Simply can't decide: ditch the iPhone 5S for a Nexus 5?

[Unicorn Rancher]

Re: simply can't decide..

I know no one can decide this but me, but do you guys have any advice?

My advice is don't spend money to replace a phone that works unless you're sure about a new phone, especially if you need money for other things like car repairs.

 

[zkSharks]

Re: simply can't decide..

My advice is don't spend money to replace a phone that works unless you're sure about a new phone, especially if you need money for other things like car repairs.

This. And if you do choose to move to a Nexus 5, recognize that it's going to feel like a more cohesive experience as you adopt products and services that go with the platform (Google Now, Google Play services, etc.). Furthermore, much of the benefit of Android phones comes through customization, as with third-party launchers (like Action Launcher) or lockscreen augmentations (like Dynamic Notifications). You'll still have a very nice experience without changing much of the stock setup, but the advantage is having the option.

For anyone who gives the Nexus 5 a shot and isn't impressed with performance, try enabling ART: Five minutes on ART — the new Android runtime | Android Central

 

[DavidsTech]

I know what your talking about when you say the Nexus 7 (2013) does not always respond when pushing buttons. But the Nexus 5 is a different beast. I don't have any issues with it responding to touch. It has been a smooth, lag free experience. I have all three devices you mention. Pros and cons to all.

Sent via Note 3

 

[RavenSword]

This. And if you do choose to move to a Nexus 5, recognize that it's going to feel like a more cohesive experience as you adopt products and services that go with the platform (Google Now, Google Play services, etc.). Furthermore, much of the benefit of Android phones comes through customization, as with third-party launchers (like Action Launcher) or lockscreen augmentations (like Dynamic Notifications). You'll still have a very nice experience without changing much of the stock setup, but the advantage is having the option.

For anyone who gives the Nexus 5 a shot and isn't impressed with performance, try enabling ART: Five minutes on ART — the new Android runtime | Android Central

Yeah, and those were factors that made me want to go android. I like the ability to customize if I want, I use a lot of google services already and would like closer integration with them, and while I don't really desire to root, having that option LEGALY and EASILY available is nice to have if I ever do. And I want my phone to make my life easier and more productive. I think android would do that better.

 

[iN8ter]

Re: simply can't decide..

Keep the 5S and wait for the next Nexus.

The Nexus 5 isn't that good.

Mediocre Battery Life and Camera, and don't expect a user experience as good as on OEM devices or an iPhone.

On the flip side: As someone who just used an iPhone 5S (and got rid of it after 10 days), I don't think the App Store is a reason to keep an iPhone, unless you have a lot of purchases there. I think many of Apple's Services and Service Integration are better than Google's, and they don't come with Google+/Facebook/Myspace/Whatever encumbrances.

Wait for the Nexus 6, and likely next version of Android, before you make the choices, IMO... That is, unless you feel you must have a larger screen in which case this conundrum is not a conundrum at all

 

[iN8ter]

Re: simply can't decide..

This. And if you do choose to move to a Nexus 5, recognize that it's going to feel like a more cohesive experience as you adopt products and services that go with the platform (Google Now, Google Play services, etc.). Furthermore, much of the benefit of Android phones comes through customization, as with third-party launchers (like Action Launcher) or lockscreen augmentations (like Dynamic Notifications). You'll still have a very nice experience without changing much of the stock setup, but the advantage is having the option.

For anyone who gives the Nexus 5 a shot and isn't impressed with performance, try enabling ART: Five minutes on ART — the new Android runtime | Android Central

That's not a nice experience. That's a concoction of conflicting UIs & Design Language, complicated Options Dialogs, and arduous setups. I think people undervalue the importance of design consistency. This is why Apple has strict UI guidelines and why they tend to use a very consistent design language across most all of their apps.

When people I know (the iOS users) see devices cluttered up with this stuff, they don't think it looks attractive at all. The same way some people here shun Samsung phones because they aren't as pretty as HTC's (despite being more capable from a Features/Hardware standpoint), those iOS users laugh at that clutter..

Widgets aren't important to these people, and neither is using their phone like a Personal Computer. They use the smartphone as a smartphone, and they just want something that works well and lets them get things done. When they get home, they put it down or on the charger and use their Personal Computers/Macs.

This is part of the reason why I buy Samsung for the features/capabilities/decent support/integrated services. I don't have time for that. I did go to the iPhone 5S, for 10 days for that reason, but the tiny screen (which I had to tap multiple times all day long to hit buttons on cause it seems like it ignores your presses at times, or mis-registers them) and aggressive picture-distorting post-processing in the camera software (super color saturation, ridiculous noise reduction, smudging of edges, etc.) simply weren't going to cut it for me so I took it back and got the Note 3 (talk about going from one extreme to the other).

I don't use the Android any different than I used the iPhone, or the Blackberries or Windows Phones that I've had. I bought the phone for what it offered me, not to Play Store shop, ROM Hop, Root and Tinker, etc.

And I'm aware that some people do buy for those reasons and there's no reason to knock that I don't know any iOS users I know (and the training facility here is dominated by them), who give a hoot about that stuff... They don't even JB their phones< lol.

I can't use stock Android. Google's design language isn't consistent and it looks messy to me for that reason. Samsung are no software UI/UX design mavericks, but at least they have been consistent (practically throughout the entire life of their Galaxy S series). I like that Samsung gives me options for services that Google has encumbered with Google+ (can still send Pictures in IM and do 3-Way VoIP/Video Calls with ChatOn without a Google+ Public Profile ;-) ).

 

[RavenSword]

Well, its not just a bigger screen. Its the customizing, widgets, Google integration, and etc. It just seems more forward thinking as a phone OS.

 

[A895]

I simply can't decide whether to ditch my iPhone 5S and pick up a nexus 5. I mean, there's a part of me that does want a open system and one that's customizable, but at the same time I really want a smooth, hitch free experience. I currently own a 2013 nexus 7 and I can't help but notice that its not as smooth and lag free as my ipad 4 or iPhone. I get these stalls when switching things, some app crashes, bits of lag and I keep getting key presses that don't register when I type on the keyboard.

I don't know if the new nexus 7 is just not the fastest thing available or what, but i was under the impression that it was one of the fastest tablets out there? And I'm honestly worried I'll get the same annoyances with a nexus 5. I can't tell if its the tech or just android itself. I did do a lot of factory restores on this device, but I don't know if that would cause software or hardware damage?

The things I really like about android are its customizability, its flexibility, and that I don't feel like I'm stuck buying a particular brand of hardware for all my stuff. Like, with iOS I feel like I need to then buy a mac!, iPad, apple TV, and etc. But with android, the services work well with pretty much anything. From PC to a Mac. But maybe this is just a perception issue for me.

I know no one can decide this but me, but do you guys have any advice?

I would wait. Especially now. The HTC One is being announced soon, the S5 comes out in a couple months, and whatever else new devices comes out as well. In the meantime use cross platform apps if you do move to android in the future. Evernote/Simplenote/OneNote for notes , Netflix for movies, Feedly for news, OneDrive/DropBox for storage etc. Buying app store exclusive apps is the sure fire way of getting stuck on a platform.

Posted via Moto X or Droid RAZR M on the Android Central App

 

[JeffDenver]

Re: simply can't decide..

Probaly from a financial standpoint it wouldn't be the best move to buy the nexus 5. That money could be used towards repairing my car for instance. Or replacing my aging tv that's having picture problems.

You should only buy a new phone if it has something that you know for sure you will use and will be worth the upgrade.

For me it was mostly the camera. The Nexus 5 takes awesome pictures, and there are no better vanilla alternatives. Really the only camera I have seen so far that is better is the G2. I'd consider the S4 comparable. I discarded both because I wanted vanilla android and no hardware buttons. There are lots of other phones with better camera software, but not better quality. I do like the extra CPU speed, the extra storage, wireless charging, ect...but the Camera was the main reason for my upgrade.

Unless the Nexus is offering you something that is worth a $300 upgrade, I'd keep what you have and wait.

 

[RavenSword]

You should only buy a new phone if it has something that you know for sure you will use and will be worth the upgrade.

For me it was mostly the camera. The Nexus 5 takes awesome pictures, and there are no better vanilla alternatives. Really the only camera I have seen so far that is better is the G2. I'd consider the S4 comparable. I discarded both because I wanted vanilla android and no hardware buttons. There are lots of other phones with better camera software, but not better quality. I do like the extra CPU speed, the extra storage, wireless charging, ect...but the Camera was the main reason for my upgrade.

Unless the Nexus is offering you something that is worth a $300 upgrade, I'd keep what you have and wait.

We'll, if I had to say , I think it's mainly that if I don't do it now , I might not ever because I'm going to keep getting further locked into Apple as time goes by.

And I think I'll really appreciate a bigger screen and app interoperability.

 

[Haalcyon]

We'll, if I had to say , I think it's mainly that if I don't do it now , I might not ever because I'm going to keep getting further locked into Apple as time goes by.

And I think I'll really appreciate a bigger screen and app interoperability.

You will never be "locked" into Apple...even if you spend $100 on Apple apps. You can always choose android now, buy apps, and go back to apple later, should you choose. You'll have had the "experience" which is often a good thing. In fact, I believe the Nexus 5 and iPhone 5s take the same size SIM card (I read that somewherez). If you could have both and switch when the mood hit you there'd probably be a lot of good experience in that.


via the tablet

 

[zkSharks]

Re: simply can't decide..

That's not a nice experience. That's a concoction of conflicting UIs & Design Language, complicated Options Dialogs, and arduous setups. I think people undervalue the importance of design consistency. This is why Apple has strict UI guidelines and why they tend to use a very consistent design language across most all of their apps.

When people I know (the iOS users) see devices cluttered up with this stuff, they don't think it looks attractive at all. The same way some people here shun Samsung phones because they aren't as pretty as HTC's (despite being more capable from a Features/Hardware standpoint), those iOS users laugh at that clutter..

Widgets aren't important to these people, and neither is using their phone like a Personal Computer. They use the smartphone as a smartphone, and they just want something that works well and lets them get things done. When they get home, they put it down or on the charger and use their Personal Computers/Macs.

This is part of the reason why I buy Samsung for the features/capabilities/decent support/integrated services. I don't have time for that. I did go to the iPhone 5S, for 10 days for that reason, but the tiny screen (which I had to tap multiple times all day long to hit buttons on cause it seems like it ignores your presses at times, or mis-registers them) and aggressive picture-distorting post-processing in the camera software (super color saturation, ridiculous noise reduction, smudging of edges, etc.) simply weren't going to cut it for me so I took it back and got the Note 3 (talk about going from one extreme to the other).

I don't use the Android any different than I used the iPhone, or the Blackberries or Windows Phones that I've had. I bought the phone for what it offered me, not to Play Store shop, ROM Hop, Root and Tinker, etc.

And I'm aware that some people do buy for those reasons and there's no reason to knock that I don't know any iOS users I know (and the training facility here is dominated by them), who give a hoot about that stuff... They don't even JB their phones< lol.

I can't use stock Android. Google's design language isn't consistent and it looks messy to me for that reason. Samsung are no software UI/UX design mavericks, but at least they have been consistent (practically throughout the entire life of their Galaxy S series). I like that Samsung gives me options for services that Google has encumbered with Google+ (can still send Pictures in IM and do 3-Way VoIP/Video Calls with ChatOn without a Google+ Public Profile ;-) ).

For the most part, Google's recent versions of Android and its Android apps are quite consistent on their UI and UX, and this is certainly deliberate. You're right that there are parts of Android that weren't — and many third-party products that aren't — in full "agreement" with those standards, but that landscape is changing. A brief caveat: yes, there are some options and dialogs in Android that I'd like to see redesigned, but that list is much shorter now than it used to be. For example, Google changed their guidelines for selecting/multi-selecting content as well as context menus, and that interaction has yet to fully permeate the platform (though at this point it's mostly third-party apps that remain to adopt the new mechanisms).

Many third-party applications are being designed with the goal of modeling or building upon Google's vision for the platform and its products. While this can lead to inconsistencies, it's up to the third-party developers to both build and introduce these features to the user in a way that is not disruptive to the user experience. I'd rather have the potential disadvantages of this than remove the flexibility and freedom given to developers, though I can certainly understand the corresponding allure of third-party iOS apps' conformity. I would also argue that this is important for the health of the platform, especially so if we want to continue innovation as Google moves further away from grand changes to Android and increasingly focuses on under-the-hood improvements its additional apps and services.

Finally, don't confuse a diverse selection of UI elements or UX approaches for a lack of quality. There are several different types of headers and tabs, showcase and introduction views, dialogs and toasts, etc. present in Android apps, but for the most part they're based on the same interaction principles and provide visual indicators of their function. Action Launcher, to use my previous example, is built using mostly standard UI elements, but they're used in a new way to completely change how one uses their homescreen. If this contradicts the user experience you expect or desire on Android, I can understand that, but that doesn't necessarily mean it compromises the UI elements on which it is built. It's very much a different environment for the homescreen than Google has envisioned with Google Now Launcher. You're also right that this is an appealing option only to those who are looking to add such a level of functionality and interaction to their homescreen. However it's important that we preserve the option to choose, and the freedom for designers and developers, otherwise we end up worrying about its future. Here's part of the last paragraph of that post:

With iOS7, that’s all changed. Design may be in danger of becoming dogmatic. I expect designers and non-designers alike will make decisions based less on the goals of the product and more on looking “modern” (or iOS7 like).

That was a prediction — though not necessarily mine — and I'm not familiar enough with current third-party iOS apps to judge with any accuracy. Apple has improvements to make itself, such as with iOS 7's gesture control implementation, and some would say the common Gaussian blurs in iOS 7 are a bit too common. I'm not saying they're superfluous; in fact, I'd agree with Rene that they add to the experience Apple has stuck with regarding 1:1 interaction and direct feedback. The Gaussian shaders are an important part of this, as they're per-pixel shaders calculated in real-time.

Gaussian blur shaders are used liberally throughout iOS 7 as well. So much so they seem to be on more than they're off.

iOS has always stressed direct manipulation and 1:1 touch tracking, because it created the illusion of genuine interaction. Combine that with the new engines, and now the illusion is even better. You're not just tapping buttons, you're moving objects through their own virtual space. You're not just flipping through a stack of tabs tediously drawn to look and move like cards, hiccuping and losing proper perspective as you go. You're flipping real card-shaped objects that fly past, always in perfect perspective because they're rendered to be. It's so real, it begins to feel like a game. and that's exactly the point. Real gamification is about enabling discovery though play. It's about rewarding intuition with delight. It's about making computing fun.

It should go without saying that I try to be as unbiased as I can, but for what it's worth, I use and enjoy both Android and iOS on a near-daily basis. I would go take a look here for more on what Google is working toward with Android's UI and UX: Android Design in Action | Android Developers

As for your statements on Samsung and HTC... I have a One in front of me at the moment, and have offered advice to more than one friend with an S4 after they were disappointed with the "lackluster" and "crowded" experience. I know precisely what you're referring to.

 

[JeffDenver]

We'll, if I had to say , I think it's mainly that if I don't do it now , I might not ever because I'm going to keep getting further locked into Apple as time goes by.

You'll only be as locked in as you want to be. If iOS is offering you more than Android you should stay with iOS.

 

[RavenSword]

You will never be "locked" into Apple...even if you spend $100 on Apple apps. You can always choose android now, buy apps, and go back to apple later, should you choose. You'll have had the "experience" which is often a good thing. In fact, I believe the Nexus 5 and iPhone 5s take the same size SIM card (I read that somewherez). If you could have both and switch when the mood hit you there'd probably be a lot of good experience in that.


via the tablet

Yeah, that's what I would peobaly do if I could switch the Sim cards easily.

I'm probably gonna go ahead and do it. I think I would enjoy the bigger screen, apps interoperability, and the customization. If I don't, then I'll still have my iPhone.

 

[RavenSword]

You'll only be as locked in as you want to be. If iOS is offering you more than Android you should stay with iOS.

Well, the thing is I don't think its offering me more. Its more co stricitive on app communication, I can't change things I dont like, I'm limited in my hardware options, and etc. My only hangup is going to be if android on the Nexis 5 will be smooth and relatively hitch free.

 

[zkSharks]

Well, the thing is I don't think its offering me more. Its more co stricitive on app communication, I can't change things I dont like, I'm limited in my hardware options, and etc. My only hangup is going to be if android on the Nexis 5 will be smooth and relatively hitch free.

Be sure to enable ART and give it a spin. We're just seeing the beginning of 64-bit computing on Android, and ART represents the first time since the platform's inception that applications are pre-compiled instead of being compiled at runtime (when you launch the apps). I don't believe there are any outstanding third-party app compatibility problems at this point, and I find performance to be completely smooth and stutter-free (beyond my experience with iOS) when ART is enabled.

It's worth noting that the praise given to the Moto X for performance optimization is partially due to the fact that it uses an optimized version of Dalvik (the runtime to be replaced by ART) that was authored by Qualcomm. Though the true impact of ART is more significant than the optimized version of Dalvik, the improvements in noticeable performance (responsiveness) are similar to what you'll get using ART. Essentially ART brings the same improvements that Moto X users enjoy, and more.

 

[JeffDenver]

Well, the thing is I don't think its offering me more. Its more co stricitive on app communication, I can't change things I dont like, I'm limited in my hardware options, and etc. My only hangup is going to be if android on the Nexis 5 will be smooth and relatively hitch free.

This video is a good sample of Nexus 5 performance. This was in Nov of 2013...both phones have recieved updates since then and are probably even faster than this now.

My phone is actually faster than this because I am using Nova launcher, which allows you to adjust the speed of app animations. iOS does not have this option (deliberately so, because app animations are often used to mask load times).

 

[iN8ter]

Re: simply can't decide..

I don't really care to argue the "opinions" of other reviewers. I'm talking about what I see when I see someone's phone loaded up with a bunch of widgets and 3rd party software: messiness and design/UX inconsistencies - often accompanied by battery drain and performance degradation as well.
Consistent UI/UX. It matters. It's why Android has a reputation for looking messy to people who use other platforms. Widgets aren't a huge selling point to a lot of those people, and neither is the warranty-voiding customizations that a lot of people on tech-focused sites/forums push.

That is all great, and that's certainly advantageous to a certain segment of the marketplace, but it is not the end-all be all.

Those iOS users like to K.I.S.S.

There's a reason why OEMs like Samsung and HTC go to the lengths they go to customize Android. It's to add a consistent design language to their devices.

This is something Google has done a pretty poor job at.

Whether someone prefers TW or Sense is subjective. I personally don't think Sense looks all that good and some of the UI transitions (like the rubber banding where things separate when you overscroll) look atrocious to me. However, a TW or Sense (or LG, or Sony, or Motorola) device is only as crowded as you make it. The settings are tabbed and generally things are well organized. If you throw a bunch of crap on the home screens, then yes it will be crowded which is exactly my point. My home screens are clean (Search Widget and Icons on every home screen except my main one which has just a Weather Widget and icons - I only keep 3 home screens), so I don't tend to get those reactions. I can still have a clean UI/UX, and still have superior functionality.

I didn't say Google wasn't improving, they are. It's just not great, and I couldn't sell any of those iOS users on Android by boasting about the stuff mentioned in the post I quoted. I can, however, sell it based on capabilities - where even STOCK Android wins over iOS.

I have no issues using Android. I just have issues using STOCK Android because it's feature-thin and the only way to get functionality on par with an HTC, Samsung, LG, Sony, Motorola device is to load up a bunch of 3rd party apps which leads directly to the messy UI/UX issues that I commented on.

Performance is just not something to have to worry about with any decently recent flagship. It's all about services and user experience these days.

 

[Haalcyon]

Re: simply can't decide..

I don't really care to argue the "opinions" of other reviewers. I'm talking about what I see when I see someone's phone loaded up with a bunch of widgets and 3rd party software: messiness and design/UX inconsistencies - often accompanied by battery drain and performance degradation as well.

Consistent UI/UX. It matters. It's why Android has a reputation for looking messy to people who use other platforms. Widgets aren't a huge selling point to a lot of those people, and neither is the warranty-voiding customizations that a lot of people on tech-focused sites/forums push.

That is all great, and that's certainly advantageous to a certain segment of the marketplace, but it is not the end-all be all.

Those iOS users like to K.I.S.S.

There's a reason why OEMs like Samsung and HTC go to the lengths they go to customize Android. It's to add a consistent design language to their devices.

This is something Google has done a pretty poor job at.

Whether someone prefers TW or Sense is subjective. I personally don't think Sense looks all that good and some of the UI transitions (like the rubber banding where things separate when you overscroll) look atrocious to me. However, a TW or Sense (or LG, or Sony, or Motorola) device is only as crowded as you make it. The settings are tabbed and generally things are well organized. If you throw a bunch of crap on the home screens, then yes it will be crowded which is exactly my point. My home screens are clean (Search Widget and Icons on every home screen except my main one which has just a Weather Widget and icons), so I don't tend to get those reactions. I can still have a clean UI/UX, and still have superior functionality.

I didn't say Google wasn't improving, they are. It's just not great, and I couldn't sell any of those iOS users on Android by boasting about the stuff mentioned in the post I quoted. I can, however, sell it based on capabilities.

I have no issues using Android. I just have issues using STOCK Android because it's feature-thin and the only way to get functionality on par with an HTC, Samsung, LG, Sony, Motorola device is to load up a bunch of 3rd party apps which leads directly to the messy UI/UX issues that I commented on.

Performance is just not something to have to worry about with any decently recent flagship. It's all about services and user experience these days.

I've said the same thing in different ways. But it's subjective. Right now I'm enjoying the keep it simple silly method but who know how I'll feel down the road.


via the tablet

 

[JeffDenver]

Re: simply can't decide..

I have no issues using Android. I just have issues using STOCK Android because it's feature-thin and the only way to get functionality on par with an HTC, Samsung, LG, Sony, Motorola device is to load up a bunch of 3rd party apps which leads directly to the messy UI/UX issues that I commented on.

I had Sense for almost 2 years, and the only reason I rooted at all was to try to get rid of it. None of those "features" are things I envy or miss...mostly they were just gimmicks.

Photosphere is something I have used a lot in the last 18 months, and it is something I could not get on my Sense phone. Only on Vanilla Android.

Widgets aren't a huge selling point to a lot of those people, and neither is the warranty-voiding customizations that a lot of people on tech-focused sites/forums push.

Can you give me some examples? I can only thing of one thing I have needed to root to get so far.