more secure, has more quality software, is extremely stable and has a huge 3rd party market. Android is cool and all, but it doesn't sound like what you're looking for.
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Right, local backups and auto converting files for use on your device.
 
I'd add that Microsoft's cross-platform efforts seem to focus on iOS first. For example, it's bringing the Word Flow keyboard from Windows Phone/Mobile to iOS before Android. It's your main choice if you're worried that you'll go through withdrawal symptoms without access to some of the things you liked about Windows phones.
 
How do you get music on an iPhone now? Can you finally drag and drop it?
 
Domingo said:
How do you get music on an iPhone now? Can you finally drag and drop it?
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I just stream it with Plex (personally) but it depends on what you want. There are lots of options.

no drag and drop (well... sort of)
 
Thanks for all the advice and tips everyone. I actually just managed to pick up a lightly used iphone 6 plus for $350, so I will give it a try. I'll make plans to try out the Nexus 6 here soon as well. Appreciate all your contributions!
 
Toejam said:
Thanks for all the advice and tips everyone. I actually just managed to pick up a lightly used iphone 6 plus for $350, so I will give it a try. I'll make plans to try out the Nexus 6 here soon as well. Appreciate all your contributions!
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Huge deal. Hopefully you have a case for it -- my main beef with the iPhone 6/6 Plus line is that it's slippery. The official cases are fine by me, although leather is best if you can get it (it's easier to pull out of your pocket, and looks nicer).
 
Good luck with the new phone OP. I have been on the fence for a while about getting a 6+ or 6s+ for a while and think that would be my choice if I jumped today.

I am currently on a 640XL with WP10 on it. Enjoying 10 over 8.1. Some things are way better, but others seem like MS has contracted a bit of 'me too!' in some of their decisions. The base OS feels more complete, but loses points on over all tidiness and consistency.

Phone before that was a Nexus 4. Really enjoyed my time with pure android.Current Nexus devices didn't do much for me, so I would move back to an iPhone if I moved away from Windows Phone. I have actually really grown to like the live tiles for email/etc, so giving Universal apps a chance at least until the iPhone 7 drops. I hear it will be revolutionary (sorry, couldn't resist). Well, iP7 or the Surface Phone, but not holding my breath.
 
aarcam said:
Good luck with the new phone OP. I have been on the fence for a while about getting a 6+ or 6s+ for a while and think that would be my choice if I jumped today.

I am currently on a 640XL with WP10 on it. Enjoying 10 over 8.1. Some things are way better, but others seem like MS has contracted a bit of 'me too!' in some of their decisions. The base OS feels more complete, but loses points on over all tidiness and consistency.

Phone before that was a Nexus 4. Really enjoyed my time with pure android.Current Nexus devices didn't do much for me, so I would move back to an iPhone if I moved away from Windows Phone. I have actually really grown to like the live tiles for email/etc, so giving Universal apps a chance at least until the iPhone 7 drops. I hear it will be revolutionary (sorry, couldn't resist). Well, iP7 or the Surface Phone, but not holding my breath.
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I really don't think the surface phone is going to happen. I don't know. I'm curious to see what universal apps does for windows phone.

I tried out windows 10 multiple times and just didn't feel like it was an intuitive upgrade from wp 8.1... The user experience just didn't feel like what I had originally joined WP for. That is largely why I'm bailing on the OS.

Iphone should be here tomorrow. We'll see what I think!
 
Toejam said:
I really don't think the surface phone is going to happen. I don't know. I'm curious to see what universal apps does for windows phone.

I tried out windows 10 multiple times and just didn't feel like it was an intuitive upgrade from wp 8.1... The user experience just didn't feel like what I had originally joined WP for. That is largely why I'm bailing on the OS.

Iphone should be here tomorrow. We'll see what I think!
Click to expand...

I feel like Surface Phone will happen with X86 is ready to go. They have too much invested in the Surface brand to drop some half baked idea. I dont think they are as worried about Lumia...

Agreed, 10 is very different than 8.1. I miss some of the streamlined nature and clarity that 8.1 had but appreciate the more robust features of 10. The menus and action buttons are a disaster though. Stuff is splattered all over the place. One handed operation, ha! Try three, yes three.

I am pretty much the only person in my family without an iPhone, so I have spent a decent amount of time with them. The hardware is superb. If you can get along with iOS you should have a great experience.
 
So. Week two with the Iphone. I'll admit, I love it so far. Very great hardware, extremely easy transition that only took me a few hours, really. However, there are some maddening things that I have realized...

1. No way to have texts read over bluetooth automatically? Wow! That is insane that there is no true hands-free option for this phone while driving. Android and Windows Phone have been doing this for yeeeaaars.
2. Music seems to default back and forth between spotify and the music app.
3. You can't change the volume from the lock screen, which is somewhat annoying. Also, I wish you could just volume down all the way to mute the phone...Wouldn't that be handy?

those are the three main things. Smallish issues, really (aside from the bluetooth text thing). Enjoying my experience thus far though. Apps seems to be of significantly higher quality on the iphone than similar apps on WP. Keyboard is also significantly better, aside from having to hit the symbols menu to use commas and periods.
 
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