Moving to iPhone from Samsung Galaxy

[Deactivated] on 22/07/2016 - 09:53
Last edited 24/07/2016 - 22:00

I'm considering to move from Samsung to iPhone.

The main reason I'm considering this is because when I upgrade my Samsung Galaxy to another Galaxy, there is just so much settings I need to copy, and I always miss some. Some of these are: Fuel Log, SMS, Whatsapp, Trigger, home screen settings, game saves, and perhaps more but I just don't remember.

I upgraded my wife's iPhone recently and it was just too easy, everything stays there, and I mean everything. Just plug in, plug out, plug new one in, click here and there, and done… Something that my wife can do it, only she can't be bothered.

I have been using Galaxy for a while, since S3, then Note 3, then now S6. I did own iPhone 3G however.

With new iPhone 7+ and Galaxy Note 7 coming out, I'm seriously thinking of moving to iPhone.
Btw, I can't root, or flash, or jailbreak and I don't want to.

This is your opportunity to say whatever you want about iPhone or Android, whatever it is.

Some of the ideas to discuss:

  1. Price point and resale value, including with plan or outright.
  2. Camera - I like just to snap as quickly as possible, I need to snap my kid, and they just won't stay still. Not too happy with my S6 in that matter.
  3. Apps that aren't/won't be available.
  4. Features that aren't/won't be available.

EDIT: My usage is mostly Internet browsing, a few pandora & netflix, few calls, lots of text & email.

TLDR: What to expect when moving from Samsung Galaxy to iPhone?

EDIT: I have decided that there will be some features in Samsung that I will miss badly, like its open ecosystem. So I'm going to suck it up, I'm writing a checklist of things to back up, hopefully I get it right…

Mobile

Comments

  • Axelstrife on 22/07/2016 - 10:16

    Not sure about your complaint about the camera it opens extremely fast on my s6 edge double tap the home button when screen off the camera is great as well.

    For features i suggest you compile a list of your most used apps and take a look at them on your wifes iphone why? well i use Facebook and two main things just from that app i noticed missing is on buy and a sell pages on android you can search that group just for a keyword like "mobile phone" and it's missing on ios app.
    When watching a video on android you can scroll down after watching the video and watch other videos from i think similar pages that's not on IOS.
    There may be features missing on other apps you use.

    Widgets is something else that I use

    your reason for wanting the switch isn't a problem for me unless you switch mobiles every two weeks or something.

    • [Deactivated] on 22/07/2016 - 11:49
      +2

      I change mobile phone almost every 12-18 months… so yeah, in my Samsung it's a headache every year…
      It's even more terrible when I forgot to backup something important…

      The camera is not so bad, 8 out of 10 it works fast, but that 1 time, the shutter speed was slower that it misses the moment.

      As per apps, I think most apps is there… I didn't search all, because there are hundreds of it.
      I did remember trigger is not there. But IFTTT does. I don't think IFTTT works for scenarios like if connected to this wifi do that, etc.

      • Axelstrife on 22/07/2016 - 12:03
        +5

        between samsung account and google account it backs up everything photos,messages, email, app data, contacts and lots of other things.

        besides if taking an hour to move from one mobile to a new one is that much of a task every 12-18 months maybe apple would be for you.

        with the extra your paying for apple you could get someone to do that for you when buying your new mobile lol.

        • [Deactivated] on 22/07/2016 - 12:11

          Hang on, everything? app settings, app data, everything?

          Like iTunes everything?

        • Axelstrife on 22/07/2016 - 12:41
          +1

          @fm: http://imgur.com/a/egxR2

          heres is screen shots from my mobile

          the google part happens automatically do that when i sign into a new android device i have all the things listed there aswell as bookmarks for the chrome web browser.

          I dont use the samsung backup but it can be used for the things listed.

          as for photos you have to download google photos app which also uses your google account to back up your photos (you have to download the app because it's a samsung phone not google nexus which already has it.)

        • [Deactivated] on 22/07/2016 - 13:12

          @Axelstrife: Google photos backed up to Google Drive isn't it…

          I have bigger storage in OneDrive, but anyway photos is sorted for me, there are so many options to auto-backup.

          It's the lack of convenient in viewing over the cloud that's a problem for me.

        • Axelstrife on 22/07/2016 - 13:23

          @fm:
          "It's the lack of convenient in viewing over the cloud that's a problem for me."

          I don't understand what you mean by this?

          google photos is just google own app to view the photos and https://photos.google.com/ is where you go on your web browser on your computer to view them aswell.

          also icloud is 5gb storage before you pay
          drive/google photos is 15gb free before you pay.

        • [Deactivated] on 22/07/2016 - 14:32

          @Axelstrife: Yup, google uses google drive, which i dont have plenty, and refuse to pay.

          I mean that all cloud app, is troublesome to view the photos.

          If these apps can view the photos as good as our own gallery, assuming we have max internet speed, that would be perfect. I would only need small storage phone, no need micro sd, etc.

        • Axelstrife on 22/07/2016 - 15:43
          +1

          @fm: google photos IS the default gallery for google nexus devices the back up feature is androids version of icloud it's just that it doesn't come out of the box on samsung's mobile for some reason.

          You seem to have the idea google photos is a cloud app like one drive or dropbox which it isnt.

          download it on your s6 have a look.

        • wakkawalla on 25/07/2016 - 11:54

          @fm: I think you are confused. Google Photos and Google Drive are different products but are linked together in backend. On Google Photos you can upload the original (which counts towards your Google Drive storage capacity) or upload a compressed version (which does not count towards your Google Drive storage capacity, unlimited imo).

          What makes browsing photos in oneDrive better? they are all stored in the cloud with the same limitations right?

        • [Deactivated] on 25/07/2016 - 12:14

          @wakkawalla: No no no, browsing in OneDrive is not better. Browsing in any cloud app is not better.
          Not sure if Google Photos is better for browsing locally or not, but pretty happy with stock Gallery app.

          What I'm saying is, if there is photo app that can browse cloud photos, cache the thumbnails to work super-fast, there wouldn't be much need for big storage phone or microsd.
          If that happen to iphone, that would be good.

        • wakkawalla on 25/07/2016 - 15:37

          @fm: Oh. Like an offline mode? That would be nice

        • [Deactivated] on 25/07/2016 - 15:59

          @wakkawalla: even just thumbnail or some of the most recent or most frequently viewed photos would be great.

          Iphone storage is too limited

        • BadGiraffe on 25/07/2016 - 16:55

          @fm: Google Photos doesn't use up your Drive quota if you upload it from the app. It shrinks the quality, but it's still good enough to print. I've begun uploading everything there as a backup. Try doing that first, then logging in on your PC to see if the quality suits you.

        • Member 0230 on 26/07/2016 - 10:54

          @fm: if I understand you correctly, Apple provided this two years ago via iCloud Photo Library http://www.apple.com/icloud/photos/

          Optimised (lower res) pics are available on your phone, full-res online, downloadable on demand.

        • ThadtheChad on 26/07/2016 - 12:42

          @Axelstrife:

          I use Samsung Backup and it works like a treat. :)

          The move from S4 to S6 (and my partner's move from S5 to S7) has been really easy.

    • salbee28 on 25/07/2016 - 12:24

      Both those features in the Facebook app are available on iOS, or at least they are on the most recent version I have been using…

      • Axelstrife on 26/07/2016 - 13:11

        Not on my fully updated ipad air or iphone 5s.

  • ProjectZero on 22/07/2016 - 10:22

    I havent used a samsung in awhile, but I thought Kies was similar to iTunes in that you can backup and transfer your stuff to a new galaxy. Anyone can confirm this?

    • iridiumstem on 22/07/2016 - 10:30

      They've moved to what's called SmartSwitch (which I think is slightly better than Kies, but that's really doesn't say much). You could use it with OTG as well. I am not sure whether it keeps homescreen stuff.

      I am sure Apple released an app called Move to iOS as well (mentioning that for OP).

      Also, all the rumours I've been hearing were suggesting that Apple is going big for iPhone on 2017 (10th anniversary). Changing screen to AMOLED (meaning that it'd have more leeway with thickness) and drastically changing the design (because all the leaked images of iPhone 7 really shows not much changes (other than removal of 3.5mm port and adjustments to the antenna lines). Also for the OP to consider.

      • [Deactivated] on 22/07/2016 - 11:51

        Oooh… I do need 3.5 mm port… It's just easier to switch devices than bluetooth.

        I switch from laptop to phone to ipad from time to time.

        Oh yes I forgot to mention, I do have old ipad, but rarely use that, just for gaming.

      • [Deactivated] on 22/07/2016 - 11:52

        I heard about the Move to iOS too.

        But I think the biggest feature is when upgrading phone, is just so seamless, worry-free…

        • iridiumstem on 22/07/2016 - 13:19

          I am sure they'd release a lightning cable DAC, if you need one and have an iPhone.

          One last thing, if you do have time to use SmartSwitch, do try using Smartswitch. I am sure you get SMS and a lot of the settings moved from one phone to another. I still think it's lacklustre compared to iOS (which, if you want to do similar kind of back up, you need to root the phone). That said, my girlfriend didn't have any issues with moving from Android to a Galaxy phone. I am sure some of the things you've listed are transferred using SmartSwitch. Besides, it's free and less hassle (compared to getting a new phone).

    • akoli on 23/07/2016 - 19:57

      I couldnt figure that smartwitch out… it said use kies then flicked me to smartswitch I downlaoded it done what it said but it just wanted to use NFC, my old phone didnt have nfc… I use titanium backup so that works perfect but you have to be rooted to get the most out of it… switching is easy with that setup, copy to sd put sd in new device and install from backup.

      IOS for all its faults is pretty good across all devices.. I want a game for the kids I buy it on my ipad and it installs on theirs, restore from backup easy… still wouldnt have an iphone just because I like to tweak my phone and its too locked down.

      • iridiumstem on 24/07/2016 - 03:10

        NFC? That's weird. You are talking about the PC version, am I correct? The only NFC thing that I can think of that relates to backing up is with when you boot your phone up first time. At the setting up stage, where you import contacts etc from old phone? That's just what Android does (it uses NFC for Android Beam), if my memory is correct I've seen that with AOSP based ROMs and a LG phone.

        I've used Smart Switch (the app on the phone) a few times (last time I think was when my gf got her new phone, S7). It's been awhile and I just went straight to using OTG. That said, I am sure it just uses WiFi or Bluetooth. Just checked it then with my spare phone, it didn't ask me any NFC stuff and went straight to that screeching noise for finding which device is near etc.

        As with the PC version, I've used it when I decided to wipe my phone (because of Marshmallow update, installing a major update without doing a complete wipe in my opinion is asking for bugs). You need to allow the Smart Switch program first on your phone, that said, it didn't use NFC.

        • akoli on 24/07/2016 - 19:21

          Yeah was strange on PC.. I thought it had linked me to the wrong program as it was relatively new … remember the android beam when it first came out went in to that mode… will get a new phone in november so will give it another bash…

  • lupiter on 22/07/2016 - 10:38
    +4

    The best deal on new iPhones is usually outright from Apple, unless you usually need the high-price plans. If you're more likely to have a $20 plan or Aldi prepaid, then buy outright. iPhones do have good resale value through places like CEX, although you may find that there is a lot of demand for hand-me-downs in your family :).

    Camera on iPhones is pretty good, and with the 6S/7 you get Live Photos which is great for the kid won't sit still problem. The 6S+ size has optical image stabilisation, which is handy in low light.

    The reason iPhones are easy to restore is because of iCloud backup. iTunes backup is okay, but requires you to remember to sync or to have your iPhone charging while your computer is awake and has iTunes open (which never happens for me). iCloud backup is great… just set and forget and then when you accidentally drive over your phone or get it replaced under warranty, restore from iCloud and the new phone is just like the old one.

    Don't use the default iPhone email app if you are used to Gmail. Get Gmail or Inbox or Outlook.

    • rambao9 on 22/07/2016 - 10:46
      +1

      It's sad when your iCloud is full and you have to pay a monthly subscription to keep the data there.

      I do like the sync'ing feature though.

      • hashtagbargain on 22/07/2016 - 10:55

        Try deleting the existing backup and make a new one. I've noticed the icloud backups keep getting bigger unnecessarily. Also, dont backup pics and videos if you are space sensitive and you should be fine.

      • WhiteEvo6 on 24/07/2016 - 19:21
        +2

        Yes that $1.50 a month really hurts to get another 50gb extra :/

    • [Deactivated] on 22/07/2016 - 11:55

      I didn't know about Live Photos, sounds great.
      I don't know if Android have app/feature like that or not.

      yeah iCloud only have default 5GB isn't it?

      Another thing with iPhone is the standard (lowest price) usually too small in storage.

      • lupiter on 22/07/2016 - 16:30

        Yes, free iCloud is 5GB. I pay for a lot more because I have my whole photo library there, but if I was just backing up my phone it would fit in 5GB. iCloud backups include only your data, not the app binaries or caches.

        And the storage is a big issue. People moving from Android might be used to buying a 8gb phone and putting a 32 or 64gb card in it. You can't do that with an iphone, and 8gb is stupidly small. Even 16gb isn't any good if you take a lot of photos or want to keep much music on there.

  • Islund on 22/07/2016 - 11:17
    +5

    Do not know what all the fuss is about Samsung Cameras being better.

    Everyone whom I know that that has a Samsung complains about how artificial the picture look - especially with the Blues.

    I have an iPhone and my 2nd phone is a Windows unit.

    • cDNA on 23/07/2016 - 15:38
      +2

      SAmsung s7 camera technology and specs beat the iphone and lumia cameras.

      There are so many reviews on the internet. The selfie camera may render images and remove blemishes, but that is because it's a korean phone. Koreans are obsessed with beauty and image filters that remove their imperfections.

      Tell those whingers to use the back facing camera,

      • theguyrules on 25/07/2016 - 16:37
        -4

        Technology and specs are great, iPhone pictures just look nicer, and that's coming from a Android user.
        The LG G4 was the closest I have seen to matching the iPhones quality. The S7 is really disappointing.

        • cDNA on 25/07/2016 - 19:08

          The vast majority would disagree with you.

          You're just another one of those 'it looks better' people with no real knowledge of what makes a good photo or camera. The s7's camera is one of its best features, so I have no idea what you're on about.
          I have an s7 edge.

        • theguyrules on 25/07/2016 - 19:39
          -4

          @cDNA: way to jump to conclusions there champ.

          Anyway, specs on paper dont make a good camera, as other phones have proven.

          The S7s camera genuinely isn't any better than my old S5s. And it's a massive downgrade from my G4.

          The photos are sharp, I'll give it that. But they just aren't pleasant to look at. I think it's mostly the aggressive post processing Samsung puts on the photos.

          And yes, I have an S7. Fantastic phone otherwise.

  • geek001 on 22/07/2016 - 11:43
    +8

    You will miss the "Back" button in the lower right corner. That will take some getting used to. And you will also need to fork out money to buy some apps on Apple store that are free on Android.

    Apple products are a better user experience and after sales service is great, but you do pay for it, and then pay some more.

    • [Deactivated] on 22/07/2016 - 11:59

      Ah… yes I would miss the back button…

      Hmm…..

      In Android though, pressing back all the way would terminate the app process, releasing memory.
      But in Apple then, I assume it stays in background, and eat your memory and battery.

      is that right?

      You are right about the customer service, my iphone 3gs was once got water damaged, and replacement in instant…
      Never got a damage with Samsung but I heard, I need to send it back, and wait…?

      • geek001 on 22/07/2016 - 12:23
        +1

        I have used both Samsung and Apple phones. I didn't find the apps staying in memory to be a problem, unless you are playing Pokemon Go. Lol.

        I don't think any manufacturer nowadays will replace water damaged or dropped phone, not even Apple, unless you are really, really lucky. One of my friends cracked his iPhone by accident 2 days after he got it on release day. Apple Store replaced it FOC, but I don't think they do it for everyone.

        I had a GPS problem with my Samsung Note 3, sent it back to Samsung, got it back a week later. No dramas, but I think most common iPhone problems can be sorted the same day. So in terms of after sales support, I don't think any other phone manufacturer even comes close to Apple.

        For me, price is quite a big factor in deciding what phone to buy. Specs aside, most phones these days look the same and does what I need. I can live without my phone for a week. :)

        • [Deactivated] on 22/07/2016 - 12:36

          The thing about price though, that I want you all to consider, is that what is the resale?

          So Purchase price - Resale price (say after 12-24 months) = Total net loss.

          I always heard, and I know for a fact, Android phones drop it's original RRP really fast.
          But what I don't know is what about the total loss, if you buy say 2 months after it's released, or if you are on a plan.
          Is the total loss comparable to iPhone?

          If so, then iPhone is not more expensive, bigger capital yes, but you will recover more too, so it's not expensive is it?

          Put it this way, if iPhone costs $1500, and after 2 years it becomes $1,300 second hand, I will consider that not bad. But if Android starts from 900 then drop to 600, that's worse than IPhone, i suppose.

          Also remember to factor in Feebay 13% charge in the total loss.

        • geek001 on 22/07/2016 - 13:25
          +6

          @fm: That really depends on when you buy your phone. Apple pricing pretty much stays the same. If you buy your Samsung phone on release day, the net loss would be a lot, but if you buy it a few months later, after the price drops a few hundred, the net loss would be much less. If you buy it on ozbargain deal, it would be even better.

          For example, if you buy a Samsung Galaxy S6 last year in April when it was launched, you would have paid $999, but if you waited for 3 months till this deal: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/200842, you would have paid $658.

          Right now, I can still see people on Gumtree selling their S6 for $550. Net Loss: $108.

          Apple is still selling iPhone 6 for $929 new. Most of the time, you can get it for 10% less on special, so it would be $836. If you go on gumtree, you can see people selling it for $650 second hand. Net loss: $186.

          So the point is: Apple has better resale value compared to Samsung if you buy it at release day. Samsung has better resale value if you buy it at least 3 months after release day.

        • [Deactivated] on 22/07/2016 - 14:30
          -6

          @geek001:That's exactly what I'm looking for, I do much prefer Feebay than Gumtree, so that making net loss a bit bigger.

          Nevertheless this clarify that iPhone is actually cheaper than Samsung. I mean phone purchased 3 months after release date is not new, is it?

        • Tech and cars on 26/07/2016 - 15:43
          +1

          @geek001: Nicely said. Also on release sometimes very good plans come out for apple.

          If I'm paying $60 a month for a plan (handset price included), and the S6 is the same $60 a month as an Iphone6.. I think the choice is pretty clear in terms of value for money. Apple wins.

  • wombok2 on 22/07/2016 - 11:59
    +6

    I using iOS 9.3.2 and Android 6.0.1 at the moment, here are my findings, but correct me if I'm wrong.

    Android
    + Far more customisation to suit your liking.
    + More settings to play with - eg in camera, you can adjust VGA/720p/1080p - iOS you cant.
    + Better value for money - eg better hardware when comparing phones under the same price.
    + Drag and drop files
    - Depending on the model, your manufacturer may decide not to upgrade to the latest OS(Except for Nexus, if your phone is 2 years old or older, you'll most likely never get another update.)
    - More prone to get malware apps compared to iOS
    - Phone tends to slow down more than iOS once filled with apps
    - Crap after sales for almost every manufacturer.

    iOS
    + Overall smooth experience - to me, iOS 'feels' more refined than Android.
    + Better apps on iOS, but some cost money
    + More future proof than Android (iPhone 4S is about 5 years old and still runs the latest iOS - bit laggy though)
    + Far more simple to use, I think because Android has too many settings which makes it confusing for users that aren't so tech savy
    - If you have duplicate contacts for whatever reason, you have to SELECT them one by one to delete on the phone
    - Can't add widgets on home screen
    - No shortcut on Control Panel quickly to disable or enable 'Location Services' - You must go into Settings - Privacy, etc.

    Since the latest iPhones now have NFC, theses are strictly limited to Apple Pay, if your bank doesn't support Apple Pay then you won't be able to use Contact-less Payment on your phone. Android has Android Pay coming soon, but some banks have their own mobile payment solution so you'll have more options. - eg NAB Pay, ANZ Mobile Pay, etc.

    • [Deactivated] on 22/07/2016 - 12:04
      • Even though it's very easy to

      What do you mean? The widget?

      iPhone 4S is about 5 years old and still runs the latest iOS - bit laggy though

      I heard this is on purpose, is that true?

      in camera, you can adjust VGA/720p/1080p - iOS you cant.

      So the picture size will always be maximum size, is it? That's troublesome when transferring or emailing then?

      • If you have duplicate contacts for whatever reason

      My contacts is stored in Google, can I get it across to iOS? if not this is a killer…

      • wombok2 on 22/07/2016 - 12:08
        +4

        Sorry that was a typo "Even though it's very easy to"

        I don't think they made the iPhone 4S laggy on purpose after the update, it's just that the Apple A5 CPU is quite old, and isn't capable like the newer Apple A9 CPU to run more features built-in to the iOS.

        iOS you can't add a 'List' on the home screen which is very handy when you're forgetful like me

        iOS yes can't change anything, if you want to take a picture in a different ratio(4:3, 16:9), resolution nope.

        I think you have to log on Google first and sort them first, my google account had sim contacts, gmail contacts all together so there was some dups and it was a pain to remove it on the phone.

        • fenric on 22/07/2016 - 15:46
          +4

          Laggy on purpose would not surprise me. They literally killed the wifi modules on alot of the Iphone 4 and 4s with an update a few years ago. We had 3 in our office, and (perhaps stupidly) I updated them all at once and 2 of the 3 wifi modules died. Tried everything including rolling back, finally took it into the apple drone bar and they said, "oh, they were probably broken already before the update, it's just that this update is more sensitive and wont allow it to work" and no they would not do anything about it apart from sell me a new iphone.
          Looked online further to find that many thousands of others had the same issue with not a peep from apple. So engineered redundancy is very much alive.
          Would not support a company that deliberately euthanises your phone when it reaches a certain age :[

        • RockyRaccoon on 22/07/2016 - 21:20

          @fm & @fenric:

          Laggy on purpose would not surprise me

          A Phone/Computer manufacturer announces their existing 5 year old phones/computers won't be laggy on their current OS
          This Phone/Computer manufacturer also announces no upgrades to their Phone/computer operating system.

          Media declares that Phone/Computer manufacturer achieves first for industry "no deliberate euthanisation" of their products.

          Internet blogs go wild with excitement.

          Industry watchers declare that this is the end of planned redundancy, that catches all other Phone/computer manufacturers wrong footed.

          The UN declares that making improvements to products that means consumers are hoodwinked into wanting the latest gadgets will be seen as predatory behaviour by developed nations and that now underdeveloped nations can catch up on technology.

          😷

        • Tech and cars on 26/07/2016 - 15:52

          I take photos using camera+. You can take lower resolution photos :)

        • wombok2 on 30/07/2016 - 02:36

          @khonfahm:

          I know things can be done via Apps, but I personally think you shouldn't need to stock as is.

          However, I do have one annoying problem with WhatsApp. If I enable "Allow to media onto phone" it saves a copy of everything I send out into Album which creates duplicate.(I turn it on so it automatically downloads my attachments)

          On Android, you can't see it but you can remove it by deleting the 'Sent' folder in program manager.

  • pernunz on 22/07/2016 - 12:57

    The upgrading process from one Android phone to another should not be so complex.

    Fuel Log: Is this an app or a note? If it's an app you should be able to keep it in the cloud, otherwise just use an app
    SMS: This is a pain, I use an app called SMS Backup+ that regularly backs up my SMS to my Gmail account.
    Whatsapp: How is this an issue?
    Home screen settings: Isn't playing around with a new phone and what's on offer part of the great thing about getting a new phone?
    Game saves: Should be linked to Google Play Games Account

    Admittedly, Android was bad to change devices a few years ago, but now it's fine.

    • [Deactivated] on 22/07/2016 - 13:10
      +1

      Isn't playing around with a new phone and what's on offer part of the great thing about getting a new phone?

      Yeah dude, I'm not young anymore, no time…

      If it's an app you should be able to keep it in the cloud, otherwise just use an app

      Sorry this doesn't make sense to me, can you explain?
      It's an app, it can export the data to csv, but that's it.

      Game saves: Should be linked to Google Play Games Account

      It doesn't save all games, does it?

      Thing is there are a few checklist things to do before upgrading, otherwise I lose it…

      • pernunz on 22/07/2016 - 15:39
        +1

        Yeah dude, I'm not young anymore, no time…

        Worries about game cloud saves.
        Games on Android rely on the developer implementing linking Cloud Saves.
        Your Fuel log app would require you to input it onto a different app, or import the CSV when you switch devices. If it's just a CSV that can't save in the cloud, I'd use Google Sheets.

        Get whatever phone is best for you, but it seems like you've made up your mind already.

  • Member 0230 on 23/07/2016 - 10:18
    +1

    @fm, regarding your question of does iOS keep apps in the background that consume power and memory (and therefore needs obsessive management), the quick and simplified answer is: No.

    There's a little more to it of course, and Misconceptions About iOS Multitasking explains it well.

    Here's a short excerpt:

    Let me be as clear as I can be: the iOS multitasking bar does not contain "a list of all running apps". It contains "a list of recently used apps". The user never has to manage background tasks on iOS.

    In short, the advice to continually unload every recently used app in the multitasking bar because it's slowing it down and using up power is wrong.

    sigh I guess I have to unlearn a habit…

  • imurgod on 23/07/2016 - 15:00
    +5

    FWIW I recently made the switch the other way. Always been an iPhone user and got the galaxy s7. ITunes does back up the phone better from what I know but I'd never go back to Apple. The closed system really limits what you can do with the phone and the s7 is a rocket of a phone. If you haven't had an iPhone in a while, consider how limiting the system is and how reliant on iTunes it is. ITunes is rubbish IMO and a large reason for my switching. L That said, I was running it on a Windows pc. Another big reason was expandable storage. I have 232Gig in total and I never run out of room now where I used to all the time on my 64 gig iPhone due to lots of music and photos. Then there's photos. My sister in law sold her iPhone 6+ after she took photos with my phone. I'm no photo buff but I think it's a great camera. Best to research such a jump to make sure it suits your needs.

    • [Deactivated] on 23/07/2016 - 16:20
      +2

      I tend to think older generations, especially those with kids prefer iPhone, and the younger ones, prefer android.

      Are you younger or the older gens?

      • Member 0230 on 23/07/2016 - 17:56
        +2

        My kids probably consider me ancient : )

        Sheer usability and reliability matters a great deal to me, though I am no fan of what iTunes is today, but I hear it's worse on PC.

        Another plus is the knowledge that Apple's support of its previous gen products (some would argue to a fault) is pretty amazing, eg, the iPhone 4S released 5 years ago is still supported by the latest iOS 9 updates.

        Even more amazing, our prehistoric Early 2008 iMac still runs the latest macOS (10.11 El Capitan), 8 years later.

        Having said that Android is great for Apple, keeping it on its toes which is a plus for all of us.

        For what it's worth, I've been a tech head for decades, built PCs, religiously waited for the Green Guide on Thursdays, and the tech support for all my family and friends : )

      • imurgod on 23/07/2016 - 18:13

        Funny you mention that. I have 2 small kids and they use my wife's old ipad and my old iPhone. I think partially because I don't care if they wreck them. Interesting point though. Quite valid.

  • virhlpool on 23/07/2016 - 16:45
    +9

    What I hate about iPhones is that you can't use them as USB and add/delete any files (music, video, etc.) with just copy and paste.. you need iTunes everytime and it's so annoying. Correct me if I am wrong.

    • Aced21 on 23/07/2016 - 17:23
      +5

      Pretty much, every time I plug in one of my relative's IPhone to my PC it requires ITunes, and I'm an android guy, and it pains me to install such software. Then it tells me that this phone is synced elsewhere blah blah. It's annoying.

    • plasmoske on 23/07/2016 - 17:48
      +6

      Yeah that's spot on. With the Android phones, you just connect USB and it pretty much acts like a USB drive.
      Much more convenient.

      Also with Android, you're able to download anything you want… from the browser/phone.
      Want to download a mp3 or even a pdf on an iPhone? Pretty much not do-able.

      I think I'll summarise it by saying:

      • Apple phones are great for people who want to follow the Apple way. They have a closed eco-system so if there's an app you want that is not on the app store, you won't be able to run or install it. Their selected default apps. Everything default on the phone is fine tuned. Nothing is too complex as there are not as much options when compared to Android OS.

      • Android phones on the other hand are great for people who want a phone the way they want it. The app system is open. You can install any kind of apps you want (whether good or crap kinds). Not happy with the default dialer? Just install another and switch it. Some stuff may work great. Some other stuff might not. That's the catch with versatility. Stuff can get pretty complex as there's a lot of options. If you're tech literate, this isn't such a big problem. Some people like the options. Phones are usually cheaper when compared to Apple phones on similar tech.

      • enzioFirenze on 25/07/2016 - 00:44

        ^^so much this! I bought an ipad for media consumption and took it on a trip immediately after I bought it, the darn thing won't download ducks**t through the browser, I was furious with it. I had to use ADM in my Android and download stuff and use some file share app to share that to some ridiculous media app to get things working in ipad, screw that! Funny thing is, one of these videos I transferred played in the default video player with audio and everything but there was a big popup on the screen saying a codec needed to be downloaded lol!

    • Member 0230 on 23/07/2016 - 19:12

      I don't use iTunes for what you describe, but for sharing between Apple devices (including Macs) AirDrop is awesome.

      I guess I don't tend to do ad hoc file transfers with other platforms, but when I do I guess I'll use email or cloud services, esp for big items, eg, Dropbox.

    • epicttiimm on 24/07/2016 - 16:07
      +1

      I currently use a 6s. Been using iPhones since the iPhone 5 with iOS 6 (or 5?) and haven't connected it to a computer since then. Nearly everything can be done wirelessly.
      * Update phone? OTA.
      * Music? Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, etc.
      * Copy files? Use the numerous SMB/network share access apps on the App Store.
      * Videos? Netflix, Infuse, nPlayer, all which can access network shares and online services (Dropbox, etc)
      * Share files? Airdrop.
      * Mirror your screen? Airplay.

      Had a mate which dropped his iPhone, used his one 'accidental' drop warranty from AppleCare+ to replace it. Walked into an Apple Store and within 2 hrs he had a brand new iPhone which looked exactly like his old one which was backed up to iCloud. I agree with your opinion on iTunes though, its a PITA when I do have to use it for restoring but that is like 1-2 times a year. If I cant be stuffed, I'll take it to the Apple Store, and they'll do it for me on the same day, and restore it (fast wifi there takes like 30 mins max).

      • virhlpool on 24/07/2016 - 19:11
        +1

        More apps, more complicated life.. isn't it? USB is one stop solution nonetheless.

        • epicttiimm on 24/07/2016 - 20:29
          +1

          Everything there can be done with just 2-3 non-stock apps since all the other features are already baked into the system. Even if I went and bought a GS7 (which is an excellent phone btw), I could use it 100% without ever connecting it to a computer. 5 years ago, when I used a GS3, USB mass storage mode was incredibly useful as people used USB to move files extensively. Today, cloud services and network storage kinda make local storage a hassle. Android has the same, if not more selection (eg. Kodi) when it comes to these media apps. Personally I feel like using wires are a step back in technology. I guess I'm getting accustomed to a more port-less ecosystem. Nowadays, I use a MacBook with one port, and Bluetooth headphones and I try to use as little cables as I can just because I cant deal with cable clutter. You cant beat the reliability of wires though, and I agree that USB is a one stop shop: it does everything and I'm completely sold on USB C for the future. I just wish the iPhone had wireless charging :/

  • plasmoske on 23/07/2016 - 17:34
    +2

    Think you already made up your mind about what you want.

    I say go for it and tell us how it goes in a month's time.

    Would like to hear from a fellow OzBargainer.

    • [Deactivated] on 23/07/2016 - 19:37

      Lol, actually based on the comment about how closed apple is, and how hard it would be for me to open MP3 or pdf, which I sometimes do, I think I would keep android, I guess what I should do is make a check list of things to back up n bite the bullet…

      • YellowDieselGolf on 25/07/2016 - 10:22

        What's so hard about PDFs? Save them (from the Internet or email) and then open them through iBooks.

        Music files can be downloaded from the music store without a PC either.

        Not hard at all.

        • [Deactivated] on 25/07/2016 - 12:04

          I sometimes downloaded MP3 straight from the net, can that be opened?

          But I think I can always download to pc n put into iTunes later.

        • [Deactivated] on 25/07/2016 - 12:16

          This changes things… I get the PDF from email and internet… if it opens well n quickly, there is no need to browse Download folder then…
          If embedded music file on the internet can be downloaded to be played later, that should be alright.

        • YellowDieselGolf on 25/07/2016 - 19:36

          @fm:

          Not sure about mp3s from random websites but PDFs can be saved and viewed later.

        • plasmoske on 25/07/2016 - 21:33

          @fm:

          No you won't be able to download music files from the internet. Like from zippy or mediafire etc

          Might be possible if you have the direct link and use third party app. But a lot of mp3s are not direct links.

          You can either stream em online via music apps (if the song is available there), buy from itunes, or download from your PC/Mac and sync via itunes.

          Example: http://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/179127/how-to-downl…

  • ShortyX on 23/07/2016 - 19:52
    +4

    We're in the Apple ecosystem with iPhones, Macs, iPads, Apple TV and it all works well for us. Hardly touch iTunes though as we use iCloud Backup and Restore when switching phones. All the features like iCloud Photos, iCloud Backup, iTunes Match, Apple Music, iMessage, Find IPhone, FaceTime, and Continuity just work really nicely together. And the camera is fast. :). I'm always surprised when I see a laggy camera on a Samsung.

    My personal opinion is that you'll hate it when you change but stick with it and you too can become a blue message guy!

    • nobro25 on 23/07/2016 - 20:34

      You're probaly talking about the guy using a Samaung galaxy s5 mini. There's 100's of different samsung model phones. If you compare the average specs of All running Apple Phones and Samsung phones ofc Apple is gonna have higher specs and genrally a better camera.

      • ShortyX on 23/07/2016 - 20:40

        Sorry, was referring to the Galaxy. I saw the laggy camera on a S6 recently.

  • Soybeanus on 23/07/2016 - 20:45
    +4

    if Apple got rid of the whole iTunes dependency I would be on board so fast. Because in my experience Samsung/android/other OS devices are great - until they're old news (months in, maybe a year) and then support for them (bug fixes etc) slips tremendously/stops/nobody cares. Will probably just suck it up and get an iPhone next time for the flush user experience since I'm a sukka who keeps signing 2 year contracts. Will miss that physical back button though.

    • Member 0230 on 24/07/2016 - 02:47
      +3

      I am under the strong impression over the last five years of iOS releases that the dependence on iTunes is approaching zero, by design.

      eg, check out this write up from 2011, How to go PC free with iOS 5 and your iPhone or iPad

      Once you’ve completed the iOS 5 update, you no longer need to be connected to iTunes at all. For anything. No, really. It may be hard for a longtime Apple mobile user to wrap their head around, but all the business of setting up, activating…

  • xoom on 24/07/2016 - 08:20

    The day i can bluetooth transfer any file to an iphone using any phone that has bluetooth is the day i might consider them again.

    Or to just be able to just transfer any file anywhere on the iphone without having to go through the cloud is another.

    • Member 0230 on 27/07/2016 - 08:03

      Android to android, BT file transfer is (or a lot of the time should be) obviously possible. But is this possible between android and any other platform, eg., Win phones?

      I think inter-platform transfer would be great, but don't know if it's reality yet.

      But as I mentioned earlier, sharing between Apple devices (including Macs) AirDrop is awesome, just as between androids.

      • xoom on 27/07/2016 - 08:15

        unsure about windows phones but if it supports the bluetooth standard like windows laptops and android phones does then bluetooth file transfer should be possible to and from windows to android.

        cant say the same for apple because all people seem to use the bluetooth is for headphones and not for file transfer.

        as for airdrop. thats unlikely to support non apple devices.

        Apple's AirDrop is functionally similar to a hybrid between Wi-Fi direct and Wi-Fi virtualization, but it is a proprietary Apple protocol.

        TL;DR

        Bluetooth can be cross platform for file transfer but apple seems to cripple its feature for file transfer.

  • greatlamp on 24/07/2016 - 09:00
    +4

    I collected downvotes when I said that ios provides a better user experience worth its cost.

    I have tried the Samsung switch software. It copied the apps, but not their settings. Some were missed. It messed up my contacts.

    The fact that we still don't have a decent backup option in Android goes to show the different priorities between the two developers.

    All the big manufacturers of androids try their best to brand their devices with unique features and differentiate themselves.

    However if something needs to be improved in the os, noone will touch it, as it would benefit their rivals.

    Apple is a software company, google is a data analytics company, it feels like Android will always be one step behind.

    • RockyRaccoon on 24/07/2016 - 09:46
      +2

      I would guess you collected down votes because behind religion, and sports teams, phone OS'es are probably the next most important tribal issue in the world today.

      Dont mess with someone's tribe 😷

  • [Deactivated] on 24/07/2016 - 12:52
    +2

    I have been an iPhone user since iPhone 4. I have since sold that for $150 (broken front and back screens) when I bought my current iPhone 6. The experience still feels "new", although I'm missing image stabilization that comes with the Plus, and 3D Touch with the 6S. Anyhow, I'm happy with my current iPhone 6, especially knowing that it has a very high resale value, of almost $700 (it's a 64GB), and yes, even with that size, I have iCloud of 100GB at $4.49 per month because I have all my photos there.

    In contrast, my company provides me a company phone and it is a Samsung Galaxy S5. It is vanilla, no root, no jailbreak, no whatever, and the whole experience just doesn't cut it. Sure, it has some cool features like it is able to detect my eye/face, and I am able to hover my finger, but I don't use those features, cause those seem like it's for being cool. 'sides that, camera is slow, and battery life is not good. I rarely use my phone, like really, cause it's a company phone, so I don't even do Facebook, or make calls or send SMSes, and it dies within a day. I don't know what is sucking the battery, it's just weird.

    In conclusion, I'll definitely go back to an iPhone, for its "it just works", like the original poster said about backing, and restoring, and for its resale value.

    • [Deactivated] on 25/07/2016 - 12:23

      Yeah, I don't use the eye, face, hand etc. I disable it from the start.
      I do like iPhone silent switch, I think that's a killer feature, it's so easy to know if the phone is silent or not.

      my GS6 needs fuel stop every 3pm, if not it dies by 5pm, just about the time i need to go home…

      Like many people I use it heavily to browse internet on the train or play games, most other times it's on standby.

  • burningrage on 24/07/2016 - 14:21

    Reading OP comments I dont quite understand because I dont have any probs with galaxy phones (especially the Notes ranges).

    A commenter above said iphone "just works" dont really apply to me. I am finding Notes are very much "work" with me.

    In fact since Iphone 4 I thought to myself never to buy an Iphone anymore.

    I just want to write about it so viewers dont get the impression as if Galaxy phones are bad.

    • [Deactivated] on 25/07/2016 - 12:20

      My main major issue is with data migration when upgrading the phone.
      Or any backup-restore, because a few months ago my phone got some error that I need to reset the data.

      I lost a lost of data… plus the frustrations of setting things up the same way it was.

      I have been using Android heavily, and loving its open system, pretty much like Windows. But the backup-restore just kills it, I'm afraid about it, not looking forward to it again, and thus the reason this topic is created.

      • burningrage on 25/07/2016 - 12:51

        Isn't that what SmartSwitch supposed to do? I moved Note 3 to Note 5, S4 to Note 4, and if I am not mistaken, I also did Iphone 4 to S4 (my first foray into Android Phone). They were all okay.

        I admit, some apps don't work when migrated from say, Note 3 to Note 5 for certain apps but they just ended up being updated.

        And for the backup, I got Kies to do it for me. The techie at Samsung even backup up everything to my SD Card as well and I didn't know it can do that lol.

        Tried restore once and must admit, it wasn't breezy but worked for me.

        When I am getting Note 7, I will be moving Note 4 to 7 and I am sure it will be breeze again.

        Having said that, Iphone has probably evolved a lot since Iphone 4 so maybe you could be right. It might be easier on Apple than on Android now than then.

      • RocketSwitch on 26/07/2016 - 10:45

        This is the thing with Android, it's hard to know how to even backup. Pictures, use a cloud or move them via USB. Apps? Not sure. SMS? Probably an app for that. It gets difficult.

        But I have always rooted my Android devices. This allows you to install an app called Titanium Pro. Backs up your phone in about 30 minutes. Done. Pictures, move to computer or cloud.

        But, most people don't have a rooted Android device. So backup is an issue, for those who are rooted, it's an amazing experience.

        I found Android over time gets slow as hell, but with ROM updates, wipe and flashing, it's new again. But of course, this requires knowledge in this area.

        I haven't used the iPhone before, but you will have to make a few sacrifices. Backing up is easier, but no drag and drop and limited customisations. I'm not sure of performance, but ask yourself if backing up is justified compared to drag and drop and customisations.

  • cdkane on 24/07/2016 - 16:10
    +1

    I moved from a Galaxy Note 3 to a Galaxy s6 Edge a few months back and could not have been simpler really, just make sure on your current phone you have set it to back up your settings via Google and Samsung.

    When I got my new phone I signed in, restored the backup and it was pretty much sorted. No computer needed.

    Resale value Apple always wins out. Actual value, Samsung all the way.
    Camera… never had an issue with it opening immediately after a double tap.
    Apps… well that depends on what you want to do really.
    As for features its hard to say on what you will miss out on, but all in all, Android is what you want to be using if you want the most available features.

    edit I have had an iPhone in the past and found that it just did not have enough customisation for me. I have nothing against Apple either, I have an iMac, Macbook Pro, Mac 12', Mac Mini, and an iPad, but as far as phones go the iPhone was not the right tool for the job.

  • paulojr on 24/07/2016 - 17:55
    +3

    Key difference between say Samsung and even Sony vs Apple the is the backup and recovery processes are actually thought out properly by Apple. All negative points aside if you are doing anything more than basic functions the google backup and manufacturer provided backup solutions do not usually get all data on the device. My experiences with iOS is apple does capture pretty much everything when you run an itunes backup. The losses on android comes for areas you many not initially expect. e.g. known and never resolved gaps in the backup software is a typical problem, glitches backing up data due to errors on the internal file system is another I am hit with frequently (file system errors tend to occur over time even if the cause has been rectified) then there are custom features that you forget about, such as sony's voice recordings which simply cannot be backed up without imaging the file system directly.

    With the added need to typically return Samsung and even Sony these days back to a dodgy repairer for the usual range of faults you end up needing to do more data wipe restore cycles. In short much more time consuming to deal with android phones in the real world than iphones. You learn to live either with data loss or lots of wasted time (or both) We're actually living with a couple of faults such as faulty vibration motor because we simply don't have the time to run through the process yet again prior to shipping it to the repairer.

    That said I'm still using android for now but certainly wouldn't go another Samsung ever again.

    • epicttiimm on 24/07/2016 - 20:46

      When I was using a GS3, I rooted it just for Titanium Backup which was (and still is) the most comprehensive backup solution. Granted, it has probably changed since I last seriously used an Android.

      You are right that iOS backups do get quite literally all the data on the device. When I restored my iPhone from a previously jailbroken iPhone which I did a backup of, it even preserved settings from the jailbreak tweaks (numbers for signal strength mod)

  • jerjergege on 24/07/2016 - 21:08

    Ahh, that's why you decided to go to iPhone, cause you've been using samdung, use a better android experience.

  • jpv on 24/07/2016 - 23:36
    +1

    I have both phones, iPhone for personal and Samsung for work.
    iMessage is very similar to WhatsApp. Your wife has an iPhone so iMessage will complement it well.
    Only big downside that I dislike from the iPhone is that you can't set Google Maps to be the default maps.
    Other than that you wouldn't really want to change any default apps from the iPhone since the apps work so well with each other.

  • Kelvin H. on 25/07/2016 - 16:01

    I went from the S6 to iPhone 6 to iPhone 6s and now S7 edge. I found the cameras on both Galaxys to be superior to the iPhones, mainly because of stabilisation. With the iPhone, the slightest movement would render the photo blurry. Different story if it was the Plus though.

    • [Deactivated] on 25/07/2016 - 16:04

      Thanks mate, I haven't got enough trial to know that.

      Is indoor or low light shooting better?

      • Kelvin H. on 25/07/2016 - 16:08

        Under low light conditions, I found the front camera on the 6s to take better shots. The S7 edge takes better rear camera shots under the same conditions.

  • centrelink on 25/07/2016 - 17:07
    +1

    So I was trying to upgrade my iPhone 6S PLUS firmware yesterday thru iTunes and it screwed up, my iPhone got bricked. Didn't do a manual backup at all and hardly accessed iTunes. Went into the Apple store after booking an appointment and got my phone replaced, no questions asked or anything (cause they had to check the phone to see if it worked or not).

    I was worried I had to re-install everything and my photos but nup, I had iCloud backup and when i logged back in, everything was exactly the same the way it was before (besides re-logging in apps).

    Quite happy that I don't need worry about backups in the future,.

  • BadGiraffe on 25/07/2016 - 17:10
    +2

    I've moved from iPhone to Android, so I kind of know what you're going through.

    I personally don't rely on apps to do my moving for me. I do it oldskool. So here's what I would recommend.

    1. Copy, copy, copy.

    When moving to another platform, take what you can off your old one, save it somewhere central, then copy it to your new phone.

    All your photos? Copy it to a PC.
    All your music? Copy it to a PC.
    All your x? Copy it to a PC.

    2. Everything but the kitchen sync

    You may have some apps that are synced with Google or the app devs. You'll just need to log into that new app with the same credentials, and it'll pull all that down. Haven't synced anything yet? Do it now.

    3. The big move

    Get your iPhone. Set it up. All the stuff you copied off? Copy it back into your iPhone. Use iTunes for the things you need to; photos, music, etc.

    Install the apps you need. Log in to the appropriate accounts, and get them to sync.

    4. So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodnight

    You have to be pretty strong for this one. Whatever you can't save, kiss that stuff goodbye. If you can copy it off, but can't put it on your new phone, keep that on your PC, or in some cloud storage service.

    Also, I do this when I move to a new Android phone as well. I personally can't stand iTunes and the syncing problems I get with it. Maybe I'm using it wrong or something. I don't know. But I'm happy with Android.

    I like starting from scratch, getting rid of the old junk, doing a bit of a clean up, setting up myself on a new phone to get that shiny, new feeling.

    And that's that. Good luck!

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