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????
melonieG wrote:
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,
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 moresecond how technical are you?do you like tweaking? making a device look diff? want a choice of phones? then go androiddo 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:
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
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.
fatherof4 wrote: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.
fatherof4 wrote:
there are some phones, even android, that have very good battery life
my wifes droid2 can go 2-3 days without recharging
i have no idea how she does it
My wife and I are both on the Bionic and I chew through anywhere from 1 - 2 batteries a day. I use my phone for work so I'm managing e-mail when out of the office and on the phone. My wife has the same phone and she can go 2 days but she doesn't download all the apps I do or use hers like mine.
I got her an extra battery also and she is thankful when she has a low charge on her phone and has to run out and doesn't have to worry about trying to squeeze enough juice out of her battery. It also gives me piece of mind knowing that she has the extra battery on standby should she need it for an emergency (family member suddenly in hospital, etc...).
fatherof4 wrote: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.
Yes, the battery life can be a shock. I've had a smartphone for a while now but recently I was using a dual-mode (CMDA/GSM) basic phone for a trip. About two weeks after I returned, I heard a strange beeping. It was the phone giving a low battery warning. I had left it on all that time, obviously it wasn't doing a lot, but you won't get that sort of standby time from any smartphone.
Re removable batteries. Unfortunately, a lot of the newer models seem to be moving towards fixed batteries (and no SD, but that's another story!). I recently got a Droid 4 which has a non-removable battery, but you can buy a portable battery pack that plugs into the charging port. You charge the pack, and then bring it with you to plug in when your phone battery is low. It's a bit bigger than a spare battery would be, but really not that bad.
