In case you were living under a rock, you probably know by now that the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus were both introduced yesterday. Just like every other iPhone that preceded them, Apple added specs that have been enjoyed by most Android users for a while now. Android faithful love to make fun of Apple in that they seem to always play catch up with Android, which is one of the biggest reasons why Android smartphones have enjoyed so much success. Consumers who might have bought an iPhone in the past, didn't because of certain things that Apple failed to provide. However, it appears the gap is just about closed with the introduction of the new iPhones, and I am wondering if there is a compelling reason to buy an Android smartphone now?
There is no doubt that the iPhone changed the game when it was first introduced in 2007. Even the most die-hard Android fanboy couldn't argue with that. At the time when the first Android handset was launched in 2008, the G1, it seemed near impossible that Android could put a dent into the iPhone's market share, but it completely took over within a couple of years. The original DROID came onto the scene in late 2009, which was the beginning of a complete onslaught from the Android army.
Why did Android enjoy so much success? One obvious reason was that so many manufacturers adopted it, which lead to many choices in the market place. However, there were a few other important factors that helped even more. The iPhone originally launched with AT&T exclusivity here in the U.S., which actually hurt Apple's potential sales. Many consumers adopted Android for this very reason since they could use any carrier they wanted to. Eventually the AT&T contract ended and the iPhone became available everywhere. However, Android still had one very big trump card.
That trump card was the screen size. If I had a nickel for every time someone told me they bought a Galaxy phone because of the screen size, I would be one rich man. Remember when the DROID X was introduced in 2010 with a 4.3-inch display? At that time, people were saying that might be too big, but now it's too damn small. Android manufacturers kept pushing the envelope while Steve Jobs refused to offer a larger iPhone. It was probably the biggest advantage for Android, and as of yesterday, that advantage is over. The iPhone 6 sports a 4.7-inch display and the iPhone 6 Plus has a 5.5-inch display.
Android fanboys will also point out that the Android UI offered more features like widgets, replaceable keyboards, the ability to change the launcher, NFC, mobile payments, and so on. These things weren't all that much of an advantage for Android since most consumers really didn't care. Those things catered to the power user, which only make up a small amount of the market share. Even if I am wrong, it doesn't matter anymore because Apple finally opened things up with iOS 8 to include all of those features other than replacing the launcher. This just in…most consumers don't care about changing the launcher.
Last night, Ron Amadeo posted an image with the title, “Welcome to 2012” and showed how the iPhone is basically the Nexus 4 from 2012.
He went on to imply that Apple will continue to play catch up with things like IR blasters, multi-user support, selectable default apps, split screen apps, and so on. A very funny image, but I just don't see any of those features being a big deal to the average Joe. Seriously, if the average person comes up to me and asks why they should buy an Android phone, am I supposed to say they need the IR blaster or split screen apps? Let's face it, the screen size was probably the biggest factor over the last couple of years, and I don't see the next version of Android adding anything all that compelling to make up for it. Sure Android L looks nice, but does someone beyond the Android fanatic say, “I have to have that because the iPhone doesn't?” So what could Android offer in the future that would have the same kind of impact that the screen size did and make people think twice about the iPhone? Well there is Project Ara, which would make smartphones modular, and Project Tango, which brings 3D mapping into play. Unfortunately we don't know how consumer-ready there are or how popular they will be. They very well could be major game changers, but as of today, we just don't know. We also don't know if Apple is working on something similar, but I suspect not.
In looking at both the iPhone and any other Android phone, there is ONLY one reason left as to why the mainstream consumer would go with Android today, and that's price. You will still find lower cost handsets (on and off contract) from Android manufacturers, so those that want to save a buck can do so. This is why Android One and the likes of the Moto G are so important to Android's growth. The iPhone won't be able to compete in developing markets or with those on a tighter budget. If you take money out of the equation, there isn't much of a reason to go with Android now. In fact, one might argue that the iPhone is actually the better choice since it has a better camera experience and better developer support. The developer support has thinned over the years, but even a little bit more is more right?
Now I know many of you Android faithful are probably yelling, “Just go and buy an iPhone already you damn traitor!” I can say that I have NEVER owned an iPhone nor do I plan on buying one anytime soon. I love Android and the choices that it brings to the table. I am just trying to look at this from a mainstream consumer perspective. The iPhone has played catch up for years, but the biggest factor for the average Joe was the screen size followed by the AT&T carrier exclusivity. They have been eliminated. The simple UI and software features were only a minor issue, but iOS 8 squashes most of them anyway. The gap is very narrow at this point, and Google and the Android OEMs have some work to do to bring it back.
I have yet to find a reason to own any sort of smartphone. After having one for a year I literally threw it away because all it was was an expensive time waster. I have gone back to a simple flip phone that has only calls and text. I now pay a lot less on my phone bill, the battery lasts nearly a week and I am missing nothing in my life. The myth spread by the smartphone manufacturers and the phone companies that we cannot live without these moronic devices is just that. A myth. Life is now good.
Own an iPhone and youll see how Android is better. Apple is ALL proprietary and control. Proprietary accesories. Cant roll back OS. Cant do custom roms. No expandeable memory. No battery swaps. Tiny list of phone options. iTunes is annoying. Much of this DOES matter to consumers. Oh, and if youre tied to IOS, you have no choice but to buy 2012 tech in the iPhone 6 for 2015 pricing. No alternatives. With Apple, its their way or the highway. You either like how Apple does it or youre up a creek if youre tied to IOS.
For Mac users like myself, there is the lure ofpromised great iPhone-Mac desktop/laptop interface with iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite. I, for one, now that screen size is n longer an issue, plan to switch back to iPhone.
Robert, that is a very American-centric view. In Asia, for example, Android is entrenched. Most apps are released for Android first, iphone second. It’s a more sophisticated market, where choice and hardware specs matter a lot more. Apple is seen as a fashionable, premium brand, but their hardware is considered middle-of-the-road these days. If anything, the fact that Apple is now following Samsung’s lead with similar phones only gives Android more credibility.
Apple will definitely get a nice bump, especially in the US, but Android will get its turn in the sun with Android L.
By the way, why android phones are popular in 3rd world,
Because they are cheap.
May i say android is for common people and iphone is for elite people,
I know that you are panicking bec.of the iphone 6 is a solid and premium device.
Welcome to 2012
Oh brother…
How about the fact that I can buy any/all the apps I want in the full knowledge that next year I can buy any other phone I want and use the apps on it?
SLIGHT advantage over buying apps on an iPhone and knowing that you now have no choice but to keep buying iPhones or you lose your apps purchases?
I like not being tied to a fixed device for the rest of my life when I purchase software.
Imagine if you had to buy a Dell every time after you’d purchased some software for it?
No thanks – I dont want to be locked into a specific hardware vendor for my software purchases thanks!
So, do they pay this guy to write this garbage? Basically, he’s saying that Android has all these extra features but they don’t matter…he was probably one of the guys that said that the large screen on the large screen of the Galaxy Note would never catch on.
Choice of vendor. I’ve never been a fan of vendor lock-in. I like the fact that I can choose from a variety of excellent phones from competitive manufacturers.
Customisation
– IOS is boring (no customisation, no themes, no launchers no Icon packs, no widgets, no nothing). If you don’t like the skin of your current Android phone, you can just install a launcher (NOVA, Apex) and change the looks dramatically.
– No replacement of keyboard (<IOS 8). Why do most of the IOS users switch off prediction? Because it sucks. With Android you can replace your keyboard (like Swiftkey) and it will predict multiple languages in a proper way and it will even predict the next word. You can even swype if you want.
– You can't have multiple shortcuts to the same app on home screens/in folders, meaning for example you can't put Google Maps in both my "Google" folder and my "Navigation" folder at the same time
– The power of openness of Android. With an app like Tasker you can automate EVERYTHING. Like when I come home, I inform my wife with a text message, connect automatically with my home wifi and set loudspeaker at a higher level. Possibilities are truly limitless. Or use a launcher that automatically adapt to my location and time of the day (Aviate).
– Android is very usable on a large screen. Just put your icons on the lower part of the screen (IOS can't do that). Put your widgets higher (less need to touch them). Then install a launcher which makes it possible to make a swipe down on every part of the screen to see the notifications. So no need to put the thumb on top of your screen. IOS has a lot of menus on top of the screen, Android has it's menu button at the bottom of the screen. Easier to reach.
– more advanced users can root the phone (for even more possibilities) and even install a custom ROM. This way you have always have the latest version of Android. But you could buy a Nexus phone for this. With Android you always have options!
And you owe your soul th the apple store.
Expandable storage and removable battery. Those are two things that I cannot live without in a phone, and two things that apple will likely never include in their iphone. Hell, there’s an increasingly small number of android phones that have them these days. But I imagine it’s not just me. There’s gotta be a substantial number of people out there who need to carry around more than 64GB of stuff without using data/wifi, or people that need to go long periods of time without the opportunity to charge their phones. I personally think those are pretty good reasons to buy an android.
I think the word you were looking for is traitor.
I see your point of view. However, if we are talking about “average” consumer, there is one more thing to consider: why switch the platform?
Even if we ignore mountains of apple products that pair with iPhone, the only two criteria left are price and relearning to use your phone.
Bollocks…iPhone 6 is a simple phone for simple people, selfie obsessed and prime Apple marketing fodder.
Unlike you…..I have owned both from iPhone 3 to 5.iPad 2…..then….NOTE 7000 to new Note III + Tab 10 / Note 10.1 to the new Note 12.2…….no iPhone nor iPad Air can compete…..forget all that drivel about benchmark tests etc etc..,….they don’t matter to Joe the Plumber or Tweedledum / Twedledee…….it’s smoke and mirrors……the same marketing hype that car manfufacturers used to employ when they quoted 0-60 times for their hot hatchbacks……it’s no different from Clarkson when he’s smoking tyres and doing do-nuts in a Ferrari……..it may be spectacular around an abandoned air field, but it’s not the REAL WORLD.
Give me unfettered freedom from a business ideology that is restrictive and controlling…..there’s enough of that already, we need less.
Almost every IP 5 owner I know is overwhelmed when I let them see the Note III, but they all come out with the same nonsense, ‘I have an iPhone’….as tho’ it’s a badge of pride.
Bravo!! I love it.
I hated android, back in the Iphone 3gs iphone 4 days.. Then I realized, the only way I liked ios was after I jailbreak, remove the damned snap to for icons, change the look, size and feel of the icons and adjusted all the locked out settings… Then I tried android on the gs3, holy crap, stock and stupid customizable, loved it. Ios made me sick, just using my wife’s phone made me feel like I was handcuffed and gagged forbidden to touch or do anything outside All Mighty Apple’s wishes..
Apple is good, for the kind of people that need that hand holding, “gotta be like everyone but still be my own unique person by changing the background” mentality. my wife was a apple user, iphone 4s, doesnt like to follow tech, her need was simple: “does it work? yes, I’m good”. This year I bought her a gs5 for her birthday, she grumbled at the new learning of an Os.. Took her 2 days of tinkering and now she’s good. For fun I bought a iphone 5s, asked her if she wanted to go back.. Nope sold it on ebay. Android user for life now.
You guys bought into the Apple propaganda, I did it too, but once your free YOU ARE FREE!
Most ios users will bash android, most ios users have used android for as long as it took the carrier sales rep to get the Iphone from the back.. Most android users have used ios, most android users are ios defectors. Why is that? Do you ios guys fear that you might like it, I’ll tell you this, Steve won’t come down from heven to smite you, Apple won’t ban you from future products if you choose to go back. Honestly, give android a good educated test then come back and have a civil conversation what you liked and didn’t like. Until then, stop being so small minded.
I’ve had both the iPhone 5 for an year and the Samsung Galaxy S4. The S4, in my opinion, offers the best specs, which in theory, makes it the best phone. And of course: a far superior notification center, widgets, and . But a lot changes after a year, now my S4 lags constantly, it sometimes bricks (and I don’t even use a custom ROM, nor is the phone rooted.) And the soundboard is broken, while my iPhone 5 continues to deliver the same experience it did an year ago, apart from the flash LED, which is broken. Now, of course, this is my personal experience with both brands, and while I absolutely love Android phones and the possibilities they offer, I probably won’t be buying one in the near future, at least not from Samsung.
That is the case because the IOS ecosystem is a locked down system. It has very stringent requirements for devs to meet to be allowed in to it. Apple did do this right, they made the Os for the phone, they maximized the potential of the system.
But while doing that removed a huge market. Android made the Os to fit a huge market of devices, something had to give. Now I’m sorry about your s5, but I’m on a m7 and it is still wicked fast, smooth and responsive as ever, and it’s 2 years old.
If anyone asks me what phone to buy, I will never advise them to buy an apple product, I hate their attitude and love the way Android can be customized. If they still pick an iphone, fine, but don’t expect me to help if something doesn’t work.
Android has replaceable home screens, widgets, doesn’t need itunes to transfer files, a lot of phones have an sd card slot, fm radio, some even have replaceable batteries, or buttons on the back. Etc etc. I like have options.
On top of that, I don’t especially like the iphone design and that’s putting it mildly :)
And that watch? What a joke :)
That’s kinda close minded.. For an android user.. I give them the pros and cons of both, fact is apple has the best warranty service out there.. Cannot be beat, that alone puts a huge star in their side..
For me android, I gave up warranty for everything android is.
But honestly, I’ll recommend and iphone for a lot of reasons, “It’s and Iphone™” is never one of them.
lol, warranty, here in the netherlands, apple tried to pull a “no you have only 6 months warranty” on customers, but the law says you have 12 months warranty, that same law says you can also expect a product not to fail completely, even if you are past the 12 month warranty.
thing is, most people that want an iphone, are not the type of people that ask me advice, so who’s close minded, me or them :)
I guess that makes me a little close minded for thinking, or rather not thinking there was no difference in their warranty system, sorry about that.
Apple people are generally close minded… Hence why I said it was close minded of and android user.. An open minded apple fanatic is very rare.
1. What you love about your iphone is everything you love about Google: search, maps, gmail, etc. If Apple shared it’s apps to Android, no one would use them.
2. iOs is the only market to buy apps for Apple phones. Android has multiple markets competing on price points and you can sidelong apps in Android without rooting or jailbreaking.
3. Speaking of rooting, if you do, it opens up your phone to new functionality, roms, and quicker updates. Jailbreaking only gives you access to the lame Cydia store where apps are half baked or mostly weak.
4. My Galaxy S5 allows for a micro SD card. With memory prices so cheap, this is still a cash cow for Apple to rip off its users. Especially with the cost of cellular broadband only going up.
4. Actual upgrades to the Android platform and multiple manufacturers competing means you don’t have to wait on the newest software features or hardware upgrades. It’s why the iPhone 6 barely has the specs of the 2012 Nexus 4. Imagine if Microsoft didn’t license it’s OS to other manufacturers and your only choice was the Surface 3 or a Windows phone to use the Windows software. Lame.
Just a few reasons.
What about the battery life
Plenty of reasons to go with Android. I think it’s a far better OS. Where iOS offers just a grid of icons that you click on, in Android you have widgets, notifications, a much nicer dialer and hangouts app, Google Now, all the Google services and apps integrated straight into the OS.
On iOS you cannot even set auto-update on apps for God’s sake, app switching is a chore (and since they put 1Gb of memory into everything, everything has to reload anyway), the settings are from last century etc.
There’s no reason I can think of to buy an iPhone. Before at least you got pretty glossy icons. Now they’re uglier than Android’s.
The waterproof capabilities of my galaxy s5 have been the most impressive thing to myself and my friends and family who own iphones. It comes in handy way more often then one would think. Anyone with or near kids should have a waterproof phone whose screen doesn’t shatter at the slightest drop.
Its not just the cost of the phone but what you may have invested in apps, movies, music etc for your phone (and this works both ways) that help keep users ‘loyal’ to one platform. I estimate to have spent £300 ish of content which gets wiped out if I move to a rival platform, but retains if I stay where I am.
The one thing I’ve always hated about the iPhone was it’s dependency on iTunes. I have to go through all this adding to library bullshit and syncing just to copy a stupid movie onto the phone. And I’ve had problems with iTunes detecting my phone or giving me stupid errors.
I see no compelling reason to use iOS whatsoever.
While many people might want to hop on the iPhon elarge screen train. The iPhone users I know are all disappointed that the new phone is now too large for them.
So, I can easily see movement both ways of the fence.
Ummm, replaceable battery, ummm expandable memory with an sd card??? Two features off the top of my head. My daughter bought the iPhone 5, but could only afford the 16GB, it’s full now and many of the features are unusable now because of it. Her battery life is short now, too. I had the same problems with my GS3 (upgrade date is in 2 weeks!!!) and merely bought a larger sd card and new battery for it. I moved all my media to the sd and put in the new battery, it was like a new phone, and it cost far less when I bought it than her iPhone cost.
I totally agree with this article. All of us reading this post are Android fan boys and we don’t care about iPhone. But the average Joe, he doesn’t care about multitasking, ppi, screen resolution, custom roms, root etc. All that he want is a bigger iPhone.
on the other hand there’s still no reason to go for an iphone. if it does “basically” the same and is more expensive, then why would i buy it?
btw, i have a billion reasons why i would never buy an iphone (itunes being one of the biggest. yes, i HATE it, and i hate the concept of it). i just don’t think they’re “mainstream” reasons.
Android offers more customizable abilities. you are not locked into specific video or audio formats since MOST androids will play about any format. i love the ability to copy files directly to the device by just drag n drop from pc interface. point blank “If I buy a device, IT IS MINE”. apple always want to control what you can and can’t do with it. if I want to turn my OS or device into a toaster i should be able to it since i bought it. don’t tell me I have to purchase my stuff though appstore or whatever. i don’t want to use an app to sync everything to my device. i just want to be able to copy/paste a song, video, txt file etc to my device like I can with an android. when Apple stops being GREEDY and trying to restrict what you can do maybe (heck no) I would allow someone else to buy me an iPhone (not).
Here is a reason, I hate Apple. I will never own or use any product by them.
I have been amazed over the years how nice Google is. There is no reason they have to allow Apple products any access to their Google apps or services. After all Google doesn’t allow Amazon or Microsoft exclusive access to their apps so why allow Apple? Imagine how popular the iPhone would be the year Google took away access to Google maps, Youtube, Gmail, Google calendar, etc. I mean, we can’t get iTunes, Safari, Facetime, etc on Android so why are all of Google’s services available on iPhone?
I know that Google is in it for the advertising and search engine. I know that Google hasn’t offered a full version of Google maps or street view. But really Google is still where it’s at on the internet. I feel that is a big competitive advantage Google hasn’t taken advantage of in the same way Apple has.
+ Google Now was available on ipod Touch, but not on Android with ICS. + gmail app on ios was better. Google is weird.
Interesting but you can’t simply ignore the price point, it’s one of if not the biggest aspect when getting a new phone.
The article is flawed because it assumes that everyone would buy an iphone by choice, and has been compromising with Android for a particular feature or two.
Some of us actually like Android, quite a few actually.
Then there’s the rest who have no wish to associate with the sycophantic Apple crowd.
I have a Note and Note 10, Chromebook, Chromebox windows machines, have no interest in an iphone.
If I got given one I would deep-fry it and post the video on YouTube!
first paragraph nailed it. nothing else needs to be said.
Used iOS for 2 years and Android for just over 2 years now and Android personally for me fits better… I would never own an iPhone for my personal use even if it was given free. Androids integration with Google and phone customisation and choice of handset is something that iPhone will never give.
“In looking at both the iPhone and any other Android phone, there is ONLY one reason left as to why the mainstream consumer would go with Android today, and that’s price.”
Not sure if serious or just a click bait article