From Android Enthusiast to iPhone Advocate: My Journey
I have been a die-hard Android phone fan since the G1 came out on the market in 2008. Over the years, I owned devices like the G1, G2, an awful Motorola Cliq, and various Samsung flagships ending with the Note 5. The Note 5 was an excellent device that worked very well for me during its five months of use, until my wife traded her Note 5 in on an iPhone 6S Plus. Using the iPhone for just a few minutes made me realize what I had been missing in a smartphone.
Is the iPhone Really That Good?
I was initially skeptical but became more interested after examining the new iPhone. The speed of the phone felt much snappier than my Note 5, and for some reason, it seemed easier to use. After over three decades in IT, I know Android isn’t hard to use, but the iPhone just feels more polished and clean.
The Switch
The next day, I went to my local T-Mobile store and decided to jump trade my Note 5 for a new iPhone 6S Plus. Initially concerned about apps that might not be available on iOS, I found that with only two exceptions (a good SMS backup app and a note-taking app), all of my Google apps worked just as well on the iPhone. The Apple Notes app replaced the one from Android and although it is not the same, I does its job effectively.
Pleasant Surprises
The applications run faster, and there hasn’t been any noticeable slowdown when using them. One of my long-standing games, Words with Friends, would frequently lock up almost daily on the Android devices. On the iPhone, it seldom locks up; a simple double push of the home button lets me close the app without needing to restart the phone.
Some Other Pleasant Surprises
- The camera is very good and videos are smooth and clear.
- I notice fewer dropped calls in T-Mobile’s dead zones where I work.
- Bluetooth works much better, finding all my devices quickly which is something I struggled with on Samsung devices.
- There are no problematic or unwanted applications that don’t function as described.
- It works seamlessly with my Android Wear watch.
- The Do Not Disturb mode is very effective.
Some Downsides
I am not a fan of iTunes, though many people appreciate it. Another downside is the SMS backup options; they are not well-developed and can be tricky to use unless you find an alternative.
From Android to iPhone: The Dark Side Isn’t Too Bad
Overall, the iPhone can certainly replace an Android phone for most users. While there may be some die-hard Android fans who will never consider switching to iOS, I believe that almost everything achievable on an Android device can also be done on the iPhone. At this point in time, I don’t see a compelling reason to go back to an Android phone.