i-Phone or Android?

[Trebuchet]

So Lady Trebuchet and I have decided to dip another toe into the 21st century and get smart phones. Service provider will be Verizon, as it is currently, since pretty much nothing else works at our alternate location. (And Verizon doesn't exactly work well!)

The choice is between an iPhone and one of the various Androids. What should we be looking for? Any major selling points for one vs the other? Note that Apple having 100,000 times the number of apps we'll ever use vs only 10,000 times for Android is probably not a major selling point!

Siri looks interesting but also a tad creepy. Anybody have one of those?

[Tensor]

I'd say it would depend on what your other stuff is. I have a MacBook Pro and an iPad. When I change our phones over toward the end of the year, guess which way I'm going? It's just going to make everything easier (of course, that's Apple's plan) as I'll be able to move stuff around from one device to the other and if I download music or video, I can use it on all of my stuff. I know there are apps for that, but the integration of owning all Apple devices will make it so much easier.

One of my daughters has an Android, and she loves it. Make sure you go and play with them. One of my friends was convinced they were going to get an iPhone, but after playing around with it, decided to go with an Android (of course, I've heard stories going the other way, so YMMV.) Like I said, go play with them.

Since I have no idea what operating system you're using, and the time frame of your purchase (and because I know nothing about them), I can't comment on the soon to be released Windows Phones.

[Trebuchet]

Since I have no idea what operating system you're using, and the time frame of your purchase (and because I know nothing about them), I can't comment on the soon to be released Windows Phones.

We've never had an Apple product. Time frame may be as soon as next week. I think we'll stay away from Windows phones!

[chrlzs]

It's probably of little help, as I am essentially a Luddite who doesn't really embrace smart phone technology - I just want a phone that works well... however... I've been tempted to the dark side on a few occasions when I wanted to get online urgently.. so when I saw a factory refurbished unlocked LG Android thingy on sale very cheaply, I grabbed it.

I had low expectations but have been pleasantly surprised, in general. I probably will barely use 10% of its capabilities, but have tried most of it out, loaded a couple of free games/apps, used the free navigation software (which works very well), used the browser occasionally for internet banking and a few searches. I like the way Android works, and really have no complaints, except that every now and then a website is difficult to navigate due to tiny/badly designed controls (yes, I know you can enlarge it, but there's a limit to what you can overcome!).

I've briefly played with an IPhone but didn't really see anything compellingly better or worse.

[geonuc]

I held an aversion to iPhones for a while (not really sure why), but after getting a 3GS, I'm happy with it. Most of the people at my work - an engineering firm - seem to prefer iPhones. Many have the latest, which includes Siri. They don't tend to activate her at work, so I can't say how cool, annoying or creepy that might be.

iTunes is really frustrating, though. And you need it to update the iPhone.

[cjl]

Personally, if I were getting a new smartphone soon on verizon, I'd get a Samsung Galaxy S-3. Android, gorgeous display, fast, and extremely capable (and it ships with the latest version of Android, which most current Androids haven't been updated to yet). Pretty darn good in the battery life department too. Yeah, the iPhone 4s is nice, but personally, I would take the larger screen of the Galaxy, as well as the fact that I prefer the android interface over iOS. Of course, it isn't out yet, but it arrives on the tenth, so it isn't a long wait.

Oh, and the final thing that would push me towards the Android is mobile network speed. The Verizon iPhone is on Verizon's 3g network, which is certainly functional, but speeds aren't wonderful even by modern 3g standards (2-4 megabit typical from what I've seen). The Galaxy is on Verizon's LTE network (4g), which runs more like 10-30 megabit typical. Of course, the 4g network coverage isn't amazing yet, but in most major metropolitan areas, they have pretty good coverage, and they're expanding the network pretty fast.


(Also, I hate iTunes, just for full disclosure )

[Ara Pacis]

I have an Android and prefer it. I like having multiple buttons instead of the one button on the iPhone.

[TJMac]

It is a personal thing, I think, but keep in mind you will have to be more alert for malware on an Android phone. I run a popular app for antivirus, that is either effective, or the rumor of virus is overblown.

I use a Nexus S, by Samsung, and have been very happy with its performance. It's the Google phone, which may or may not be your cup of tea either. If I was updating today, or soon, I would likely go with the Galaxy 3, but that's partly due to my familiarity with it.

I have played with a coworkers I-Phone a bit, and nothing about it made me really, really, want one, or swear off of ever having one. No opinion there.

The new Jelly Bean OS will (which I think I will get update to this month) for Android, is doing away with Flash, but I don't know what significance that has, as of yet.

Mine has a very nice camera on board, but you would have to compare stats between phones if that is something that matters to you.

TJ

[Trebuchet]

Oh, and the final thing that would push me towards the Android is mobile network speed. The Verizon iPhone is on Verizon's 3g network, which is certainly functional, but speeds aren't wonderful even by modern 3g standards (2-4 megabit typical from what I've seen). The Galaxy is on Verizon's LTE network (4g), which runs more like 10-30 megabit typical. Of course, the 4g network coverage isn't amazing yet, but in most major metropolitan areas, they have pretty good coverage, and they're expanding the network pretty fast.

So does it work at all if you're out of the urban area? We spend a lot of time at our relatively rural second home; coverage by Verizon is already somewhat spotty there and even worse for other carriers when we've had visitors.

The i-Tunes issue is something I hadn't been aware of. We don't download music so perhaps that tilts it toward Android. The latest Consumer Reports also seems to prefer the Android.

[orionjim]

You will find a bigger difference between Android phones than between a recent Android phone and the new iPhone.

The iTunes issue is a little more than just downloading music; iTunes is the normal way for getting apps and updates. It is not a big deal as long as you know that iTunes is part of what is needed. The plus side is that it makes transferring music and stuff to the phone easy. It is a little more work on the Android.

You can help the reception problem with Verizon by using the “Verizon Wireless Extender”. Sprint has something similar and if you complain long enough they will give you one, otherwise it’s several hundred dollars.

Also I’ve found that there is a big difference between manufactures of phones when it comes to reception. I would talk to knowledgeable people at stores like Best Buy or Verizon; of course if you go with Apple then it doesn’t matter.

Others have mentioned Siri on the Apple and that is a neat feature. Android 4.1 will have something similar here is a video that is a demo of both:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/25870..._showdown.html

If it looks useful and you end up with an Android make sure it is capable of running 4.1 when it comes out. Most of the latest Android phones should be able to run it.

I have a new Android but to be honest I almost went with the iPhone. You will be happy either way you go.

Jim

[LotusExcelle]

This is all a personal preference issue. So be warned: opinions to follow. The best mobile OS is currently WebOS. However as HP has pulled the rug out from under WebOS there aren't any contemporary phones that use it. I have used all 3 "major" phone types - Palm, Android, iPhone. My preference is heavily in the Palm (WebOS) camp. However that is a relatively useless position. Much like my preference for AmigaOS.

Sooooo... on to realistic things. I have only used Microsoft's older phone operating systems - specifically the worst one: 6.5. However my next WILL be a Windows phone. I am absolutely fed up with Android and all of the issues I've come across with it. Nor do I like Apple's closed-cell ecosystem. As everything I do is Microsoft-based (work applications included) I like the way the new Windows ecosystem is headed. I am also currently running Windows 8 on my desktop and will likely migrate at least one of my laptops to it before crossing into the world of tablets.

I can link my rant on my issues with Android if you want more info.

SO here's my advice for you: get whatever suits you for now. But keep your eyes open. There are great things afoot from Redmond.

[SeanF]

You've never needed iTunes to buy apps on the iphone - you can do that directly on the phone.

And, IIRC, the latest iPhone OS can use iCloud for updates and backups - you don't need a computer at all, to say nothing of needing iTunes.

[Noclevername]

I have a similar choice coming up, as my 9-year-old dumbphone is on its last legs. I know next to nothing about smartphones or apps.

[cjl]

So does it work at all if you're out of the urban area? We spend a lot of time at our relatively rural second home; coverage by Verizon is already somewhat spotty there and even worse for other carriers when we've had visitors.

The i-Tunes issue is something I hadn't been aware of. We don't download music so perhaps that tilts it toward Android. The latest Consumer Reports also seems to prefer the Android.

You won't get 4g coverage outside of major metropolitan areas, but the phone can fall back to the slower (and older) networks if the faster ones aren't available. Anywhere that an old verizon phone gets signal, these ones should as well, but the data connection speed may fall back to 3g (2-4 megabit) or even older (a few tens to hundreds of kbps), depending on how far out in the boonies you are going. The phone can still make calls just fine, only the data speeds are affected.

[Trebuchet]

You won't get 4g coverage outside of major metropolitan areas, but the phone can fall back to the slower (and older) networks if the faster ones aren't available. Anywhere that an old verizon phone gets signal, these ones should as well, but the data connection speed may fall back to 3g (2-4 megabit) or even older (a few tens to hundreds of kbps), depending on how far out in the boonies you are going. The phone can still make calls just fine, only the data speeds are affected.

Thanks, that's good to know. I should probably mention that I CAN get reliable phone service from Verizon there if I'm willing to pay roaming charges. Canada is about 30 miles away, but it's line of sight!

[Solfe]

I agree with LotusExcelle about the Palm. I have two of them for when I take trips and I have to have something that just works. Terribly outdated when compared to newer tech, but it works all the time.

I am "That All Mac Guy", but recently have been playing with Linux which I like a lot more than anything else. I MIGHT get an iPhone when I have to update next year, but I dislike the idea of messing with a brand new phone and my perfectly good computer system. I will likely have to "cope" with having a stock iPhone with no computer interaction.

My android phone is very annoying but I am willing to bet that it is the brand/model I selected. It does some really annoying things. iPhones seem very polished compared to what I have. I am not at all disappointed in the androids capabilities, it is the user interface that stinks. Yesterday I played with android phone that is Google branded (with a massive screen) that was really great.

If you are at the edge of the nearest service area, I suggest you try to stay on wi-fi for as much data as possible. With my current android, I can switch off the "phone" portion of the device and still browse the internet via wi-fi. That can double your battery life. I find myself either turning off the phone or turning off everything possible to extend the battery life to a day or more.

[Dickenmeyer]

I went Android when I upgraded to a smartphone in January. The phone I got (Motorola Atrix 2) was well reviewed, has a bigger screen than my wife's Iphone, is thinner than an Iphone, and most importantly only cost me $30 to upgrade, an Iphone would have cost me $200. (I have no idea how the plan pricing is determined, it seems utterly random to me.) But it's a great phone, I love it.

[Drunk Vegan]

The two biggest selling points for me for Android are:

1) Much more open platform, Linux based, very little to no DRM, no messing around with licensed media files or having to convert to iTunes drm format or use their bloatware iTunes. Also has the option of loading apps that haven't been required to be approved through the iTunes store.

2) Can buy models with physical keyboards but stuck with virtual on iPhone. I use the web a lot on my phone so makes a big difference for me, might not so much for others.

[Trebuchet]

Looking more and more like Android for us, then. We still need to go in and physically look at a few models.

Do all models have wi-fi connectivity, then, or is that optional?

[Drunk Vegan]

Looking more and more like Android for us, then. We still need to go in and physically look at a few models.

Do all models have wi-fi connectivity, then, or is that optional?

AFAIK all current models of smartphones have WiFi connectivity, some older ones may not though and worth checking out before you commit to one.

[Trebuchet]

Done. Two new Motorola Razr's. Now for the hard part -- figuring out how to use them efficiently.

It's now 40 minutes past the planned shutdown for the merger, I'll be interested in seeing if this message survives.

[orionjim]

Done. Two new Motorola Razr's. Now for the hard part -- figuring out how to use them efficiently.

It's now 40 minutes past the planned shutdown for the merger, I'll be interested in seeing if this message survives.

Were they the new Razr Maxx?

[Fazor]

Tara desperately wants an iPhone. She's a photographer, and there are a lot of photo apps that are exclusive to Apple, or don't get released to Android until months later.

I'd like an iPhone just so I can stay up on mobile gaming for my website (same reasons as above: exclusive apps, first-release apps), but I'd personally rather have a newer Android phone. I'll probably go Android and just use Tara's eventual iPhone purchase to check out apps when they come along.

[Trebuchet]

Were they the new Razr Maxx?

Yes. Figured we might as well go whole hog! Lot's of work to do now understanding how everything works, but at least adding entries to the phone book is MUCH easier than our old phones, especially my wife's.

[orionjim]

Yes. Figured we might as well go whole hog! Lot's of work to do now understanding how everything works, but at least adding entries to the phone book is MUCH easier than our old phones, especially my wife's.

Wow! You sure didn’t mess around. That has to be the nicest phone out there right now. Good choice!

Jim

[Trebuchet]

OK, possibly stupid question. No, make that a probably stupid question:

When I connect the phone to Wi-Fi, does it use that for phone calls as well, or just data? It is, after all, all digital!

I'm deciding having the ability to get e-mail in my pocket is not necessarily a good thing!

[grapes]

OK, possibly stupid question. No, make that a probably stupid question:

There are no possibly/probably stupid questions!

A friend of mine (and his daughters) have used almost every iPhone offering, but he went with the Samsung Note, a few months ago. He has now paid the penalty, and returned to iPhone, and plans on getting the iPhone 5 (4g! Why so long?)

[orionjim]

OK, possibly stupid question. No, make that a probably stupid question:

When I connect the phone to Wi-Fi, does it use that for phone calls as well, or just data? It is, after all, all digital!

I'm deciding having the ability to get e-mail in my pocket is not necessarily a good thing!

No it doesn't; but like everything there is an app for doing that called GrooVe IP that. It is uses a VoIP along with Google Voice. See:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...om.gvoip&hl=en

Calls outside the US and Canada are billed through Google Voice (not free).

I'm not sure how incoming calls work.

[Ara Pacis]

OK, possibly stupid question. No, make that a probably stupid question:

When I connect the phone to Wi-Fi, does it use that for phone calls as well, or just data? It is, after all, all digital!

I'm deciding having the ability to get e-mail in my pocket is not necessarily a good thing!

No, not at present as a part of standard service, but as others point out, VOIP through other services may be possible. We actually had a big argument thread about that a year or so ago because someone wanted to know why it isn't being done by the telephony providers themselves.

[LotusExcelle]

That was me. And I still say it is absurd that the calls aren't offloaded from the towers.