Everyone has their preferences, I would love to hear why you guys prefer using Android!
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I want a customizable phone that is not stuck in a walled-garden. Plus I do not use Apple products.
In no particular order
- File management works like a charm
- USB-C and fast charging
- Customizations
- Custom ROMs
- Privacy (getting a Pixel soon for GrapheneOS)
- Easier to repair
- More efficient (takes less steps to do stuff)
- Looks better
- Sideloading
- More choices for phones
Sideloading is the big one. I was considering an iPad before getting Xiaomi tablet (even though it costs roughly the same), but sideloading is game changer.
- YouTube Vanced
- Emulators
- Stremio and torrents
Along the lines of sideloading: proper adblock
I was reminded ads exist after I bought an iPad for school (sadly the notetaking experience is truly unrivaled). Adblock only works on Safari and whether it’ll work properly is another roll of the dice.
I have an iPad too. Try NextDNS. I have it set up on my iPad. I think it works but I only use it as a glorified notebook so I’m not sure
The only real alternative is iOS, which extremely restrictive and limiting, UI is unintuitive and clunky to navigate, and a lack of Quality-of-life enhancing apps (like better keyboards or apps to password protect other apps)
There’s a bunch of small things that always get in the way. Lack of file system access for example, or FOSS app options.
Freedom. I feel so restricted on iOS. I want to do this, and this, and that there too!
Anytime anyone asked why, my response has always been “options”. Plain and simple.
If you use any app other than what Apple provides, you become a second class citizen on your own phone.
Third party apps simply don’t integrate with iOS nicely unless Apple allows it. Even though you can choose a web browser, it has to use Safari’s underlying code base.
I’m on a Pixel 7. A lot of people say it’s like Google’s iPhone, but I can use Firefox as my browser natively. Adblocking actually works, too. I can choose any app as a default for whatever. Lots of FOSS! Google doesn’t own my Pixel the same way Apple owns the iPhone.
On a pixel phone you can even install a google free OS like graphene (that’s what I did)
Hi. I’ve heard quite a few people do this but never managed to ask why. So, taking the opportunity to ask.
What I mean is, if the large part of the phone is about the software experience and software optimisation (and the hardware in itself is nowhere near cutting edge) what’s the upside of installing a non-google OS on it?
Perhaps I’ll try it someday. For today, just curious. If you could shed some light on it. Thank you!
Sorry for the late reply, still getting used to lemmy and missed the notification.
I’m probably in the minority but I didn’t actually do it to completely de-google. I still have some Google services installed, they are sandboxed and limited to what I actively want though.
My main reason was removing the insane bloat that comes with modern phones. Think Facebook/Google and vendor specific apps being preinstalled without the ability to remove, forced google search bar on the home screen etc… Now I have a pretty clean, fairly safe, OS which behaves almost exactly like a normal phone.
Also important to remember on GrapheneOS is that your google play services are
- Optional
- Sandboxed Meaning even if you need google play, it’s a more private experience than stock android. I personally use a separate user profile for apps that require google play services.
Thank you both, this is very insightful!
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This is probably specific to the Pixel phones, not sure how much if any is relevant to other manufacturers.
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Call screening and spam filtering is amazing. Having the phone automatically screen unknown callers means I haven’t had to deal with a spam caller in years. And valid callers don’t seem to have any problems understanding whats happening anymore. I used to get several who confused it for a voice mail when it first came out, but now it seems they understand how to leave a screening message and wait for me to pick up.
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The phone tree and hold for me when calling businesses. Being able to read the options and click the text makes it so much easier to get through the options without having to really pay attention, then having it hold for me until a person answers lets me do other things instead of having to keep listening.
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Song identification on the lock screen. Whether I’m out at a bar or restaurant or at home watching a TV show and a song I like but don’t know starts playing, being able to see exactly what it is without even touching my phone is so convenient. I’ve found so many cool new bands I never would have without this feature. Its also amazing how it can often identify covers made specifically for TV shows right when they first air.
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Amazing camera and cool features like photo sphere and the new magic eraser. The camera might not be as head and shoulders above Samsung and Apple as it was in the past but it’s still always amazing how well it does in different conditions.
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- iOS is very restricted compared to Android.
- iPhones overpriced like crazy for what you get.
- GrapheneOS
I only really use my phone for light browsing, texting, and calling.
I decided to splash out for my current phone, so that I could use it for 5+ years. $700 new in 2018, 8GB RAM, 256 Storage, Octacore CPU, 3700 mAh battery. OnePlus stopped pushing security updates, so I flashed another ROM that is still being updated. I expect this thing to run for a few more years.
The iPhone out in 2018 was the XS. the 256 GB version was $1150; worse CPU, worse battery, less RAM. I believe Apple is still supporting it for updates, but it should be near EOL.
The whole thing revolves around being ableto flash a ROM, though. For me it’s a no-brainer, but I don’t begrudge anyone for not being willing. If I wasn’t going to do that… I might actually get an iPhone, just for the extended shelf life. > Z Fold 3
I use a combination of Termux + Andronix to run a full version of Ubuntu. Add Codeboard keyboard and suddenly I have a full dev environment on my unrooted, stock Android (Pixel). I don’t think I can do that with iOS.
Holy Sh…! That is awesome. I never heard of it and just tried it out. Thank you so much for your post, you made my day :-)
Sideloading apps Adblockers Being able to replace my battery
I used it initially, because I hated Apple and their proprietary stuff and have stayed ever since. I liked androids more universal approach. SD cards, usb, etc.
Exactly. Also, custom kernels, rooting, optimizing battery life by underclocking, disabling wakeups, and a helalalot more
Having the ability to add an SD card is great
Was great
Browser choice. Actually browser ENGINE choice. And the ability to set my own default apps, including the launcher.
F-droid. Side loading.
The battery tastes better.
What you been eating my guy
Batteries.
Fair enough
There is a lot more freedom on Android. I want to be able to side load.
This was one of my prime motivators for leaving iOS.
Also choice of device to meet my needs regardless of manufacturer, I’m still getting the experience , in the main.
Apple is nice but a walled garden.
