Android lover using an iPhone, switch back?

[anthonium]

So 6 months ago I switched to iPhone (peer pressure). I just cannot fall in love with iOS. After being a Pixel user since first generation I feel like I’m missing out on so many features. I do admit iOS just works flawlessly but considering switching back. Would switching from an iPhone 11 Pro to a Pixel 6A be a smart move? Or should I opt for one of the bigger brothers of the 6 line considering I’m coming from a “Pro” device. With my carrier I can upgrade to the 6A for $299. Thoughts?

 

[PowrDroid]

If you prefer Android over Apple iOS, then yes, it would be a good move. What is it that the iPhone can do that the Android cannot do? I can't really think of anything except a better texting app amongst Apple users. However, I'm sure there are many things Android can do that Apple cannot do. I would think the Pixel's camera has a slight edge. Battery life? Probably better with the Pixel 6a, unless you have the Pro Max model.

If you make the switch one thing you might notice is the Apple has a smoother scrolling experience. The Pixel 6a still uses a 60Hz scroll rate. Not that it's bad but you might notice it's not as polished as the Apple. But I'm sure after a couple of days of not going back-and-forth among devices you won't notice it.

As to the price, that's pretty good, especially if you can keep your iPhone (though why would you?). Does it require trading in your iPhone? Because I would think you could get at least $300 for you iPhone if you were to sell it on one of the online sites like Swappa. The 6a was (is?) on sale for $399 recently which means you could get the 6a for $99 (net) if you sold your iPhone.

As to going with one of the bigger brother Pixel 6's you will gain a couple of features (and some size) but I wouldn't think that would be worth $200 to $600 more you would pay to get one.

 

[rvbfan]

If you prefer Android over Apple iOS, then yes, it would be a good move. What is it that the iPhone can do that the Android cannot do? I can't really think of anything except a better texting app amongst Apple users. However, I'm sure there are many things Android can do that Apple cannot do. I would think the Pixel's camera has a slight edge. Battery life? Probably better with the Pixel 6a, unless you have the Pro Max model.

If you make the switch one thing you might notice is the Apple has a smoother scrolling experience. The Pixel 6a still uses a 60Hz scroll rate. Not that it's bad but you might notice it's not as polished as the Apple. But I'm sure after a couple of days of not going back-and-forth among devices you won't notice it.

As to the price, that's pretty good, especially if you can keep your iPhone (though why would you?). Does it require trading in your iPhone? Because I would think you could get at least $300 for you iPhone if you were to sell it on one of the online sites like Swappa. The 6a was (is?) on sale for $399 recently which means you could get the 6a for $99 (net) if you sold your iPhone.

As to going with one of the bigger brother Pixel 6's you will gain a couple of features (and some size) but I wouldn't think that would be worth $200 to $600 more you would pay to get one.

In my opinion the cameras on the 6a's big brothers are worth the upgrade. That being said, you won't be disappointed with the 6a's camera.

 

[anthonium]

If you prefer Android over Apple iOS, then yes, it would be a good move. What is it that the iPhone can do that the Android cannot do? I can't really think of anything except a better texting app amongst Apple users. However, I'm sure there are many things Android can do that Apple cannot do. I would think the Pixel's camera has a slight edge. Battery life? Probably better with the Pixel 6a, unless you have the Pro Max model.

If you make the switch one thing you might notice is the Apple has a smoother scrolling experience. The Pixel 6a still uses a 60Hz scroll rate. Not that it's bad but you might notice it's not as polished as the Apple. But I'm sure after a couple of days of not going back-and-forth among devices you won't notice it.

As to the price, that's pretty good, especially if you can keep your iPhone (though why would you?). Does it require trading in your iPhone? Because I would think you could get at least $300 for you iPhone if you were to sell it on one of the online sites like Swappa. The 6a was (is?) on sale for $399 recently which means you could get the 6a for $99 (net) if you sold your iPhone.

As to going with one of the bigger brother Pixel 6's you will gain a couple of features (and some size) but I wouldn't think that would be worth $200 to $600 more you would pay to get one.

Definitely I would say the 60hz on the iPhone feels like 90hz meanwhile Android devices feel a bit choppy at 60hz. This isn’t a big factor for me though. Additionally there is so much more liberty on Android where I feel basic options just work. On iOS I feel restricted but at the same time I can see why people love it, everything just works well and I’ve yet to see any app crash, the experience is just smooth and there is much to say about how iMessage is so important for iPhone users. Before switching everyone used to message me on WhatsApp and when I switched I became one of the cool kids and everyone started messaging me through iMessage haha.

As for battery life on the 6A, I’ve seen mixed reviews. I’m not a heavy user at all (just calls, texts, and occasional YouTube videos). What’s the experience been like for you all? Can you make it through a day without charging? Even to the next day?

 

[PowrDroid]

As for battery life on the 6A, I’ve seen mixed reviews. I’m not a heavy user at all (just calls, texts, and occasional YouTube videos). What’s the experience been like for you all? Can you make it through a day without charging? Even to the next day?

6a is my wife's phone. She can easily get through a full day. She's a morning charger during the work week. I just looked at her battery usage and she went from Friday morning around 7:30 am fully charged until Saturday afternoon around 4:00pm, whereupon battery was at about 30%. Went on charger around 4:00 pm yesterday charged to not quite 100%. It's now 10:55 am Sunday morning and her battery is at 78%.

I wish I could give you more info on screen on time and app usage but the stock battery usage stats shows app usage for past 24 hrs. and not since last charge. I can see that in the past 24 hrs. there was 2 hrs. 13 min. YouTube and 1 hr. 41 min. Chrome usage (web browsing.) In this instance I can tell you a lot of that web browsing happened after yesterday's afternoon charge and I'd guess most of the YouTube viewing happened before yesterday's charge.

Knowing her schedule and her phone habits I'd guess she averages 2 hrs. screen on time per day, a bit more on weekend days.

She has Adaptive Battery enabled in the settings. Screen brightness is about 60%.

Hope this helps.

 

[PowrDroid]

According to the GSMArena battery test the Pixel 6a gets a 94 hour rating.

The Apple iPhone 11 Pro gets a 86 hour rating.

https://www.gsmarena.com/battery-test.php3

 

[anthonium]

Thank you so much for the detailed reviews. I may end up selling the iPhone on Swappa or possibly just keep it as an additional device as it’s quite reliable. The 6A is not so expensive that I could justify having the two devices. Perhaps my only curiosity now is waiting to see how the Pixel 7 devices will be received but those are going to be pricier purchases. Hoping the next Tensor chip will perform better and allow even better battery life.

I’ll probably decide between the next two days. Thank you again for your input!

 

[OhAlfie]

If you do an upgrade at Best Buy, the 6A is $299. Not a bad deal.

 

[anthonium]

If you do an upgrade at Best Buy, the 6A is $299. Not a bad deal.

Yes that is the deal that I am currently considering actually. If the 6A is reliable enough and still takes great pictures (despite using a lesser camera module than its big brothers) it's definitely appealing! Surprisingly, ever since the 3A, I've always been more content with the performance of the A line of the Pixel devices than the flagship.

 

[Annie_M]

I'm an iPhone person, but I maintain that you've got to use what works best for you, and what you enjoy. So switching back seems like a good idea for you.

 

[PowrDroid]

Yes that is the deal that I am currently considering actually. If the 6A is reliable enough and still takes great pictures (despite using a lesser camera module than its big brothers) it's definitely appealing! Surprisingly, ever since the 3A, I've always been more content with the performance of the A line of the Pixel devices than the flagship.

If you've had a 3a the photos from the 6a will be of about the same quality since they use essentially the same sensor, except the processing of these photos will be quicker with the 6a due to the new processor in the 6a.

Every photo comparo article I've read pitting the Pixel 6 (or Pixel 6 Pro) vs. the 6a has been essentially a tie, with the 6 Pro having a slight edge in certain circumstances.

https://www.pcmag.com/news/google-pixel-6a-vs-pixel-6-pro-camera-quality-shoot-out

https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/google-pixel-6a-vs-pixel-6-camera-test/

https://www.androidpolice.com/pixel-6-6a-6-pro-camera-comparison/