Deciding on if I should go Android or Iphone, looking for Android user perspective

[Nick-Bit]

Hey guys, well I finally decided to get into all the smart phone fun, but unfortuantely am faced with a tough decision. I have AT&T and need to decide between a Android phone or whatever the new Iphone will be. Now, I know this place probaly isnt the best place to look for unbiased opinons since its a android site, but I really would like the perspective of android users that did have the choice between Iphone and Android and chose the Android. First, I should state a few things about how I intend to use the phone and what I want out of whatever smart phone I get:

1. I need to state right now that I have no plans to root or Jailbreak this phone. I will more then likely take the phone as is.

2. I plan to use this thing alot for Games and Apps. I dont want a OS that has a bunch of BS Apps and games.

3. I want a phone that will continuely be supported with OS updates.

4. I want a OS thats polished and funtional.

5. I do have a investment in Itunes, but more then likely will be doing most of my music listening on my Ipod Classic. However, I would still like to put a few songs on teh phone or MP4 videos I downloaded. Ease of use of dropping in this stuff from my computer onto the phone is a plus.

Now, I also need to address some concerns I have over Android that maybe some users can clear up or back up:

1. I hear that the Android market is a wild west with little quality control.

2. Im afraid that Android wont get the great games and apps that Itunes does. Because Itunes seems to be the most publicised with its great stuff, so it seems they have more of the big name stuff from the big name devs.

3 I am afraid that Android dosent get as poilished apps as Iphone does because Android is open source and Iphone is closed.

4. I have AT&T and am afraid that theyre arent any Android phones on tehir that are as good as what a Iphone 5 would be (of course this is probaly best suited to answer when we know what the heck Iphone 5 is.)

5. I hear from people that the big reason to choose Android over Iphone is for the Rooting aspect. Well, I dont want to do this, so does that mean its probaly not a good idea to get a Android over the Iphone?

basicaly my fears stem from the fact that Android isnt as Mass Market loved as Iphone.
Therefore Itunes has a better chance of getting great stuff as opposed to Android. theyres comfort in going with the popular thing.

Anyway, I would ask that even though you guys love your android phones that you would please be willing to suggest Iphone if you think itll suite my needs I listed better. basicaly be as non biased as you can and give me some solid advice.

thanks.

 

[hahaha what]

1. i have my droid x rooted and my iphone jailbroken. if you're not doing that, you're not really missing much except for there's no easy way to take screenshots of your screen on android without rooting. does that matter to you?

2. android market is growing but even right now the iphone absolutely destroys android in gaming. just take a look at toucharcade.com and see all those good games that aren't on android. devs have been starting to port stuff over but things like plants vs zombies and peggle are still no shows on android.

3. well the iphone has that down. the nexus one and nexus s get pretty consistent updates but past that its a crapshoot. moto and samsung have a reputation for not consistently updating their phones

4. android is getting there. i think the ui right now is ok, though they are improving it in 2.3. there's also a bunch of replacement uis for you to download if you dont like the regular one

5. yeah android phones hook up to the pc like a flash drive. simply make a folder on there and throw your music folders in it or movies. there are free players for music like winamp and for video rockplayer and vplayer are basically the vlc for android

 

[aysiu]

I'm an Android fan, but you sound like the perfect candidate for an iPhone.

 

[Nick-Bit]

1. i have my droid x rooted and my iphone jailbroken. if you're not doing that, you're not really missing much except for there's no easy way to take screenshots of your screen on android without rooting. does that matter to you?

2. android market is growing but even right now the iphone absolutely destroys android in gaming. just take a look at toucharcade.com and see all those good games that aren't on android. devs have been starting to port stuff over but things like plants vs zombies and peggle are still no shows on android.

3. well the iphone has that down. the nexus one and nexus s get pretty consistent updates but past that its a crapshoot. moto and samsung have a reputation for not consistently updating their phones

4. android is getting there. i think the ui right now is ok, though they are improving it in 2.3. there's also a bunch of replacement uis for you to download if you dont like the regular one

5. yeah android phones hook up to the pc like a flash drive. simply make a folder on there and throw your music folders in it or movies. there are free players for music like winamp and for video rockplayer and vplayer are basically the vlc for android

So, do you think I should just go Iphone? the App store is a main worry for me with Android.

 

[darklide]

I'm not going to even read, and just say Android!

 

[coos lick]

https://market.android.com/

You can check out what's available on the market. No need for itunes!
Music is just drag and drop over usb. There are also apps which allow you to download free music.
If you want a really good look at the usability of a phone this site has pretty good reviews which covers most things. HTC incredible example

HTC Incredible S review: Smart and curvy - GSMArena.com

 

[Usta]

I'm not going to even read, and just say Android!

I'm tempted to do just that...



@Nick-Bit,
Both Android phones and iphone have their strong and weak points. It is up to you to decide what is more important to you.

Android is growing with a super speed. There are huge amount of former Blackberry, Windows Mobile, Symbian (even iphone) users that are switching to Android. Apple's paranoia of keeping everything under their control is getting on many peoples nerves. It is estimated that the number of Android apps will surpass iphone apps still this year. If you want to stay always ahead, follow the trend.

Iphone 4 is a good phone, but it gets boring after a while. The huge amount of customizations in Android phones, give you fun for a long period.

Android might seem chaotic at first, but if you read about it a bit, you will find your way.

I personally hate iTunes application and don't what Apple to tell me how to use my media with my phone. If you still like it, then there are ways to sync your media with an Android phone.

The rumored iphone 5 is not here till end of summer. However, the new dual-core Androids are here and keep coming. These phones offer more power & features than the current iphone 4.

The reason to go for an Android is not the rooting. Rooting gives you extra benefits, but you don't have to do that.
One reason to go for an Android is because of the freedom of choice. People are different, and they want their phones to be different (price, features, manufacturer, UI, design, size, etc).

 

[omnius]

At this point in the game with the Android phone all hitting the market at dual core processors and sporting 4" screens and HD capabilities as well as the OS at v2.3 you'd really be putting yourself behind the race to go with an i4. You're better off waiting until Q3. By then most of the droid brands will have their dual cores out, as well as the i5. Some of the dual core droids are either already out or very close to it, but if you think iphone might be an option you'll have to wait a few more months. Just don't get a Windows phone

 

[Bnice]

@nick
First off both android and iPhone are great devices to have . If you want or like to personalize and customize your phone go android. The market place is good on both all that talk of android being wild wild west is just not a problem like many make it to be. Android offers a few markets to access apps and more markets are coming. I would recommend you go to the store and play with both devices a few times to see what you like and don't like.

 

[Rorigon]

Speaking as someone who first had an iPad before an Android phone(*dons flamesuit*). . .

As far as the OS goes, sounds like iOS is more up your alley. As much as people here might hate on it for being so locked down, iOS really is incredibly well polished and simple to use. Also, you shouldn't have too much worry about updates with an iPhone; with Android only about 10% of the phones come with vanilla Android, meaning updates can sometimes be a crapshoot(*grumbles about the Fascinate still being stuck on 2.1*).

1. I hear that the Android market is a wild west with little quality control.

2. Im afraid that Android wont get the great games and apps that Itunes does. Because Itunes seems to be the most publicised with its great stuff, so it seems they have more of the big name stuff from the big name devs.

3 I am afraid that Android dosent get as poilished apps as Iphone does because Android is open source and Iphone is closed.

4. I have AT&T and am afraid that theyre arent any Android phones on tehir that are as good as what a Iphone 5 would be (of course this is probaly best suited to answer when we know what the heck Iphone 5 is.)

5. I hear from people that the big reason to choose Android over Iphone is for the Rooting aspect. Well, I dont want to do this, so does that mean its probaly not a good idea to get a Android over the Iphone?

1. Pretty much, but if you're careful it does have it's upsides.

2. The app store generally does have more high-quality games from what I've seen(most of the good android games I've seen have iOS counterparts, though there are exceptions like Replica Island or Hyper Jump). HOWEVER, one major benefit comes from the "wild west" aspect of the market: Emulators. If you're a fan of older consoles and handhelds like SNES, Genesis, GBA, etc. then they more than make up for the lack of games and Android is absolute HEAVEN. Honestly, it's a major reason I'm going to stick with the platform(that, and the variety in form factor).

3. You get more outright duds, yes, but just doing a bit of shopping and looking at reviews takes care of that most of the time.

4. Isn't the Atrix on AT&T? I don't use AT&T, but I'm sure there's something that'll be comparable.

5. Not necessarily, Rooting isn't the only reason Android exists(different app 'ecosystem,' more custimization options even without rooting, etc.)

basicaly my fears stem from the fact that Android isnt as Mass Market loved as Iphone.
Therefore Itunes has a better chance of getting great stuff as opposed to Android. theyres comfort in going with the popular thing.

The issue isn't popularity, Android's got plenty of supporters, just a matter of taste; and I have a feeling an iPhone would suit you better.


EDIT: Also, Bnice is absolutely correct: TEST THEM OUT IN PERSON. Feeling the phone in your hand and playing around with them is WAY different from looking at specs and reviews online. If you think an iPhone's too small, you'll be kicking yourself for 2 years. I almost got a Droid 2 because I thought the keyboard would be useful and the 3.7 inch screen would be perfect, and didn't think the extra bulk would bother me. But when I got in the store I realized having that thing in my pocket would have driven me nuts, and that the screen was just a touch too small for me!

 

[Davidd31415]

If you're looking for games iPhone probably is your best bet. Saying you're going to be using "apps" is a broad statement.

I prefer Android because the majority apps do not require me to shell out $$. Those that do are priced appropriately. When downloading Android apps I do not need to enter my password to download a free app.

I find iOS to be lacking in many departments. Let's take note-taking. The default apps on both iOS and Android stink for notes. All the free apps I've tried for iOS stink. Most of the free apps for Android stink too but there are several decent ones.

It bothers me that I need to pay $$ to change my email sound on iOS. Things like that are quite annoying. I hardly use my iPad because it seems to constantly scream at me "why yes, of course, you can customize that- FOR A FEE." It's not "locked down," it's "pay to do just about anything."

I also find the basic app launching of iOS to be very limited and unattractive. Launcher Pro on Android allows me to launch up to 30 different apps with no more than three screen taps without even moving from the current "screen" that I'm on. Widgets allow for considerable screen customization. Weather, news, upcoming calendar events, stocks, new mail, missed calls, toggle buttons, remaining daylight, all sorts of neat things. iOS offers, well, icons. I dread looking through a screen of icons. I never liked it on BlackBerry, I don't enjoy pulling up the Android "app tray" and iOS, well.. that's your only option on iOS. I do, however, like the "search for your app as you type" screen on iOS (left-most screen). If I could force that screen to be my "home screen" I'd be happier. There's probably a fee, I mean app, for that.

A few other things that keep me biased toward Android and effected my recent decision to stay with Android rather than switch to iPhone:

1. Voice recognition technology with Android & Google Voice are absolutely amazing. "Navigate to 1313 Mockingbird lane" <brief pause> creepy voice: "turn right at suchandsuch avenue." "Call Best Buy" <brief pause, ring.> "Note to self <blah blah blah>" Click send, email arrives in your inbox.

2. Flash. Jobs says it is going to die. Well, I've uttered expletives on several occasions when I realized that it is alive and well while using my iPad. HTML will likely die someday too. Wonder how long before iOS abandons it that too.

3. I like Swype.

 

[No_u]

Get a phone with a keyboard then download one of the DOZENS of emulators out there. You can play Playstation, SNES, NES, Gameboy, Genesis, N64, Atari 2600 etc... Good luck doing that on an iPhone that's not jailbroken.

We're getting loads of games lately. We have the freedom of having multiple appstores, our main Marketplace is open but developers can also choose for the walled garden of the Amazon Appstore.

It's only logical that your iPhone will be obsolete in time, if it's not already. Steve releases 2 or 3 new features every year, we get a hundred.

Apart from that, Android is much more intuitive then iOS. MUCH MORE.

 

[Stuntman]

1. I need to state right now that I have no plans to root or Jailbreak this phone. I will more then likely take the phone as is.

I use an Android phone as is without rooting and I'm very happy with it.

2. I plan to use this thing alot for Games and Apps. I dont want a OS that has a bunch of BS Apps and games.

Check out https://market.android.com/ to see if you can find the apps and games you like. Check out the reader comments. I find them useful for determining which apps have issues.

3. I want a phone that will continuely be supported with OS updates.

The Nexus phones will get updates sooner than any other Android phones because they are pure Android without other skins or customisations. HTC has a good reputation for getting updates for their phones in a fairly timely manner. Generally, manufacturers customise the Android phones so when a new version is available, it must be integrated with these customisations which will take time.

4. I want a OS thats polished and funtional.

I would say that iOS is more polished, but Android is more functional.

5. I do have a investment in Itunes, but more then likely will be doing most of my music listening on my Ipod Classic. However, I would still like to put a few songs on teh phone or MP4 videos I downloaded. Ease of use of dropping in this stuff from my computer onto the phone is a plus.

I'm not that familiar with the use of iTunes and an Android phone. For me, I just copy the files from my computer onto my Android phone and that's it. My understanding is that iTunes may hinder your ability to simply move songs on to an Android phone.

1. I hear that the Android market is a wild west with little quality control.

The quality control on the Android market is in a way done by the users much like Wikipedia. If you put out a poor quality app, it will get a poor rating and poor reviews. If you put out a good quality app, it will get a high rating and good reviews.

2. Im afraid that Android wont get the great games and apps that Itunes does. Because Itunes seems to be the most publicised with its great stuff, so it seems they have more of the big name stuff from the big name devs.

Check the market. Also, since you are in the US, you can also check Amazon for Android apps.

3 I am afraid that Android dosent get as poilished apps as Iphone does because Android is open source and Iphone is closed.

There's no reason why an open source OS cannot get apps as polished as a closed OS.

4. I have AT&T and am afraid that theyre arent any Android phones on tehir that are as good as what a Iphone 5 would be (of course this is probaly best suited to answer when we know what the heck Iphone 5 is.)

No one knows for sure how good the iPhone 5 will be. There will also be a number of Android phones being released later this year. There is no reason why they cannot be as good or better than the iPhone 5.

5. I hear from people that the big reason to choose Android over Iphone is for the Rooting aspect. Well, I dont want to do this, so does that mean its probaly not a good idea to get a Android over the Iphone?

I personally do not care for rooting. Rooting just enables you to customise the phone more so than without. Even without rooting, the Android phone that I have is very functional and customisable.

My reason for choosing the Android phone that I got was for the features of the phone and the web browser (that supports Flash). Apple has a rather poor selection of phones. You get this year's phone or last year's phone. Android has a greater variety of phones and I can find a phone with the features that suits me without having to pay for features that I do not care for. Another reason that I did not choose an iPhone is the fact that it is closed and censored. A number of apps seemed to be rejected for no apparent reason while others are not rejected even though they have similar aspects. This makes me uncomfortable with getting an iPhone.

basicaly my fears stem from the fact that Android isnt as Mass Market loved as Iphone.
Therefore Itunes has a better chance of getting great stuff as opposed to Android. theyres comfort in going with the popular thing.

Anyway, I would ask that even though you guys love your android phones that you would please be willing to suggest Iphone if you think itll suite my needs I listed better. basicaly be as non biased as you can and give me some solid advice.

thanks.

The big reason why the iPhone is so mass market loved is that the original iPhone was marketed really well and it was a great product. That really helped the iPhone achieve such brand name recognition. When I show people my phone, people ask if it is an iPhone. When I first decided to get a smartphone, I have heard of the iPhone, but not any of the other smartphones in the store (except for BlackBerrys). If you talk to someone who have never used a smartphone before, they probably have heard of an iPhone, but not other smartphones.

It appears that you are simply comfortable with Apple products. If that is the case, you probably should just get an iPhone. Your post indicates you have many concerns with Android. If you were more truly interested in what Android can do for you and show a more openness to Android's capabilities, then I would recommend an Android phone. I would not want to recommend an Android phone for you since it appears that you will still have worries about the phone, OS and apps. If you are simply comfortable with Apple products, I would say just go with what you are comfortable.

 

[Nick-Bit]

I use an Android phone as is without rooting and I'm very happy with it.



Check out https://market.android.com/ to see if you can find the apps and games you like. Check out the reader comments. I find them useful for determining which apps have issues.



The Nexus phones will get updates sooner than any other Android phones because they are pure Android without other skins or customisations. HTC has a good reputation for getting updates for their phones in a fairly timely manner. Generally, manufacturers customise the Android phones so when a new version is available, it must be integrated with these customisations which will take time.



I would say that iOS is more polished, but Android is more functional.



I'm not that familiar with the use of iTunes and an Android phone. For me, I just copy the files from my computer onto my Android phone and that's it. My understanding is that iTunes may hinder your ability to simply move songs on to an Android phone.



The quality control on the Android market is in a way done by the users much like Wikipedia. If you put out a poor quality app, it will get a poor rating and poor reviews. If you put out a good quality app, it will get a high rating and good reviews.



Check the market. Also, since you are in the US, you can also check Amazon for Android apps.



There's no reason why an open source OS cannot get apps as polished as a closed OS.



No one knows for sure how good the iPhone 5 will be. There will also be a number of Android phones being released later this year. There is no reason why they cannot be as good or better than the iPhone 5.



I personally do not care for rooting. Rooting just enables you to customise the phone more so than without. Even without rooting, the Android phone that I have is very functional and customisable.

My reason for choosing the Android phone that I got was for the features of the phone and the web browser (that supports Flash). Apple has a rather poor selection of phones. You get this year's phone or last year's phone. Android has a greater variety of phones and I can find a phone with the features that suits me without having to pay for features that I do not care for. Another reason that I did not choose an iPhone is the fact that it is closed and censored. A number of apps seemed to be rejected for no apparent reason while others are not rejected even though they have similar aspects. This makes me uncomfortable with getting an iPhone.



The big reason why the iPhone is so mass market loved is that the original iPhone was marketed really well and it was a great product. That really helped the iPhone achieve such brand name recognition. When I show people my phone, people ask if it is an iPhone. When I first decided to get a smartphone, I have heard of the iPhone, but not any of the other smartphones in the store (except for BlackBerrys). If you talk to someone who have never used a smartphone before, they probably have heard of an iPhone, but not other smartphones.

It appears that you are simply comfortable with Apple products. If that is the case, you probably should just get an iPhone. Your post indicates you have many concerns with Android. If you were more truly interested in what Android can do for you and show a more openness to Android's capabilities, then I would recommend an Android phone. I would not want to recommend an Android phone for you since it appears that you will still have worries about the phone, OS and apps. If you are simply comfortable with Apple products, I would say just go with what you are comfortable.

I hate Apple products as far as Computers go. I find Macs to be a little ass backwards in some areas. However, I quite like what they do with their music players. Im honestly open to anything, however im the kind of guy that hates buying into a product on the promise of it getting better later on. because it might not. Also I have paranoia of getting screwed on big money or commitment purchases. thats why I find it easier to go with the more established thing. honestly, im having thoughts of actualy getting Android, but I dont know if thats me wanting to be different and not get a Iphone or the fact that I like the design forms of some of the android phones a bit better then the Iphones.

like I said before, my main fear with android is App store. Also, At&T dosent seem to have a defacto Android phone that dosent have some kind of glaring problem. Atrix has what is supposedly god awful UI and the Inspire I hear has bad 4G speeds and is single core.

 

[ashykat]

Honestly from what you've described it sounds like an iPhone may be better for you. iPhone absolutely has better games, and even though Android has emulators you have to remember those games are not optimized for a smartphone. It's more polished, but less customizable. I would call the apps in general on the iPhone of higher quality. If you already use iTunes for your music then syncing with an iPhone would be easy, but there's no drag and drop on an iPhone, everything is through syncing with iTunes.

 

[Nick-Bit]

Honestly from what you've described it sounds like an iPhone may be better for you. iPhone absolutely has better games, and even though Android has emulators you have to remember those games are not optimized for a smartphone. It's more polished, but less customizable. I would call the apps in general on the iPhone of higher quality. If you already use iTunes for your music then syncing with an iPhone would be easy, but there's no drag and drop on an iPhone, everything is through syncing with iTunes.

Main thing putting me off to Android is the app store and my fear that it wont give me what I want. Otherwise i probaly would go Android since I like the look of some of the phones more then the staple Iphone design.

 

[aysiu]

Main thing putting me off to Android is the app store and my fear that it wont give me what I want. Otherwise i probaly would go Android since I like the look of some of the phones more then the staple Iphone design.

You may find this write-up helpful:
Ubuntucat Blog Archive An unbiased view of Android vs. iPhone

 

[ari-free]

If you don't like android market, there's also the Amazon appstore where everything is tested. It should be available for AT&T soon.

 

[Ngo93]

for you I'd suggest an iphone

 

[Usta]

Main thing putting me off to Android is the app store and my fear that it wont give me what I want. Otherwise i probaly would go Android since I like the look of some of the phones more then the staple Iphone design.

That is easy to fix. Make a list of apps you want and check in Market if there are good alternatives available for Android (or ask here).

 

[zer0snap]

I have an iPhone 4 and I have now decided to stop using it due to using Android for just over 3 weeks. Android is just so customizable although I would put the ease of use down to HTC Sense, it's just amazing. The App store and lack of Apps compared to the iPhone worried me at first but I have found equivalent and similar Apps on Android Market.
For me personally, I can't see me returning to a iOS device unless they use bring some of Androids interface, usability and customization abilities across.

z.

 

[qwer]

Here's my two cents.

1. I need to state right now that I have no plans to root or Jailbreak this phone. I will more then likely take the phone as is.

Most people don't jailbreak or root their phones so this is not a problem. It's really only for the geeks who like to customize their phones and get a few extra functions. I root my phones, but if you don't want to do that, you lose very little. As far as I know, iPhone gets more from jailbreaking than an Android gets from rooting since jailbreaking opens up some options an unrooted Android already has, like widgets, which I could not live without. Whatever way you go, you don't need to JB or root, you'll be just fine without it.

2. I plan to use this thing alot for Games and Apps. I dont want a OS that has a bunch of BS Apps and games.

Both platforms have a lot of BS. iOS beats Android on gaming, but I think Android is catching up. If you like emulators, we have one for pretty much all the older consoles, even though most games are hardly playable on a touch screen. If gaming is very important for you, iPhone might be the right thing for you. If you decide to go Android, you might want to check the Sony Xperia Play (I'm not positive about the name) out. Some of the high-end phones (like Atrix) can provide some amazing graphics for gaming. Still, I think iPhone has a lot more and better games at least right now. I hope Android will get some more games soon.

3. I want a phone that will continuely be supported with OS updates.

Nexus phones are the only Android phones which will definitely get the updates. Personally I wouldn't be too concerned as long as my phone has at least Android 2.2. It might be possible, though, that there will be some must-have update some time in the future.

4. I want a OS thats polished and funtional.

iOS is probably more polished, but Android more functional.

5. I do have a investment in Itunes, but more then likely will be doing most of my music listening on my Ipod Classic. However, I would still like to put a few songs on teh phone or MP4 videos I downloaded. Ease of use of dropping in this stuff from my computer onto the phone is a plus.

I just drag and drop my music to the phone. If videos are important to you, note that iPhone has a relatively small screen, just 3.5". I personally prefer a bigger screen, there are options to up to 5" if I'm not mistaken. I understand that some people prefer a 3.5" screen and that's totally fine. You might want to try a phone out yourself before you decide.

1. I hear that the Android market is a wild west with little quality control.

I guess this is true, but It's never been an issue to me personally. Just think before you download an app, check the rating and some comments. If an app is very popular and has a high rating, there's probably nothing wrong with it.

2. Im afraid that Android wont get the great games and apps that Itunes does. Because Itunes seems to be the most publicised with its great stuff, so it seems they have more of the big name stuff from the big name devs.

Yes, currently iPhone is ahead of Android in gaming. I hope this will change, but it probably won't anytime soon. If gaming is important to you, iPhone might be the right choice for you. For me personally, there are more good games on Android than I'll ever play, but there's no denying iOS is ahead on this field.

3 I am afraid that Android dosent get as poilished apps as Iphone does because Android is open source and Iphone is closed.

Being open or closed is not the issue, really. There may be more total garbage if there's very little quality control, but you don't have to download them. I have little experience with iOS so I can't really compare the quality of the apps. Note that because Android is more open, there are apps that will never be released for iPhone for whatever reason. Maybe you should consider what you would like to do on your phone and check what kinds of apps there are for Android and iOS to do that.

4. I have AT&T and am afraid that theyre arent any Android phones on tehir that are as good as what a Iphone 5 would be (of course this is probaly best suited to answer when we know what the heck Iphone 5 is.)

Yeah, nobody knows what will iPhone 5 be like so we can't compare. I think phones like Motorola Atrix or Samsung Galaxy S2 (not released yet) are pretty future-proof. They may be better or worse than iPhone 5, we just don't know yet.

5. I hear from people that the big reason to choose Android over Iphone is for the Rooting aspect. Well, I dont want to do this, so does that mean its probaly not a good idea to get a Android over the Iphone?

As I already said, most people don't root and that's totally fine, you'll lose very little if you don't want to go that way.

basicaly my fears stem from the fact that Android isnt as Mass Market loved as Iphone.
Therefore Itunes has a better chance of getting great stuff as opposed to Android. theyres comfort in going with the popular thing.

iPhone may be more mainstream and may get some stuff Android won't. Android is growing very fast, but you have to remember it includes everything from cheap low-end phones (which won't run the latest games) to the most expensive dual core beasts.

Anyway, I would ask that even though you guys love your android phones that you would please be willing to suggest Iphone if you think itll suite my needs I listed better. basicaly be as non biased as you can and give me some solid advice.

I think it's possible you'd be more satisfied with iPhone than an Android phone. Android is better for me, but not for everyone. If you think Android doesn't have the apps and games you want, go for iPhone. I think you should see the phones and try them out yourself before deciding to see if they feel good in your hand, if their screen is big enough for you etc. And see what kind of apps both platforms have. Just get what you like best, you might be stuck with the phone for two years, you don't want to be disappointed.

 

[zer0snap]

I think you should see the phones and try them out yourself before deciding to see if they feel good in your hand, if their screen is big enough for you etc. And see what kind of apps both platforms have. Just get what you like best, you might be stuck with the phone for two years, you don't want to be disappointed.

Good advice all round. Get a hands-on with each and do some research, after all these phones aren't cheap.

 

[lordofthereef]

I was iPhone only for nearly four years. Here is my take (answers in bold).

1. I need to state right now that I have no plans to root or Jailbreak this phone. I will more then likely take the phone as is.

Out of the box android is going to give you the most functionality. Whether that functionality is something you want/need is up to you. Hopefully this gets answered more through answers to subsequent questions.

2. I plan to use this thing alot for Games and Apps. I dont want a OS that has a bunch of BS Apps and games.

iPhone wins for games hands down. Android is starting to catch up, and I think it will be caught up by the end of next year. Hardware is what limits this growth, but we are getting some beefy cpu/gpu combos coming out. If we are talking about getting a phone TODAY, iPhone is the clear winner in this regard as far as content availability.

3. I want a phone that will continuely be supported with OS updates.

Your iPhone will get updates throughout it's life, which is considered to be about 2 years. (assuming you are talking about an iPhone 4). You may miss out on some features that Apple deams is hardware limited, but I don't think that will be much. With Android, your best bet is to go with Vanilla (Nexus line) if updates are a big thing for you. After that I think HTC has the best OS update record.

4. I want a OS thats polished and funtional.

Both are certainly fuctional. imo android is polished as well, though some disagree. i guess the question is YOUR definition. iOS is buttery smooth virtually all the time no matter what you do with it. Android is choppier at times, but on modern devices i wouldn't consider it an issue myself. Again, out of the box you will get more customizability with android. iOS limits you to a grid of icons. That is literally it. This may very well be functional enough for you though, which is fine.

5. I do have a investment in Itunes, but more then likely will be doing most of my music listening on my Ipod Classic. However, I would still like to put a few songs on teh phone or MP4 videos I downloaded. Ease of use of dropping in this stuff from my computer onto the phone is a plus.

As long as your music is DRM free you won't have an issue. Anything with DRM (almost anything older than about a year or so old purchased through iTunes) won't be able to be imported to your Android device. iTunes has gotten better about their DRM though and I think much of their content is now DRM free. If you like the syncing features of iTunes, there is also the double twist app (I THINK this is PC only right now) that gives you a sync experience very VERY close to that of iTunes.

Now, I also need to address some concerns I have over Android that maybe some users can clear up or back up:

1. I hear that the Android market is a wild west with little quality control.

This is no worse than Apple's AppStore. Serisouly, anyone who has spent any time in both stores knows right away that quality control (in terms of the app quality for the end user) is roughly the same. If anything, the Android marketplace has been known to be far less limiting as far as what devs are able/allowed to do with apps. This is still the case, however Apple has lightened up significantly since the onset of their AppStore.

2. Im afraid that Android wont get the great games and apps that Itunes does. Because Itunes seems to be the most publicised with its great stuff, so it seems they have more of the big name stuff from the big name devs.

We are seeing more ports and more game developers adopt Android daily. I certainly cannot promise anything, but as I siad before, we are getting much nicer hardware put into these phones. This translates to better graphics, smoother games, etc. I think it's a safe to say that Android will be getting much more polished games in the near future. Will it "beat" iOS? Who knows? But I am guessing we will see much less exclusivity.

3 I am afraid that Android dosent get as poilished apps as Iphone does because Android is open source and Iphone is closed.

Open versus closed really has little to do with the polish of apps. I can;t really answer further because I am not sure what you mean, specifically, by polish. What is more polsihed about the average android app than the average iPhone app to you?

4. I have AT&T and am afraid that theyre arent any Android phones on tehir that are as good as what a Iphone 5 would be (of course this is probaly best suited to answer when we know what the heck Iphone 5 is.)

This is the smoking gun. Up until recently I know ATT's android line-up was pretty poor. I know they increased their lineup, but I haven't followed it closely at all. I do know there are some promising phones coming out or perhaps even already out. I'd take a look at the lineup on ATT's site and then take a look at the respective forums for said handsets.

5. I hear from people that the big reason to choose Android over Iphone is for the Rooting aspect. Well, I dont want to do this, so does that mean its probaly not a good idea to get a Android over the Iphone?

I think the average Android owner doesn't root his phone. That said, the Average iOS person doesn't jailbreak his or her device. For the average user, rooting doesn't really improve much functionality. I'll go one step up and say that the average Android rooter probably onl wants root for custom roms (custom OS's made by tweaking stock ones by devs) and little else. The jailbreak CERTAINLY WITHOUT A DOUBT gives iOS more functionality than rooting does to an Android. Again, we are back to what I said before. iOS is a grid of apps and that's it. Android is like having a nearly full blown computer OS on your phone. Again, it's back down to what you want as a consumer.

I will add that if you want something truly simple, the iPhone is for you. Being that you are not wanting to modify anything, if you have any issues, take it into an Apple store and they will fix you right up. If it isn' physical damage, they will even replace the phone. Their customer service is the best, bar none. I always like to tell the story of my girlfriend running my iPhone 4 through the wash the night it launched. I took it in and they replaced it with a brand new one for $100. I love HTC and my EVO, but I think they would just laugh at me if I wanted a replacement for running it through the wash (which is why I pay the monthly insurance!)

 

[lordofthereef]

Good advice all round. Get a hands-on with each and do some research, after all these phones aren't cheap.

It's also worth noting that ATT will allow you to return any device within 30 days, so you can take it one step further from just playing with it at the store. The quirks and limitations always seem to come out at home!