Anyone going to trade their Android phone for iPhone 6?

[codyoehl]

I agree with a lot of what you've said here. Android has the same amount of blind followers that refuse to look at anything else because you can't tweak it, even if it provides a great user experience. I'm more of an Android philosophy guy myself, but I still would like to jump to the Apple world. Simply because camera has become one of my most important features on a phone because of my daughters. Also because of them, I don't have time to mess with my tech like I used to. Apple provides everything I do except for the extreme customization. I'm also the type of person who likes to jump in all the way, so I'd like to get a MacBook too if I was doing that, but man would they be expensive! And quick updates are huge for me, and Apple runs that world, unless you get a Nexus. But I've never been impressed by a Nexus camera like I have on an iPhone.

Anyway, what I'm saying is both platforms provide a ton for the end user, it just depends on what you're looking for. Blind following goes both ways. And that's a bad idea with the quality of product that both Android and Apple have been consistently putting out lately.

Staying with android because of customization isn't blind following
Blindly Following Apple means that you buy iphones because they are iphones and made by Apple. If the company is the only reason you buy the phone, it's blind following, but if you have good reasons (customization, build quality, etc) then you are buying the phone you think is best for you.

Posted via Android Central App with my Samsung Galaxy S5

 

[TomsAndroid]

Staying with android because of customization isn't blind following
Blindly Following Apple means that you buy iphones because they are iphones and made by Apple. If the company is the only reason you buy the phone, it's blind following, but if you have good reasons (customization, build quality, etc) then you are buying the phone you think is best for you.

Posted via Android Central App with my Samsung Galaxy S5

I believe that was his point...


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[Wildo6882]

I believe that was his point...


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Exactly. My point was not to just buy Android because it isn't Apple. Or buy Apple just because it isn't Android. They both are awesome. And honestly do pretty much the same thing, just in different ways.

 

[Lstream]

Exactly. My point was not to just buy Android because it isn't Apple. Or buy Apple just because it isn't Android. They both are awesome. And honestly do pretty much the same thing, just in different ways.

What surprises me about this discussion and many like it, is that it ignores the real substantial differences between the two worlds. Features and functions for now are likely close enough to not matter for many people. But Google and Apple have two completely different business models.

Apple makes money on hardware margin. Google makes money by tracking its customers and selling ads based on that data. Apple has no interest in monetizing you. Google has to. So if one uses a Google payments system, then Google tracks those payments and targets you with ads. In the Apple world, Apple has no incentive to have this data, so they keep you anonymous. Apple has no reason to read your texts or e mails. Google does, and they absolutely do read your e mail.

I don't really understand why Google's tracking and monetizing its customers doesn't creep out more people out than it does. That business practice is the number one reason that I won't go near an Android device. Does it not bother any of you guys?

My number two reason is speed and reliability of updates. Android abandons way too many recent model phones for my liking. And I don't want carriers and manufacturers standing between me and the latest OS. Which happens all the time on Android. This is a huge difference in the ios world. If I have a compatible phone, then I can get the update when I choose. Not when the carrier and manufacturer tells me I can.

Overall then I feel that the feature function discussion for the most part misses the true differences betwee iOS and Android.

 

[TomsAndroid]

What surprises me about this discussion and many like it, is that it ignores the real substantial differences between the two worlds. Features and functions for now are likely close enough to not matter for many people. But Google and and Apple have two completely different business models.

Apple makes money on hardware margin. Google makes money by tracking its customers and selling ads based on that data. Apple has no interest in monetizing you. Google has to. So if one uses a Google payments system, then Google tracks those payments and targets you with ads. In the Apple world, Apple has no incentive to have this data, so they keep you anonymous. Apple has no reason to read your texts or e mails. Google does, and they absolutely do read your e mail.

I don't really understand why Google's tracking and monetizing its customers doesn't creep out more people out than it does. That business practice is the number one reason that I won't go near an Android device. Does it not bother any of you guys?

My number two reason is speed and reliability of updates. Android abandons way too many recent model phones for my liking. And I don't want carriers and manufacturers standing between me and the latest OS. Which happens all the time on Android. This is a huge difference in the ios world. If I have a compatible phone, then I can get the update when I choose. Not when the carrier and manufacturer tells me I can.

Overall then I feel that the feature function discussion for the most part misses the true differences betwee iOS and Android.

Absolutely not. In fact, I don't get all the fuss about certain data being collected anyway. Especially if we have nothing to hide...I don't understand why you find it so scary. I mean, the general concept of your personal info being read is, but, it's not as if some creepy stalker working for Google is sitting down at a computer reading and making note of what we say in our personal emails. Really though, I doubt that the info is shared in invasive ways.

Updates are a big factor for both OS's. My phone is unlocked so I don't have the problems with carriers. It has remained updated for nearly a year and a half, and has essentially all the features of each new update. I'm sure I'll have had at least two years worth by the time I finally lose support. iOS on the other hand, certainly does have a great update system. The only problem is that when new hardware gets announced, the older models miss out on features that they probably could have. From little things, to major parts of an update, Apple is encouraging you to move on. Plus, older devices are apparently suffering from fairly significant performance issues on recent versions.

There's a lot to consider. But no, I don't find it creepy and iOS does have better updating, obviously. It's still not perfect though.


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[Lstream]

Scary is the wrong word. My main point is that the Google business model is something I disagree with and choose to avoid. I see no upside to me, in consenting to let Google have this information. There is no way I am going to put up with Google hassling me with ads because they know my purchases.

Plus my main point is that this represents a larger difference between the two worlds than a lot of the relatively minor feature function differences being debated.

 

[TomsAndroid]

Scary is the wrong word. My main point is that the Google business model is something I disagree with and choose to avoid. I see no upside to me, in consenting to let Google have this information. There is no way I am going to put up with Google hassling me with ads because they know my purchases.

Sorry, I didn't want to use creepy twice

I get that. Just like I, and many others here, don't like the way that Apple intentionally misleads customers about their products (claiming certain innovations and such).

I don't have such a problem with the ads. They're just targeted ads, meaning that at least the ads I do see should be slightly tailored to my interests. I don't really see that as a bad thing.

To be honest, I'd much rather pay less for the hardware and get targeted ads from Apple. I mean, their prices are ridiculous, as are many other manufacturer's. And, I don't actually notice any annoying ads whilst using Google's services.


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[JeffDenver]

Scary is the wrong word. My main point is that the Google business model is something I disagree with and choose to avoid. I see no upside to me, in consenting to let Google have this information.

The upside is that it results in lower cost and more functional products, because Google does not have an incentive to screw you over on hardware to make a profit. Their business model works the same even if you choose to buy dirt cheap phones.

Google's method results in more competition which in turn results in more variety and better functionality for the same price.

 

[itssweeney]

I'm planning on jumping ship on Android (even just temporarily) for a few reasons.

First, it is worth mentioning, I'm not tired of Android software, but I am fed up with Android hardware. 5.0/L looks like one of the most beautiful mobile operating systems in recent memory and I sorely wish I could use it. But I don't want to spend several hundred dollars on a gigantic and plastic phone. Yes, 5" screens are gigantic in my opinion and I have no need for them. That's what I have a tablet for.

I'm on Verizon with an unlimited data plan that they can pry from my cold, dead hands. So I have no intention of leaving the network to seek out other phones available on other carriers. I'd jump at the Galaxy Alpha (despite being less than a flagship) and would love the Z3 compact more than just about any phone on the market right now. Alas, it does not look like Big Red will be carrying either models anytime soon, if at all.

I'm seeking out a 6, if for no other reason that my aging Galaxy Nexus has been limping along for too long and I need a phone. There are no Android alternatives in my mind to the 6. I'd love nothing more than Android OS on Apple hardware, but I'll keep on wishing for that one. In the meantime, at least iPhones have tremendous resale values if Verizon chooses to carry an Android phone that isn't gigantic, slow, and/or plastic.

 

[JeffDenver]

What surprises me about this discussion and many like it, is that it ignores the real substantial differences between the two worlds. Features and functions for now are likely close enough to not matter for many people.

According to who? People said that last generation and the generation before that. Sales figures don't lie...it's clear which platform most people prefer.

But Google and Apple have two completely different business models. Apple makes money on hardware margin. Google makes money by tracking its customers and selling ads based on that data. Apple has no interest in monetizing you. Google has to.

And if you really want to, you can evade it. It is completely possible to have an Android phone with zero google services on it, if that is what you want. By contrast, you CANNOT evade Apple's luxury tax, or escape their control over your experience without also voiding your warranty.

Apple has an incentive to control you...they want you locked into their expensive ecosystem.

I don't really understand why Google's tracking and monetizing its customers doesn't creep out more people out than it does.

Because it is not as invasive as you make it out to be. The data is effectively anonymous...there is not some guy at Google with a bottle of Jergens lotion reading all my emails. It's a myth privacy advocates still believe.

That business practice is the number one reason that I won't go near an Android device. Does it not bother any of you guys?

Not even a little. Especially when it's effectively anonymous.

My number two reason is speed and reliability of updates. Android abandons way too many recent model phones for my liking.

Those abandoned phones are still more functional than the iPhone 6. That is why lack of updates does not bother me that much. Thats why it is a non-issue for most Android people.

The stuff Apple is "upgrading" it's users to is stuff that Android users have usually had for years...and better. Great, the iPhone has NFC finally...except that it doesn't. It's crippled NFC that only does one thing. The iPhone 6 has widgets now finally...except they are not desktop widgets, just stripped down notification center widgets. The iPhone 6 has big screens now! But no split-screen multi-tasking or built-in stylus. Just larger icons. Yay?

This is a historical trend with Apple...they have been playing catch-up almost since the beginning. Guarantee you the iPhone 6S will have a built in stylus.

And I don't want carriers and manufacturers standing between me and the latest OS. Which happens all the time on Android. This is a huge difference in the ios world.

uh huh

iOS 6 Maps turn-by-turn requires iPhone 4S, iPad 2 or later

Apple has made it so that that iOS 8, which goes out to the public today, will work on iPhones reaching all the way back to the venerable 4S. Which is good! But as Ars Technica found out the hard way, subjecting your elderly iPhone to new software may not be worth it.

When you get a new version of iOS (which is not guaranteed...not all iPhones are eligible) you may very well be missing some of those features. This is likely to get even worse going forward now that Apple is no longer releasing the smaller formfactor phones. See 2nd link above.

If I have a compatible phone

Thats the thing. Apple, not you, determines which phones are "compatible".

Google does not impose that decision. Anyone can install the latest Android update. The vendors and/or carriers might try to stop you, but Google themselves do not.

 

[Aquila]

In the Apple world, Apple has no incentive to have this data, so they keep you anonymous. Apple has no reason to read your texts or e mails. Google does, and they absolutely do read your e mail.

Wait, this is confusing. Are you saying that Apple is NOT collecting user data?

 

[Lstream]

Wait, this is confusing. Are you saying that Apple is NOT collecting user data?

You have to opt in for them to collect data. Which is also a rule enforced on developers. And for sure on services like Payments, they do not collect data on you or track you.

 

[Lstream]

According to who? People said that last generation and the generation before that. Sales figures don't lie...it's clear which platform most people prefer.


And if you really want to, you can evade it. It is completely possible to have an Android phone with zero google services on it, if that is what you want. By contrast, you CANNOT evade Apple's luxury tax, or escape their control over your experience without also voiding your warranty.

Apple has an incentive to control you...they want you locked into their expensive ecosystem.


Because it is not as invasive as you make it out to be. The data is effectively anonymous...there is not some guy at Google with a bottle of Jergens lotion reading all my emails. It's a myth privacy advocates still believe.


Not even a little. Especially when it's effectively anonymous.


Those abandoned phones are still more functional than the iPhone 6. That is why lack of updates does not bother me that much. Thats why it is a non-issue for most Android people.

The stuff Apple is "upgrading" it's users to is stuff that Android users have usually had for years...and better. Great, the iPhone has NFC finally...except that it doesn't. It's crippled NFC that only does one thing. The iPhone 6 has widgets now finally...except they are not desktop widgets, just stripped down notification center widgets. The iPhone 6 has big screens now! But no split-screen multi-tasking or built-in stylus. Just larger icons. Yay?

This is a historical trend with Apple...they have been playing catch-up almost since the beginning. Guarantee you the iPhone 6S will have a built in stylus.


uh huh

iOS 6 Maps turn-by-turn requires iPhone 4S, iPad 2 or later

Apple has made it so that that iOS 8, which goes out to the public today, will work on iPhones reaching all the way back to the venerable 4S. Which is good! But as Ars Technica found out the hard way, subjecting your elderly iPhone to new software may not be worth it.

When you get a new version of iOS (which is not guaranteed...not all iPhones are eligible) you may very well be missing some of those features. This is likely to get even worse going forward now that Apple is no longer releasing the smaller formfactor phones. See 2nd link above.


Thats the thing. Apple, not you, determines which phones are "compatible".

Google does not impose that decision. Anyone can install the latest Android update. The vendors and/or carriers might try to stop you, but Google themselves do not.

Jeff - you are wasting your breath responding to my posts if you expect me to answer you. I was attempting to have a reasoned discussion which is a concept that is obviously beyond your grasp. I am not playing your game which involves twisting what I am saying and putting words in my mouth.

 

[JeffDenver]

Jeff - you are wasting your breath responding to my posts if you expect me to answer you.

Silence is actually the answer I expected. My response was more rhetorical aimed at lurkers.

Saw this on Droid Life this morning. As with Apple Maps, it was completely predictable and completely avoidable.

http://www.droid-life.com/2014/09/19/welcome-iphone-users-and-ios-developers-to-fragmentation/

 

[Kevin OQuinn]

Silence is actually the answer I expected. My response was more rhetorical aimed at lurkers.

Saw this on Droid Life this morning. As with Apple Maps, it was completely predictable and completely avoidable.

http://www.droid-life.com/2014/09/19/welcome-iphone-users-and-ios-developers-to-fragmentation/

A few things.

1) That article is ridiculous and only succeeds in feeding the trolls and haters. No real fan of technology wants to see that.
2) It was predictable as soon as the resolution was announced. There is/was no good for apps to scale to the resolution that Apple has decided to use.
3) That was not avoidable in any way whatsoever based on the way Apple chooses to implement resolutions with regards to building apps.

I commend Apple for at least moving their platform forward in some ways. It's also clear that they're not the leader anymore, and haven't been for a while, with regards to "innovation" in the smartphone industry. That doesn't take away from the fact that iOS 8 and the new iPhones move iOS forward in many significant ways.

It's also somewhat telling that there aren't a flood of apps that have already been updated to properly support the new screen resolutions natively.

 

[Farish]

If the developer used launch images and didn't update them to the proper sizes for the iPhone 6/6 plus, the app will run in scaled mode using the base of the native resolution of the iphone 5/5s size.

Also if the developer use a launch screen xib instead of launch images, this issue doesn't happen as the xib will scale to the resolution properly.

Lastly since the majority of developers could not get their hands on the iPhone 6 plus until the release date it , there was no way to properly test new image assets as using the simulator is not accurate nor proper for final release testing.

 

[JeffDenver]

A few things.

1) That article is ridiculous

I disagree that it is ridiculous. This very thing has often been cited by Apple people in the past to explain why Apple does not want and will never get larger displays.

3) That was not avoidable in any way whatsoever based on the way Apple chooses to implement resolutions with regards to building apps.

I agree. For years Apple people mocked Android fragmentation. Now they are seeing why it is not necessarily so bad.

I commend Apple for at least moving their platform forward in some ways.

Better late than never.

It's also somewhat telling that there aren't a flood of apps that have already been updated to properly support the new screen resolutions natively.

I am sure they will come, but it'll be just like it is with Android. This really is fragmentation. It's one less bullet point Apple people can gloat about.

 

[Kevin OQuinn]

I disagree that it is ridiculous. This very thing has often been cited by Apple people in the past to explain why Apple does not want and will never get larger displays.


I agree. For years Apple people mocked Android fragmentation. Now they are seeing why it is not necessarily so bad.


Better late than never.


I am sure they will come, but it'll be just like it is with Android. This really is fragmentation. It's one less bullet point Apple people can gloat about.

Those "Apple people" that always said that are ridiculous as well. For the longest time it could be assumed that the iPhone wouldn't get bigger because of Steve Jobs simply not wanting it to be bigger.

It's also why "Apple people" and "Android people" are all dumb. As soon as iOS had multiple screen resolutions "fragmentation" effectively existed. Apple just tried to make sure it was easy for apps to be updated to support those and/or "just work".

Unless you work for the company and are privy to the decision making process you really don't have a clue as to why they do certain things. All we do on the outside is guess. I think sometimes people forget that, myself included.

 

[Lstream]

Those "Apple people" that always said that are ridiculous as well. For the longest time it could be assumed that the iPhone wouldn't get bigger because of Steve Jobs simply not wanting it to be bigger.

It's also why "Apple people" and "Android people" are all dumb. As soon as iOS had multiple screen resolutions "fragmentation" effectively existed. Apple just tried to make sure it was easy for apps to be updated to support those and/or "just work".

Unless you work for the company and are privy to the decision making process you really don't have a clue as to why they do certain things. All we do on the outside is guess. I think sometimes people forget that, myself included.

Fragmentation is not binary. From a developer perspective, there are multiple degrees of fragmentation. This goes way beyond just screen resolution. We are adding Android support to our app now. Our app has VoIP support, and we include speakerphone support. Some Android phones have echo cancellers and some don't. And there is no way to know until you are knee deep in development. This drives unanticipated cost into product development. To keep our validation and development costs under control, we have to white list certain Android phones and tell the world we only support them. We cannot possible validate on hundreds or thousands of Android variants. There are all kinds of issues on Android like this. Issues that we do not encounter in iOS.

Also in Android, with upgrades being controlled by manufacturers and carriers, it takes much longer for the majority of users to be on the latest OS. That too is fragmentation and costly for developers.

So when I see an article like the one cited that tries to equate Android fragmentation to iOS fragmentation because of two new screen sizes, I conclude it was written by someone with an agenda that has no clue what they are talking about.

 

[Kevin OQuinn]

Fragmentation is not binary. From a developer perspective, there are multiple degrees of fragmentation. This goes way beyond just screen resolution. We are adding Android support to our app now. Our app has VoIP support, and we include speakerphone support. Some Android phones have echo cancellers and some don't. And there is no way to know until you are knee deep in development. This drives unanticipated cost into product development. To keep our validation and development costs under control, we have to white list certain Android phones and tell the world we only support them. We cannot possible validate on hundreds or thousands of Android variants. There are all kinds of issues on Android like this. Issues that we do not encounter in iOS.

Also in Android, with upgrades being controlled by manufacturers and carriers, it takes much longer for the majority of users to be on the latest OS. That too is fragmentation and costly for developers.

So when I see an article like the one cited that tries to equate Android fragmentation to iOS fragmentation because of two new screen sizes, I conclude it was written by someone with an agenda that has no clue what they are talking about.

Yes, that further reinforces the point I was making. Fragmentation at a basic level is any difference in hardware from one device to another. Apple has fewer hardware differences than Android devices, but that's obvious given the differences in the platforms. That will make iOS devices always less fragmented than Android devices.

That's also why developers target certain API levels instead of specific version numbers (though they are somewhat connected too).