Jeremy Truitt
An attempt to understand the world of current events, finance and the economy on a level that allows me to teach it. I'm a journalist. Oh and the occasional post about family, life and kids!
Switching From iPhone to Android…It Only Lasted 4 Days
Every person I know had the same reaction: “You did what?” I was eligible to upgrade from my iPhone 4S this past Sunday. I casually strolled into the Verizon Wireless store to pick up the new iPhone 5 (understanding there was going to be a couple weeks waiting time) and then I got to thinking. I thought, “maybe I’ll give this Samsung Galaxy s3 a shot.” It’s got Android’s newer operating system called Ice Cream Sandwich and the sales guy told me how great it is.
So I did it. I figured this way, I will either KNOW I like it or do not and if I don’t like it I can just return it in 14 days. Of course that’s after the obligatory $35 restocking fee. Well it didn’t go well. Four days later I brought it back to the store and swore I’d wait for the iPhone 5.
Here’s a quick recap:
First off for the Android lovers…YES the Galaxy s3 has more features. YES it’s a very advanced and cool phone. The ability to customize and have widgets and the higher resolution screen is very cool. Definitely score for Android. That is THE ONLY benefit to the Galaxy s3, in my opinion. Feel free to disagree.
At first I liked the larger screen too, until I realized it’s too big to “one-hand” it. When I’m driving (yeah I know it’s not safe) or walking on campus, the last thing I want to do is use both hands. I found while dialing or texting, it’s much more difficult to text unless I can use both hands. However when I do use both hands, the larger keyboard is nice.
The iPhone is MUCH more durable. Specifically the new iPhone 5, which is made of beveled aluminum and glass. NOT plastic and more plastic. Android lovers keep telling me “You can’t even remove the battery on the iPhone, that’s dumb.” Why the hell do I ever need to remove the battery?
I HAVE HAD MY IPHONE FOR 20 MONTHS (I HAD THE 4 before the 4S) AND IT HASN’T FROZEN ONCE. THE ANDROID FROZE TWICE IN 4 DAYS.
I don’t care what the sales people say about processor speed, the Android was significantly slower than my iPhone 4S. No comparison. Oh my GOD and don’t even get me started on “S-Voice,” Android’s competitor with Siri. It sucks. Siri has attitude. If I tell Siri to shut up, she’ll tell me to be nice. S-Voice just searches the internet after getting confused. Dumb.
I’ve talked to several Android fanatics and each tells me how much more their phone will do over an iPhone, or how much cooler it is or how much of a bigger screen it is, etc. You know what I haven’t found? A former iPhone 4S user who switched to Android and is actually happy. I’m sure some exist but my point is this: Most critics of the iPhone haven’t actually had one. Playing with it on the sales room floor doesn’t mean you know about it.
Here’s my bottom line. Think of it as a new car purchase. I could choose to get the cheapest model of the S-Class Mercedes with absolutely no extra features, no GPS, not even a moon roof or back-up sensor. Then, I could choose to get the top of the line Nissan Altima. It could be totally tricked out with GPS, moon roof, premium sound and the back-up sensors. The price may even come out to be the same.
Does that make the Nissan a better car? Nope. It may have a few more features but the Mercedes will win every time. It’s built better, it has a higher resell value and it’s got better ratings.
So why don’t I like Android? Simple. Because it’s not iPhone.
Related articles
- Apple iPhone 5 India launch on November 2 (ibnlive.in.com)
- Apple Takes The Wraps Off iPhone 5 (misco.co.uk)
- Life with an iPhone 5 (itproportal.com)
I think it’s what you start with…iPhone users hate android if they switch and vice versa. I’m an android guy and you just can’t beat the features and customizations. Android has features iPhone 7 will have one day I’m sure. I have the s3. Best phone ever.
I hear you there. Thanks for the comment!
I’m with Chris and I even have the old version of Android. Haha. Plus, around here at least and perhaps only, your phone is like a statement and all the the yuppie hipster kids and name-dropping media wannabe snobs use IPhone. (I would have phrased that more democratically if I could have.)
I’m not a hipster. I’m a little more grunge. I’ll stick with my Android.
nice review…
I recently got my first “Big Girl” phone, Iphone 4s and I LOVE it.. Can not ever envision switching to an Android..
Great review!!
Yep! I ordered my iPhone 5 and am anxiously awaiting! Thanks for the response!
Your car analogy is a little off. The Samsung performs better in almost every way. Thus the iphone IS like driving a nissan altima, a very sensible car that’s easy to operate and has good fuel economy, But the samsung is like a ferrari supercar, which is challenging to drive because of its incredible capability. Samsung hit the nail on the head in their latest commercial. The iPhone is a phone for someone’s parents because it’s easy to figure out. It’s designed for comfort and ease of use, not performance.
Thanks for the engagement! I used to work for Verizon and have much experience with the phones…so we’ll have a gentleman’s disagreement
. My iPhone smoked the Samsung on speed every time. Thanks again!
Why do you think it is that the iPhone is able to run faster despite the Samsung’s faster processor? Do you chalk it up to a better, simpler operating system?
It depends on who you talk to. From my understanding (which may not be entirely accurate), Apple is very strict on what they allow to run in the background and at startup on their devices. The difference with Android is since it’s all open source, nothing is restricted. Make no mistake about it, the Galaxy S3 is a great phone however.
Interesting. Thanks for your thoughts on this.
I learned long ago not to fight people over their phones. Whether something is better or not is hardly ever the point. The real point is their emotional ties, familiarity, and comfort with specific platform ecosystems.
It’s like political parties in that regard. If all your friends are Republicans, you were born and raised a Republican, and all your talking points are Republican, then the one time you decided to be adventurous and go to that Democrat mixer you might find yourself running for the hills rather quickly!
But yeah, Apple products are crap and you are still totally missing out.
Haha thank you for the comments. We’ll call a gentleman’s disagreement! Good hearing from you.