iPhone user thinking of switching to Android...but first, questions!

[anon(10418614)]

Hello community! So I've used Apple iPhones since the 3gs days and Im kind of getting bored and tired of the same old stuff apple puts out. Same homescreen etc etc. Yes iOS runs smooth and its simple but i think its time for me to go down a new road and scoop up an android phone. The S9 has me interested so far. But before I make the switch I have some questions I hope you all can answer and help me with.

1. In iOS I use the stock mail app. It suits my needs, sends and receives without any issue. Its an iCloud email I use. Can I use my iCloud email on a Samsung Galaxy phone? I want it to work just as flawless like it does on my iPhone. Thats one main reason im iffy about switching. Anyone use iCloud on Android stock mail app?

2. Security. How secure are Samsung Galaxy phones? Is it true I need a virus scanner/protector app on it just to be secured and safe? I dont go to websites that are bogus or anything. Mostly facebook, youtube and amazon. Should i take precautions?

3. Is using the iris scanner unlock safe? I read somewhere some said it was and some said it wasnt. I think they said the facial unlock wasnt secured within the phone itself too. Can anyone explain the iris unlock feature being encrypted or whatever.

4. Can I use the browser to log in to facebook and also reply an d send messages or do i have to use the facebook app and messenger app? Im able to browse on iPhones Safari browser as well as send messages without needing to use the apps for it. Any clue?

I think thats all the main questions I have for now. Im very interested in the S9 when it gets released but just torn between switching from iOS to Android. Thanks for the help in advance!

 

[hallux]

Welcome.

First - don't expect an Apple-like experience when it comes to updates. When you hear that there is an update to Android, Samsung will be a few months before you get it, the 2017 flagship (the S8) does not yet have Oreo that was released in October 2017. Monthly patches - I guess Samsung has been getting better, but only with some devices. The good news is that unlike iOS ANY of the apps can be updated independent of the OS - mail, calendar, contacts, browser, etc.

1. In iOS I use the stock mail app. It suits my needs, sends and receives without any issue. Its an iCloud email I use. Can I use my iCloud email on a Samsung Galaxy phone? I want it to work just as flawless like it does on my iPhone. Thats one main reason im iffy about switching. Anyone use iCloud on Android stock mail app?

Yes, your iCloud email can be configured in the Gmail app. https://www.androidcentral.com/how-set-your-icloud-email-account-android

2. Security. How secure are Samsung Galaxy phones? Is it true I need a virus scanner/protector app on it just to be secured and safe? I dont go to websites that are bogus or anything. Mostly facebook, youtube and amazon. Should i take precautions?

That's up to you. I don't use one on either of my devices, I haven't since my HTC Thunderbolt. If you're careful about your app sources (stick to Google Play, Amazon or the developer itself) and don't tap on the pop-ups telling you that your device is infected, you should be in pretty good shape. Oh - and avoid ANY "Cheetah Mobile" apps.

4. Can I use the browser to log in to facebook and also reply an d send messages or do i have to use the facebook app and messenger app? Im able to browse on iPhones Safari browser as well as send messages without needing to use the apps for it. Any clue?

You can use the browser, but you have to request the desktop site in order for it to work.

 

[chanchan05]

Actually the above info is wrong regarding Facebook. You can use the browser for messages without needing to request desktop sites. It's just tedious. There's a Facebook Lite version if you want to try. And honestly once you get to use chatheads it's a bit hard to leave them behind.

 

[hallux]

Actually the above info is wrong regarding Facebook. You can use the browser for messages without needing to request desktop sites.

Then explain to me why I get sent to the Play Store to download Facebook's Messenger app when I tap the messaging icon while NOT on the desktop site but once I move to the desktop version of the page I can access messaging on the site. I'm using Chrome on my Pixel 2 XL.

 

[chanchan05]

Then explain to me why I get sent to the Play Store to download Facebook's Messenger app when I tap the messaging icon while NOT on the desktop site but once I move to the desktop version of the page I can access messaging on the site. I'm using Chrome on my Pixel 2 XL.

No idea what's wrong with your phone.

S7 Edge, Samsung browser:




I do have messenger installed because I like the chat heads. But I can login to two different accounts and chat on the browser and chat head if I wanted to.

 

[hallux]

That may be a Samsung browser vs. Chrome issue...

 

[chanchan05]

Possibly. But Samsung browser is available for newer phones on the Play Store, syncs with Chrome and Firefox bookmarks, has built in ad blocking and anti tracker support, and built with the Chromium engine AFAIK. So it's better than Chrome all things considered.

 

[ashune]

Same for Firefox. Tapping the Messages icon opens the Messenger app. But considering that they are asking questions about Galaxy phones and, according to chanchan05, you can send messages on Facebook using Samsung's browser, there shouldn't be any problems with this for OP.

 

[chanchan05]

Maybe you guys can disable Play Store defaults opening related links.

 

[chanchan05]

Not a Chrome issue. Works for me on Chrome.

 

[ashune]

Here are some tips for OP and other (possible) new Android users:

1. Don't install apps from third-party sources, use the Play Store to download apps. If you're not sure if an app on the Play Store is trustworthy, check the reviews or google the app. Also, be careful which permission you grant to apps (this also applies to iOS). There's no need for a flashlight app to access your contacts or even location.
2. Don't install those apps promising to "boost" your phone by clearing RAM, deleting junk, etc. Most of the time they don't work, and you can free up space using the phone's settings. The only cleaning app I sometimes use is CCleaner.
3. Browsing the Internet, you may stumble upon ads saying that "viruses were detected" on your phone or that "updates are available". Don't tap them, they won't bring you any good. You can check for updates in the Settings app.
4. Install all available system updates. They improve reliability and performance, fix bugs, add new features and improve security. Just go to Settings > About > Updates (this may be a little bit different depending on your device).
5. Set up a screen lock. There are multiple methods available, including PIN, password, pattern, etc.
6. Enable Find My Phone if it isn't enabled already. Open the Settings app and search for "Find My Phone", "Find My Mobile" or something similar. You can also go to Settings > Security > Device Administrators and enable Find My Phone. This will allow you to remote lock and/or wipe the phone if it gets lost or stolen.
7. Enable the backup feature if it isn't already enabled. You can do this in Settings > Backup & Reset. This will backup your text messages, call logs, some settings, contacts, etc. I recommend Google Photos for photo and video backups. It will back up your photos and videos to your Google account and has free unlimited storage (this will upload all photos in its original size, unless the photo is bigger than 16 MP - those pictures will be resized to 16 MP).
8. If you don't like some of the preinstalled apps (like the gallery, email app, contacts app, messaging app, browser, etc.), you can download many other alternatives from the Play Store. Many are better than the preinstalled ones.

If you are paranoid when it comes to your privacy, here are some other tips:

1. Use a VPN service to hide your internet browsing history from your ISP or carrier. There are many VPNs available on the Play Store. I recommend Tunnel Bear.
2. Encrypt your device, if it isn't encrypted by default. You can do this in Settings > Security. There you can also encrypt your SD card. Google it for more info.
3. Switch to services and apps by privacy-oriented companies. A good alternative to Google and Bing is DuckDuckGo (the app is also a browser). Here are some other good alternatives: Telegram for messaging, ProtonMail for email, SpiderOak for cloud storage, OpenStreetMap for maps, etc.

 

[anon(10418614)]

Thanks for all the help and info everyone I really appreciate it! So heres some last ones Ive come up with after doing more research.

1. In regards to using iCloud on the stock mail app on Samsung, will it be pushed or do i have to check it manually all the time?

2. In some reviews Ive watched as well as seeing a friends S7, I noticed the screen will be bright but then will dim when view photos or in the camera app. Is there a way to disable that?

3. I read about using a secure folder to hide apps etc. Is it an absolute must that you need a samsung account to use that feature? Seems like more steps than the previous mode i seen where they used ''private mode''. Also, is it securely store on your phone or is whats stored in that secured folder actually in samsungs cloud/servers?

 

[anon(10418614)]

Anyone??

 

[Golfdriver97]

Thanks for all the help and info everyone I really appreciate it! So heres some last ones Ive come up with after doing more research.

1. In regards to using iCloud on the stock mail app on Samsung, will it be pushed or do i have to check it manually all the time?

2. In some reviews Ive watched as well as seeing a friends S7, I noticed the screen will be bright but then will dim when view photos or in the camera app. Is there a way to disable that?

3. I read about using a secure folder to hide apps etc. Is it an absolute must that you need a samsung account to use that feature? Seems like more steps than the previous mode i seen where they used ''private mode''. Also, is it securely store on your phone or is whats stored in that secured folder actually in samsungs cloud/servers?

Welcome to the forums.

1. Should be push notifications.

2. Hard to say. I don't think this is due to going into the photos app, but an auto dimming setting, and the lighting is forcing the screen to dim.

3. Not sure, I doubt it.

 

[anon(10418614)]

Thanks! I checked a relatives S8 and the dimming still happens. It doesnt seem to stay on constant. It'll dim when viewing photos.

As far as stock mail app using iCloud, does anyone know for sure if it will be push notifications or manually have to check it?

 

[chanchan05]

Thanks! I checked a relatives S8 and the dimming still happens. It doesnt seem to stay on constant. It'll dim when viewing photos.

As far as stock mail app using iCloud, does anyone know for sure if it will be push notifications or manually have to check it?

For the dimming, try turning off adaptive display. That changes the display hues according to what's on the screen.