Android or IPhone

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618 posts

Ultimate Geek

#597656 20-Mar-2012 13:17

Giggs: My only bugbear is the fragmented nature of Android updates from manufacturers since they generally all seem to want to add their own features to any new Android version before they roll it out, whereas with Apple one size fits all.

The thing here is: does it matter? There are some bug fixes that make it into updated Android versions, but most of the changes are new (optional) features. Unless a particular app needs those new features, there isn't usually any real need to have the phone's OS updated.

The only thing that breaks this pattern are the app layout changes introduced in Android 4.0 (ICS / Ice Cream Sandwich). These changes make it easier to have an app support different screen resolutions. However, I believe that app developers can include both the old and new layout schemes in an app, which helps to make this less of an issue.

d3Xt3r

687 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#597661 20-Mar-2012 13:23

robocat:
Get a grip. I import the Google Nexus and I like it ( AFAIK Nexus is not going to be imported into NZ). It gets official ROMs released for it months before any other phone. It is on 4.0.2 see http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Google+Mobile/thread?tid=3df3f33592c0bfde&hl=en

You are arguing that if you want a reliable Android browser then I *should* use Cyanogenmod or equivalent... You are just giving anothrr reason to get an iPhone if one wants their phone to just work out-of-the-box and is happy to pay $ for that priviledge.

Well you never mentioned which Nexus you're using - even in the above post you just called it "Google Nexus" but looking at the link I found out that it's actually a Galaxy Nexus. I wasn't aware what version is available for that via OTA. In any case, all Nexus devices have always been targeted at developers and geeks. That's why it features a developer/modder friendly bootloader. It is expected that one is almost certainly using a custom ROM when using a GNex, because why would a geek be content running an old version or a stock firmware? :P

On that note, I agree with you that that those who want their phone to work just out-of-the box should just stick to an iPhone, or even better, how about a Nokia feature-phone? I maintain that Android is for geeks. I mean, if you aren't going to be messing around even a little bit.. if you're not even capable of installing a third-party browser, then you're missing out the whole point of using Android. It's open. It's free. You can make it look like anything you want to. You can make it work the way *you* want it to. *You* decide how to hold the phone, not someone else. It's an open world. You are free to submit or download any app from the market. Download a virus? Well it's your fault for not using common sense. Like it or not, freedom comes at a price. If you like to be spoon-fed and live in a walled garden, then use the iPhone by all means.

I mean if you don't care about freedom then I guess the only major reason left to get an Android is that it's cheap.

robocat

94 posts

Master Geek

#597759 20-Mar-2012 15:45

d3Xt3r: blah

You are preaching to the converted son. All good points. Personally I chose to use Android because I dislike the condesceding tone of iOS, along with its over-bearing proprietary lock-down.

However, I also recognise that plenty of smart geeks choose to use an iPhone and have given reasons why they do. Also, I just had a squiz at second hand prices, and it seems an iPhone could easily cost less than a top end Android after considering resale value.

jasonwaiheke

277 posts

Ultimate Geek

#597875 20-Mar-2012 19:52

Well, i never expected such an overwhelming response! I have been in to the Vodafone store, had a we play, talked to the guy there. Had a look at the IPhone that way, they dont have a Lumia and I have yet to visit the local Telecm store to check it out. Gutted I was not a test guinea pig for either of the new handset releases. could have been a good first hand opportunity with out the up front cost :) I have had small looks at the LG P500 and the Samsung Galaxy S and SII, and a good play with the Motorola Defy, a brief squiz at an IPhone, and a good amount of time with my android tablet thing... I quite like Android for a number of reasons really, and i think that maybe my choice, just what handset now is the question. thanks for all the feedback, i will continue to shop for the best value for money focussing on what i want out of it.

Giggs

252 posts

Ultimate Geek

#598061 21-Mar-2012 09:12

nzgeek:
Giggs: My only bugbear is the fragmented nature of Android updates from manufacturers since they generally all seem to want to add their own features to any new Android version before they roll it out, whereas with Apple one size fits all.

The thing here is: does it matter? There are some bug fixes that make it into updated Android versions, but most of the changes are new (optional) features. Unless a particular app needs those new features, there isn't usually any real need to have the phone's OS updated.

In the long run probably not unless you are having issues with your phone. I have a work colleague with an HTC Sensation who can't wait for the ICS update as he is having a number of Force Close problems.

d3Xt3r

687 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#598072 21-Mar-2012 09:36

Giggs: I have a work colleague with an HTC Sensation who can't wait for the ICS update as he is having a number of Force Close problems.

Did he try a factory reset? I doubt there will be force-closes on a clean stock ROM.

TheUngeek

924 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#598101 21-Mar-2012 10:27

Imo the android "must have latest update" is there version off the iCrowds "must have latest device" obsession
It I'd not essential. And never actually needed

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Giggs

252 posts

Ultimate Geek

#598826 22-Mar-2012 20:13

d3Xt3r:
Giggs: I have a work colleague with an HTC Sensation who can't wait for the ICS update as he is having a number of Force Close problems.

Did he try a factory reset? I doubt there will be force-closes on a clean stock ROM.

That is his plan A if he can find his licence Code for Co-Pilot Live. He is paranoid about losing the app.

d3Xt3r

687 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#598830 22-Mar-2012 20:23

Giggs:
d3Xt3r:
Giggs: I have a work colleague with an HTC Sensation who can't wait for the ICS update as he is having a number of Force Close problems.

Did he try a factory reset? I doubt there will be force-closes on a clean stock ROM.

That is his plan A if he can find his licence Code for Co-Pilot Live. He is paranoid about losing the app.

Hmm, I've not used CoPilot, but if he purchased it through the Android market then the market would remember the license. Otherwise, well he could root he phone and use Titanium Backup to backup CoPilot and any other apps/settings/etc.

Giggs

252 posts

Ultimate Geek

#598832 22-Mar-2012 20:39

He got it direct from their website hence his nervousness. Yeah I have mentioned rooting but he is not keen.

(Sorry about the thread hijack)

nyquist

101 posts

Master Geek

#598854 22-Mar-2012 22:09

Giggs:
nzgeek: The thing here is: does it matter? There are some bug fixes that make it into updated Android versions, but most of the changes are new (optional) features. Unless a particular app needs those new features, there isn't usually any real need to have the phone's OS updated.

In the long run probably not unless you are having issues with your phone. I have a work colleague with an HTC Sensation who can't wait for the ICS update as he is having a number of Force Close problems.

If the updated Android OS versions include security fixes, then yes I think it's important as people are now using their smartphones like their computers and doing things like banking etc.

Android, like the iPhone has its plus and minuses, but I think the fragmentation and is a minus more than a plus.

offhui

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#607668 11-Apr-2012 09:03

feels Iphone is for users(easy to use just need to pay), and Android is for geeks(make sure you know how to reboot)

jeffnz

2870 posts

Uber Geek

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Lifetime subscriber

#607705 11-Apr-2012 10:30

I don't feel like Android for geeks at all and as has already been said about people that just use them as is but don't want to pay for virtually same thing but more money.

I went to android because of my dislike of being locked down by any Company and wasn't swayed because it was/is fashionable to have one. I have to admit that lately I am enjoying modifying my phone and like the ability to do so and also change my battery and also use extra storage by choice.

Having said all that I don't believe you can stereotype people by the phone they use which seems to be what happens whenever this topic comes up and then we all go tribal.

Have to say that on GZ mostly its respectful comments about each others choice with a heap of information that I find invaluable

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dclegg

2806 posts

Uber Geek

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#607708 11-Apr-2012 10:39

jeffnz: I don't feel like Android for geeks at all and as has already been said about people that just use them as is but don't want to pay for virtually same thing but more money.

I concur. Especially with all the cheap Android handsets that are available now. My daughter has a Huawei X5 (which cost $250), and she loves it! Although she is pretty good with tech, I'd hardly classify her a geek.

stevenz

2802 posts

Uber Geek

#607785 11-Apr-2012 12:27

TheUngeek: Imo the android "must have latest update" is there version off the iCrowds "must have latest device" obsession

It I'd not essential. And never actually needed

Um, wut?

If you're already invested in the Apple ecosystem, are a relative technophobe that still needs some sort of smartphone functionality, or just want to "get things done" then get an iPhone. (My mum uses one and she can't even operate the VCR).

If you like to have more control over what you can do and potentially have more functionality (multiple tethering options, better bluetooth, media support etc) and not be locked into Apples "walled garden" then get an Android.

If you tend to spend all day on Facebook/Twitter, then get a Windows phone.

It largely depends what you want to do, how much you want to spend.

At the end of the day, asking in an Android sub-forum what sort you should get isn't far off asking what brand of car you should buy in a Mitsubhishi dealership.

So that said, just get an Android. Apple already have US$0.6 Trillion in the bank, they don't need your money.

@KnightNZ

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