I have been using Google Android phones since 2009. I was always a Windows person and never an Apple fanatic. So when Apple had the iPhone, I steered towards the cheaper alternative. I upgraded every 2 years like clockwork.
A few years ago, I was traveling internationally more often and decided to give Google Fi a try. I was mostly disappointed and realized I would go back to Verizon when the time came. Problem was losing signal and dropped calls.
So returning to Verizon they basically had a special deal to give me $1000 towards a new phone. I could have done a Pixel again, but I decided to try the iPhone. I have an iPad Pro so I am very familiar with the platform. (Typing on it right now)
Spoiler: A phone is a phone. Honestly, they are 98% the same. Here are a few of the differences I noticed.
The good
The camera seems to be pretty good. It’s an iPhone 16 Pro Max. I haven’t taken too many photos yet, so I can’t get more specific. There are so many options for changing to photo, it’s actually a bit intimidating.
The integration with my IPad is excellent. I don’t need to use Beeper since text messages are automatically ported. WiFi hotspots are also more integrated. Overall, there are some nice hooks. This is Apple’s best feature – integration with their ecosystem. I don’t have a Mac or Apple TV box so I don’t know how else it integrates.
Integration with my work account (email and calendar) is much better than with Android. It’s more native and works better for my workflow. I knew this from my iPad and was one of the primary reasons to make this switch.
The Bad
The most annoying thing is the overwhelming amount of settings. There is so much, it feels like a hundred foot wall I need to climb. I have no idea where some of the features are or which ones to focus on.
Speaking of focus, the Focus modes are annoying and I don’t want them. In theory, they are like “do not disturb” on steroids, but I absolutely hate it. I miss the android feature “Flip to shh…” – basically, you turn it upside down and it silences. Now I have to fiddle with it. I really hate how complicated they make simple gestures. Steve Jobs is rolling in his grave.
The Apple Pay feature is annoying too. With the Pixel, I used my thumbprint on the screen to authenticate and pay at the grocery store. Now I have to double-click the right button and also show my face. It’s just too much and I keep messing it up. Also, I liked thumb recognition rather than face because you could do it a bit easier.
The Ugly
The number of buttons on the device is a real departure from the Steve Jobs insistence on zero. Currently I have FIVE! Five buttons is nuts. I can’t keep track of what they all do and what pressing multiple ones means. Screen capture is especially difficult for me. I usually get it with 2-3 tries.
I purchased an Apple magnetic charging puck. It barely works without the case. With the case, it’s useless. I need to return it. Wireless charging was much nicer with the Android. I’m shocked how few options there are. Even in my car, the phone doesn’t wireless charge properly. I have to plug it in. It’s really disappointing.
The Bottom Line
Again, it’s 98% the same. It’s a good phone. Fast, reliable, sounds good. It fits in my pocket and does the things I need in an acceptable way. Some of it may just take getting used to. Some of it may just be annoying forever. I am happy enough with it for now.
For years, many designers have said you are weird for not having an iPhone. I feel this is stupid and shows a real flaw in how designers think. doing what everyone else does is not independent critical thinking, it’s being in a cult.
Anyway, that is a rant for another day.
Whatya think?