Not a transport post. For those who only visit for those, sorry – I’ll have something meaty for you in a few days.
Having just ranted on vaccines, here’s something else that may be controversial.
When I was a kid, the tech debate was which home computer was best.
Nowadays, it’s operating systems. Mac OS vs Windows vs Linux, and on phones, iOS vs Android.
Since smartphones first arrived, I’ve always had Android phones, mostly midrange models. Cost has been a factor.
The last few have been Motorolas, which have been good initially, but after a couple of years seem to get – at times – frustratingly slow.
While pondering my next phone, I’ve been considering if I should switch to iPhone.
Why? One reason is I’m getting very conscious of reducing my waste, including eWaste, so I want my next phone to last for longer than my previous ones. (I like getting new toys, but buying a brand new phone every 2 years is silly.)
Let’s assume the next one would be a recent iPhone or a medium to high end Android.
Advantages of switching to iPhone:
- Longer support – my current phone is a Motorola G7 Plus. It’s been good, but it’s only 2 years old and is no longer getting security updates. Older Google Pixel devices got 3 years. The new models will get 5. Some Samsung phones get 4 years. Against all this, iPhones get 6-7 years.
- iPhones have much faster CPUs … which alongside the longer support, which theoretically means I’d be inclined to keep it for longer, so less eWaste over time.
- Generally better cameras (at least that’s my perception, particularly in low light conditions)
- Can share my existing iPad chargers/cables
Advantages of sticking with Android:
- iPhones are usually more expensive – or at least, there are more low to medium-cost Android devices available.
- Yes the iPhone SE is a relatively cheap iPhone option at $679, though it has a smaller screen than I’d prefer. Apple also continues to sell older models such as the 11 and 12 at lower prices than the current 13.
- With that in mind, the Google Pixel 6 is A$999, the Pixel 6 Pro is A$1299, against the iPhone 11 $849, iPhone 12 $1199, iPhone 13 $1349 (or even more for the Pro or Max). They all cost a lot more money than the ~$500 I’ve been spending on Motorolas, but I’m aiming to keep this one for longer.
- Staying with Android means keeping all my current apps
- I use the Google eco-system a fair bit (Gmail, Photos, Maps, Fit, Drive/Docs etc) – maybe not a huge issue?
- Plugging in Android USB C cables is less fiddly than iPhone Lightning
- Learning a new UI may be frustrating
- Some stuff isn’t available on iPhone, such as Mobile Myki (though with the PTV app you can now instantly top up any physical Myki card on an Android or iPhone with NFC. Very neat.)
Neutral:
- Dual SIMs are handy, and now pretty common on both platforms (even if one has to be an eSIM)
- Android doesn’t require any special software to be installed to copy photos out to my PC. Looks like iPhone no longer requires iTunes for this.
- Either way, I’d like to find a phone (and/or advanced camera app) that supports Shutter Priority mode to make good photos of LED displays (such as on the front of trams) easier. The Adobe Lightroom app partly does it, but badly, and nags you about buying other Adobe products. Would be interested to know if there are other more lightweight apps (free or paid) that do this.
Maybe I’ll wait for reviews of the new Google Pixel phones before deciding. They look pretty nice.
What else should I consider?
And at the risk of starting a minor war, because it’s highly subjective, which do you prefer? (Extra points if you’ve actually tried both)