Dilemma-iPhone 7 or Galaxy 8

[marie49]

Ok, so this is an Android site, however everyone here as been great answering all kinds of questions.
I want to upgrade my phone and my husband's before he retires next yr. We both have Galaxy 5, I am the heavy user, he is strictly an 8-4 user. Everyone in my immediate family is an iPhone for life user trying to convince me to switch.
So, comments on switching, comments on staying Amdroid. Please. Thanks, Marie

 

[bmhillegass87]

Hi Marie,

Thanks for the compliment above! This is a question we hear a lot and argue (lovingly) amongst ourselves on the AC team. Currently, I use both Android and iOS heavily on a day-to-day basis. There are HUGE advantages to both platforms, and i'm going to try and provide an unbiased few since I have such respect for both. Some of points will be specific to the GS8 vs the iPhone 7. Be warned though, this question will open up a can of worms on the site .

Why stay Android?

-Customization- making your phone look how you want, moving icons where you want, getting everything in place just how you like it.

-You experience with your current Galaxy will take you far. Not having to relearn a new device is a huge advantage and a frustration saver.

-The best phone display ever created (specifically the Galaxy S8 I realize this is more specific than Android in general)

-Most android devices including the GS8/+ have the ability to expand storage on the fly- this is something iOS users don't get to experience. Great for movies, music, pictures, apps, etc...

-Unique designs. Androids come in all shapes, colors, sizes, and stand out from the crowd!

-Camera on the S8 is best in class right now. If you love taking pictures this is a nice incentive. The i7 is no slouch, but the camera comparison tests are in, and the GS8 is winning.

-The ability to quick charge your phone. Juice up if you are running low on battery very quickly! Huge advantage when you only have a few minutes and are running out the door.

Why iOS?

-As you mentioned above. EVERYONE USES IT. Theres a reason its one of the most popular devices in the world. Little things like being at someones house and being low on battery. Chances are they have an extra iPhone charger you can borrow- not likely a USB type-c cable .

-It works day in and day out exactly how you intended it. This is the one thing that sticks out for me always. I never need to reboot the device or tweak it.

-iMessage is a great text message communicator. Having iMessage with the immediate family is a plus for sure. There are little personal touches this text messaging platform brings over just standard SMS.

-Facetime is the perfect video communicator for families. Yes, there are other platforms out there like Duo, Skype, Hangouts that do video calling, but as we've discussed the vast majority of family members have iPhones and they are one click away from video chatting without having to download apps and add usernames. This is huge if the family isn't geographically close, or just talks a ton!

-Updates the day Apple releases them no matter what carrier you are on. This bugs me about Android and the carrier control over updates. I bought a Pixel for this very reason. I love that Apple gives you the latest software and everyone gets it the same day.

-Longevity- I think Apple devices get a little more life out of them. The software continues to perform a little better over time.

-Usually first to get app updates over their Android counterpart apps (not always but most often).

I absolutely love both platforms, and its why I use both on a daily basis! Always remember the 14 day return policy via your carrier. If you aren't satisfied with the 1 option exchange it for the other!

 

[metllicamilitia]

I'm going agree with @bmhillegass87 here, there are strengths and weaknesses to both Android and iOS. I myself use an iPhone 7 Plus as my daily driver, though I did just pick up a Moto G5 Plus to play around with. As stated, Android gives you a lot of customization and updates can be slow to arrive or never come at all. Apple will update all devices for the previous 5 years I believe it is. This year it's the iPhone 5 that won't be able to take part in future updates due to its 32 bit system because Apple will only be supporting 64 bit.

I use a MacBook Pro, an iPad Air 2, iPhone, Apple TV, and Apple Watch. When using multiple Apple devices, it makes sense to stick with Apple for compatibility and usability with features like Handoff. Handoff will allow you to open up current apps and process on another device without losing your place. Apple also has AirPlay and AirDrop, which lets you quickly transfer files or device streaming seamlessly between Apple devices.

Android really lets you run the gamut of hardware, price point, features, and settings. Many Android manufacturers are going throw the newest features into their phones while Apple will lag behind until they can implement it how they want. So if staying absolutely current in features is what you want, Android is the way to go. If you want all the settings you can handle and then some, if you want complete and total customization options, or if you don't want to have to potentially buy the same apps or services again, Android will be for you.

The best thing I can recommend is play around with an iPhone for a while and see if you like iOS. If you don't like it, stick with Android.

 

[marie49]

Thank you both so very much for the in depth reviews. I have read so many I knew the best answers would be from members here.
I will visit a store and see what the iPhone has to offer, however I love my S5, it has never failed me. And as hubby is not a huge user I can't see making him learn a new system and my dealing with 2.

So gentlemen, I guess I know which direction I am headed - Galaxy 8 it is. As for hubby, I will let him play with the iPhone hoping he doesn't like it.

Thanks, Marie

 

[JHStewart1023]

I always tell people- and I sell phones- to stick with what you know. Switching eco systems can sort of be a culture shock for people especially since smartphones have been out for a while now.

 

[jjinal]

I know this is an old thread but I am currently struggling to decide which platform to go "all in" with. My entire family including my 5 y.o. daughter are Apple people.

For the past 3 or 4 years I've switched back and forth between a plus sized iPhone and the latest Samsung flagship. I've owned 2 phones at a time since the 6+ was released. To be honest it's getting old. It's also expensive to have an iPhone X and Note 8 at the same time while one sits on a shelf only to be used a little in the evening and maybe as an alarm clock.

I recently gave my iPhone X to my oldest daughter and decided to stick with the Note 8 but I'm second guessing that decision. My gut tells me the the right thing to do is get another iPhone X and sell the Note 8. I really need to settle on one OS and stick with it. While I prefer Android most of the time it's hard to argue against iOS when almost everyone you communicate with is using it.

 

[Dano1200r]

Hi Marie,


Why iOS?

-As you mentioned above. EVERYONE USES IT. Theres a reason its one of the most popular devices in the world. Little things like being at someones house and being low on battery.
-Longevity- I think Apple devices get a little more life out of them. The software continues to perform a little better over time.!

BWAHAHA lololol
Wanna buy a battery?