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I keep switching between Android and iOS.
Overall experience I have with iOS is better except the launcher customization that I miss.
I have a GS3 now and have done it all - multiple custom rom's, recoveries, all kinds of XDA apps etc. I love that aspect of Android, but it does add some instability and you have to be ready for random reboots.
Honestly 99% of Android rom's are the same, the big reason to get custom roms is to get updates, and that's gone with iOS. CM/AOKP of course add their own special features, but that's minor in comparison.
I never owned an iPhone but have used it, and I think what I would miss most is the the open nature - not being able to share anything with any other app. And lack of true multitasking, I've seen too many reloads and downloads stopping because you switch away from an app. And of course the much smaller screen.
Is the ecosystem better? Keep hearing about how iOS apps are better designed, any examples compared to the Android versions?
I never owned an iPhone but have used it, and I think what I would miss most is the the open nature - not being able to share anything with any other app. And lack of true multitasking, I've seen too many reloads and downloads stopping because you switch away from an app. And of course the much smaller screen.
Is the ecosystem better? Keep hearing about how iOS apps are better designed, any examples compared to the Android versions?
You might not miss the sharing as much as you think you would. There's certainly greater convenience in Android, but a lot of the time you're just doing basics like opening a photo in Instagram or opening a link in Chrome (a lot of iOS apps can now go directly to Google's browser).
On the app ecosystem, the general rule is that iOS gets (most) of the nice apps first, and they filter over to Android some time later. The developer tools and hardware support are just that much healthier. One example: many wearable device makers (think Nike) couldn't realistically consider Android apps until 4.3 arrived, because Google's Bluetooth 4.0 LE support was a mess before then. Gaming is certainly more viable on iOS, since some better-known titles come out either first or exclusively (the Infinity Blade series and Letterpress are exclusives; PvZ 2 came out months before Android).
The iPhone's screen size is getting to me, though. I'm fine to use a 4-inch display, but there's no question that I'd rather have something closer to 4.7-5 inches, like the Moto X or Nexus 5. I don't think Apple needs to venture into phablet territory, because that's likely to remain a small (if significant) market. However, it should accept that phones no longer have to be super-compact, since they're closer to pocketable computers than calling devices.
I think you have laid out most of my issues very well. I'm not really sure how many apps implement sharing in iOS vs Intents in Android. e.g. just now I was browsing and shared the page url via Hangouts. I could also have sent it to Dropbox, email, Evernote, Bluetooth, FB, messaging, Google voice etc etc.
As I understand it, for this to work on iOS, Safari (or any other app) would have to be written to know about the specific apps it can work with in advance. I share things via email/chat a lot, often just as a reminder to myself.
I've also seen Google update its iOS apps earlier and have newer designs. But of course, Navigation is missing. And not sure if full Google Voice integration is present.
Android is for those who like to do something to their phones, iOS is for those who like to do something with their phones.
This is the best way I have heard it put honestly. I sadly call the iPhone, "The smart phone for dumb people". If you want to take a good phone out of the box, use it, and you do not really care about what you can use on it. iPhone is the phone you should have. When I had my G1 i really liked customizing the phone. But I haven't modded a phone since then. I have just made sure I bought phones with ROMs I liked and didn't have to change them. I currently have a Nexus 4, and I am thinking about changing carriers. When I do, I will probably get an iPhone, only because I think it is time to give Apple another shit.
1. You can share stuffs across app if the app supports it, but not mass data though.
2. There is really no such thing as Multi-tasking so far on phone. Downloading stuffs on background, sure. It also works on iOS 7 if the App supports it. Android on the other hand lags and stutter while having another app doing other task in the background (I have used S4, One, New Padfone Infinity, Note 2...all have the same problem).
3. The reload problem also exist on Android a lot. The activity keeps dismiss regardless of RAM usage. iPhone 5S so far haven't seen much of this issues, unless it's an app that you haven't turn on for awhile.
The ecosystem on iOS definitely far superior, not just App quality it self but also the design.
Overall, Android itself is a huge fragment, it's pretty bad to a point that there is no way to fix it. Another downside that push me aside is that in order to achieve the same performance on Android, they need a crazy CPU that requires a lot bigger battery, but can still barely keep up. This is due to the VM environment, which is a big culprit on mobile device.
I'd be careful about that phrasing, since it's entirely possible to be an intelligent iPhone owner. It's just that the interface is easier to understand for newcomers or those who simply don't want to spend time learning every nuance of their device. We techies have to get over the notion that an OS must be complicated to be useful, like some kind of geek masochism ("oh, make it harder to use! Less intuitive! It feels so good!").
Not that Android is all that complicated, but it really appeals most to the kind of person who'd... well, post on HardForum.
Same, plus I get bored with the iPhone, sure it's great at what it does but with android you have options to keep your interest alive.
**/personal preference alert / rant/**
I've never owned an iPhone, but I have owned an iPad and an iPod touch. I've owned exclusively Android devices when it comes to phones starting with an OG Droid, Droid II, Droid Razr, Droid Razr Maxx, and Galaxy Note 2. I am 100% PC, I have never owned an Apple computer. My current tablet lineup: Dell Venue 8 Pro and a Surface Pro 2. Certainly not an "Apple fanboy" is what I'm trying to get across.
This is what I think is BS about Android:
The carriers / manufacturers control when you get OS updates unless you root / custom roll roms. With an iWhatever, as long as it is within a year or two old you get the latest updates the day they come out. Android fragmentation is a real problem imho.
Heavy customization = pain in the ass to switch phones without losing all that time and effort. After working with Titanium backup and a few other backup apps, its just frankly a pain in the ass to pour that much time into your phone customization to then lose it, or update and lose it, or get a phone replacement and lose it because you didn't make a recent backup, etc. Maybe I'm just getting older, but I feel the same way more or less about customizing the look and feel of Windows. I used to be super into that when I had 11 hours a day free on the computer when I was younger, but now that I am working and have little time for it I just want it to work. Same with phones. Know what I don't feel like doing after 10 hours at work? Dinking around with my phone's UI to make it look different or trying to get XXXX working with the latest and greatest rom build. I'd rather spend that time with my family or other hobbies. That being said, when left alone the stock Android experience isn't too bad at all. It certainly does everything I need it to and tons more.
"Android has just as many apps as iWhatever, and they are free" ...BS, using free ad-supported apps is a shitty experience. I'd rather use an iOS app 95% of the time for reasons people in this thread have already stated. They are just higher quality because of Apple's locked down approach, and to me that's worth $.99 when I like the app.
Widgets....widgets are lame...There I said it. I'd rather use the full app to view whatever in almost all cases. They seem gimmicky to me. The main exception is music player apps like Spotify, however the native player on an iDevice is better.
"Multitasking is easier / better in Android"...I feel both operating systems are equally good / bad / horrible in this regard. I don't think its any faster to switch apps in Android vs iOS or vice versa. I also find that Android does a shitty job managing system resources (imho). I hate having to go to task manager to end tasks like I'm sitting at a Windows machine. The iOS task manager does suck when it comes to ending mass tasks when the need arises however.
What keeps me coming back to Android? Honestly the only reason I can think of that has locked me into Android's ecosystem is the damn keyboard customization. I loathe onscreen keyboards, and Swype / SwiftKey keep the experience pleasant. That and maybe FoxFi for tethering.
How is any of this relevant to the topic at hand? I have had my Note 2 for a year now and I want something new. The two choices I'm tossing around for a replacement are the Note 3 and the iPhone 5s. I've been thinking about going with the iPhone mainly because I just want to try something different. On the other hand, the Note 3 seems to do everything the Note 2 does, better. If I go that route I might give the Galaxy Gear watch a try to keep things fresh.
Anyways, these are just my opinions...Take them as such.
TLDR: Neither OS / ecosystem is better IMHO
I have had my Note 2 for a year now and I want something new. The two choices I'm tossing around for a replacement are the Note 3 and the iPhone 5s. I've been thinking about going with the iPhone mainly because I just want to try something different. On the other hand, the Note 3 seems to do everything the Note 2 does, better. If I go that route I might give the Galaxy Gear watch a try to keep things fresh.
Have you got the 4.3 update for your Note 2 yet?
*snip*
Anyways, after getting 4.3, I no longer feel the need to upgrade my phone and have very pleased with it again. I just hope it stays this way now.
The things I dislike about the iPhone:
iTunes
Plug and play support sucks in comparison
No widgets and customization
No Keyboard options
No tethering
Proprietary connector
Small screen
Exporting mass pictures sucks. The easiest way to get pictures from my fiance's iPhone is to, ironically, hook it up to my N5 via usb otg.
The list goes on. My list of complaints about my Nexus is short and my list of complaints about the iPhone is a mile long. I don't see myself switching back unless Apple makes massive changes.
The things I dislike about the iPhone:
iTunes
Plug and play support sucks in comparison
No widgets and customization
No Keyboard options
No tethering
Proprietary connector
Small screen
Exporting mass pictures sucks. The easiest way to get pictures from my fiance's iPhone is to, ironically, hook it up to my N5 via usb otg.
The list goes on. My list of complaints about my Nexus is short and my list of complaints about the iPhone is a mile long. I don't see myself switching back unless Apple makes massive changes.
You don't have to drag-and-drop if you don't want to. There are tons of programs you could use, running the gamut from drag-n-drop to folder syncing to iTunes-style hand-holding. I don't see how having options is a bad thing.1. iTunes on computer for music sync is WAY BETTER than just drag and drop like Android. The music file organization is far superior than any other solution on Android. Starbucks app also gives free stuff like every other day through iTunes too.
I don't know what you mean regarding 4.4. I'm running CM11 and the tethering works exactly the same as it has for years. Most carrier ROMs in the U.S. have never supported free tethering anyway, so I don't see how KitKat changes anything.5. Android also have tethering problem, unless you get unlock phones. Also, for the latest 4.4 you will need root, just like iPhone jailbreak. So in the end, Android also got the same exact shit problem.
If that's truly worth paying $30 a pop instead of $3, be my guest. I'm guessing a lot of the general public would disagree if they were completely educated on their options.6. I rather have proprietary cable that I don't need to keep checking which side of cable I I am plugging. (Samsung loves putting their cable the opposite way)
Outside of phablets, the current 4.7-5" Android flagships are in no way sacrificing one-hand usage. With due respect, it sounds like you haven't used these phones much. I have smaller-than-average hands for a guy and use my S3 one-handed all the time, including typing and such. Like, I don't think I've ever used both hands for anything other than gaming. Let's face it: something in the 5" range is pretty much the sweet spot in terms of readability, pocketability, and usability. Apple is playing catchup, and will continue to do so.7. Because Android required larger body to hold up more battery to get the battery life close to iPhone with slower performance. Obviously screen will be bigger, but at the same time you are sacrificing the one hand usage. We already starting to see almost all the OEM manufactures are making the "mini" size now. Hence, Sony Xperia Z1f, HTC One mini, Samsung GS4 Mini, Asus Padfone Mini...etc
Outside of phablets, the current 4.7-5" Android flagships are in no way sacrificing one-hand usage. With due respect, it sounds like you haven't used these phones much. I have smaller-than-average hands for a guy and use my S3 one-handed all the time, including typing and such. Like, I don't think I've ever used both hands for anything other than gaming. Let's face it: something in the 5" range is pretty much the sweet spot in terms of readability, pocketability, and usability. Apple is playing catchup, and will continue to do so.
Google music does a fine job syncing if I want as do dozens of other programs. The best part is that I don't need them on my computer causing problems and I don't need them on any other computer I chose to plug my phone into.1. iTunes on computer for music sync is WAY BETTER than just drag and drop like Android. The music file organization is far superior than any other solution on Android. Starbucks app also gives free stuff like every other day through iTunes too.
Plug and play works flawlessly on every Windows, mac, ubuntu, or OpenElec computer I have. It also syncs (using the same cable I might add with my cameras, tablets, video cameras, and even my racing datalogger. As far as photos, it's getting the photos off without using a computer that is troublesome.2. Plug and play is bad? I find Android plug and play is crap when you plugin to a Mac or none windows platform. Most of the time you need the Android File Transfer app to do it. It's definitely not plug and play for normal usage. iPhone on the other hand is way easier. I can just plug and play the photos out of box on nearly all platform. If you having trouble taking out photo on Windows, then I can guarantee you that you have never used iPhone before.
The typical Apple response. You'll love it when Apple implements it....every time Android has something that Apple doesn't it's crap, useless, and doesn't work bu the moment Apple releases it everyone's tune changes and all of the sudden they love this thing they thought was stupid before. I love widgets, they work great and never cause issues.3. Oh yes, widgets.... I find most widgets to be crap and having some wakelock issues. The only one I really like is the weather, music, and calender. All the others are pretty much gimmick or useless.
The security response is garbage and Apple and everyone else knows it. If security was really their major concern they wouldn't be using iCloud for backup syncs. Security on the iPhone is complete garbage. Between locally stored folders on computers and iCloud which Elcomsoft has more or less let every crook tea bag unsuspecting iPhone users for years now I can't believe anyone has the gall to bring up security on an iPhone. The best part is that Apple has known about the vulnerabilities for years now and refuses to do anything about it.4. keyboard options are for security purposes. This is the reason why Apple never allow this type of customization. I do like Swype keyboard, but this is only good if I can use my phone with one finger.....
You clearly don't know how tethering works then. I've had it on every Android phone I've had since I switched from the iPhone. No unlocking or root needed.5. Android also have tethering problem, unless you get unlock phones. Also, for the latest 4.4 you will need root, just like iPhone jailbreak. So in the end, Android also got the same exact shit problem.
I have no problem outsmarting a cable so this isn't an issue for me. I like that my phones, headsets, tablets, cameras, and dang near every electronic device I own uses the same cable to transfer, sync, or charge.6. I rather have proprietary cable that I don't need to keep checking which side of cable I I am plugging. (Samsung loves putting their cable the opposite way)
You don't seriously believe that do you?7. Because Android required larger body to hold up more battery to get the battery life close to iPhone with slower performance.
The 5s has a 1570 mAh battery.
Just to clarify, AOSP does support tethering (both USB and WiFi) out of the box. Carriers then go out of their way to disable that functionality in their software and make you pay to unlock it. So apps like FoxFi are only necessary if you're running stock ROM. With AOSP-based ROMs, the built-in tethering is simpler and better.For a long time it was 14xx mAh.
Also tethering legally works just fine he was quoting the other guy that wanted to tether w/o paying for the service. That's a carrier issue and most android phones don't enable tethering for free unless sanctioned by the carrier... you get around that with foxfi or some other app (unless you pay your carrier to do it).
Just to clarify, AOSP does support tethering (both USB and WiFi) out of the box. Carriers then go out of their way to disable that functionality in their software and make you pay to unlock it. So apps like FoxFi are only necessary if you're running stock ROM. With AOSP-based ROMs, the built-in tethering is simpler and better.
Also, I'm pretty sure a phone like the Nexus 5 will allow you to tether for free using the stock ROM regardless of carrier.