Apple or Android?

[Matt N]

Hi guys. Smartphones and tablets have increasingly become a huge part of everyday life, to the point where many people (probably the vast majority, although by no means everybody) owns at least one of the two. There are so many different options out there in terms of operating systems to power these devices, but the two main behemoths in this field are iOS/Apple and Android. The devices powered by these operating systems have many pros & cons, and two distinct camps have emerged; the two are quite polarising, and most smartphone users lean towards either Apple or Android. So my question to you today is; if you’re a smartphone user, are you an Apple person or an Android person? And if you don’t mind saying, what device do you own that runs either operating system?

Personally, I’m an Apple user. It helps that practically everyone in my family uses Apple devices and has done since their rise in prominence in the early 2010s, so they’re kind of what I was bought up using, but I personally love iOS because of how simple it is to use; it’s very easy to adjust to, it’s consistent in terms of its controls, and it works well for the simpler functions I use my mobile devices for.

I have used Android before, but I could never get on with it as well as I can with iOS. Admittedly, however, my one experience with Android was back in 2017, and on a device that was towards the cheaper end of the spectrum; the one Android phone I owned was a Lenovo smartphone, inherited from an older relative, that probably cost £100 or less. In that regard, I possibly don’t have the ability to fairly judge Android; I used this Lenovo phone for about 8 months back in 2017, so I have nowhere near the level of experience with Android that I do with iOS.

In terms of what Apple devices I use or have used; that’s a long list!

Currently, my most used Apple device is by far my iPad Air 2019, which I’ve had since May 2020. I know most people live on their smartphones, but I personally much prefer my iPad to my iPhone because I much prefer a bigger screen, and this particular iPad has a 10.5” one!

In terms of my iPhone, I currently have an iPhone 6; I’ve had this particular iPhone 6 since July 2021, when I got it as a hand-me-down from my mum, but I previously had a different iPhone 6 from my dad in August 2018, which I eventually stopped using because the battery broke. However, I do have a brand new phone coming tomorrow that I bought for myself; I’ve acquired the iPhone SE 2020. To be honest, I only bought a new iPhone out of necessity; the iPhone 6 won’t run the Trainline app, which I need to take the train to university. If it were based on my usage of the phone alone, I would honestly have stuck with my original iPhone 5; I’m not a particularly heavy user of my phone! With that in mind, I went with the SE because it has great specs despite the price, and I couldn’t quite bring myself to pay the somewhat eye-watering price that the higher spec iPhones cost these days, especially given my fairly limited usage of my iPhone relative to my iPad and PC (I only really use my iPhone for contacting people, taking photos in theme parks for my trip reports, and occasionally internet usage if I’m on the go and don’t have my iPad to hand).

I’ve had other Apple devices in the past, though; before my iPhone 6’s, I had an iPhone 5, which I got in 2017, and I used an iPad mini 4 prior to my current iPad (2016-2020) and an iPad mini 1 before that (2013-2016), as well as a 4th gen iPod touch as my first ever Apple device (2012-2013).

But which camp do you fall into? Are you team Apple or team Android?
P.S. Sorry for the long post and the probably unnecessary spiel about all the Apple devices I’ve owned.

 

[Danny]

Android. I like having a phone rather than a fashion accessory.

 

[shakey]

Android every time.

I hope that @rob666 doesn't mind me putting in his vote for him.......
Landline

Sent from my ELS-NX9 using Tapatalk

 

[Matt.GC]

I don't like Apple products, mainly because I think they're over priced style over substance and I don't have a clue how to use them. Also never liked Steve Jobs and his ethics.

Don't get me wrong, the modern company and Jobs himself, pure genius. Beautiful built machines that have taken tech mainly invented by others and made it sexy, user friendly, reliable, precise and useful. Touch Screen smartphones (BlackBerrys became obsolete very quickly after the iPhone) and iPods (goodbye Walkman's), revolutionary. But what must be remembered is that all this mainly came from Apple being a brand first and foremost, obsessed with image. That in itself, also genius, lessons clearly learnt from their early days with the likes of the Lisa etc where substandard tech was oversold.

There's something that doesn't sit right with me about buying a phone case with a hole in the back that's only purpose is to reveal a picture of a fruit on the back of your phone so that everyone else (if they care) knows what brand it is. Or why people don't just say "my phone" or "my computer" when referring to their devices and feel the need to say something like "my Apple MacBook Pro 29 Super Dooper Extra Awesomeness XL+" or whatever. Each to their own of course if that makes people feel happy, I guess it's just something I don't understand as the world evolves away from me.

Putting aside my views on the company (and I'm certainly not pretending Google or Microsoft are likeable companies either) I don't have a scooby how to use their products, or Microsofts (other than Windows). I am also someone who struggles with TV remote mind you. The other half has an Apple laptop, beautiful machine, hell to use for me. Android I find very easy to use, especially for a technophobe, and the wider Google eco system. When I changed jobs last year, I went form an employer who used Google for everything, now I'm with one that uses Microsoft and I just can't get used to it.

 

[Skyscraper]

Android for me. My current phone is a Moto g10.

 

[jon81uk]

I don't like Apple products, mainly because I think they're over priced style over substance and I don't have a clue how to use them.

I think a lot of that is just getting used to it. I've used Apple phones for around 10 years (was using Nokia Symbian OS before), if I pick up an Android phone I've got no idea how to use it and it feels like there is too many ways todo the same thing.

I think iPhone is overpriced, but there is a lot of substance to it. many Sumsung phones probably have more style nowadays.

 

[Rick]

I had an iPhone up to the 5th gen and then I got frustrated with them and made the jump to Android, I currently use a OnePlus 8 Pro.

My frustration with iPhone was that it increasingly felt that I had borrowed a device off Apple because they retained so much control over it.

That said, I still have an iPhone for work (which is fine) and at home I have a Macbook, I don't think I would ever consider any other type of laptop.

 

[JAperson]

Android for me.
I've always been a fan of android because I love the customisation abilities and I love the way modern android functions. I admit that apple was better back in the day at phone software but android really has catched up and I love it.

My current phone is a samsung S9+ which I've had for nearly four years and I haven't notice a major slow down with it like I did with my previous Iphone. The battery also seems to be doing better than Iphones tend do. We know apple did/do do this on purpose and it's one of the things that frustrate me the most about them. I do have an Ipad which I use often however when that dies I probably won't replace it and if I do it'll be with something windows or android. The way my phone is running now means I have no intention of replacing it anytime soon and to be honest if it keeps running as is I probably won't replace it for at least another two years. I really do think you get more for your money with android which I appreciate more than some posh styling and a logo of a fruit.

 

[imanautie]

I'm an android user for ethical reasons,however with that said I am tempted to get an ipad for some of assistiveware's fantastic AAC apps (proloqo2go and proloqo4text) as unfortunetly apple are a major *
*major player in the AAC devices market

 

[Matt.GC]

I think a lot of that is just getting used to it. I've used Apple phones for around 10 years (was using Nokia Symbian OS before), if I pick up an Android phone I've got no idea how to use it and it feels like there is too many ways todo the same thing.

I think iPhone is overpriced, but there is a lot of substance to it. many Sumsung phones probably have more style nowadays.

Correct that that's what I'm accustomed to. I'm sure if I had an IOS device for years I'd be saying the same for that. I'm not blaming Apple for that, it's just what I'm used to. I see no need to change and learn a new operating system either as there's no benefit for me doing so. I'm yet to see any feature of an iPhone that I would find remotely useful that I can't do on my current Android phone, unless someone could enlighten me?

That goes for upgrades in general as well. Mines up for renewal next month and I have no interest in a new phone. Mine has a good screen, good camera, plenty of storage, fast, easy to use and does everything I need it to. Rather than pay £47 a month, I can pay £8 pay monthly instead in a month's time. I'll have to get rid eventually when the battery degrades and they stop security updates but there's nothing on the market now that I would ever need.

I've never owned a Samsung for that reason. The Mrs used to swear by them, but they always came out the box loaded with shovelware. The new Samsung's just seem to be gimmick laden for show.

 

[DistortAMG]

I'm an android user for ethical reasons,however with that said I am tempted to get an ipad for some of assistiveware's fantastic AAC apps (proloqo2go and proloqo4text) as unfortunetly apple are a major *
*major player in the AAC devices market

So are you suggesting that every single company that used the Android operating system (there is a hell of alot) hold up to the same ethical standards as Apple? While Apple have not acted in the most ethical ways in the past. I am a dam right sure they act more ethical than some of the less known companies that use Android, IE, some of the lesser known Chinese companies.

I am an Android person through and through I like the customisation and Google as a whole.

But you cannot ignore the innovations Apple have made to the mobile phone industry over the years. Specifically bringing a very usable and comprehensive mobile operating system to the masses in 2007, that just worked. Something everyone else had to play catch up too.

After the demise of Jobs, innovation somewhat stagnated, until recently....

Their new M1 chips which are based off their iPhone chips and are found in their latest iPads and Macs are truely revolutionary. They are so good they are disrupting not only the mobile market but the computer market too.

The M1 packs the same performance as as 150 watt desktop PC processor, that requires a big active cooling solution and constant mains power. It does all that while using less than 5 watts of power, requires little to no cooling and can run for hours and hours just fine off battery.

It truely is a revolution in processor design and you cannot ignore that as we will all benefit from it as other companies copy and catch up. Just how we all now benefit from Apple in some way or another. Seeing as they designed the modern smartphone as we know it, be an Apple user or Android.

 

[JAperson]

That goes for upgrades in general as well. Mines up for renewal next month and I have no interest in a new phone. Mine has a good screen, good camera, plenty of storage, fast, easy to use and does everything I need it to. Rather than pay £47 a month, I can pay £8 pay monthly instead in a month's time. I'll have to get rid eventually when the battery degrades and they stop security updates but there's nothing on the market now that I would ever need.

This is a decision I've made recently. My contract ends shortly and up until now parents have paid for it. Once my contract comes to an end I will need to pay for it myself. My phone might be nearing 4 years but there's absolutely nothing wrong with it. I see no reason for an upgrade and in fact am looking for a bit of a downgrade contract wise. SIM only contracts are great at the minute and come very cheap with lots of data. The best deals at the moment, as I;ve been looking, are with vodafone and three so I'll probably end up on one of these.

 

[imanautie]

So are you suggesting that every single company that used the Android operating system (there is a hell of alot) hold up to the same ethical standards as Apple? While Apple have not acted in the most ethical ways in the past. I am a dam right sure they act more ethical than some of the less known companies that use Android, IE, some of the lesser known Chinese companies.

I am an Android person through and through I like the customisation and Google as a whole.

But you cannot ignore the innovations Apple have made to the mobile phone industry over the years. Specifically bringing a very usable and comprehensive mobile operating system to the masses in 2007, that just worked. Something everyone else had to play catch up too.

After the demise of Jobs, innovation somewhat stagnated, until recently....

Their new M1 chips which are based off their iPhone chips and are found in their latest iPads and Macs are truely revolutionary. They are so good they are disrupting not only the mobile market but the computer market too.

The M1 packs the same performance as as 150 watt desktop PC processor, that requires a big active cooling solution and constant mains power. It does all that while using less than 5 watts of power, requires little to no cooling and can run for hours and hours just fine off battery.

It truely is a revolution in processor design and you cannot ignore that as we will all benefit from it as other companies copy and catch up. Just how we all now benefit from Apple in some way or another. Seeing as they designed the modern smartphone as we know it, be an Apple user or Android.

To be clear I mean some fairly specific practices apple do, mostly how they handle software licensing.
Android at it's core is open source and freely licensed (AOSP) unlike iOS

 

[rob666]

Android every time.

I hope that @rob666 doesn't mind me putting in his vote for him.......
Landline

Sent from my ELS-NX9 using Tapatalk

Could I add...I would prefer no phone at all, I can communicate with the whole outside world, including two of my finest customers, through this very site.
Landline all the way, though I do own an android laptop, and I used to own a nice android tablet, but the dog sat on it and locked me out of all my passwords.
Only three legs, but a very fat arse.

 

[imanautie]

Could I add...I would prefer no phone at all, I can communicate with the whole outside world, including two of my finest customers, through this very site.
Landline all the way, though I do own an android laptop, and I used to own a nice android tablet, but the dog sat on it and locked me out of all my passwords.
Only three legs, but a very fat arse.

sure "dog"

 

[RicketyCricket]

I had an iphone 5 years ago and loved it. But what wound me up was how flimsy the accessories are and how expensive they are to replace.

An iphone is genuinely one of the worst value for money purchases you can ever make. It's like Thorpe getting Derren Browns Ghost Train at £30 mil when they could have Lech coaster for £3 mil.

That goes for all high end smartphones tbf including Samsung's. I've now got a £200 Motorola G8 which is perfect.

 

[imanautie]

I had an iphone 5 years ago and loved it. But what wound me up was how flimsy the accessories are and how expensive they are to replace.

An iphone is genuinely one of the worst value for money purchases you can ever make. It's like Thorpe getting Derren Browns Ghost Train at £30 mil when they could have Lech coaster for £3 mil.

That goes for all high end smartphones tbf including Samsung's. I've now got a £200 Motorola G8 which is perfect.

Agreed about high end smartphones (unless you have specific needs for their features), mid range seems like a good balence.

 

[DistortAMG]

An iphone is genuinely one of the worst value for money purchases you can ever make. It's like Thorpe getting Derren Browns Ghost Train at £30 mil when they could have Lech coaster for £3 mil.

I am not disagreeing just curious as to why you say that. You get a pretty well specced out phone for the price, with arguably one of the best mobile phone cameras money can buy.

Plus, from what I have seen, Apple products have a far higher resale value and depreciate much much less than Android products. Making them a pretty sound investment. A lot of my mates make alot back after 2 or 3 years of contract and then re sell their phones on. Much more than if they had a Samsung or other Android phone.

Being top of the range at that purchase time means they hold even more of their value as they are still capable machines 2 or 3 years later. Where a mid range phone will more than likely be becoming obsolete at that point, as the processors struggle to keep up with modern apps..

 

[Matt N]

I had an iphone 5 years ago and loved it. But what wound me up was how flimsy the accessories are and how expensive they are to replace.

An iphone is genuinely one of the worst value for money purchases you can ever make. It's like Thorpe getting Derren Browns Ghost Train at £30 mil when they could have Lech coaster for £3 mil.

That goes for all high end smartphones tbf including Samsung's. I've now got a £200 Motorola G8 which is perfect.

I got my iPhone SE for only £389. I’m an Apple user, and I don’t think I could personally spend the kind of money some of the high-end devices cost. As someone who likes iOS, I personally think £389 is excellent value for money given the specs that the SE packs (the same as the iPhone 11!)

On a side note, I’ve got an interesting analogy; would it be fair to say that Apple are a bit like the B&M of the mobile technology world? I know that seems like a strange analogy, but:

• Both are quite “prestigious”, high end brands that made a strong initial innovation that really made them hit the ground running (the iPhone for Apple, the inverted coaster for B&M), and invented the rulebook for modern products of the type they sell, but both have stuck to that rulebook to the letter ever since.
• Both companies prioritise consistency and reliability over innovation, and make somewhat homogenous products that don’t have too much difference between one another. Both companies are accused of not innovating enough and not offering good enough value for money compared to their competitors (Android in the case of Apple, Intamin, RMC and others in the case of B&M)
• Neither company is really the first choice of enthusiasts (tech enthusiasts in the case of Apple, coaster enthusiasts in the case of B&M) anymore, but they are popular among general consumers.

Do you think I’m mad, or do you see where I’m coming from? I do notice some definite similarities between Apple and B&M in terms of their general business ethos, while Android device makers would be more like Intamin in this scenario; keen to innovate, with initially somewhat mixed results, but now really starting to hit their stride among consumers, and are more of an enthusiast favourite.

I’d like to add that that’s not a slight against Android by any stretch; I just think that Android devices didn’t really start to hit their stride until a good few years after the iPhone first came out.

 

[JAperson]

On a side note, I’ve got an interesting analogy; would it be fair to say that Apple are a bit like the B&M of the mobile technology world? I know that seems like a strange analogy, but:

• Both are quite “prestigious”, high end brands that made a strong initial innovation that really made them hit the ground running (the iPhone for Apple, the inverted coaster for B&M), and invented the rulebook for modern products of the type they sell, but both have stuck to that rulebook to the letter ever since.
• Both companies prioritise consistency and reliability over innovation, and make somewhat homogenous products that don’t have too much difference between one another. Both companies are accused of not innovating enough and not offering good enough value for money compared to their competitors (Android in the case of Apple, Intamin, RMC and others in the case of B&M)
• Neither company is really the first choice of enthusiasts (tech enthusiasts in the case of Apple, coaster enthusiasts in the case of B&M) anymore, but they are popular among general consumers.

Do you think I’m mad, or do you see where I’m coming from? I do notice some definite similarities between Apple and B&M in terms of their general business ethos, while Android device makers would be more like Intamin in this scenario; keen to innovate, with initially somewhat mixed results, but now really starting to hit their stride among consumers, and are more of an enthusiast favourite.

No. Although I see where you are coming from B&M do build high end luxury and well made products there are reasons why the analogy to apple just doesn't work. A comparison is difficult because apple is the richest company in the world while I doubt B&M are even the richest company in the amusement world although I have no statistical evidence for this claim.

B&M make rides that are built to last which is something apple fails to do with there products. Significant evidence has been shown over the years that apple build things to break or slow down after a certain amount of time. Something B&M would never do. B&M's are built to the highest spec while apple doesn't usually do this as they want people to upgrade sooner. Apple is the most profitable company in the world for a reason. It captures its market an then floods it with well built but not long lasting products.
Edit: Just wanted to quickly add that I always go to a B&M first and think they are the best in the business.