need an upgrade, never had a smart phone. should I consider the iphone or android????
First, I have to say only you can make that decision, and I would never recommend an iPhone. However, an iPhone will be simple in every aspect, if you're ok with being stonewalled into the Apple ecosystem. Android can be more complicated, but only if you want it to be. My only real advice is that, if you decide to go with Android, get one of the higher end models, some of the lower end Androids can have some issues due to using lower end components that don't keep up with the higher power demands of newer apps and the newer versions of Android.
What he said.
Here's another tip. Spend time with each device at a store. Don't buy anything... Take your time and play around with them for a few hours each.
melonieG wrote:
need an upgrade, never had a smart phone. should I consider the iphone or android????
They both have their advantages, the iPhone is probably better for people who are not the least bit technical and doesn't care that it is all Apple and how they want it. An Android gives you flexibility with multiple ways to get applications, it allows you to customize the device more than an iPhone, but there is some work that goes into that also.
As Tidbits suggested, I would go and use both of them at the store, look at your friends phones, see how they use them and how they like it.
The other quest to be answered is, what is it you want to do with it?
melonieG wrote:
need an upgrade, never had a smart phone. should I consider the iphone or android????
MelonieG,
You are starting out on the right foot by asking the question before purchasing a smartphone. Most people would just go and get one, and then wonder or complain about it afterwards. Keep looking around, making sure you ask people what they like and dislike about their phones, and keep looking around in these forums.
Happy trails.... Let us know what you decide.
first why do you want a smartphone? it costs more
second how technical are you?
do you like tweaking? making a device look diff? want a choice of phones? then go android
do you want your phone to be like everyone elses? dont want to be bothered with any technical stuff?
like itunes? then get an iphone
mdram4x4 wrote:
first why do you want a smartphone? it costs more
second how technical are you?
do you like tweaking? making a device look diff? want a choice of phones? then go android
do you want your phone to be like everyone elses? dont want to be bothered with any technical stuff?
like itunes? then get an iphone
Of course, you have asked this in an Android forum so the comments are a little slanted towards that platform. I am an android user, but I'm sure an Apple person would rephrase the above:
How technical are you? Do you mind force closes, random rebooting and overheating. Do you care about resale value?
Do you want to get stuck on an old version of Android while the vendors and verizon just update the latest phones (or do you feel OK violating the ToS to get a later version unofficially etc).
I think in reality each platform has users of both types. There are technical people using iPhones because, rightly or wrongly, there is the perception that they "just work" and some technical people have no interest in tweaking their smartphone as it just a tool. Some get enough customization for their needs through app choices, cases etc. And then there are non-technical people buying Androids. For these people, I strongly echo demmo86rt's advice, don't get a low-end Android as you will have issues. (Of course, technical people probably want higher end as well, but they could also deal with some of the stuff that comes up on low-end phones)
But as others have said: great that you ask the question, and spend some time trying the options out. For Android, look at the various screen sizes, decide if you need 4G, JellyBean path, keyboard etc. Playing around in the store is no guarantee that you will actually like the phone after 5 days, but it is much better than not doing that step!
i almost forgot the one thing i chose anroid for, after coming from winmo 6.
widgets, gotta have my widgets
Yes, widgets are good!
Also, since the iPhone 5 is by all indications about to come out this month, don't consider the iPhone 4 models now. Prices for the earlier models will drop quickly after the 5 comes out, so, if you do choose the iPhone route, you either get a more modern phone or a cheaper one by waiting.
The good/bad thing about Android, is that there is always the new best phone coming out in a month or two. This leads to a lot of complaints ("Why didn't they tell me that the Razr HyperMaxx 3.5D was coming out a week after they sold me the Razr SuperMaxx 3D??") but also means that there are always new phones available, without waiting for a year.
Another thing to keep in mind is battery life. You'll find that battery life isn't as good as your standard phones due to the demands on a smartphone. If you buy an iphone, the battery is not removable. There are many Android devices that have removable batteries. If you don't want to keep your phone on a charger all the time I recommend exploring a phone that has a removable battery.
I have a separate battery charger where I can charge an extra battery then when my battery gets down to around 15%, I swap them out and then recharge the battery in a cradle. The nice part about the cradle is it can charge via usb on your computer or with charger that came with your phone that plugs into an outlet.
I like to use my phone without be strapped to a cord. If this isn't important to you then it's a mood point.
Start a new topic or ask questions in the open forum.
