New iSomething or Android for the wife?

[Aflaaaak]

My wife and I have been happily using flip phones for the last 7 years or so. However, we decided that instead of replacing an old LG with cracked outer screen, we'd try a LG G4 "smart" phone. Needless to say, it's been a heck of an upgrade! I have been using the G4 since July (she's a runner and still likes the small form factor of the flip phone), and for the most part, am completely happy. I do get an occasional glitch, or something just stops working for no obvious reason, but am able to fix it or get past it.

Being to able to access so much on the go has not gone unnoticed by my wife, and decided she'd like to try a smartphone when our Verizon Upgrade becomes available in December. My wife struggles with tech sometimes, so the question is whether we should look at another Android phone, or an iPhone for the sake of her not pulling her hair out. I like tech, so for me, the flexibility of Android OS is great (and LOVE the removable battery and SD card on my G4). But she's not going to be doing anything with the phone beyond the basics, most likely. Soooo, are iPhones THAT much easier for a non-techie to get the hang of for a first smart phone, or is it just whatever you get used to? We do have an non-cellular iPad Air 2, so somewhat familiar with IOS, but not as a phone. Are iPhones much more expensive than comparable Androids? She doesn't need the latest model of either.

 

[anon(782252)]

If my parents, in their 60's, can learn/work Android phones, I'm sure your wife can, especially with you right in the house to help.

Learning curve? Sure. But it didn't take that long and now my dad wants to upgrade every year when I do.

I've never used an iPhone but I hear it's a little more non-techie pick up and use friendly for what it's worth.

 

[RicKaysen]

I think iPhones are perfect for people who struggle with tech. Just like with cars, some people want nothing to do with learning about how it works and getting under the hood...they just want to turn the key and have it go. Personally, I'd be frustrated with being so hamstrung.

 

[Aflaaaak]

Thanks Rick,
That's why I picked the g4 for myself - kept running into "No, Apple doesn't think you need to do that" using our iPad or iPods, and I always feel like Apple is fleecing me . My wife just wants the thing to work for what she needs, which is basic internet access to look things up, texting on a non-flip phone keypad, maps, email, and phone calls. She borrowed my phone to text a friend the other day, and kept needing help with accidental screen touches that changed the window...by the time I got my phone back, she had accidentally changed all kinds of settings .

 

[Funky Diver]

I would suggest an iphone 5s, given that it is indeed simple to use and would suit a non techie orientated someone perfectly.

If she's moving from a basic flip, as a runner it's perfect.

Install one of a multitude of fitness apps, eg Strava, get spotify on with the running mix and she'll be able to track workouts and fitness stuff perfectly.

Unfortunately I haven't found an suitable app to track my couch usage yet, this the whole fitness thing is beyond me.

 

[lostchild]

If she is familiar with iPad and likes the iOS, then iPhone would be an easy choice that doesn't require any learning curve. iPhone is about same price as Samsung but much more than LG G4. If you are doing the payment thing on Verizon then it is only a few bucks difference per month. If this was 3 years ago, I would say iPhone all the way. But now Android OS is almost as easy to learn as iOS, so it is really up to you or her. I would say just ask her and let her decide so she cannot blame you later.

 

[Aflaaaak]

I would say just ask her and let her decide so she cannot blame you later.

This is the key .
We'll see what's available when the timed comes. Really sucks Verizon got rid of the cheap/free older phone when reupping a two year contract .

 

[scottysize]

If you have an iPad already, I'd say stick with an iPhone because she'll understand how to move around. It's the same iOS.

Now, we did move my In-Laws over to Android phones from flip phones 2 years ago. It was not a smooth transition, but they didn't even have the Internet prior to the SmartPhones. Tech is not their strong suit. I gave them a Blueray player for Christmas last year because their VCR finally gave out. I would rather have set them up with iPhones, but wifey was insistent that they get Android phones. We are still their tech support today.

 

[momo662]

 

[rdt595]

My wife is not tech savvy either but she despises iphones. She is happy with her s6. There is a "simple" mode on most android phones but I haven't tried it.

LG NitroHD G2 G3 G4

 

[Allen Brandt]

I know I'll likely get crapped on for this, but a Windows phone is super easy to use, has little to mess up, and are dirt cheap. Might want to consider one of those, also, especially if your wife is not app-dependent.

 

[Jim_in_VA]

I'd get her a iPhone. Simple interface and she is already use to it if she has a iPad. I have a Verizon G4, wife has a iPhone 6. Less drama in the house.

 

[Rukbat]

My wife's tech savvy (used to work as a tech specialist), but uses her smartphone for texts, phone (and Skype) calls and games. That's about it.

I have the same phone, have dozens of apps on it, and almost a thousand backed up on my computer and a cloud account.

You don't need to be tech savvy to use an Android, though. It's there if you want it, but it can be set up so it's not in your face. (Just put the minimum number of apps she needs on the homescreen. (There are a lot of good runner apps for Android - GPS tracking, pedometer type, and loads of health apps that runners use. [I'm arthritic, so a 3 year old could outrun me - for about 10 feet, then a dead snail could beat me.])

 

[GrooveRite]

My mother is in her mid 60's and my sister just replaced her S4 with a iPhone 6 plus. This is her first iPhone after a few galaxy devices. I asked her the other day how she was doing with her new phone and she told me she likes it cause it's easier then her previous devices. Believe me when I tell you that iPhones are better for certain people. I can't tell you all how many times I've helped my mom navigate through her Android and she never caught on. She seems to be doing really well with her new iPhone and I'm glad I don't have to be tech support anymore.....thats my sisters job now, lol.

 

[Inders99]

I think I just must be weird, Android is more intuitive to me than iPhone.

 

[Aflaaaak]

Not at a decision point yet, but will take all your comments into consideration. Think what I'll do is have her play with the iPad a while, then my phone and compare them directly, as if she were in the store....I guess the only difference between the iPad's IOS and an iPhone is the phone part?

 

[GrooveRite]

I think I just must be weird, Android is more intuitive to me than iPhone.

Well then I'll hop on the weird bus with you and agree! I find Apples way of doing things on any of their devices to be unnecessarily cumbersome for my use. I'm too much of a PC guy I guess.

 

[missouriexile]

My wife strongly resisted giving up her flip phone. After more than a year she will not give up her LG G4.
She had a long learning curve that is ongoing but she isn't looking back.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[Inders99]

Well then I'll hop on the weird bus with you and agree! I find Apples way of doing things on any of their devices to be unnecessarily cumbersome for my use. I'm too much of a PC guy I guess.

I got a Macbook Pro and a iMac and love 'em, can't see owning anything else except a Chromebook for hacking around some day. It's just Apple's phones that seem weird to me.

I really want to like iPhones because I like the size of the 5s and wish there was something one handed with Android but every time I pick up a friend's iPhone I put it down after a couple of minutes because I don't get what all the fuss is about...but that's just me.

 

[sbudaj]

My best suggestion is to get your wife the same phone you have. That way you will be able to help her if she has issues. You will be able to help her through her learning curve. If she gets an iPhone all you will be able to tell her is you don't know anything about it. Get her a G4 - that's what I did for my wife- it will be better for both of you.