Android Cheap iPhones?

[garrim85]

@jontalk: I see that, too. I am using an iPhone 4, previously a 3GS, and haven't had a single issue to date with either. But I am willing to switch over and see what is up with Android for myself first-hand. I feel that as of late I just have gotten bored with iOS. I know everything there is to know about it, all the ins and outs, I suppose I just want something knew to learn and, hopefully, master. That and I also want to experience a larger screen. I do so much web browsing and RSS reading, etc. that a larger screen would really be nice. I almost feel as though Apple has painted itself into a corner with the 3.5" screen size. They have had it for so long on the iPhone/Pod that changing it now would take a lot of work, especially on the developer's end of it. Then again, I've never really felt 3.5" was bad at all, but I would like a larger screen. The One X has me drooling, totally getting it when it drops on AT&T.

 

[AndroidBlizzard]

The people that push the android is cheap mentality is the apple iphone crowd. Basically they want to elitist. Sad IMHO.

Could not agree more with this statement.

 

[crumbkake]

I use a Galaxy SII, and there is nothing cheaply built about it. It's a bomber phone and weighs practically nothing.

My mother uses an iPhone 4s and I personally cannot wait to go back to my SII any time I have to use it. I will say that I like the support she has for her phone, and that the OS is simple enough that she can use it.

Outside of that any of the new Android phones are easily just as nice, if not better, than the iphone. Apple is going to have to step their game up over the next year or so to make many of us switch.

 

[taylorz_412]

My biggest thing about android vs iPhone is battery I don't want to have to charge throughout the day change brightness data etc... And I don't want to have to manage my usage that's where apple takes the cake you can use the iPhone for a good bit throughout the day and it just works and don't have to plug in
EDIT don't get me as a fanboy I love my rezound and android equally to the amount I appreciate the iPhone

 

[Maikai.Guy]

For me so far, and emphasis on *so far*, there hasn't been an Android phone that can match the build quality of the iPhone 4/4S. Beyond actually being a well made unit, it just feels like a very expensive device. Most Android phones are made of plastic, some exceptions of course, but the majority are just plastic shells. All of Apple's products have an expensive external hardware shell. Their computers are made of aluminum, iPhone is mostly glass and some aluminum or steel (whatever the antenna is made of), etc.

Actually, the iPhone design is absolutely awful for a mobile device. It is aluminum and glass with no allowance for shock absorption. If it drops, expect it to break. Oh sure, it's pretty and it feels nice when you hold it, but one needs to remember this is a mobile device. It shouldn't be so fragile.

Due to this shortcoming, iPhones really need a case. To do without one is to flirt with disaster. It simply will not survive a short fall to a hard surface. Even with a case, one needs to be very careful.

On the other hand, Android devices are built to actually be mobile devices. Cases are optional. Android phones with even minimal cases become extremely durable.

On the software end, yes iOS is limited as far as customization, but it runs really great. Really smooth. "It just works." iOS is very user friendly, easy to learn and figure out. There are far more people that just want a simple experience rather than being in control of everything going on and have all the customization that Android offers. That's just how it is.

Not so. iOS has crashed apps more than Android. The difference is iOS typically just shuts down the app, leaving the user to believe they may have inadvertently closed it somehow. Android reports the crash to the user.

See this article in Forbes magazine:
Do iOS Apps Crash More Than Android Apps? A Data Dive - Forbes

As for your "simple experience" comments, I agree. There are many people that just don't need the power Android offers. I believe there is a large segment of people that could easily live with an old style Symbian Keypad phone, but have a smartphone because everyone else has one.

 

[phonejunky]

Actually, the iPhone design is absolutely awful for a mobile device. It is aluminum and glass with no allowance for shock absorption. If it drops, expect it to break. Oh sure, it's pretty and it feels nice when you hold it, but one needs to remember this is a mobile device. It shouldn't be so fragile.

Due to this shortcoming, iPhones really need a case. To do without one is to flirt with disaster. It simply will not survive a short fall to a hard surface. Even with a case, one needs to be very careful.

On the other hand, Android devices are built to actually be mobile devices. Cases are optional. Android phones with even minimal cases become extremely durable.


Not so. iOS has crashed apps more than Android. The difference is iOS typically just shuts down the app, leaving the user to believe they may have inadvertently closed it somehow. Android reports the crash to the user.

See this article in Forbes magazine:
Do iOS Apps Crash More Than Android Apps? A Data Dive - Forbes

As for your "simple experience" comments, I agree. There are many people that just don't need the power Android offers. I believe there is a large segment of people that could easily live with an old style Symbian Keypad phone, but have a smartphone because everyone else has one.

The iPhone is a terrible design for a mobile phone is just a very opinionated and almost laughable statement. The iPhone feels fantastic in the hand and is very portable and easily fits into a pocket. I never used a case when I had my 4S, it was beautiful and felt great without it. I dropped it twice and it cracked the second time. Took it to apple new screen for 20 bucks in 5 minutes problem solved.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[Speedygi]

Nah, everyone who said IPhone 4 looks badly designed must absolutely see the White version put against, say, a Droid Razr...

 

[phonejunky]

Even most fanboys of other platforms I know admit the iPhone above all is a well crafted device. I mean come on here let's not be that blind. Unless like I said its a matter of personal opinion.

 

[ragnarokx]

Some of the motorola and htc phones look like they are of the highest quality. I do like the build of the iPhone. Its design is the best looking, but only by a slim margin over the competition. But the competition is getting better and better all the time.

HTC makes some absolutely gorgeous phones - they would be the best contender if you want to compare Android to the iPhone. Great example: the new One X.

If something is good why fix it.

Imagine if a car company took this advice - they would go out of business in a relative blink of an eye. In a competitive consumer goods market, especially electronics, new and different is an important edge to have.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus

 

[Speedygi]

HTC makes some absolutely gorgeous phones - they would be the best contender if you want to compare Android to the iPhone. Great example: the new One X.





Imagine if a car company took this advice - they would go out of business in a relative blink of an eye. In a competitive consumer goods market, especially electronics, new and different is an important edge to have.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus

Heck even the original Desire looked gorgeous..

 

[Maikai.Guy]

The iPhone is a terrible design for a mobile phone is just a very opinionated and almost laughable statement. The iPhone feels fantastic in the hand and is very portable and easily fits into a pocket. I never used a case when I had my 4S, it was beautiful and felt great without it. I dropped it twice and it cracked the second time. Took it to apple new screen for 20 bucks in 5 minutes problem solved.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Thanks for backing up my comments!

I said it was pretty and nice to hold, but if it drops expect it to break. That's EXACTLY the experience you had. You like the look and feel, but you broke it.

Again, many thanks for totally agreeing with me and backing up my statements... even if you thought you were not.

I think you completely missed my compliment on the look and feel of the iPhone and fixated on my negative comment about durability. As an engineer, I look for form AND functionality. The iPhone CERTAINLY has form, but it clearly lacks in functionality... in this case product durability. For a "mobile" product, that's an issue.

Why do you think they have an established program to replace screens? You won't find that with Android devices, because the problem isn't nearly as prevalent as it is with iPhone.

 

[Lanhoj]

I currently use an iPhone 4 and a GNex...my GNex is the primary device simply because for my needs it does far more, simple as that.
I upgrade every year so personally the build quality doesn't factor into my decision. What does is being able to do everything I want and more. The iPhone for my use is much to restrictive, I only keep it as a backup with a 15$/mos plan "in case" I lose my GNex I can use it to find it.
Even if I lost my GNex I wouldn't make the iPhone my primary - I have a Nexus S at home for that.
Until the iPhone offers me ALL the functionality (without jailbreakinit) I want and get from Android it'll always be cast aside as my secondary device.

 

[Mellimel22]

Could not agree more with this statement.

Ditto lol

Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk 2

 

[Speedygi]

I actually was in the same position a few months ago, lamenting on the seemingly moot points of IOS, the lack of customization in the form of launchers and widgets, the lack of a way of just downloading videos into the memory through a non-Itunes method, etc etc etc.

But the exclusive apps from IOS always draws me back and the hardware and software sleekness of my Iphone 4S still wins over everything on the market that I have tried, period. I have since gone through many of my "functional" deficiencies with many workarounds and have essentially made it everything I need for everyday use now.



Sent from my HTC One V using Tapatalk 2

 

[garrim85]

Thanks for backing up my comments!

I said it was pretty and nice to hold, but if it drops expect it to break. That's EXACTLY the experience you had. You like the look and feel, but you broke it.

Again, many thanks for totally agreeing with me and backing up my statements... even if you thought you were not.

I think you completely missed my compliment on the look and feel of the iPhone and fixated on my negative comment about durability. As an engineer, I look for form AND functionality. The iPhone CERTAINLY has form, but it clearly lacks in functionality... in this case product durability. For a "mobile" product, that's an issue.

Why do you think they have an established program to replace screens? You won't find that with Android devices, because the problem isn't nearly as prevalent as it is with iPhone.

The iPhone is front and back glass. Don't want it to break? Don't drop it. It's simple. My friend has some HTC phone from Sprint, dropped, with a case, screen shattered. I've dropped my iPhone 4 once in two years without a case from ~4ft on a tile surface, nothing more than a tiny ding on the aluminum antenna. It goes both ways man.

Apple has a program to replace screens because they realized some people are going to drop their $6-700 phone where the outside is pretty much all glass like an idiot. To get a screen replaced with any Android manufacturer it's not even remotely as convenient as what Apple provides. I see no negative there to what Apple is doing, they made the phone how they wanted and prepared for the problems that can arise from it. They have the best customer service out of any phone or computer company and there is a prime example of it.

Cars are covered with fiberglass and plastic for the look, but when you get in a wreck it's trashed and costs boatloads to replace/repair. They could make cars ugly and have them built covered with ridiculous steel all over the outside. But they don't.

Manufacturers have to balance the looks and durability of every phone they put out, with emphasis on looks more than ever. That means using materials that look great but may not be as durable as the ugly phone in the corner that can withstand nuclear war. Using those materials means higher priced devices. With higher priced devices comes the necessity for people being responsible and not dropping their expensive phones like children. Again, it's very simple.

We can go back and forth about this for days, though.

 

[Johnly]

The iPhone is front and back glass. Don't want it to break? Don't drop it. It's simple. My friend has some HTC phone from Sprint, dropped, with a case, screen shattered. I've dropped my iPhone 4 once in two years without a case from ~4ft on a tile surface, nothing more than a tiny ding on the aluminum antenna. It goes both ways man.

Apple has a program to replace screens because they realized some people are going to drop their $6-700 phone where the outside is pretty much all glass like an idiot. To get a screen replaced with any Android manufacturer it's not even remotely as convenient as what Apple provides. I see no negative there to what Apple is doing, they made the phone how they wanted and prepared for the problems that can arise from it. They have the best customer service out of any phone or computer company and there is a prime example of it.

Cars are covered with fiberglass and plastic for the look, but when you get in a wreck it's trashed and costs boatloads to replace/repair. They could make cars ugly and have them built covered with ridiculous steel all over the outside. But they don't.

Manufacturers have to balance the looks and durability of every phone they put out, with emphasis on looks more than ever. That means using materials that look great but may not be as durable as the ugly phone in the corner that can withstand nuclear war. Using those materials means higher priced devices. With higher priced devices comes the necessity for people being responsible and not dropping their expensive phones like children. Again, it's very simple.

We can go back and forth about this for days, though.

LOL! Well said

 

[phonejunky]

The iPhone is front and back glass. Don't want it to break? Don't drop it. It's simple. My friend has some HTC phone from Sprint, dropped, with a case, screen shattered. I've dropped my iPhone 4 once in two years without a case from ~4ft on a tile surface, nothing more than a tiny ding on the aluminum antenna. It goes both ways man.

Apple has a program to replace screens because they realized some people are going to drop their $6-700 phone where the outside is pretty much all glass like an idiot. To get a screen replaced with any Android manufacturer it's not even remotely as convenient as what Apple provides. I see no negative there to what Apple is doing, they made the phone how they wanted and prepared for the problems that can arise from it. They have the best customer service out of any phone or computer company and there is a prime example of it.

Cars are covered with fiberglass and plastic for the look, but when you get in a wreck it's trashed and costs boatloads to replace/repair. They could make cars ugly and have them built covered with ridiculous steel all over the outside. But they don't.

Manufacturers have to balance the looks and durability of every phone they put out, with emphasis on looks more than ever. That means using materials that look great but may not be as durable as the ugly phone in the corner that can withstand nuclear war. Using those materials means higher priced devices. With higher priced devices comes the necessity for people being responsible and not dropping their expensive phones like children. Again, it's very simple.

We can go back and forth about this for days, though.

Very well said, and I agree fully.

 

[crickie]

I believe you should judge a phone based on what your needs are. Like..do you need it for work ( and your company is too cheap to buy you one) , how tech savy are you, ( some droids need more maintenance than others), and are you on a tight budget or have money to burn is also a consideration. I have a friend who is a truck drivet, isn't very tech smart, and doesn't have a laptop traveling with him. He also takes of his stuff. I recommended an iphone 4s and he loves it! A perfect match. I would recommend a cheap droid for college students who leave their tech at drunken all nighters, and younger children who may break their phones. A high quality droid for those venturing out in the work force for the first time ( or again after many years) as they may need to customize & re-customize it to help with their changing needs. Iphones are great for seniors too. They don't take a lot of training to use. They're simple & beautiful. Either way. I always recommend doing research first before you buy. That way you'll have the mobile experience you are looking for.

 

[Ry]

So I know that Android has high-end smartphones just like Apple's iPhone. Also Android has phone far more capable and more customizable then Apple's single handset. My question is why can't Android shake that cheap iPhone status that seems to have iPhone users and the blogosphere run to that tune. Is Android really the cheap iPhone in the american tech publics eyes regardless of the feature rich android devices? does the hardware decide which one is the high echelon of devices?

It's the iPhone owners, not tech bloggers, that make this "cheap" assumption.

The fact that you can get new Android phones for cheap on contract (as well as the fact that their available on "cheaper" carriers, T-Mobile, MetroPCS, Cricket - I'm looking at you) is why this came about. Also, it didn't help that iPhones used to be $400-600, on-contract when they first came out.

Sidenote: I wouldn't exactly call the iPhone owners making such "cheap" statements about Android owners tech savvy. For a good laugh, search "iPhone 4G" and "Android Instagram" on Twitter.

 

[Maikai.Guy]

The iPhone is front and back glass. Don't want it to break? Don't drop it. It's simple. My friend has some HTC phone from Sprint, dropped, with a case, screen shattered. I've dropped my iPhone 4 once in two years without a case from ~4ft on a tile surface, nothing more than a tiny ding on the aluminum antenna. It goes both ways man.

Apple has a program to replace screens because they realized some people are going to drop their $6-700 phone where the outside is pretty much all glass like an idiot. To get a screen replaced with any Android manufacturer it's not even remotely as convenient as what Apple provides. I see no negative there to what Apple is doing, they made the phone how they wanted and prepared for the problems that can arise from it. They have the best customer service out of any phone or computer company and there is a prime example of it.

Cars are covered with fiberglass and plastic for the look, but when you get in a wreck it's trashed and costs boatloads to replace/repair. They could make cars ugly and have them built covered with ridiculous steel all over the outside. But they don't.

Manufacturers have to balance the looks and durability of every phone they put out, with emphasis on looks more than ever. That means using materials that look great but may not be as durable as the ugly phone in the corner that can withstand nuclear war. Using those materials means higher priced devices. With higher priced devices comes the necessity for people being responsible and not dropping their expensive phones like children. Again, it's very simple.

We can go back and forth about this for days, though.

Let me get this straight
... all things iPhone are good looking and all things Android are ugly?
... if you accidently drop something you are immature?
Now who sounds opinionated?

Three people purchase Android phones for every one person buying an iPhone. Pricing is comparable, so what gives? Either:
1) Many people find the styling of Android phones attractive,
or
2) iOS5 sucks so badly that three people out of four would rather carry an ugly Android phone than a pretty iPhone.
So... Which is it? ;-)

Although I personally prefer the Android OS, I'd hazard to admit I don't think iOS5 sucks that badly. So I'd say a whole heap of people like the design and feel of an Android phone enough to purchase it over an iPhone.

As for dropping the phone... people have accidents all the time. It doesn't mean they are immature. I suppose you think people spilling their coffee, slipping on a slick surface, tripping on a ledge or getting in a car accident are also child-like?

The idea that this thing in your pocket is expensive and should be treated preciously is a matter of context and attitude. The price of the smartphone for many people is inconsequential. For many (perhaps most people) breakage and the associated inconvenience means far more than the cost.

Many people (again, perhaps most) don't respect the phone in the least. It's simply a tool they keep in their pocket and have no intention to treat it preciously. They've got things more important on their mind. The phone needs to keep up with them, not them with it. It needs to survive falling off a desk when moving stuff around. It needs to survive being tossed onto the island in a kitchen when we get home... with our keys. It needs to survive at the bottom of a tennis bag when it's tossed on the bench court side... or when it falls off that bench onto the floor. Etc...etc...etc... I mean seriously... who owns who here?

The idea of form over function might be just fine for YOU, but you need to have an open mind and admit it might not be the best design, in terms of durability, for a lot of people. Especially for people like me who feel I shouldn't have to purchase a case. That's all I said. As an engineer and someone who abuses my phones, I found the iPhone a bit fragile. That's both a professional and personal *opinion*. I owned the first three... as did my wife... as did my son.

Nobody will make my wife treat a phone preciously. If she breaks it (she's broken or drowned a lot of them) she gets another and doesn't think twice.

My son is an accomplished junior athlete. ...and I must admit I could have done a better job of teaching him the value of a dollar. There's just no friggin' way he's going to treat a phone as if it's anything more than what it is... a disposable phone of the month to text his friends with. We just ordered a second Sony SmartWatch for him. The first one (days old) got *washed* in his pull over... hence, my aggravated comment about knowing the value of a dollar.

We replace a lot less phones now that we've moved to Android. Don't get me wrong, they still go through phones, but it's more because they want to than because they have to. I'll take a good looking phone that will survive ME rather than a great looking phone that that requires precious care. I'm the only one that actually keeps a phone the entire contract time.

For people like yourself who, for one reason or another, don't mind fretting over... a friggin' phone... knock yourself out.