iPhone 4S or Galaxy Nexus?

[malcolmk14]

I'm due for a hardware upgrade tomorrow and I've been battling between these two phones in my head for the last month or so.

I'm an iPhone 3GS user currently and I love iOS, but I hear great things about Ice Cream Sandwich and the Galaxy Nexus, I've played around with one and it is awesome.

Right now I'm sort of leaning 60/40 toward the iPhone, and the big sticking points for me are two things:

1) I've already paid for and downloaded a whole bunch of apps and I'm comfortable with the interface and whatever. The iPhone is really intuitive and so simple to use. I'm a quick learner, so I don't think I'll have any problems using Android if I do switch, so this point isn't really as important as #2.

2) Support/repair. If I have a problem, there are two Apple stores that I can take the iPhone to and have them take care of it. Apple support and customer service has just been incredible the last couple years, I have heard nothing but good stories and had fantastic experiences every single time. There's no Samsung store if something happens to my Galaxy Nexus.

So I think my mind is pretty much made up, but I'm hoping someone here can give me a different view of things and bring me back to seriously considering the Galaxy Nexus. Any Android fans/Samsung phone users want to chime in?

[Hemi-Cuda]

well i've had my Galaxy S2 since June and i've never had a need to get it looked at. it's amazing how many issues i've heard friends talk about with their iphones that had to be fixed by Apple, but the same symptoms in an Android device can be resolved by pulling out the battery for a few seconds

i'm not sure what you're expecting to hear though that could change your mind, it all comes down to preference. do you like iOS and the way that things are laid out, or would you prefer the option to completely customize how your phone looks and operates? do you want a bigger screen? would you like the ability to dig a little deeper into your phone to unlock new features (custom ROMS, backups, cpu over/under clocking, etc)? if none of those things interest you then i think your decision is already made

[Finner]

My wife has an iPhone, and i have a Samsung Galaxy S and i can say without a shadow of a doubt that the Android is a far better experience for a power user.

For my wife, its perfect. She uses Siri to text and ask questions, surfs the net a bit etc.

The big thing to remind yourself is that MANY android apps are free. For example, i downloaded a free task manager and a free video player, that allows me to stream any media shared on my home network to my Android Phone. I can also read ePub books etc. All free, no issues.

For the iPhone, i would have to pay 4.99 for a task manager that allows me to access the windows network, another 4.99 for a video player that will play the formats my videos are in. On top of that i can't seem to get ePub format to download as the browser doesn't recognize it.

The thing with Android is occasionally the system isn't as polished, but because of the open source nature, you can find free apps that can do anything, there are a multitude of choices between those apps, and when you want to do pretty much anything on your phone, there is a way to do it as no restrictions are placed on your phone.

Also in regards to the tech support side, my Galaxy S died about a month after i got it, and although i had to send it to Samsung, the service was fantastic and quick.

I do like my wifes iPhone. It depends though, each have strengths. For myself the iPhone wouldn't cut it, but my wife loves hers.

[GreatWhiteEbola]

Originally Posted by Finner

My wife has an iPhone, and i have a Samsung Galaxy S and i can say without a shadow of a doubt that the Android is a far better experience for a power user.

For my wife, its perfect. She uses Siri to text and ask questions, surfs the net a bit etc.

The big thing to remind yourself is that MANY android apps are free. For example, i downloaded a free task manager and a free video player, that allows me to stream any media shared on my home network to my Android Phone. I can also read ePub books etc. All free, no issues.

For the iPhone, i would have to pay 4.99 for a task manager that allows me to access the windows network, another 4.99 for a video player that will play the formats my videos are in. On top of that i can't seem to get ePub format to download as the browser doesn't recognize it.

The thing with Android is occasionally the system isn't as polished, but because of the open source nature, you can find free apps that can do anything, there are a multitude of choices between those apps, and when you want to do pretty much anything on your phone, there is a way to do it as no restrictions are placed on your phone.

Also in regards to the tech support side, my Galaxy S died about a month after i got it, and although i had to send it to Samsung, the service was fantastic and quick.

I do like my wifes iPhone. It depends though, each have strengths. For myself the iPhone wouldn't cut it, but my wife loves hers.

iPhones are for girls.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Nexus.... I honestly wouldn't hesitate to pick that over the iPhone.

The iPhone is too damn simple, and the user interface is dated and ugly.

[HotHotHeat]

Great to see all the usual suspects show up and pump the ice cream sandwich.

iPhone's are a better experience. Content, support, ease of use, quality of hardware, attention to detail.

Google phones are for people that hate Apple. (See above)

[Esoteric]

Originally Posted by HotHotHeat

iPhone's are a better experience. Content, support, ease of use, quality of hardware, attention to detail.

This isn't even remotely correct

[HotHotHeat]

Originally Posted by Esoteric

This isn't even remotely correct

Which part? I'm willing to talk about any aspect of it, but your post is incredibly vague.

...Unless you just hate Apple... I guess we'll find out if you choose to respond.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by HotHotHeat

Which part? I'm willing to talk about any aspect of it, but your post is incredibly vague.

...Unless you just hate Apple... I guess we'll find out if you choose to respond.

And this post wasn't? lol

Originally Posted by HotHotHeat

Great to see all the usual suspects show up and pump the ice cream sandwich.

iPhone's are a better experience. Content, support, ease of use, quality of hardware, attention to detail.

Google phones are for people that hate Apple. (See above)

But please, keep living in your little Apple bubble you have created for yourself. Anyone who prefers other products must just HATE Apple?

What a joke, how many times have I raved about my iPad on this forum?

I've had both an iPhone 4s, and a Google Android Phone (Nexus S), I much prefer the Nexus S, plain and simple.

I recommended the iPhone (and got it for her) for my mom, because it is simple and easy to use, but that isn't a plus for me. I like to play with my phone and make it mine. So ease of use? Okay, goes to you, err, Apple.

Quality? Yeah no. The iPhone is meh looking. The OS is ugly, dated, and is badly in need of a new design. The endless pages of Apps is a joke, and the only other option of a bunch of ugly folders is just as nasty. I choose what goes on my home pages on my Android, and the folders look much better. They almost make a cool sink hole appearance and it's pretty damn nice. I don't have to label them if I don't wish either, which is great, makes the whole thing looks nicer.

Widgets are something I didn't care about before, but they are just great now. The ability to have so many things available to me right there, without opening the app is a huge bonus. I have my podcast widget, Audiobook widget, etc right there on my home screen, and can easily switch between them without opening any of the Apps.

The content issue, isn't an issue at this point. It's something you're grasping at IMO. Any App I was afraid I wouldn't have available, is there. It's that simple.

Just saying "Google phones are for people who hate Apple" shows you're as closed off as your Apple products, and shows you don't really want to have a debate about it anyways, so I don't know why I even bothered.

I love my iPad, and I can't believe I'm justifying myself to a dick like you.

[Jing]

Originally Posted by malcolmk14

I'm due for a hardware upgrade tomorrow and I've been battling between these two phones in my head for the last month or so.

I'm an iPhone 3GS user currently and I love iOS, but I hear great things about Ice Cream Sandwich and the Galaxy Nexus, I've played around with one and it is awesome.

Right now I'm sort of leaning 60/40 toward the iPhone, and the big sticking points for me are two things:

1) I've already paid for and downloaded a whole bunch of apps and I'm comfortable with the interface and whatever. The iPhone is really intuitive and so simple to use. I'm a quick learner, so I don't think I'll have any problems using Android if I do switch, so this point isn't really as important as #2.

2) Support/repair. If I have a problem, there are two Apple stores that I can take the iPhone to and have them take care of it. Apple support and customer service has just been incredible the last couple years, I have heard nothing but good stories and had fantastic experiences every single time. There's no Samsung store if something happens to my Galaxy Nexus.

So I think my mind is pretty much made up, but I'm hoping someone here can give me a different view of things and bring me back to seriously considering the Galaxy Nexus. Any Android fans/Samsung phone users want to chime in?

I use a Galaxy S2, and love it, however, when it comes to your concerns about support/repair, I think Apple provides the best support hands down (although I have not had any problems with my S2 so I am not sure how credible my opinion is on this).

Also, it comes down to your preference. I would say ease of use and the camera are definitely a strong point for the iPhone, whereas versatility/customization are definitely a plus for android. Screens on both phones are market leaders.

[GreatWhiteEbola]

Think different, get the Nexus.

[wooohooo]

I have the galaxy s1 and it's been a great phone. Only thing I wish for is a better battery life. Not sure how great the apple battery life is but I think it's better than mine. I also have a harder time connecting to public wifi networks for some odd reason than other phones/iphones.

Do I love my phone? No. Do I like it? Yes. Was it an upgrade from my blackberry? Oh yes.

My sister absolutely loves her iphone but she does nothing but play games, talk on the phone and sometimes surf. It's a lot more simple and polished which is great, but I do like how I can really customize my android to different roms.

[Lt.Spears]

The nexus is a superior device in terms of hardware specs, it beats the iPhone in basically every way.

The interface is opinion based, I think the iOS is good and very easy to use but also very dated and not as good as Android. Having used gingerbread 2.3.5 and Ios5 I can say that Android is much superior in my opinion.

Another thing to look at is the growth of Android, while iPhone was the queen of smartphones that just isn't the case anymore, they are losing market share to Android, and while it appears Apple is stagnant in their design and innovations, Android is moving leaps and bounds faster than apple can keep up (due to the open nature of the device and the fact that new phones constantly come out). I suspect in 3 years most people will be running Android devices.

The iPhone is a good product, but the Nexus is a superior product.

Check out mobilesyrup.com for updates and info regarding all phones in Canada.

[HotHotHeat]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

And this post wasn't? lol




But please, keep living in your little Apple bubble you have created for yourself. Anyone who prefers other products must just HATE Apple?

What a joke, how many times have I raved about my iPad on this forum?

I've had both an iPhone 4s, and a Google Android Phone (Nexus S), I much prefer the Nexus S, plain and simple.

I recommended the iPhone (and got it for her) for my mom, because it is simple and easy to use, but that isn't a plus for me. I like to play with my phone and make it mine. So ease of use? Okay, goes to you, err, Apple.

Quality? Yeah no. The iPhone is meh looking. The OS is ugly, dated, and is badly in need of a new design. The endless pages of Apps is a joke, and the only other option of a bunch of ugly folders is just as nasty. I choose what goes on my home pages on my Android, and the folders look much better. They almost make a cool sink hole appearance and it's pretty damn nice. I don't have to label them if I don't wish either, which is great, makes the whole thing looks nicer.

Widgets are something I didn't care about before, but they are just great now. The ability to have so many things available to me right there, without opening the app is a huge bonus. I have my podcast widget, Audiobook widget, etc right there on my home screen, and can easily switch between them without opening any of the Apps.

The content issue, isn't an issue at this point. It's something you're grasping at IMO. Any App I was afraid I wouldn't have available, is there. It's that simple.

Just saying "Google phones are for people who hate Apple" shows you're as closed off as your Apple products, and shows you don't really want to have a debate about it anyways, so I don't know why I even bothered.

I love my iPad, and I can't believe I'm justifying myself to a dick like you.

This is great and all... But the only differentiating point you bring up is aesthetically pleasing options. I'm going right back to the better experience aspect of an iPhone. People such as yourself that enjoy Android phones have started using the ecosystem of support that Apple provides as a way to suggest their products are for old people that don't know anything about technology. It's really twisted and odd.

I'm really not sure how iOS 5 is dated? Is it because it looks the same as the home screen in iOS 1? OS X on Macs have looked similar for years... It's what Apple does. Change for the sake of change doesn't bring improvement. Consistency in design does not make something dated.

If I were to compile a list of your posts in Apple threads, it wouldn't take long to come to the conclusion that you hate on Apple very often. Your iPad is your way of saying "but wait my comments are valid because I own something from them." Anyways. Around we go.

[Torture]

I'm eagerly awaiting it's arrival at Telus so that I can upgrade from my broken BlackBerry Pearl. My friends all have iPhones and don't understand why I won't just get a 4S.

[Esoteric]

Originally Posted by HotHotHeat

Which part? I'm willing to talk about any aspect of it, but your post is incredibly vague.

...Unless you just hate Apple... I guess we'll find out if you choose to respond.

I own an iPad 2 and use a Samsung Galaxy S2 as a phone. I enjoy the Android experience a lot more than I do the iOS experience.

You said that content, support, ease of use, quality of hardware, attention to detail are all better on the Apple side. Here's how I feel;

• Content - both are pretty even, but I'd give the edge to Android. You can do so much more on the android platform, and aren't restricted to what Apple provides you with.
• Support - I've never had a problem with the iPad or the GS2, so I can't really comment. I've warrantied older Samsung phones (probably 5-6 years ago), and didn't have a problem with getting them fixed/replaced.
• Ease of use - both devices are really easy to use, at the most basic level. The Android platform allows you to really use your device though - you're not as restricted to what you can do, compared to the iOS experience.
• Quality of hardware - both devices use great hardware. I can't see how Apple is a clear winner here? The Samsung displays are gorgeous, and drop tests show the phone fares better than the Apple products for drop durability.
• Attention to detail - again, I don't see how Apple does this better. The android platform is open and innovative, and allows the user to customize the experience. Apps not on the market? Fine, grab them elsewhere.

I enjoy both devices, but all the next devices I'll purchase are going to be on the Android platform, unless Apple ups their game.

[3 Justin 3]

I have an iPhone 4.

[AFireInside]

Originally Posted by HotHotHeat

Great to see all the usual suspects show up and pump the ice cream sandwich.

iPhone's are a better experience. Content, support, ease of use, quality of hardware, attention to detail.

Google phones are for people that hate Apple. (See above)

Great to see the usual suspects show up and pump the iphone.

As for the original post,

The phones are comparable, can do the same things. So with everything being equal, here are some big advantages for the android.

- There is no need to rely on a program like itunes to add songs or files you can just drag and drop. If you need to use a program like itunes one comes with the android.

Android - you can remove the battery, you can change the battery, it doesn't need to be sent away if the battery is not functioning properly.

Android - you can expand your memory by adding an sd card. My 16 gig galaxy is now a 32 gig.

Everything else is pretty equal for the 2 phones, I personally cannot see an advantage to the iphone over the android.

I've had poor service from apple for my two ipods that both crapped out in less than 6 months. Does it mean they have bad service? No, but I certainly didn't find it superior in my experience. However, you'll find good and bad opinions for customer service from both sides.

For the record,between my gf and I we have a mixture of different devices in our household, an apple laptop, a dell desktop, an ipod touch, an iphone and an android. Oh and a blackberry playbook

I really can't stand the attitude from apple fan boys that if you prefer a device to an apple product you must hate apple. I don't hate apple, but I don't love all their products.

Those that love apple seem to think that every device they make is superior, when it just isn't the case. They have some great products, but there are many other products out there are comparable, or better depending on your preferences and needs.

I choose the device I feel is best regardless of brand, try it sometime.

[nfotiu]

I have android phones, and 2 ios devices,and prefer just about everything on the android. The keyboard choices alone make a huge difference. Can't stand typing on my ipad, after using SwiftKey. I feel like I type at half the speed.

That said, it is getting tough to switch platforms, if you have some expensive apps, or drm'd music or video.

[FlameOn]

Having an iPod touch and Galaxy S I can say the user experience is better on the Android based solely on being able to change things when you want. I don't like the keyboard, I can change that, I don't like the background, I can change that too. Widgets on a larger screen make a huge difference too.

Apple iOS seems dated and restrictive in comparison. You will use the device the way Apple wants you to and not how you want to.