# Android vs. IPhone **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 31, 2011, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-vs-iphone/607966 "2011-12-31T18:49:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![drtj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9dc877/32.png) [@drtj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drtj)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2011, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-vs-iphone/607966/1 "2011-12-31T18:49:11Z")
I have a 4-year-old iPhone that is driving me crazy. It’s too old for most apps and it freezes up all the time. I’m thinking about getting an Android to replace it because I use google calendar with my work colleagues and I haven’t found a good google cal app for the iPhone. Any suggestions? Pros and cons for each? ---
**Author:** ![CanTak3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f14d63/32.png) [@CanTak3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CanTak3)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2011, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-vs-iphone/607966/2 "2011-12-31T18:57:33Z")
Sounds more like Great Debates. I’ve always liked Android. You’ll find pretty much any application you want on both. Cost as a factor favors Android. The iOS platform has always had one thing going for it though - fluidity. Using the iPhone is simple, fluid, and is not jittery/jumpy. The most recent Android phones have solved this for me, but the originals were not so great. Consider the dual core phones - 1.2 or 1.5ghz in speed, and 768mb to 1gb of memory. ---
**Author:** ![guizot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guizot/32/3636_2.png) [@guizot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/guizot)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2011, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-vs-iphone/607966/3 "2011-12-31T19:03:17Z")
> [@drtj](#): > > …I use google calendar with my work colleagues I got an Android phone for precisely this reason. (I wouldn’t have gotten an iPhone anyway, though.) If you’re trying to coordinate things with others and share information–and if that’s a large part of your work–then I’d go with Android. It’s just more practical. ---
**Author:** ![Busy\_Scissors](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/d78d45/32.png) [@Busy\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Busy_Scissors)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2011, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-vs-iphone/607966/4 "2011-12-31T19:13:32Z")
Android for the usual apple-hating reasons. The iphone was definitely worth considering up to a year or two back, but not nowadays. ---
**Author:** ![obbn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/d6d6ee/32.png) [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2011, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-vs-iphone/607966/5 "2011-12-31T19:14:08Z")
Well, I am in the opposite situation that you. I had an Android G1 that served me faithfully for about 3 years before it died on me. I was looking at replacing it with another Android, but my sister upgraded her iPhone and gave me her old one, a 3G which as you know is one of the older ones. I was a die-hard Android person and quite honestly not at all happy about getting an iPhone, but it was free and I didn’t want to extend my contract so buying an Android at market price was an expensive option. After using the iPhone for about 8 months or so now I have come to a few conclusions. 1: The iPhone is a rather nice phone. The virtual keyboard is outstanding, I was sad to lose my physical keyboard on my G1, but the iPhone’s virtual one worked flawlessly. 2: The App store was pretty good although I didn’t notice much of a difference between the Andriod Market. I was able to find most of the programs that I used on my G1. I am not a huge app person, so perhaps I am not the one to rate this aspect. 1. I was very happy that I was finally able to play Angry Birds on my phone. I couldn’t on the G1. There are now little green pig carcasses laying everywhere. 2. The iPod function on the iPhone is outstanding. I am able to use all of our iPod tunes on the phone and the external speaker is nice, something we can’t do with our iPods. 3. The build quality is very nice on the iPhone. Very shiny materials. Now the bad: 1: The screen sucks donkey balls. Compared to the new androids the screen is very small, a big thing when using apps and watching movies etc. And before you all start telling me “but yeah, you have an old 3G”, my step-son just got a 4 a few weeks ago and the screen isn’t any better on his than my 3G. 2: No SD card. For the love of God Apple, no SD card? Makes the transfer of pictures much harder than it has to be. On my old G1, I would just pop out the SD card, but it in my computer and instant transfer. 1. Proprietary cable. Once again, for the love of God Apple. Almost all new phones (or a good majority of them) use USB to charge the phone and to connect to a computer. But not Apple, they have to use their own cable with a USB connector at one end and a stupid proprietary Apple cable at the other. That means new car chargers and wall chargers. It really isn’t necessary for Apple to do everything different. 2. The iPhone OS is good, the Android is better by far. There is so much more customization that can be done with the Android. The new Apple OS might have caught up, but not the one I use. 3. You have to deal with other Apple owners and their constant praise for their Apple products. No, it isn’t every single one, but you will on occasion meet the Apple fanboi who wants to engage you in religious discussion about their Apple God. 6: The camera sucks and blows. The pictures are low res and no flash. Even my sons 4 doesn’t have a flash. I am not sure about the 4s, hopefully they have fixed this problem. I am sure that I left much out, but that is all for now. My wife just purchased a Samsung Galaxy 2 Android and I now hate my Apple iPhone so much. The Galaxy has the most beautiful screen I have ever seen on a phone. The case is slim and the processor fast as can be. If you are looking for a replacement I would certainly suggest you move to Android and experience it for yourself, you won’t be disappointed. I would also suggest looking at the Galaxy, it really impressed me. However I will say that if you do decide to go with the new iPhone you will probably be happy. I have heard good things about the 4S and it does have that Siri feature. It really comes down to personal choice. Although I am using an iPhone now because I am cheap, my personal choice is Android. ---
**Author:** ![Fubaya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c2a13f/32.png) [@Fubaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fubaya)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2011, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-vs-iphone/607966/6 "2011-12-31T20:22:56Z")
Anything you get will be better than a 4 year old iphone. I gave my 6 year old daughter my iphone 3g three years ago to play games on and it barely works for that anymore. It just depends on what you want. There are crappy Android phones so you can always get something that you aren’t happy with. I just got the Galaxy Nexus, and it blows the iphone away. If you’re interested in a top of the line phone, it’s probably worth looking at. ---
**Author:** ![Athena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2011, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-vs-iphone/607966/7 "2011-12-31T20:36:30Z")
> [@obbn](#): > > 6: The camera sucks and blows. The pictures are low res and no flash. Even my sons 4 doesn’t have a flash. I am not sure about the 4s, hopefully they have fixed this problem. Sorry, but that’s wrong - the 4 definitely has a flash. Think that was the first version that did, though. And as far as transferring pics from the phone to the computer, iCloud makes that irrelevant. I take a pic on my phone, and it’s magically on my computer and my iPad a few minutes later. No need to sync. And if for some reason you don’t want to use iCloud, use something like Dropbox. It’s easier than transferring via card. As far as everything else, IMO Android vs. iPhone is pretty much even nowadays. Android phones tend to have bigger/nicer screens. iPhones tend to be more intuitive and the flow is nicer. For pure coolness and ease-of-use, Windows phones win, but lose big on the app front so I wouldn’t even consider that. (for the record, I have a couple Android phones, a Windows Phone 7, and a few iPhones sitting here on my desk for app development, so I’ve tried 'em all. Personally, I use an iPhone). ---
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2011, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-vs-iphone/607966/8 "2011-12-31T20:43:45Z")
> [@Athena](#): > > And as far as transferring pics from the phone to the computer, iCloud makes that irrelevant. I take a pic on my phone, and it’s magically on my computer and my iPad a few minutes later. No need to sync. My Android phone does that too, with Picasa. I think it’s the Google+ app doing it. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2011, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-vs-iphone/607966/9 "2011-12-31T21:43:46Z")
Moving to IMHO from GQ. Colibri General Questions Moderator ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2011, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-vs-iphone/607966/10 "2011-12-31T22:04:03Z")
functionally, they’re equivalent. In practice, I look at it this way: iPhone: - a bit “safer” in that Apple more thoroughly inspects App Store submissions - is the primary target for app developers - can show everyone that you got an iPhone too! (mostly important if you haven’t graduated high school yet) - User interface works well but is getting a bit stagnant or lazy. The way they implemented “folders” gets cluttered fast; my sister has tons of folders on her iPhone and I can’t make heads nor tails of what is where. - (personal opinion) I hate Apple’s obsession with sharp edges, I don’t find the iPhone 4/4S comfortable to hold at all. The original and 3G/3GS were much nicer. - (personal opinion) the physical screen size is cramped compared to some Android and Windows Phones with larger screens (ignoring the \> 4.5" monsters.) Android: - ubiquitous enough that if an app exists for iPhone, it very likely exists (or a work-alike exists) for Android - much greater choice in hardware and phone style than “Apple’s way or the highway” - more flexible homescreens. properly designed widgets can be useful and informative without requiring you to open an app. - every manufacturer’s take on Android is a bit different. HTC’s works a bit differently than Samsung’s works a bit differently than Motorola’s, and so on. - a bit less safe, as apps containing malware have reached the Market on occasion - irritating Apple fans pester you about why you didn’t get an iPhone ---
**Author:** ![TreacherousCretin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treacherouscretin/32/476_2.png) [@TreacherousCretin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TreacherousCretin)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2011, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-vs-iphone/607966/11 "2011-12-31T22:21:00Z")
> [@Busy\_Scissors](#): > > Android for the usual apple-hating reasons. Simple as that. Same here. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2011, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-vs-iphone/607966/12 "2011-12-31T22:46:23Z")
> [@drtj](#): > > I use google calendar with my work colleagues and I haven’t found a good google cal app for the iPhone. I have an iPhone and use its basic calendar to sync with my google calendar. Works just fine. In fact, it’s pretty identical to the calendars my android friends use. ---
**Author:** ![Hanna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b3f665/32.png) [@Hanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hanna)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2011, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-vs-iphone/607966/13 "2011-12-31T23:41:03Z")
What about 4G capability? I’d consider that, too, if I were you. I had a 4G Android for nearly 2 weeks (I returned it before the two weeks was up because I still don’t know about sticking king with T Mobile, and backed out of my new contract within the opt-out period) and now I’m back using my 2-year old Android that only gets 3G speed. What a slowdown. I was told that the iPhone can’t do 4G yet, so when I finally make up my mind about what phone I want, it will definitely be a 4G capable Android phone. Going back to 3G is like going back to dial up… ---
**Author:** ![obbn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/d6d6ee/32.png) [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2011, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-vs-iphone/607966/14 "2011-12-31T23:46:35Z")
> [@Athena](#): > > Sorry, but that’s wrong - the 4 definitely has a flash. Think that was the first version that did, though. > > And as far as transferring pics from the phone to the computer, iCloud makes that irrelevant. I take a pic on my phone, and it’s magically on my computer and my iPad a few minutes later. No need to sync. And if for some reason you don’t want to use iCloud, use something like Dropbox. It’s easier than transferring via card. > > As far as everything else, IMO Android vs. iPhone is pretty much even nowadays. Android phones tend to have bigger/nicer screens. iPhones tend to be more intuitive and the flow is nicer. For pure coolness and ease-of-use, Windows phones win, but lose big on the app front so I wouldn’t even consider that. (for the record, I have a couple Android phones, a Windows Phone 7, and a few iPhones sitting here on my desk for app development, so I’ve tried 'em all. Personally, I use an iPhone). You are correct, his does have a flash, my mistake. However I stand by my statement that Apple is out of it’s mind not including a SD card on the iPhones. It limits the expandability of the the phone, if you need more room for whatever reason you have to upgrade your phone. It seems as if the omission of a SD card was on purpose, if you have an 8g phone and need more space your options are only to purchase a new iPhone with the 16g capability. I don’t know if the larger storage is now standard on the new iPhones, but the fact that Apple did this in the first place tells me they are more concerned about selling more units than what is most convenient for the customer. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim_r.mortiss/32/142_2.png) [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_R.Mortiss)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2011, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-vs-iphone/607966/15 "2011-12-31T23:52:40Z")
Here’s my usual test. Which of these statements best describes you and your approach to technology: a) This is cool! I don’t have to fuck around with it! It just works! b) This is cool! I get to fuck around with it to my heart’s content! If (a) sounds more like you, go with iPhone. If (b) sounds more like you, go with Android. ---
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2011, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-vs-iphone/607966/16 "2011-12-31T23:56:30Z")
They’re both wonderful devices that either let you goof off more or let you be more productive. Your call. ---
**Author:** ![drtj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9dc877/32.png) [@drtj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drtj)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2012, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-vs-iphone/607966/17 "2012-01-01T00:53:30Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > I have an iPhone and use its basic calendar to sync with my google calendar. Works just fine. In fact, it’s pretty identical to the calendars my android friends use. Munch, what version do you have. I’ve tried to sync my google calendar with numerous programs and the never work right. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2012, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-vs-iphone/607966/18 "2012-01-01T01:12:31Z")
> [@Hanna](#): > > What about 4G capability? I’d consider that, too, if I were you. > > I had a 4G Android for nearly 2 weeks (I returned it before the two weeks was up because I still don’t know about sticking king with T Mobile, and backed out of my new contract within the opt-out period) and now I’m back using my 2-year old Android that only gets 3G speed. What a slowdown. > > I was told that the iPhone can’t do 4G yet, so when I finally make up my mind about what phone I want, it will definitely be a 4G capable Android phone. Going back to 3G is like going back to dial up… JHMO, but I’ve never needed to do anything on my phone where 3G speeds were a constraint. near as I can tell, right now 4G/LTE phones are measurably faster but destroy battery life. ---
**Author:** ![Unintentionally\_Blank](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unintentionally_blank/32/5418_2.png) [@Unintentionally\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unintentionally_Blank)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2012, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-vs-iphone/607966/19 "2012-01-01T01:20:20Z")
> [@Fubaya](#): > > I just got the Galaxy Nexus, and it blows the iphone away. If you’re interested in a top of the line phone, it’s probably worth looking at. The Nexus blows away a 3g…no doubt…but you’d have to spend some quality time with a _current_ iPhone to make that a useful analysis. The 4s’ camera is _stellar_, as are the new iCloud, horsepower, and OS improvements. Here’s the thing: It’s a _phone_. If you’re like 99.99% of the population, you’ll be buying another one in two years when the contract says you can. Personally, I’m happy enough with Apple that I don’t feel the need to deviate from it. This statement **automatically** labels me a fanboy. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2012, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-vs-iphone/607966/20 "2012-01-01T01:35:03Z")
My son the telephone tech has an Android and was recently issued an iPhone by his company, which he hates. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-vs-iphone/607966.md?page=2)