What do you think are still androids biggest strengths?

[RavenSword]

What isn't working for you?

I don't understand anyone who wants to go back to a closed os when they insist on choices.

I also have a hard time understanding why you would not jailbreak your phone either. Same for rooting a skinned Android to have a pure Google experience if a GPE or Nexus phone wasn't available... I mean you're wanting

So exactly what isn't working for you with all the choices you have that you need to go back to a iPhone?

Saying that you just like or prefer a closed os is radically different from what you have implied prior... Or... is that what this was all about... your wanting to go back to ios and just trying to justify the decision you're making?

I don't jailbreak or root because of the security risks and I just don't have time or interest in all that. Just want something that works without any hacking.

And I'm not even sure I dislike open platforms. I'm merely stating I wonder if it causes more problems than good.

 

[A895]

I don't jailbreak or root because of the security risks and I just don't have time or interest in all that. Just want something that works without any hacking.

And I'm not even sure I dislike open platforms. I'm merely stating I wonder if it causes more problems than good.

It does not, but there will be someone who will argue that Android being open is detrimental in some way to consumers. Maybe updates to a degree, but other than that, being open is what helped Android be so popular.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[MDMcAtee]

I don't jailbreak or root because of the security risks and I just don't have time or interest in all that. Just want something that works without any hacking.

And I'm not even sure I dislike open platforms. I'm merely stating I wonder if it causes more problems than good.

What security risks?

There is really no more security risk unless you are sideloading apps that haven't been checked out or from untrustworthy sites or opening unknown email attachments or downloading porn...

Now if you are byod for work I could understand your hesitation or if yours were a enterprise phone of sorts but as a individuals personal phone those fears are unjustified and no more a risk as any other device. Rooting or jailbreaking a phone in itself doesn't increase any vulnerability of the phones....

 

[RavenSword]

What security risks?

There is really no more security risk unless you are sideloading apps that haven't been checked out or from untrustworthy sites or opening unknown email attachments or downloading porn...

Now if you are byod for work I could understand your hesitation or if yours were a enterprise phone of sorts but as a individuals personal phone those fears are unjustified and no more a risk as any other device. Rooting or jailbreaking a phone in itself doesn't increase any vulnerability of the phones....

I don't know. Maybe um just trying to fund what's best for me. For tavletd I prefer iOS, for computers I think I'd want a Mac, for phone, I don't know. With apples continuity feature it makes since to go iPhone as well, but there's things I like about my HTC one phone more than my 5S, the screen being one.

 

[radicchio]

Given the difficulty you have choosing and sticking to one phone, perhaps IOS is better for you. Less choices offer less dilemma and might make it easier for you to get the latest phone and be satisfied, not constantly worrying that something better is out there. I think IOS and Android both have their merits, but maybe the simplicity of choices with the IOS would suit you.

 

[B. Diddy]

Less choices offer less dilemma and might make it easier for you to get the latest phone and be satisfied, not constantly worrying that something better is out there.

This hits the nail right on the head.

 

[RavenSword]

This hits the nail right on the head.

That makes me feel like a simpleton though that can't make up his own mind.

I'm justtrying to think longterm here. Whatever I choose will dictate everything else I buy like tablets, streaming boxes, laptops, and etc.

 

[B. Diddy]

That's not the idea at all. You clearly have shown that the wide selection of Android hardware with its variation of strengths and weaknesses constantly presents you with very difficult decisions. On top of that, you also have shown concerns for issues like fragmentation and updates. You frequently bring up iOS as a very attractive alternative to you because of its reliability, smooth performance, and prompt updates. Many members of this forum have striven to convince you of Android's advantages, but you still seem undecided. It really makes sense in this situation that iOS, with its uniformity and reliability, may be the right choice for you.

Apple will always have a robust ecosystem that includes other media like TVs, audio equipment, and every kind of accessory you can think of. Sure, maybe you'll be locked into that ecosystem, but so what? It's not like that ecosystem will go away, and while there isn't much variety of handset hardware, there certainly is a plethora of accessories.

 

[MDMcAtee]

That makes me feel like a simpleton though that can't make up his own mind.

I'm justtrying to think longterm here. Whatever I choose will dictate everything else I buy like tablets, streaming boxes, laptops, and etc.

Justification for the long term is really the last thing you need to do.

While Apple's continuity features are going to be nice, how much are you really going to utilize them? Same for Windows unification scheme?

If you actually need these features then by all means go for it, but if you really don't why invest in a very expensive ecosystem for something that is not necessarily the best phone for you or in a ecosystem that isn't ready?

I fully understand the lure to both, but neither offer a phone that gives you the options that a high-end Android phone has.

Only you can decide what you use your phone for and what you need.

I utilize all of the platforms and choose what works best for my needs. I don't need a desktop computer for a cell phone, even though that would be a nice feature, nor do I need a fully integrated house that's integrated into my mobile devices. Not yet at least. I have seen friends going all out with this but I am not really ready to commit to doing so.

Android phones and tablets work very well and have all of what I need and surprisingly they work well with my imac too.

I use my phone far more than anything else, so it is the most important part of my computing needs. I have gotten bye with a iPhone and also a Windows phone but neither can give me what I need in a cellphone. I hate to just get bye with anything... and much prefer to have what I truly like.

Androids IMHO have gotten a bad rap on several occasions and most often needlessly since there are so many alternative phones to choose from. They are just as secure as the other platforms just as long as you know what steps to take to keep them that way. Androids actually get as many updates as ios or WP and has new apps all the time . Androids have the best selection of phones to choose from from small easy to carry to the largest phablet types, and are the most customizable devices you can buy.

Only you can decide as I said on just how important these features are to you and what you think you need.

Make a list of of the reasons and start comparing each to find the best for you.

I will only caution you to see what is fact and what is unfulfilled promises or hype before investing heavily in any platform.

 

[radicchio]

I certainly wasn't implying you are a simpleton. Just someone who has difficulty making a decision and sticking to it, at least in regard to your electronics. Our access to so much information is generally a wonderful thing, but it can lead to problems. I can sympathize, as all the information means I take a very, very long time to make a decision and actually act on it. Once I make the decision, I do generally stick with the decision and make it work, but the process of getting to the final decision is laborious. Eventually, though, we do have to go ahead and make a choice. "Analysis paralysis" is very real---google it.

I'm just saying, having read a number of your posts, it sounds like you really want to go back to IOS, and it would probably serve you well.

 

[someguy01234]

Biggest strength is freedom.

But I rather have the same discussion about it's weak points and what needs to improve.

 

[Ry]

Biggest strength is freedom.

But I rather have the same discussion about it's weak points and what needs to improve.

If by weak points you mean speed of updates or "skins", they're not necessarily weak points. They're byproducts of the open system.

 

[someguy01234]

If by weak points you mean speed of updates or "skins", they're not necessarily weak points. They're byproducts of the open system.

No, there are other things that can improve. Wakelock is an issue that haven't died. People are still complaining of battery drain and slow down. Even phone reviewers still recommend people to reboot their Android phone once a day, you don't need to do that with iPhones. I want more control over security aspects as well, right now your only choice is to either install or not install an app. There is always room for improvement.

 

[TWC42]

How much would it cost for RavenSword to get an iPhone, try things out, and, if not happy, return it within the 3 day or 14 day window?
A few observations from a non-techie: my wife had an iPhone because she didn't want a phone as big as my HTC One M7. I hated it and was frustrated no end trying to figure things out. The most non-intuitive device I've ever dealt with. As soon as the HTC One Mini came out, I ditched the iPhone and got the Mini. She loves it.
How long did it take Apple to allow an alternate keyboard? I really like swiping, couldn't do that on an iPhone until 6, right?
Why does Apple require one to sign in to the App Store with a credit card to download a free app?
Accessories: not directly connected with the iPhone itself, but has anyone priced the Lightning to 30 pin adapter that one needs to connect a newer generation iPod to an older generation player system? $36 for a stinking adapter! If it was Android related, it would cost $2. If that's the kind of price gouging that iFolks have to put up with, I don't want any part of the iWorld.
So IMHO, Android's biggest strengths are the competition that reins in prices, the wider variety of apps (such as alternate keyboards), and the more intuitive operating system.

 

[someguy01234]

How long did it take Apple to allow an alternate keyboard? I really like swiping, couldn't do that on an iPhone until 6, right?

They allow third party keyboards now, but people have been reporting series issues out causes to the OS. Also right now I feel Swype don't work as good compared to Android version.

 

[MDMcAtee]

No, there are other things that can improve. Wakelock is an issue that haven't died. People are still complaining of battery drain and slow down. Even phone reviewers still recommend people to reboot their Android phone once a day, you don't need to do that with iPhones. I want more control over security aspects as well, right now your only choice is to either install or not install an app. There is always room for improvement.

Wake lock issues are dependent on the individuals phone and how it is set up
I don't have that issue. Battery drain and slow down is a direct correlation of screen usage and what apps are allowed to be running in the background. Slow down is a result of not clearing the cache and not utilizing the ram properly and having too many apps running. All can be corrected by the data turn off when the screen goes off so apps aren't constantly trying to sync as well as constantly trying to connect with the towers.

Batteries drain they must be recharged. If a phone is not set up properly it will drain faster.

Resetting the phones helps in some cases and iphones need this too depending on how they are used. Apps hang from time to time even on iphones and need to be reset. Close out apps, manually sync accounts when needed and turn off data when not needed... Simple steps

 

[MDMcAtee]

That's fair enough. Its just I know feel compelled to shell out 650 bucks on a nexus 6 because I'd like to get all the lollipop features and styling, which I won't get on any other android phone due to OEM skins.

I just wonder... Why not convert your m8 to the GPE?

 

[RavenSword]

I just wonder... Why not convert your m8 to the GPE?

I don't want to get into ROMing and rooting. I do have the Google now launcher installed and that's pretty much stock android.

 

[MDMcAtee]

I don't want to get into ROMing and rooting. I do have the Google now launcher installed and that's pretty much stock android.

Well.. The new Nexus would be a great phone and I personally would get that over the iPhone.

Posted via Android Central App on my HTC M8

 

[RavenSword]

Well.. The new Nexus would be a great phone and I personally would get that over the iPhone.

Posted via Android Central App on my HTC M8

I honestly can't spending 650 dollars right now on any new kind of phone. I'm already paying off the m8. My dillema was whether to use the M8 or go back to the 5S. I mean, I could always drop the money on a nexus 6 or iPhone 6, but then I'm still gonna have to pay off the m8. So that's like a total if 1300 dollars spent all told. :/