If Apple didn't exist, which phone manufacturer/OS would you choose?

Say Apple stayed in the world of personal computers and had never branched out to the cell phone market, which manufacturer or OS would you choose?

Over the years, i've used Blackberry, Palm, Android and dabbled in Windows phone and I can safely say that I would probably go with an HTC Phone using Android, purely based on their current phone line-up.

I hated the Blackberry I had with a passion. I thought the software was the least intuitive OS I had ever used. It was awkward to find settings and things just seemed to be all over the place. I dount doubt the latest crop of BB devices are much better but they soured the water for me a few years back with the abomination I had.

Palm was interesting for me as it was at the time when cell phones were only just starting to become 'smartphones' and I enjoyed the time I had with it. Windows phone was based on the month of usage I had with a Lumia 1020 before it actually launched to the public. It was a great phone but I didn't like the interface much.

I'd probably still be on a flip phone.
Blackberries didn't appeal to me at all and if there was no iPhone then the Androids would probably look like blackberries-at least that's what Google's prototypes looked like (smallish screen with keyboard below) before the first iPhone was announced. Same goes for Windows phones and Palm.

I'd probably still be using a BlackBerry

Good question, but a hard one. Had BB before coming over to Apple and that's because they didn't fill what I needed in a phone. So I probably would of went over to android.

I would be on a Palm phone in fact I believe if Apple wasn't in the game the mass majority of smartphone users would also be using a Palm

First of all Palm wouldn't have made the decisions it made because the competition would have been hugely different. The Palm pre came out in 09 two years after the iPhone and there operation system at the time of release rivaled iOS it was even stated that Steve Jobs made quite a comment about webOS.

Most of the Developers have already committed to the Apple ecosystem which aided in slowing the release of available apps for webOS. Apple aided in the dismiss of Palm and if they weren't in the game the smartphone market would be dominated by Palm.


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I would shudder to think that Apple wouldn't have made the iPhone if they never existed...but thankfully they did.

If push came to shove, Blackberries would be my primary devices.

HTC running Android

I might even give Windows phone a shot.

Either Motorola or Nokia; possibly HTC. They were always my favorites before the iPhone came around. I have never cared for Samsung or LG devices.

Probably a windows phone.


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Moto X.

~S

Samsung galaxy


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Then again most of us probably would be using blackberry because without apple opening the doors they did most of these other devices wouldn't exist


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Well since that is concept and we have so many real world phones and OSs - What would yours be? Just a simple alternative to whatever Apple model you are using now. :) or do you use another device?

I would easily choose LG or Samsung for Android. I would like to be able to choose Windows phone but would have to see if they had my needed key apps.


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Windows Phone probably would be a better platform than Android come WP 8.1, and I would like to see a good third player take its place.

Originally Posted by Speedygi

Windows Phone probably would be a better platform than Android come WP 8.1, and I would like to see a good third player take its place.

I would love to see the Lumia 1520 be able to be as useful to me as my iOS devices. I think all it would need to do is finally have they apps I need (or at least be able to use the web as an alternative). When I tried the 1520 in early December, unfortunately, it wasn't able to do either.

iOS may not be as 'exciting' to some out there but it works (IMO, it works quite well too), and its app ecosystem is second to none. IMO. Android has the apps but, IME, they're not as high quality as their iOS counterparts...but at least they exist. That's why it would be my fallback.


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Originally Posted by Haalcyon

I would love to see the Lumia 1520 be able to be as useful to me as my iOS devices. I think all it would need to do is finally have they apps I need (or at least be able to use the web as an alternative). When I tried the 1520 in early December, unfortunately, it wasn't able to do either.

iOS may not be as 'exciting' to some out there but it works (IMO, it works quite well too), and its app ecosystem is second to none. IMO. Android has the apps but, IME, they're not as high quality as their iOS counterparts...but at least they exist. That's why it would be my fallback.


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The app gap has closed up considerably between Windows Phone and the rest, and with the ground they have made so far, I think they deserve their slice of the pie.

I tried a Lumia 525 and was pleasantly surprised at how well the phone met my needs squarely, and that recently changed my view on the platform. I would consider a future Windows Phone driver, but not anytime soon as I love my iPhones too much currently.

HTC as always, long as it's android.


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Can't really answer that....


If Apple was not around, would we be where we are today.....?

Samsung.


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It'd definitely be a BlackBerry.

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Blackberry or Windows.

Originally Posted by John Yester

Can't really answer that....


If Apple was not around, would we be where we are today.....?

that is exactly what I was thinking- who knows what we would have available- without the iphone chances are blackberry would still be top dog

Originally Posted by EmceeGeek

HTC as always, long as it's android.


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Yeah, I'm in agreement with you on this...:)

I went from an iPhone to the HTC One last year because of the screen size. I use my Sprint LTE iPad for some stuff and my HTC for other. Waiting to see what this year's iPhone looks like before switching back or getting the new HTC One.

Nokia sent me an ICON for free and I'm really digging Windows. I think MS has a serious shot at being successful if the can get the ecosystem going.

All that said. I think I'd go stay with HTC.

Blackberry


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HTC or LG

Samsung Galaxy. Apple is ovverrated anyway.

RIM/BlackBerry

Originally Posted by John Yester

Can't really answer that....


If Apple was not around, would we be where we are today.....?

Agreed, but I think no matter what tech will advance, question is in what direction.

Originally Posted by phreddyl

that is exactly what I was thinking- who knows what we would have available- without the iphone chances are blackberry would still be top dog

Could be, IDK, IMO BlackBerry has always had a solid device, I think it was their management that held them back.

I'm over on WPCentral and a Windows Phone fan, but to be honest, if Apple hadn't released the iPhone 2G, I doubt very much that there would be much progress towards touchscreen phones now or perhaps a couple of years ago... Apple did really push the mobile phone market forward. I do believe though that even with the release of iOS 7, Apple is well on its way to become the next Blackberry... The operating system was incredible back in 2007/08, heck, even 2009/10.

But what's next? From Apple I'd like to see something new before considering purchasing a new iDevice. A new, built from the ground up iOS (without the pages full of app icons) and a refreshing design for the hardware. I like the look of the 5C, but would feel cheated if I bought that since it uses the same internals as the 5. Even then, the design is very much like the 2 and 3....

If Apple didn't exist, I'd probably still have my Sony Ericsson music mobile phone, or something similar...

As a former Palm user, if Apple did not manufacture the iPhone, then I don't know where we would be today. My first guess would be typing on a physical keyboard like the Palm Treo or Blackberry. We certainly would not have 1MM apps under iTunes.

I switched to iPhone from an LG Chocolate 3. I probably would have stuck with LG.


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My company phone would be a Blackberry (that's all they would support) and my personal phone would be a Palm (that assumes they would survive in a "no-Apple" world).

I definitely can't answer that at all. I don't know what technology would be out there. I also don't know if it would still be reflected the same as it is now. For all we know the world without Apple could be a flip phone haven of doom. 😣


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Coming from Blackberry, I would have to say I would probably stay with Blackberry if Apple iPhone didn't exsit. I would also have an Android (Samsung) because I like the OS and the ability to Customize. I'm still not sure why all the hate concerning Samsung Androids, Samsung makes VERY good products in and out of the Mobile Phone industry.

I seriously don't think Android would be as it is today without the iPhone, so I'd probably be using a flip phone as well. I was fine with them until I saw what the iPhone does.

I'd probably be on a Blackberry or a flip phone. That said this feeling only applies to the newer iPhones. I didn't like the 4/4s. So if the 5/5s didn't exist I'd probably be on Blackberry or a flip phone. Could never get into Android handsets.

Originally Posted by quickinstinct

I'd probably be on a Blackberry or a flip phone. That said this feeling only applies to the newer iPhones. I didn't like the 4/4s. So if the 5/5s didn't exist I'd probably be on Blackberry or a flip phone. Could never get into Android handsets.

What is it about the 4/4s you don't like?


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Android. I had good luck with my HTC on Windows 7.
And Samy actually served me well,

Windows.. closest thing to iOS

Blackberry for sure

Probably a Windows phone of some sort...I still think the Nokia Lumias are pretty attractive devices, I just hate the OS.

Originally Posted by SeanHRCC

Probably a Windows phone of some sort...I still think the Nokia Lumias are pretty attractive devices, I just hate the OS.

I'm thinking of getting a Lumia 635 when it comes out. The green shell ought to compliment my blue 5c.

I had an 822 to play with for a while but I water damaged it.

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Easy .. The Z2. As it is im very tempted.


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Android.

I would probably still be using Blackberry and getting little urges here and there for whatever Android copies of Blackberry were out there. If Apple decided to skip the phone market then someone would have tried full touchscreen already anyway.

HTC One M8. My second phone is a M7 and lord I do love the build of the One.


If you ask me a question & don't get an answer, you're likely on ignore on whatever mobile device I'm using today.

It would be a no brainer for me. I would choose android. It's most like iOS and can imitate the look of it. Not the feel but the iOS look I love.

I would probably go with Blackberry. If not BB then maybe any non-Samsung Android phone.


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HTC most probably.



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Originally Posted by pr1nce

I'd probably still be using a BlackBerry

Same here!

Originally Posted by Speedygi

The app gap has closed up considerably between Windows Phone and the rest, and with the ground they have made so far, I think they deserve their slice of the pie.

I tried a Lumia 525 and was pleasantly surprised at how well the phone met my needs squarely, and that recently changed my view on the platform. I would consider a future Windows Phone driver, but not anytime soon as I love my iPhones too much currently.

Not to mention android runtime now on BB10 allowing Blackberry users to download and use android apps. It's all pretty much fair game in the app department

Originally Posted by Speedygi

Windows Phone probably would be a better platform than Android come WP 8.1, and I would like to see a good third player take its place.

WP, 8.1 looks pretty cool. There's just something about Android that isn't my cup'o tea.


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Originally Posted by baseballbert

WP, 8.1 looks pretty cool. There's just something about Android that isn't my cup'o tea.


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Maybe there's a couple of things that Android appeals to me, things like the file system manager, side-loading capabilities and some of the apps on that side, I like Windows Phone more for the interface, the way it allows you to navigate and the built-in sharing mechanics I see in the tile system.

Some native live tile widgets and better multitasking, like not having apps reset themselves ALA iOS style, I wouldn't mind switching.

None. When blackberry was the only one, I thought their interfaces and design were terrible and still do. Android wouldn't exist without apple as it is now and would be like blackberry. I hate anything windows, user experience is completely lost on them. Probably would still have a flip phone.

I think i would be using a BlackBerry because to me its kind of like the closest thing to an iphone in terms of them making the hardware and software! and my first smartphone was actually a blackberry so yeah.....

Moto x or nexus 5


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It would probably be a Samsung Galaxy Note. I've tried to switch to the Note 3 three times and came back to my iPhone each time. If I didn't have an iPhone to come back to I guess I'd stick with the Note 3. But I wonder what Samsung (and other Android) phones would have ended up like without the influence of the iPhone in the first place.


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Blackberry. That's were I was in 2007 and probably would have stayed there if the iPhone ceased to exist.


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Honestly, I owned the HTC HD7 and other android phones around that time and I would probably be doing the same thing I am doing now except without the debate going on between my Android and Apple phones. I would probably be using my Samsung Galaxy S4 just like I am now.

Apple hasn't really had that big of an effect on me as it has to other people on this forum. I never owned the first iPhone...in fact the first ever iDevice I ever owned was the iPod Classic.. the original version 1. Then I purchased the iTouch 4th Gen and now I have the iPhone 5...in between that time I've had the iPad 1 and then the iPad Air but besides that I was never really interested in iPhones. All they are is glorified iPod Touch's and with my iPod touch still working fine I think I am going to stick with it for years to come...unless I somehow decide to move my music from Spotify to iTunes...then I'll move back to my 64GB iPod Classic that still works like brand new.

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An Android device. Especially the S5. It just looks cool in Gold.

Originally Posted by Eddster

It would probably be a Samsung Galaxy Note. I've tried to switch to the Note 3 three times and came back to my iPhone each time. If I didn't have an iPhone to come back to I guess I'd stick with the Note 3. But I wonder what Samsung (and other Android) phones would have ended up like without the influence of the iPhone in the first place.


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What is it you miss about iOS or dislike about the note? I recently purchased one too, loved it for 2 or 3 days but keep coming back to my iphone 5 too


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Originally Posted by Paul Ellis1

What is it you miss about iOS or dislike about the note? I recently purchased one too, loved it for 2 or 3 days but keep coming back to my iphone 5 too


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I had two Note 3's myself. To me, there was just something that seemed unrefined about it...I can't quite pin it down. My iOS devices seem very much refined to me. ...and that's a great quality in my book.


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I'm actually using a Windows Phone right now. 8.1 made it pretty great. Wish more people tried it out

Originally Posted by Haalcyon

I had two Note 3's myself. To me, there was just something that seemed unrefined about it...I can't quite pin it down. My iOS devices seem very much refined to me. ...and that's a great quality in my book.


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Hi, but do you find yourself missing any aspects of the note or android now you're back on iPhone? I found the pen handy but not to any deal breaking extent.

For me, the seamless integration across my MacBook, iPad and iPhone outweigh the benefits of a more open (which although I found the performance to be fine, open is ultimately more vulnerable long term) platform.

I've notice you speak about the polish of iOS apps a lot before. This is something I'd completely undervalued until trying android for myself. I'm not saying android apps are hacked together or are unstable, there's just a certain finesse missing which is more prominent on their iOS counter parts


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Originally Posted by Paul Ellis1

Hi, but do you find yourself missing any aspects of the note or android now you're back on iPhone?

No, not at all and TBH that bothers me a little.

Originally Posted by Paul Ellis1

I've notice you speak about the polish of iOS apps a lot before. This is something I'd completely undervalued until trying android for myself. I'm not saying android apps are hacked together or are unstable, there's just a certain finesse missing which is more prominent on their iOS counter parts

I'm not sure why it is but IME apps tend to look and work better in iOS. ...the same apps. I've yet to see an android app look or function better than its iOS counterpart. Tapatalk is a great example that many of us can relate to.


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I would probably be still using a blackberry or the htc one just cause of apps


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I started my smartphones adventures with a HTC Kaiser, then the Tytn 2, so if there was no Apple, I would have stayed with HTC I guess

I'm curious to try the new htc one... Not to use it full time but just to see what it runs like


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I agree with the people who say that if Apple hadn't entered the mobile phone market, it would be vastly different than it now is. I probably would be using a flip phone still -- one of those army-grade ones that can take water and mud and whatnot.

If Apple were blasted out of existence today somehow, and all the other market players were still around, I would choose either an HTC One M8 -- it's a beautiful, beautiful design -- or a Galaxy S5 -- I still would like a water-proof phone.

Originally Posted by H A W K

I'm curious to try the new htc one... Not to use it full time but just to see what it runs like


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You gotta head down to a store sometime, the HTC One M8 has an amazing screen...surprisingly long too...

Originally Posted by Haalcyon

No, not at all and TBH that bothers me a little.

Why does it bother you ?

It would definitely be a Blackberry


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I would probably choose HTC because they make excellent Android phones. In my opinion, they're the only company I've seen that can compare to the quality and dedication of Apple.


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I'd probably use a Blackberry.


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me too. Blackberry strikes me as a good company (Shame they're going down). They seem to put a lot of love into their products, care about the details, do their own thing. I like that. My brother is still a glowing advocate of BB, and while I would love to welcome him to the Apple side I understand why he's hanging in there for as long as possible.

Originally Posted by melbsteve

me too. Blackberry strikes me as a good company (Shame they're going down). They seem to put a lot of love into their products, care about the details, do their own thing. I like that. My brother is still a glowing advocate of BB, and while I would love to welcome him to the Apple side I understand why he's hanging in there for as long as possible.

It's no surprise, as Blackberry is also another company who controls the product from the phone itself to the ecosystem to the actual operating system.

Originally Posted by Speedygi

It's no surprise, as Blackberry is also another company who controls the product from the phone itself to the ecosystem to the actual operating system.

true. I guess you either like that or you don't.

It would either be a blackberry or palm device


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I'll go with LG. Very underrated phones they are making there 😊


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I would pull my hair out!


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Tough to say. I don't think a lot of the companies would be where they are today if it wasn't for Apple. But if I had to choose I would probably say HTC One M8.

Android. Definitely.

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