Finally having to move to Android

[squeezy99]

Hi

I have been a MS Lumia 950XL user for a few years now but have finally decided, helped by Microsoft, to search for an Android phone.
I have put off moving as I have helped a few people to use Android and have not been impressed with what I have seen.
It seems that Android as an OS is ok, but all the manufacturers put their own front ends over, and these seem a nightmare, too complicated, too restricted.

Cheers
David

 

[Morty2264]

Welcome to Android Central!

I can understand your hesitancy to move over - especially coming from Microsoft's OS. I've always wanted a Lumia phone!

With that being said (or written), there are a few Android manufacturers that purposefully make their OS as close to stock Android as possible for a more fluid, smoother experience. Google Pixel and OnePlus, even Huawei, are good options.

Let us know what you decide and if you need any further assistance.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! I agree with Morty2264 -- Pixels and OnePlus phones are a good choice if you want to avoid manufacturer skins and bloat. And you can always use a 3rd party launcher like Nova to make any phone you get look the same way, instead of having to use the stock launcher.

 

[Nikholas Pappas]

I am a bug Windows Phone fan myself. I last had a Lumia 950 myself, and an Icon and a 920 before that.

I would recommend the OnePlus line personally. I have found them to be the best all around phones.

There is also a launcher called "Launcher 10" in the app store where you can deck your phone out to work like a windows phone.

Please feel free to reach out if you need any tips or advise.

 

[belodion]

Welcome aboard and enjoy Android.

I also use WP. I don't have a 950XL, but you must keep yours for its camera.

 

[maggot091970]

Welcome!
Android is the only way to go

I'm new to the forum but not new to Android.

 

[mustang7757]

Welcome to the Forums!

 

[mustang7757]

Welcome!
Android is the only way to go

I'm new to the forum but not new to Android.

You should make your own introductory on the Forums so we can welcome you aboard

 

[Kizzy Catwoman]

Hi

I have been a MS Lumia 950XL user for a few years now but have finally decided, helped by Microsoft, to search for an Android phone.
I have put off moving as I have helped a few people to use Android and have not been impressed with what I have seen.
It seems that Android as an OS is ok, but all the manufacturers put their own front ends over, and these seem a nightmare, too complicated, too restricted.

Cheers
David

Welcome aboard!! I had a Lumia 925 and a 640XL.

I just loved Windows Phone. It was so fluid and the interface was fabulous.

I concur with the others regarding phones. I am using a Pixel 4XL and it is so nice to use. But I also recommend the Pixel 3a series. It is more budget but the camera is phenomenal for its price point (around $400). Lumias are known for their cameras and Pixels are the same. They also get the latest software and security updates.

For a cheaper flagship OnePlus are great as well.

There are launchers (home screen apps) that mimic windows phone. If you still want that experience. Or there is Nova and Niagara Launcher. These 2 apps have different user experiences. A lot of people love Niagara Launcher and it is highly intuitive with an alphabetical app list.

Good luck with your journey and keep in touch please.

 

[Javier P]

Hi David! Welcome to the forums.

 

[Chuck Finley69]

Hi

I have been a MS Lumia 950XL user for a few years now but have finally decided, helped by Microsoft, to search for an Android phone.
I have put off moving as I have helped a few people to use Android and have not been impressed with what I have seen.
It seems that Android as an OS is ok, but all the manufacturers put their own front ends over, and these seem a nightmare, too complicated, too restricted.

Cheers
David

Welcome to AndroidCentral David. Post early and post often!!!!

I’m OS agnostic, having multiple devices on Android/iOS plus WM and BB as well. I’ve been using BB flavored Android but dual carried XR using iOS and switched to Dual eSIM on the XR recently.

The most important thing is to embrace whichever OS you’re using and don’t try and make it the one you’ve left. Android is especially become more standardized with proprietary hardware that’s better optimized with the proprietary software.

There are some great phones out there and I’m not a big spender so I prefer midtier whether Android or iOS for moderate expectations. Check out 3a or 3aXL plus the S10e too.

 

[stevenjb2020]

I came from a Lumia 830 - awesome phone, awesome camera. Yet with the dwindling apps, it was time to make a move.

Now, I have read that Microsoft has shut down all support for the OS.

Tried to revive a Microsoft Band some time back, but due to the servers needed to interact with the watch shutdown - it would not come to life.

Ahhh - technology.

 

[SpookDroid]

Welcome to the AC Forums, David! Glad to have you on board.

 

[gendo667]

I second the Nova recommendation.

Welcome to Android Central! I agree with Morty2264 -- Pixels and OnePlus phones are a good choice if you want to avoid manufacturer skins and bloat. And you can always use a 3rd party launcher like Nova to make any phone you get look the same way, instead of having to use the stock launcher.

 

[Morty2264]

I came from a Lumia 830 - awesome phone, awesome camera. Yet with the dwindling apps, it was time to make a move.

Now, I have read that Microsoft has shut down all support for the OS.

Tried to revive a Microsoft Band some time back, but due to the servers needed to interact with the watch shutdown - it would not come to life.

Ahhh - technology.

Windows phones were amazing. It's too bad that they did not last in the smartphone market. "

 

[Kizzy Catwoman]

They were truly innovative.

 

[nt40lanman]

OMG Squeezy David, that's the exact reason I'm here too. I haven't switched my sim to the refurb S7 I picked up yet. Every time my Win Phone asks me if I want her to read my incoming text, I can't give that up!!! It's more important to me than Facebook!! And the home screen setup, swiping up and down. I'm going to miss it all!!!

 

[Kizzy Catwoman]

OMG Squeezy David, that's the exact reason I'm here too. I haven't switched my sim to the refurb S7 I picked up yet. Every time my Win Phone asks me if I want her to read my incoming text, I can't give that up!!! It's more important to me than Facebook!! And the home screen setup, swiping up and down. I'm going to miss it all!!!

I found the interface so intuitive. It is a shame MS dropped the ball with it and let it fade away to nothing.

 

[Ry]

I found the interface so intuitive. It is a shame MS dropped the ball with it and let it fade away to nothing.

Needed users to keep it alive.

 

[Nikholas Pappas]

OMG Squeezy David, that's the exact reason I'm here too. I haven't switched my sim to the refurb S7 I picked up yet. Every time my Win Phone asks me if I want her to read my incoming text, I can't give that up!!! It's more important to me than Facebook!! And the home screen setup, swiping up and down. I'm going to miss it all!!!

There are Launchers in the Play store like Launcher 10 that will at least allow you to skin your phone like a windows phone