I am a little surprised at this forum because you are actually looking at options. No comments like only older people buy iPhone. I actually got a comment that iPhone is for 1%.
I may seem odd doing a very detail investigation, but I am very depended on my Mobile (very important tool). Plus I hate buys remorse. Another reason is that I probably give my wife my Icon because I don’t want to carry 2 mobiles and I want to feel that I am doing a lateral or better move.
I want a mobile that performs smoothly (like my Icon). All the applications are provided by work. I want to hold something that is well built and does not need my attention for maintains. Security is a huge issue. I don’t want the feeling like I am being tracked or being used statically (I know this may sound weird they all do it).
I have tried both OS. Android does not feel right (could be the carrier was pushing the Samsung S5 to hard and I was annoyed). I think I would not go with Samsung because the quality is just not there (and feels Gimmicky).
They said Android is for power users. I looked up with the characteristic of power users features are and all three mobile OS can do the same thing no matter who writes the article.
I would like something elegant and that will not need to be replaced every year. I want to feel the apps are OS are real and not hackie. I may want to start buy kwel accessories and I noticed iPhone is always on the top. Even thou people say Android has more hardware accessories made for it. I noticed it depends on the manufacture.
How is the software updates? Does it slow it down slow down the mobile?
I read that Android has bad battery life (but I know it depends user more at times than OS).
Do you like voice quality on the iPhone? Manufactures for Android goes as follow (Motorola, HTC best, Samsung and LTE worse)
I know the RF signal is more of a carrier issue, but has the iPhone RF improved from past? What I like about Apple is that it is there several generations out so it is on several version of improve.
The Microsoft store sales person in the mall recommended the iPhone (they said if I had to). The OS is controlled by one companies and that the app store is closely monitored by Apple to minimize malware software. Does that make there apps more expense?
I use Cortana and love it. Has anyone use Siri or Google Now. How are they? That software really assists me. I really could not get a feel for it at the carrier store and YouTube shows me nothing other than Siri is more verbally interactive.
How do you feel the GPS navigation works for you? I use it all the time on my Icon.
Hi AB and welcome to iMore. I have often found in a few other non-iphone specific forums that the maturity level can be a bit suspect. Not everyone is guilty of that of couse, but I think here at iMore we tend to have some level-headed folks eager to assist and discuss. I am going to try and assist with some of your questions:
“I want a mobile that performs smoothly (like my Icon)” – I think the iphone performs extremely well with very few hiccups and next to no lag. Android flagships have come a long way in that regard, but in my opinion the iphone retains that fluidity even as time goes on.
“I want something that is very well built and does not need my attention for maintains” – the iphone is touted for its premium build quality. It feels great in the hand. But like any other phone, if you choose not to use a case, it can be damaged with a drop.
“Security is a huge issue. I don’t want the feeling like I am being tracked or being used statically” – As you probably know, apps must go through a rigorous process before being approved by apple. Some folks don’t like Apple’s “walled garden”, yet, it is this approach that provides a level of security beyond that of an open source OS. There are various settings you can adjust within the settings app to further increase security.
“How is the software updates? Does it slow down the mobile?” - A nice feature of iOS is that you know you will receive timely updates supported by 3 and perhaps four year old devices. The iphone 4S, 5, 5S/5C, and 6 will all run iOS 8. There are no brand specific, carrier specific roadblocks to getting the update. Depending on the requirements of the OS update, it could get a big heavy on the oldest of the devices, however, I expect ios 8 will run smoothly at least back to the iphone 5.
“I read that Android has bad battery life” – Depends on the phone, the user, the cellular signal, etc. There are so many variables at play. Many will tell you that they wish their iphones had better battery life also. With many android phones you can swap out batteries and thus get by with carrying a spare. That is not the case with the iphone. Many android users with phones that have larger batteries like the Note series claim to get great battery life. Now, does that mean they turn a bunch of features off to achieve it? Maybe, I am not sure.
“Do you like voice quality on the iphone” – Absolutely
“The OS is controlled by one companies and that the app store is closely monitored by Apple to minimize malware software. Does that make the apps more expensive?” – Many times no, sometimes yes. It depends on the developer. But I will say this, in all the apps I have used simultaneously on an android device and iphone device, I have routinely found the apps in the iOS app store to be better in quality, and quicker to receive updates. I feel you can find more alternatives to apps that are free in Google Play, but again, you get what you pay for and the security can be suspect. Also, for me, I have no problem paying a developer for a well-polished app. Especially when I feel it is secure.
“Has anyone use Siri or Google Now? How are they?” – I have used both. I feel that Google Now is a bit more advanced that Siri. However, there is a Google Now app that you can get from the App store as somewhat of an alternative. It is not integrated like Google Now is with android, but it does work. Siri does work well for what it is designed at this stage to do. I think this area is about a toss-up.
“How do you feel the GPS navigation works for you?” – I have had zero, I mean zero, GPS issues on both the iphone, and android phones I have used.