Apple loyalty reaches new heights as Android brands falter

[trparky]

Unless of course you bought it for the cache of owning (or leasing, as the case may be) an Apple product, which would, yes, make you an iSheep, regardless of your other technical achievements.

Nope, I just prefer the iPhone. As much as others might say that you can't customize it, I really don't need it. I have my apps that do what they need to do and that's it. Yes, I'll get another iPhone but that's not to say that I have brand loyalty. If some company comes out with a product that puts forth the idea of privacy first and has a proper software update schedule in place then I'll jump ship in a heartbeat. Right now that is Apple with the iPhone. Will that change? I don't know.

 

[Mr Majestyk]

Well I'm probably going to jump ship to iphone. So sick of pathetic OS support and how there is almost no choice now in Android. It's Samsung as the only show in town unless you want a Chinese phone, which I don't even though specs are great. No surprise people are fleeing LG they have rubbish support, QC, will never buy any LG product again. Google's QC is also pathetic and the prices are ridiculous for second rate quality.

My trouble with Apple is the prices are obscene, but I won't be buying new, I'm getting an iPhone 11 pro max for less than half new price. You can tell Samsung is struggling when you see the massive discounting already on S21, every day there's a new deal, meanwhile Apple charges what they like and the iTards still line-up to be screwed on price.

 

[hazphan]

Spot on. Working in IT field with over 600+ IT folks. Only about 10% has iphones the rest rock Android OS. For the non IT... how I know. Everyone's phone is linked to work e-mail and we can see the OS version and details...

I've worked in IT for years and have switched between iPhones and Android (HTC, Huawei, Pixel). I finally decided to jump back to iOS. My main reason? Reliability of the most basic phone features. I'm referencing talk, text, browsing, app store, and battery to name a few.

Over the last 10+ years smartphones were emerging technology, so us techies loved to tinker, right? Android was clearly the most customizable over the years, so for that reason I was all in. Fast forward to now and I found myself realizing I want a reliable phone that I don't need to 'configure' to have a good smartphone experience. I found I'd rather spend more time on newer tech that interests me, or is actually pertaining to my job.

Phones are great tools and they have had an amazing history, but when I reach for it, I'm happy to know it works the way that I want so I can stay focused on my tasks at hand.

In the end, I just feel that Apple has tried and failed over the years but have ultimately ended up with a solid product due to their dedication and learning from successes and failures. Google seems to have too many hands in too many pots to continually deliver a reliable experience in the years to come.

 

[terzaerian]

Nope, I just prefer the iPhone. As much as others might say that you can't customize it, I really don't need it. I have my apps that do what they need to do and that's it. Yes, I'll get another iPhone but that's not to say that I have brand loyalty. If some company comes out with a product that puts forth the idea of privacy first and has a proper software update schedule in place then I'll jump ship in a heartbeat. Right now that is Apple with the iPhone. Will that change? I don't know.

Your move

 

[trparky]

Your move

But now you've gone to the extreme. Somehow we have to find a middle ground.

 

[trparky]

Privacy is wonderful but if the platform isn't useful to the average person with usable apps, then what's the point? So many apps d*mn require the Google Play Store and the associated frameworks to the point that they don't work properly without it so what's the point?

You have to find the happy medium and so far I've found that happy medium where I can have a modicum of privacy while apps continue to work and that's Apple iOS.

 

[trparky]

My trouble with Apple is the prices are obscene

But you can get the iPhone SE at a decent price or the regular iPhone 12 at a decent price if you inquire about carrier deals in the US. You just have to go looking for deals. T-Mobile is offering up to $350 off of an iPhone with a trade-in.

 

[terzaerian]

Privacy is wonderful but if the platform isn't useful to the average person with usable apps, then what's the point? So many apps d*mn require the Google Play Store and the associated frameworks to the point that they don't work properly without it so what's the point?

You have to find the happy medium and so far I've found that happy medium where I can have a modicum of privacy while apps continue to work and that's Apple iOS.

I'm using the FOSS apps he showcased on my Android right now. They work just fine with minimal tweaking - or at least as fine as the smartphone paradigm can work.

 

[trparky]

minimal tweaking

One man's example of minimal tweaking is another man's all-day excursion.

This is the point where I have to call out the idea that most of you here on tech sites like this don't get about things like this. The average person couldn't give a rat's rear end about tweaking and customizing stuff, they just want things to work. This is why a lot of non-techies tend to gravitate to using iOS and the same reason why Windows is still the world's most used desktop OS despite the fact that Linux is technically the superior platform.

Windows may not be pretty, God knows it isn't, but for 95% of users out there it gets the job done and, in the end, that's all that matters. Again, with iOS for most users as well.

 

[terzaerian]

One man's example of minimal tweaking is another man's all-day excursion.

This is the point where I have to call out the idea that most of you here on tech sites like this don't get about things like this. The average person couldn't give a rat's rear end about tweaking and customizing stuff, they just want things to work. This is why a lot of non-techies tend to gravitate to using iOS and the same reason why Windows is still the world's most used desktop OS despite the fact that Linux is technically the superior platform.

Windows may not be pretty, God knows it isn't, but for 95% of users out there it gets the job done and, in the end, that's all that matters. Again, with iOS for most users as well.

When I talk about tweaks I'm referring to the dumb bullshit you have to do because smartphones are smartphones: adjustments to conserve power, juggling install space because apps are bloated, and having to update apps manually instead of automatically because God damn Android doesn't allow non Play Store apps to do that (but still manages to be a lightyear ahead of Apple which doesn't allow non-store apps, whatsoever).

But I can tell you're the sort of person that values convenience over their own dignity as a human being, and who seems to think not having to think about how your phone works is an an acceptable tradeoff for having Apple perform their own useful tweaks like throttling your CPU without your knowledge or consent, so I guess we can leave it at that.

 

[Gypsygib]

The problem with android is every company has its own skin and duplication of apps so you have two internet browsers, calendars, contacts, messages, etc. Google is already far less trustworthy than Apple for data and many of the handset manufacturers are often much worse - some I wouldn't ever buy because I have no expectation of privacy protection or long term software support.

I've had apple, pixel, and galaxy phones. All had their issues but stayed with Samsung in the end because I like their hardware the most, the OS isn't perfect but there's much less bloat now and some extra features I wouldn't want to be without. Pixel OS on Galaxy hardware would be perfect with a side app drawer (if it doesn't already have one and a battery charge limiter) as I think the pixel hardware/design is generally pretty crap - looks and feels budget compared to Galaxy/iPhone in the hand. Can't get over that Apple notch though and not really a fan of iOS in general.

 

[summermick]

Android's problem is that there is no competition in the US. Samsung is shitty but better than LG; we had no choice in America thanks to the politicians.

 

[Burty117]

Android's problem is that there is no competition in the US. Samsung is shitty but better than LG; we had no choice in America thanks to the politicians.

Are OnePlus not a thing in America? Here in the UK they definitely are.

 

[waclark]

I rarely see techy people with iPhones, at least not the real techy people.

Apple's ecosystem is just half rate IMO. Their cloud system is bottom of the barrel. You're better off using alt options.

Google really could use a kick to start making more premium devices.

I'd totally rock a galaxy fold if the price wasn't so expensive.

If you really care about privacy you'd micromanage your info you put out there. Apple uses privacy more as a marketing term than anything.

I work in Tech. I'm a "real" techy person. I know lots of other real techy people. Many of us have iPhones.

 

[terzaerian]

I work in Tech. I'm a "real" techy person. I know lots of other real techy people. Many of us have iPhones.

So, as I've indicated before, your purchase was aspirational. You people seem to think the iPhone "doesn't have" the other issues other types of smartphone have, but they do, you've just outsourced having to deal with them back to Apple because you think your time is "too valuable" to have to deal with it yourself.

 

[waclark]

So, as I've indicated before, your purchase was aspirational. You people seem to think the iPhone "doesn't have" the other issues other types of smartphone have, but they do, you've just outsourced having to deal with them back to Apple because you think your time is "too valuable" to have to deal with it yourself.

Your response is speculative. I purchased my first iPhone long ago because I was invested in the iPod Touch and had a large music library along with some apps. Generally speaking I haven't had many issues with my iPhones. The only time I took my iPhone to Apple was for the cheap battery replacement they offered for my 6S+. Otherwise I've dealt with the rare issue when it cropped up.

Along the way I've had work provided phones that were Android. Overall they were decent phones and I never had big issues with them either. I didn't like that every new Android phone had different SW and vendor apps on it. I didn't like that updates often stopped after a couple years. And I didn't like that I couldn't get the same quality of apps in Android.

And you're right, my time is valuable and I make enough money to pay people to handle things I don't have time nor the desire to deal with. Maybe you don't work and have lots of time on your hands, which is great. I have a job and a separate business. Recreational time is very valuable to me.

 

[Burty117]

I didn't like that I couldn't get the same quality of apps in Android.

This was something I was worried about when I moved to Android (had pretty much every iPhone since it launched up to the 6+) but it's actually mixed, some apps I used to use on my iPhone were slightly worse, some apps were better.

In-fact now I think about it, it's because Apps can be made "default" Signal as my messaging app, Outlook as my email app and so forth, the apps work properly.

Apps that were worse, the TomTom app, it went from quick and smooth to taking over a minute to load. I ended up just using Waze and Google Maps. Again, they can be made into default Apps making the actual App experience better.

 

[waclark]

This was something I was worried about when I moved to Android (had pretty much every iPhone since it launched up to the 6+) but it's actually mixed, some apps I used to use on my iPhone were slightly worse, some apps were better.

In-fact now I think about it, it's because Apps can be made "default" Signal as my messaging app, Outlook as my email app and so forth, the apps work properly.

Apps that were worse, the TomTom app, it went from quick and smooth to taking over a minute to load. I ended up just using Waze and Google Maps. Again, they can be made into default Apps making the actual App experience better.

App quality has gotten better on Android over the years. But in the early days there were some apps you couldn't get and other apps that were truly bad. Apple will let you set default apps now so if you like other apps you can set them. I use Outlook on the iPhone as well as Chrome and Edge. I like some of the recent updates Apple has done with iOS/iPadOS.

I also like the integration between my MacBook, iPad and iPhone. But that's just me. There's nothing wrong with Android and if it works for you and does what you want then that's great. I just can't understand why certain trolls feel compelled to comment on articles about products they hate. Guess they have lots of spare time.

 

[Burty117]

App quality has gotten better on Android over the years. But in the early days there were some apps you couldn't get and other apps that were truly bad. Apple will let you set default apps now so if you like other apps you can set them. I use Outlook on the iPhone as well as Chrome and Edge. I like some of the recent updates Apple has done with iOS/iPadOS.

I also like the integration between my MacBook, iPad and iPhone. But that's just me. There's nothing wrong with Android and if it works for you and does what you want then that's great. I just can't understand why certain trolls feel compelled to comment on articles about products they hate. Guess they have lots of spare time.

I heard Apple are finally making some changes in iOS and default apps is becoming a thing! About time, It's a shame you can't set a default music app still though, at least they've made half a step forward.

Ah see, integration doesn't matter to me, I'll never own a Mac (just doesn't do what I want a computer for) Apple TV was nice but the iPad, was nice to have in the early days but once phone screens got to around 5.5inches I found myself using my iPad less and less to basically never.

I'd go back to an iPhone if the pricing was more reasonable, I almost did after my Sony Android phone as it left a salty taste in my mouth, but then I got my hands on a OnePlus, I have no idea how OnePlus is so often swept under the rug, they're the best Android phones I've used and pretty much the only phone I've had that could go toe-to-toe with my old iPhones in terms of reliability and quality.

Some people will always hate Apple, same way some people will always hate Microsoft Windows, I think Apples wall garden approach brings out the loud minority more often than any other tech company I know though.

 

[Watzupken]

Actually the result is not surprising. Android phone is basically dominated by Samsung with Huawei no longer in the competition. So if you are not a big fan of Samsung products like me, then there isn't much options. I have used quite a number of Android phones, and ran into the most issues with Samsung phones. To me, I feel the likes of One Plus makes better phones than Samsung.

 

[Burty117]

So if you are not a big fan of Samsung products like me, then there isn't much options.

There isn't many options? Are you sure about that?

 

[krisstarr]

Really credible survey with the total for Apple I phones adding up to 104%. Seriously.

 

[wizardB]

Sheeple will follow their safe little flock and Apple Jacks are definitely sheeple.

 

[Shirley Dulcey]

What do I want? An Android phone that stays close to stock Android, offers good battery life and a high end processor, has expandable storage and a user-replaceable battery. That can be internal but the phone has to be openable without dealing with glue to replace it. It should have full global band coverage, and that also includes low and mid-band 5G now. (Millimeter wave is optional. I don't think it will ever be a big deal for phones, which don't need that much bandwidth; the real plays for mm-wave are computers and fixed wireless.

And the big one: a commitment to a minimum of FIVE YEARS of software upgrades, including all new OS releases and monthly security updates. Nobody is giving us that, not even Google itself. In the early years it was understandable; the hardware was improving by leaps and bounds so you wouldn't want to use a two year old smartphone, let alone a five year old one. But that is no longer true so we should expect and demand a longer product life.