Considering jumping from Apple to Android - Who's done it?

StalkingIbis on 03/11/2015 - 19:04
Last edited 03/11/2015 - 19:05

Its time to upgrade my 5c. Ive had iphones for the last 6 years, i like they way they feel, i like the way they look, i like the support you get for them and all the accesories available. I seem to be part of a minority that actually likes itunes (all i use it for is to organise music and sync my phone). I like the simple operating system on the phones….But the battery life is starting to suck, i want a bigger screen…. and the 6S is $1200!!!!!

im heavily considering getting the nexus 6p for 744.

I dont use any apple specific apps. What can i expect going from apple to android? whos done it? what surprised you? what did you miss? what do you like better about android?

please no fanboys, they are all good phones and people arent stupid for picking one or the other.

Mobile

Comments

  • jlogic on 05/11/2015 - 23:50

    I use both OS concurrently. I never used iMessage so don't have the problem there. All my contacts are on Whatsapp so no dramas.

    iPhone 3GS - iPhone 4 - Note 2 - Nexus 5 - iPhone 5S - iPhone 6 and Note 4

    iPad 2 - iPad 3 - Mini - Air & Tab S

    Only issue I have come across is buying apps twice lol.

  • Hirolol on 06/11/2015 - 00:47

    I thought about making the switch but then after some research i found the android phone i wantedto get was no longer supported by the company. So they werent releasingany new updates for it.
    Im sure someone has said this but the only other thingi can think of would be havingto buy apps twice.

    • [Deactivated] on 06/11/2015 - 16:01

      People BUY apps!? LOL. My phone is full of them - $0 ones.

      • Hirolol on 06/11/2015 - 17:29

        well before i was an OzBargain aficionado i paid for many apps.
        Such a naive young lad i was…

  • StewBalls on 06/11/2015 - 07:02
    +2

    Another vote for Windows Phone from me…I bought a Nokia Lumia 920 for under $200 about a year ago & haven't looked back. Sure, there's not as many talking cat apps, but the vast majority of the apps I tend to use do have a WP equivalent.

    I've always found Android too buggy, prone to slowdowns & somewhat unstable, and iOS just too confining…in comparison, WP is extremely snappy on even the most basic handsets, very flexible & stable, and the battery life is outstanding.

    I would absolutely give WP a fair appraisal before locking yourself into a binary choice here.

  • michaelc33 on 06/11/2015 - 08:02
    +1

    I switched 3 years ago from iPhone 5 to Note 3
    Never looked back
    Reason for updating was my iPhone was getting boring, wantEd bigger screen and more customisation e.g. widgets
    Have updated every year since
    My contacts and calendar are Synced with my Google account
    The only problem I find is when changing from a new Android phone there is no easy way like apples back up and restore
    You have to manually download the apps again

    • bbourizk on 06/11/2015 - 15:30
      +1

      All my android phones give me the option to restore a back up when setting them up. Usually appears just after you log in with a gmail account

    • darkmattersunB6c0MV on 06/11/2015 - 17:27

      You are kidding , right? All I had to do was touch the phones to upgrade phones for my son and wife. ( upgraded from Nexus 5 and Nexus 4 respectively- I am still on Nexus 5).
      Then restore data from backup.
      All contracts were synchronised, and data transferred, as I wanted.
      Set up your account properly.
      Android is very good for backup and restore.

  • nahi11 on 06/11/2015 - 09:18

    Windows 4 life m7

    • Mobe1969 on 06/11/2015 - 09:30
      -1

      LOL. You and the other 2%-ers :P

      • meatgasm on 06/11/2015 - 19:29
        +1

        They are the 1%

  • timohill on 06/11/2015 - 09:41
    -6

    I picked up a cheap Galaxy Tab2 to test out the Android, when considering the same. I was personally very underwhelmed, the store was just clock and weather apps. All other apps just weren't as polished as Apple. The picture and music apps were very average in comparison. Widgets and launchers seemed alright, but a gimick. Didn't feel the 'freedom' or 'customisation' eveyone talks about.

    • johnno07 on 06/11/2015 - 18:31
      +2

      the store was just clock and weather apps.

      This is such crap it hurts.

  • fozzie on 06/11/2015 - 09:43
    +1

    I recently upgraded from iPhone 5 to Meizu m2. I like both Android and apple, but I'm getting slightly sick of paying lots for apple products when I can get a similar experience on Android.
    So far I'm very happy with m2 note and saved approximately $1000, compared to iPhone 6

  • Maxxjet on 06/11/2015 - 10:23

    Back to 2012 when I was considering switching from IPhone to Android what I did was to pick up a very cheap Android phone ($99 on Optus prepaid) ( HTC something) to test the water…apps, ecosystem, overall feel, and after 3-4 weeks I was totally converted, and still an Android user today.

    Asking around friends or in shop playing a phone are good ways to find out but you do want to know, in a more objective way do you enjoy it day in and day out ? None of the above ways can help you underatnd what the ecosystem entails. Or even buy a good 2nd hand Android phone to play with ( make sure it is a good brand one though as some cheapy ones really don't represent the best Android can offer )

  • abovethelimit on 06/11/2015 - 11:04

    Android & iOS are good OS & good hardwares in all. I have used them both simultaneously and switching back and forth between the two for few years as I couldn't make up my mind, but now the decision is clear and I am an Android addict purely because of customization, widgets, news feeds without digging though apps, doesn't hurt the hip pocket and best of all external SD card support (a lifesaver this one). I have all my music, pics, movies, videos etc etc all on my 128GB micro SD card on my Sony Z3 with a mammoth battery life on power saving mode (even better on ultra power saving mode). Oh, the NFC pairing, wireless charging and custom themes, PS3/4 integration (Sony specific)….well you get the gist!!

    Then again, if iPhone offers me all this at the price I paid for Sony, it will be a hard decision to make with me probably leaning towards iPhone because of its resale value & tighter ecosystem integration with its other products. As the Android fanbois say "Come to the Dark Side" You will regret a bit but that will fade away in darkness soon ;-)

  • dbun1 on 06/11/2015 - 11:05

    I have both an iPhone (personal) and work phone (Samsung Note), so it's good running them side by side for comparison sake.

    I used to curse Android, as although everyone claims it is so customisable, it just didn't do some basic things that the iPhone could - lock screen notifications being the major one for me. Having said that, the Lollipop update introduced lock screen notifications for all apps, so that has fixed that issue.

    The big thing is the fingerprint scanner. The iPhone has implemented it so well, and once you get used to it, you will curse every phone that doesn't use it. The Note has it, but it is Samsung's own rubbish implementation, so it means no apps support it and corporate security disable it. On the iPhone I can log in to my banking apps and other secure apps so quickly. Marshmellow is the first Android OS to bring in Fingerprint Security on an OS level, so it means apps will soon take this up, but how quickly they do is yet to be seen.

    With the iPhone I just use it. Yes it is bone simple and a lot of people call it boring, but it does what I need it to do perfectly. On Android I find myself always fiddling with it to get it working that little bit better for my use.

    I do agree on the price thought. I really like the big screen on my Note, but I just can't bring my self to drop $1200+ on a 6S.

    I also find Siri much better than Google Voice. In the car I can do everything I need via voice commands on the iPhone. With Google Voice I always hit a point where I have to punch in the code to unlock the phone. There is supposed to be voice recognition to unlock the phone, but it doesn't work.

    If I ever go Android it would only be a Nexus device so I'm using Android as Google intended it to be. I find it annoying that you get used to a feature on one handset only to find out that it's a Samsung, Huawei thing and that not all Android devices act the same way. e.g. On a previous Android phone there was the ability to link the ringer and notification volume, but when I got the Note this didn't exist.

    I do like the swipe down notification/settings bar on Android compared to iOS; however, I like the swipe up Control Panel on iOS that can be accessed from the lock screen.

    The main thing keeping me on iPhone is the fact that once I get home and everything is on the same network I can send/receive messages, answer calls etc from my Macbook or iPad. It means that if I leave my iPhone in my bag, I still don't miss any messages and calls.

    At the end of the day both are good - I'd happily recommend either one to family/friends asking for suggestions.

    • abovethelimit on 06/11/2015 - 11:18

      Fingerprint security is one of the overrated forms of security and most easily hackable without you even realizing. Your nosy boyfriend/girlfriend/wife/husband can access your phone whilst you're asleep, even worse when you're passed out and your mates accesses your phone and pull a worst prank on you (been there sadly!!) I have since swapped from an iphone to Sony and now have 2 factor authentication on my phone (Swipe + Pin/Pwd) most secure and I recommend that you set it up on your iphone on top of fingerprint if there is an option to do so :) Or don't have nosy people & idiot mates around you…..

      • dbun1 on 06/11/2015 - 11:22

        Never had an issue, but I see your point.

        Luckily for me I'm past the age where immature friends play pranks. My missus knows my passcode anyway and I know hers, so no secrets there, so it would be more trouble for her trying to use my thumb whilst I'm asleep!

        • [Deactivated] on 06/11/2015 - 16:05

          You are so lucky. Tell her you love her - once more the usual today.

        • [Deactivated] on 06/11/2015 - 20:11

          Sorry - having a bad day - obviously.

        • dbun1 on 06/11/2015 - 20:44

          @realfamilyman:

          all good!

    • ozhunter on 06/11/2015 - 13:37

      On Android I find myself always fiddling with it to get it working that little bit better for my use.

      It's that you have the option of doing that on Android.

      If I ever go Android it would only be a Nexus device so I'm using Android as Google intended it to be. I find it annoying that you get used to a feature on one handset only to find out that it's a Samsung

      Just stick with one manufacturer

      everything is on the same network I can send/receive messages, answer calls etc from my Macbook or iPad

      Pushbullet does this for all platforms, but you can't answer calls

      • dbun1 on 06/11/2015 - 14:26

        It's that you have the option of doing that on Android.

        It's more that I feel the need I have to - I don't view it as a good thing.

        I also had to manually flash the updated software as Samsung hadn't released it for my 'region' - another pet hate of Android. The fact that you have to pray to the Android gods that your manufacturer passes on the update. God help you if you have a carrier branded handset, as you then have to cross your fingers and toes that they then pass it on.

        Just stick with one manufacturer

        That is fine if you like the new handsets that they are bringing out - in the case of Samsung they are removing SD slots and batteries. For some that is a deal breaker so it's time to move on, which apparently is one of the big selling points of 'Android'; the fact that you can shop around for your "hardware".

  • BuyoTheCat on 06/11/2015 - 11:44
    +2

    iTunes. What a pain. That seriously puts me off my iphone.
    However Siri works very smoothly and she sounds sexy.

    I like the widgets on Android and all the free apps from Amazon and Google play and other random (possible unsafe) apk.

  • hikaru78 on 06/11/2015 - 12:00

    No opinion but look up wondershare mobiletrans. It will help with any transition

  • nscom on 06/11/2015 - 12:13
    +1

    changed to Android few years ago.
    - can swap battery
    - can multitasking
    - better resolution
    - better pricing, money saved means I can upgrade more frequently
    - more choice of design from Samsung, HTC to XiaoMi
    - customization of home-screen made possible
    - back up is much easier and safer
    very happy for the change

    • meatgasm on 06/11/2015 - 19:35
      +1
      • Battery swapping is less and less common these days
      • Backup and restore on iPhones is superior to Androids implementation in every way.

      Your other points, I agree more or less.

      • Ramrunner on 08/11/2015 - 10:39

        Backup and restore is not better on either platform.

        You can basically restore a new handset back with everything from your old one with iCloud OR Google does it fully also as long as you set it up properly on both platforms.

        The ONLY edge Google has I think is unlimited photo backup. iCloud still has limited storage right?

      • SlickMick on 08/11/2015 - 12:17
        +2

        I bought an Xperia z5. It asked if I wanted to port. I said no, since I was on an iphone and thought no way it could do it. But it asked me again, so I said okay. First question was whether old phone was android or iphone. I was really impressed. Kudos to both for talking to each other.

  • centrelink on 06/11/2015 - 12:48

    I develop Apps for both Android and Apple, and I would say Apple Apps have a smoother feeling to it even for something as simple as moving an Image across the screen but its disadvantage when developing is the limitation they impose is much greater than Android, thus a closed enviroment for apple.

    If you don't want to spend time tinkering your Android then I would suggest you stay on Apple otherwise with Android you get a wider range of options to customise.

    For me, I spent countless hours learning how to flash a customisable rom to get the best out of Android as I'm a big noob at following instructions on the intenet and rather spend my time elsewhere.

  • erics on 06/11/2015 - 13:12

    I recently upgraded from iPhone 5 to Galaxy S6 Edge, and I switched because I wanted to take better photos. The camera on this phone is great, but that's the only thing I liked after switching. I missed Apple's app store because it looks clean and had more games (I'm a casual gamer but it seems a lot of new games go to iOS before hitting Android). I also miss the amount of cases available for the iPhones, they all look much better compared to what the S6 Edge has. I do want to go back to iPhones but as you mentioned they are way too expensive lmao

  • akastyl13 on 06/11/2015 - 13:44

    switched from iPhone 4S to Samsung S4, and pretty happy.
    What I really enjoy:
    - Widgets to display work calendar, account balance, and multiple zone time (needed for work).
    - Multitasking !
    - Finally can download .rar/.zip or any other stuff and actually browse the directories/files etc. (Maybe we can do it on apple sorry if thats the case)
    - the "return" button.
    - SD Card expansion
    - reactivity and ability to custom home screen very easily
    - bigger screen for cheap S4
    - the fact that you can open your phone easy and switch battery if needed.

    What I didnt like:
    - slowness of the system some time to time - but you can fix it by killing apps and clearing RAM or doing some Cleaning (similar to CCLeaner on a computer)
    - no more iMessage with all iPhone friends
    - no more facetime - but now it seems all my friends/family switched to Facebook Messenger so problem solved
    - no more swipe down screen to see all my notifications
    - notifications come back after you "clear" the notification board if you didnt opened the app to look at a message for example.
    - I am missing my "vibrate" switch on the side that I use to activate/deactivate very quickly even from pocket

    For the standard use which is messaging, emails, calls, banking and a bit of photos, I don't see why not making the change.
    Plus, there is an app that helps to transfer everything from iCloud to your samsung ! Called Smart Switch App.

    • [Deactivated] on 06/11/2015 - 20:18

      I swipe down on my android to see notifications. And when you do, there's a circle with an X in it - you touch that once you've looked, and they don't come back (unless they're apps that need updating).

  • rorypitt on 06/11/2015 - 13:57

    It all depends on what kind of person you are. If you enjoy tinkering, optimising, and getting the most out of your device, Android is the clear winner. If you just want a phone that will work, be easy, and just like what you've always had, go for iPhone. With every software update, however, Google is beginning to win in the simplicity and ease of use department also.

    If you're the kind of person who jailbreaks their iPhone, you should be on Android. If you're the kind of person who asks geniuses at the apple store how to use your iPhone, stay away from Android.

    • rgr on 06/11/2015 - 19:50

      Nah, I think users who jailbreak their iPhone want a premium mobile device experience but the freedom to inject some personality into their phone. I don't think I'll go back to Android anytime soon whilst the jailbreaking scene is still alive.

      • Ramrunner on 08/11/2015 - 10:42

        lol I read Apple is paying a mega ransom to ANYONE that can jailbreak the latest iOS so it is very possible your iPhone days are numbered then?

        • rgr on 08/11/2015 - 13:03

          ??? link?

  • carboncider on 06/11/2015 - 13:59
    +1

    Things i like about android:

    If most of your stuff is centred around google and gmail, the eco system is great. But if all your stuff is in icloud, then prepare for a bit of effort when you switch over to android.

    Ease of moving files around. Plug usb into a pc, drag and drop.

    Google play survey credits, telstra credit can be used in google play. I hardly spend any money on the play store now.

    Bigger phone screens available.

    Widgets.

    If there is something you dont like about the OS, there is usually something you can do to get around it. This is relativelg harder with iOS.

    Quick charge.

    Micro usb cable is generally easier to find than a lightning cable.

    What i dont like about android:

    Annoying popups that ask you what you want to use to open something, even though i already specified before and told android to remember it.

    Software updates can take ages depending on how recent/popular your android phone is.

    Micro usb cables are crap quality.

  • maybeamacy on 06/11/2015 - 14:08

    Switched from iPhone 5 to the Note 3. Had it for 1.5 years and didn't like it - I just found the operating confusing. Switched back to Apple with the 6+.

  • bbourizk on 06/11/2015 - 14:34
    +1

    Switched a while ago after the iPhone 4.
    Got bored with the iPhone.
    Many great phones on android at good prices. Currently on lg g4.

  • T1OOO on 06/11/2015 - 14:42

    I've done it.

    Pros more freedoms. I loved airdrop app until Google disabled copying to sd cards with it

    I went back to Apple. While there are just as many apps they are poor quality. Consider air video. They ported it to android but did just enough. No thumbnails on videos. Arghhggg come on man. Do it properly!

    Slow updates.

    I prefer Apple ui it's cleaner. Smoother. And simpler. Just nice.

  • thermal66 on 06/11/2015 - 14:43

    personally i used Android for the past few years, mostly a Sony Z2, amazing phone and i would always recommend a Sony over a Samsung. I went back to the iPhone 6 this year and it just became much easier. I miss the Sony's waterproof features but as an iTunes user i have my entire library setup in iTunes so the whole syncing part works in my favour. I also use my phone as an MP3 player in my car, and no android device has come close to the iPhone in terms of headphone output power

    i really miss Swiftkey though :(

    I love both android and ios, but iPhone just suit my daily needs a tad easier.

    • supnigs super skids on 06/11/2015 - 15:09
      +1

      Swift key and swype available on both. Just that iOS version is a bit retarded in comparison.

      • thermal66 on 06/11/2015 - 15:44

        yeah should've made that more clear
        definitely much better on android, couldn't stand using it on ios

  • manbearpig on 06/11/2015 - 15:53

    I have an iPhone 6 but I have an android tablet (wifi only). It's the best combination for me and I plan to keep it that way. I considered changing to an android phone, but there were certain apps I needed. I also find that iPhones do the most important things in phones the best and trouble free. I use my android tablet for more media/entertainment purposes or just browsing the net on a bigger screen when I just want to chill at home.

  • Dack Smith on 06/11/2015 - 15:58

    iOS is smooth, more stable and easy to use, but lacks flexibility

    Android does everything as long as you root it, but stability sucks and is error prone.

    The iphone 6S bends easily so avoid that version and go for the 6S+ if you want to continue to use Apple, it is a great piece of hardware.

    The LG G4 is a good compromise android phone, or the Nexus 6 (2014) which has dropped markedly in price, and is pure android by Google without the bloatware garbage.

    My iphone 6S+ I use for work and my Galaxy S6 Edge+ for home use and games

  • PVA on 06/11/2015 - 16:25

    not phones but my wife went from an ipad to an android tablet (she always has had an Android phone).
    I don't think she misses the ipad at all , all she wants is perfectly fine on android, and apps (apart from games) are either Google (mail photos) or the usual facebook messanger etc.

    one thing with her phone, she loves the ability of just touching the phones together and swapping photos (via NFC), pretty sure apple doesnt have that and she was looking at an Oppo7plus a few days back and that doesnt have NFC either so she crossed that off her next phone list.

    apple or non NFC phones, how do you swap photos easy - not by using a network and paying for data or mms and getting reduced sizes - the phones are next to each other so whats as easy as NFC? I would like to know. NFC is great for this (not just photos but other files as well)

  • ozbargainer88 on 06/11/2015 - 16:33
    +3

    Think of it this way:
    An Android phone is a PC and if you want to do something, you can. If you can't, then there is an opportunity to possibly make some money.

    An iPhone is a toy and you can only do what Apple wants you to.

  • Baa on 06/11/2015 - 16:47
    +4

    I have been using android phones from the very beginning - I love tinkered and tweaking my PC, android allows me to do this too. Have been using custom ROMs since my HTC Desire HD days.

    A lot can depends on the phone you get also - I made the mistake of getting a Samsung S4, ran great but build was awful. Apple products are always solidly built (and you pay for it) many Android phones will come with the same quality (Current HTC One M8 is solid as).

    I think it really comes down to preference and try not to judge people too much on their choices.

    p.s. itunes makes me want to kill myself

  • snvl on 06/11/2015 - 16:58

    Get a nexus from google play store (5X, 6 or 6P) you have 14 days to try. If you don't like it then send it back for full refund.

  • bobmcfuzz on 06/11/2015 - 17:30
    +2

    This thread in 12 months time will be "Considering jumping from Android to Windows - Who's done it?"…

    • ozhunter on 06/11/2015 - 17:48
      +3

      Answer - No one. end thread lol

      • malouphix on 06/11/2015 - 21:20

        Buwahahaha!

        My mate gives me shit about iPhone and he has a Windows phone, nuff said.

  • bobmcfuzz on 06/11/2015 - 17:52

    We'll see.

  • StonedWizard on 06/11/2015 - 18:10

    For those that have switched from iPhones to Androids did you find a way to bring over your iPhone text messages?

    I have important ones and I don't want to lose the message history.

  • Chrotzo on 06/11/2015 - 18:15

    Changed from iphone 3s and 4s to nexus5. Before changing first i have always thought iphone is superior, less laggy, just better overall. When i first used the nexus 5 ii didnt really like it , but after setting it and make the layout similar to ios i am fine with it. After using android for almost 2 years now it really makes no difference to me, it's just a matter of getting use to the phone you are using, and i find whatsapp and line to be better than imessage as i can see the delay in sending msg in imessage and that bothers me, also line's stickers can be pretty fun. In a nutshell they both are similar and android phones are generally cheaper since its mostly onlyfor browsing and messaging cant justify spending 1000k just to be replaced in 2 years.

  • timobeee on 06/11/2015 - 18:40

    I've lived life on both sides of the fence, and have friends try other sides too. What I've found is that the eco system you begin with, is where you'll end up.

    I went, iPhone 4 > 4s > HTC One m8 > iPhone 6

    Whoever mentioned consistent experience on iOS hit the nail on the head. I lasted around 3 months with my HTC One m8, in the end, I missed the reliability and consistency of iOS. Apps loaded consistently fast, messages we're always sent, photos consistently better, etc.

    However, what I will say is that Android makes a decent tablet experience, with having an actual file system on hand, and if you do put in the effort to customise your Android device, you can get a really good experience out of it.

    Right now, I'm happy having a solid iPhone 6 for phone usage, cause you want your phone to be solid. And a Nexus 9 for tablet usage, which doesn't have to be as reliable, but more flexible.

    • [Deactivated] on 06/11/2015 - 20:40

      The photos being better had nothing to do with iOS. Messages not sending is probably your fault or your carrier. If the load times of apps on flagship android devices is not fast then I don't know what fast is.

  • usbc activist on 06/11/2015 - 18:45

    Away from the unusually high marketing budgets of apple and samsung, a company called asus is building amazing phones at fraction of the cost. Keep these discussions aside, go and buy this 2.3Ghz, 4GB ram, 64GB Memory, 15 MP camera unbelievable battery for 400$ in the choixe of your color. We poor souls of Australia cannot get one yet, but u can order on ebay from hong kong. You can come back later and thank me. People fainting that there is no imessage, please know that there are thousands of alternatives. Apple followers will slowly realize there are thousands of things that u can do with Android, that you cannot even think about in iphone.

    • [Deactivated] on 06/11/2015 - 20:31

      Don't know a model # to look it up - but does it have external memory slot, and, what's the audio like compared to HTC One M9? Oh - and is it LTE?

      • usbc activist on 06/11/2015 - 22:37

        The model number is ZE551ML.

        Checkout this link for the details

        https://www.asus.com/Phone/ZenFone_2_ZE551ML/

        Guess what? On the top of 64GB memory you can add a 128GB memory card which takes your phone memory to around 200GB.

        Yes its supports 4G and LTE

        • [Deactivated] on 07/11/2015 - 00:21

          If they improved the camera a little (according to below comments) - and gave this sound like the HTC One M9 - they'd grab majority android market share overnight.

          I don't understand why some company doesn't do exactly that - do all that this phone has, but add another $100 to give it a great camera and brilliant sound - and remove nothing it already has (which they always do - can't help themselves!).

        • usbc activist on 09/11/2015 - 10:57

          @realfamilyman: Not sure about HTC One M9, but asus zenfone 2 has a good speaker. I listen to songs on the speaker mode when I am alone. Asus Zenfone2 has pretty much nailed everything at an amazing price point. Like I said earlier, the quality of the photos is to do with the apps used. There are some pretty amazing camera apps.The asus pixel master takes some amazing photos, especially the low light pics.

          We can add an external SD card of another 128GB.
          It has NFC.
          If you are a PC user, you can bring up an exact replica of the phone on your pc and use it. How cool is that?
          It has a reading mode.
          If you are unable to use the phone with both hands, you can double tap home button and the size becomes easily reachable by your hand.
          It has themes to feel you are using new phone everytime.
          Fast Battery charge

          Calling it a budget phone is an insult to the device. This is marketing gibberish used by market people and youtube reviewers who have no clue about tech.

          I did not find another phone that pretty much nailed everything and being available at such an amazing price point.

        • [Deactivated] on 11/11/2015 - 02:44

          @genuinedude: Audio on the M9 is brilliant, esp. for the size of the device. I watch movies on it in the car by hanging its wallet/cover from the sunvisor pocket, and there was a particular movie that I forget now, but the beginning must've had some special processing done, because the audio was jaw-dropping. It's not overly loud as such, but the quality is amazing.

        • [Deactivated] on 19/11/2015 - 07:18

          @genuinedude:

          I can't PM you for some reason - hope you read this… I've been looking at the Zenfone 2 you recommended - you said it has LTE - and I'm finding some sites say it does 700MHz. But Kogan & DWI both list this phone for sale, but without 700MHz. Do you happen to know what's going on with that?

          I think the Taiwan version (TW) has 700… but is it a different 700 to ours!? If it's not, then why on earth aren't those two stores selling the TW version?

    • [Deactivated] on 06/11/2015 - 20:49

      I have been using an Asus Zenfone 2 for the past 9 months. Best purchase I have ever made and it cost me only $300. It is a budget smartphone, but the specs are amazing. Camera is average.

      Just go on the qd_au eBay store and you'll be able to get one shipped from Taiwan. Have a look on whirlpool if you want to see their reputation in Australia.

      • usbc activist on 06/11/2015 - 22:40

        The camera is actually really good.Its the issue with the asus camera app. Even the asus camera app pixel master. It takes amazing pics in some modes like beautify,HDR and panorama.

        For the rest, we can install the default camera app of google which does a good job.

        • [Deactivated] on 06/11/2015 - 22:41

          Thank you. I will try that now.

          Are you talking about the "Google Camera" app or is there another one?

          Have you noticed that you can't take 13 Megapixel 16:9 pictures? The max is 10 Megapixels for a 16:9 ratio, which sucks.

        • usbc activist on 06/11/2015 - 22:48

          @tendollar: Yes the google camera app

    • soaringphoenix on 06/11/2015 - 22:18

      I love Asus and go with them for essentially all of my tech gear, including motherboards, laptops, displays, tablets, zenwatch etc., however I just can't bring myself to get a Zenphone due to the fact that it doesn't run stock Android.

      • usbc activist on 06/11/2015 - 22:42

        You might already know that software does not really matter for an android phone. Even as a non root user,we can change almost anything and everything.

        Even the zen ui has deep integration. It gives amazing amount of customization.

      • [Deactivated] on 06/11/2015 - 22:45

        The ZenUI is actually really good and everything is organised nicely. I love the theme for it.

    • StalkingIbis on 07/11/2015 - 21:55

      i know theres apps that essentially do the same thing as imessage, but i cant force all of my contacts with iphones to go and get the app.

      What are some of the 1000s of things?

      • ozhunter on 07/11/2015 - 23:12

        Your iphone friends are extremely likely to know someone who doesn't use an iphone and uses another app to message them.

        It's possible that they message you with the same app.

  • longislandicetea on 06/11/2015 - 19:21
    +3

    Would highly recommend the Nexus 6P. Best phone I have used till date.

    • Ramrunner on 08/11/2015 - 10:48

      Where did you get it mate? I'd prefer to buy bricks and mortar if there are warranty issues.

      • longislandicetea on 08/11/2015 - 10:53
        +1

        I have family working for Huawei so I got it a while ago but they have some really good prices at Optus and Virgin for outright

        • Ramrunner on 08/11/2015 - 11:02
          +1

          Thanks mate - much appreciated. I can actually source Huawei networking gear through my distributor so maybe I'll try and grease some wheels there :)

          Otherwise Optus or Virgin is the go.

          Appreciate it mate. Have a great weekend.

        • longislandicetea on 09/11/2015 - 09:53

          @Ramrunner: Have a look at this deal (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/216900). There are a lot of people that were able to get the phone for $774 (some even for $744). Hope this helps :)

  • malouphix on 06/11/2015 - 21:18
    +1

    Try to borrow one off a friend first. Or get one of these to try it first https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/218609
    Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 $49 @ Woolworths

    Good luck, let us now how you go.

    • Ramrunner on 08/11/2015 - 10:49
      +1

      IF you get a cheap phone like that though please don't look at the speed, quality of build, camera etc though as that is absolutely not a fair comparison of iDevices.

      It WILL give you an idea how Android operates though so for that not a bad option.

  • soaringphoenix on 06/11/2015 - 22:15
    +1

    After being on iOS for several years, 2 years ago I made the switch to android and would never go back to Apple ever again.

    I would only use android devices running stock android (i.e., Nexus devices, absolutely cannot stand manufacturers garbage bloated versions). I find it very useful to have integration across chrome, gmail, calendar, photos, drive, keep, maps, google now etc.

    I wouldn't go back to iOS for anything now, though I can see the appeal for others.

  • [Deactivated] on 06/11/2015 - 22:42
    +3

    I've got an Iphone+iPad for work and an android for personal use.
    I've had four iphones and a few samsungs and HTC's.
    My current Samsung is the note 4 and I absolutely love it.

    For me the Android phones are just so much better and easier to use- but it's a personal preference- although in all honesty I simply can't understand how people could try both Samsung with Android, and the Apple+IOS, and come out choosing the IOS combo over the android combo.

    Using the apple just feels so restrictive and everything seems to take so much longer and tedious.
    Anyway, I would 100% give it a go and go for a Samsung or an HTC if it's your first Android rodeo.

    Good luck.

  • algy on 06/11/2015 - 22:47
    +2

    I jumped from an iPhone 4S to an LGG3. For me Android is a huge step up from iOS, the increased flexibility is amazing. I can't believe I was able to live with SSHing into my phone, without being able to play FLAC files, without so many fundamental things that are just plain missing from iOS. And the integration of apps is so heavily improved, on iOS if you don't like safari that's too bad, as chrome will never work as well as it should, another music player? Same deal. There are no downsides to Android.

  • Thaal Sinestro on 06/11/2015 - 23:02
    +1

    "Considering jumping from Apple to Android". Please don't do it, unless you want to become a pariah. Hip people use Apple products. Android is for rejects, social misfits and cheapskates.

    I am a Desktop Windoze user and Android tablet user myself, and people treat me like dirt because I don't own any Apfel products.

  • CHIEFMEGADETH on 07/11/2015 - 03:26
    +2

    i had 3gs and 4. Then i bought the Note and thought WTF have i been waiting for!!!!
    Apples are ok phones. But i don't want ok. i want best specs and super fast with expandable memory and battery. Thats why i have Note 4! Quad HD!.
    Still waiting for Apple to blow me away. it's still only has 1gig of ram WTF?

    • snvl on 07/11/2015 - 07:54

      2gb

  • lostn on 07/11/2015 - 10:38

    I've known a lot of people who've tried it, and many of them can't get their head around it. They continue to think in iOS, and find Android very unintuitive. Mind you, it works the same going the reverse way too.

    You'll need to open your mind and forget most of what you know, and be prepared to relearn everything.

    I'm more interested in knowing why you want to switch. Is it only because of the expensive price of iPhones?

    Most iOS people I know are sucked in for life. Apple got them early, and because all of their apps are on the Appstore, they're locked in to the ecosystem. Depending on how much you've purchased, the price difference in handsets might be enough to offset the cost of repurchasing everything on Play store.

    Bear in mind, you can take advantage of free Google Play credit if you get some cheap prepaid SIMs from Telstra or Optus. They've been around for $10 or less for $30 Telstra SIMs, and you not only get your $30 worth of data, but $30 to spend on the Play store to go with it. My total purchases are less than $100, so a switch for me would be easy.

    • StalkingIbis on 11/11/2015 - 21:24

      its time for me to upgrade and the major draw card for android is price. Id be willing to learn a new system (provided i dont hate it!) and rebuy a few apps for the big savings each year.

  • tinmancactus on 07/11/2015 - 11:03
    +3

    Just in case you need any more opinions:

    I think both can be great and it all comes down to whatever works best for you. I tend to jump back and forth between the two platforms but I think I've settled for Apple, more or less.

    What can you expect going from Apple to Android?
    * It's really not actually that different
    * You might have issues with iMessages still going to your iPhone despite moving your SIM over. Fix that here
    * You get a few more choices with Android, such as choosing default apps (browser, text messages, launcher etc)

    Who has done it?
    * I have, along with many others in this thread. I would highly recommend trying both so when you eventually "settle" (if ever) you know what the alternative is.

    What surprised you?
    * There are some very crappy Android apps out there, and many apps go a bit nuts on permissions they don't really need.
    * I'm not sure if it's still an issue but some apps distributed through the Play store will spam your notifications with ads. I really, really hope Google have cracked down on this.
    * You can do things you wouldn't have even thought to do on your iPhone. I never thought I'd need to torrent anything on my phone, yet once I had means of doing it it became a common task

    What did you miss?
    * Tapping the top of the screen (where the time is) to scroll instantly back to the top. It's a wonderful feature on the iPhone that just doesn't exist on Android.
    * I don't think the launcher screen looks as nice. But that doesn't affect functionality and many will disagree with me.
    * You really, really do get a wonderful, seamless experience if you choose to buy into the whole Apple ecosystem. The Android-Mac and Android-Windows relationship is nowhere near the iOS-Mac relationship.

    What do you like better about Android?
    * At the time, the bigger screen.
    * Nowadays, the fantastic selection of hardware. There are a lot of really great phones to choose from.
    * If you're after a budget phone, you'll spend a lot less with Android.

    Final thoughts
    * You say you like the look and feel, you hate the crappy battery life and you want a bigger screen. I highly recommend you look into Xiaomi's phones as they have their own more Apple-like version of Android (MIUI) that has a sleeker and more streamlines experience but they run any Android apps without a hitch. If you want same same but different, check out the Mi 4i.

    So I say go on and take the plunge. See what you think and after a few years on each platform, you'll know which one you prefer.

  • StonedWizard on 07/11/2015 - 11:33

    For those that made the switch from iPhone to Android do you also own a mac ?

    Curious how you went with moving from iCloud syncing calendars, contacts and notes. As well as iPhoto and iTunes?

  • serpserpserp on 07/11/2015 - 11:35
    +2

    To be honest, if you are going to switch from iPhone to Android (which many of us have done) you should give yourself two years to fully let go of the Apple ecosystem. But that point you'll realize how customizable android is and you'll have forgotten about those apple only apps and found substitutes for them.

    A lot of people I know that have switched but everyone they know uses iphones have switched back. Purely because they aren't interested in getting to know their phones and just want to use the latest greatest consumable apps that other people recommend. A lot of these people also have ipads and apple computers, which I believe if you have those items and use them a lot, don't switch to android because you lose all those synergies between the devices.

  • mirridon on 07/11/2015 - 12:31
    +2

    I was on the iPhone 4 till 2013 then swapped to Samsung Galaxy…. never looked back. iMessage equivalent in my books is hangouts, but like the majority of users are saying, everyone I know uses facebook messenger or skype, so I only use hangouts when I want to video call parents or whatever.

    You'll find there are just as much in the apps department if not more, with the ability to install Non-Store apps, , which is great if you want to install apps like Hulu, with 100% ease. You just download the APK and install, being mindful of malware though. So use a trusted site or a third party store.

    Battery life is fine, you just need to monitor your open apps, and close certain apps by using the multi window button on the device.

    Picture quality is great, watching videos overall is fantastic. I have a Tab s2, and thoroughly enjoy watching content on it, and just as good on my note 4.

    I buy a lot from the Play store, like movies and TV shows. The Movies and TV Shows overall are actually cheaper in comparison to the iTunes market. The Play store also throw away albums all the time, so you can get some oldies or cheap music for free if not virtually free. A lot of people don't know this either, but as long as a device is capable of playing Youtube aka has a Youtube app or is able to access Youtube, you can watch all your purchases through from the Playstore within the youtube app, so purchases are more easily accessible, unlike iTunes TV/Movie purchases. I can cast purchases to various devices, which I do all the time when I go to a friends place like on my PS4 or xbox. A lot of my friends have smart TV's so that has youtube built in, I just cast to their TV's.

    Overall, android is a fantastic OS, and more versatile in my opinion. I do love the iOS though, and had considered to go back, but since using android for so long and having everything so accessible, and considering the pricing, there's no way I'd move back. unless they offered the exact offers android does, at the same pricings.

  • ahly92 on 07/11/2015 - 16:48
    +1

    Considering jumping from Apple to Android - Who's done it?

    It's a big jump man! I for one have not tried it. And prob don't have the balls to!

    Some have tried it and never returned. Others thought they were invincible and took the jump…they're quadriplegic now.

    This requires years of physical and psychological training.

    It's just not worth your life. THINK OF THE CHILDREN!

  • dracoknight92 on 07/11/2015 - 16:52
    +2

    Just made the jump from an iPhone 5 to Nexus 6P few days ago. I missed the ease of use on iOS but I'm sure I'll get used to the new OS pretty quickly since I have had an Android phone before. Nexus 6P feels pretty good in hand, and it's fast as well, camera might not be the best but it's really decent.

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