I’ve been an android user since its first release, I’ve been switching ROMs for over 10 years, and I’m in love with Google’s OS, the freedom it gives, and the tinker allowing. Even so, my SIM is inside an iPhone. I want to tell you why it’s so difficult to get out of the famous “Apple ecosystem”, from the point of view of someone who loves both iOS and Android.
This is an experiential piece, in which I want to share my point of view on why Apple manages to retain the user much more than Google. Therefore, first of all, I invite you to comment out of respect and personal contribution. Enjoying each operating system is something wonderful for those of us who are more geek, and nothing prevents an Android user from enjoying iOS and vice versa.
AirDrop deserves a few words
In my particular case, I don’t usually talk about the “Apple ecosystem” because I consider that a bit of a vague term to justify buying an iPhone. I like to talk more than integration and above all to save time during work, something crucial for me. Use iPhone with other Apple products saves me hours.
The first point that holds me back on iOS is AirDrop. Years and years have passed and there is no single transfer system on Android that matches it. Neither sending files via Telegram, nor Nearby Sharing, Snapdrop, or Google’s AirDroid hit AirDrop’s transfer times. I should note that I create social media content daily at a professional level, so my need for fast delivery (especially video files) is far greater than that of the average user.
If we send large files every day, AirDrop saves us hours and hours. I tried the same processes on Android and there is no color
To edit videos on PC, for example, in an open ecosystem, I would have to send the files to a cloud (tens of videos of hundreds of megabytes which would take a long time), export them to a program like Adobe Premiere, edit and export. with iPhone I send about 10/12 videos in less than 10 seconds, they are automatically selected on the Mac, I drag them into Final Cut and… the video is edited almost automatically.
Apple locks you into its accessories and syncs
In my particular case, I have an Apple Watch SE and three AirTags. The Apple Watch, from my point of view, is the smartwatch that best integrates with a mobile (in this case, forced to do so with the iPhone). They don’t cost a little money and, if I were to go back to Android, I would have to give it a gate.
The AirTag is one of the trackers with the greatest range and best integration with mobile. I can see on the home screen where my items are
But what would hurt me the most is losing the AirTags. I use it as a tracker on my motorcycle, in my wallet and on my keys. Samsung has its SmartTag, alternative who did not convince us in his analysis, there is the Tile, with a somewhat poor and more limited range and, after comparing them all thoroughly, the AirTag wins, for accuracy and range.
It doesn’t stop there, and since the AirTag is an Apple product, has integration with iOS’ own widgets, so that I can see on my iPhone, in real time, where the objects that I have connected to the AirTag are. This may seem trivial, but in my particular case it is essential, especially to locate the vehicle.
If we talk about synchronization, Google allows its applications to work on both PC and mobile, but Apple with Mac or Apple Watch is well above.
- Handoff: lets you work on one Apple device and continue on another
- Universal Clipboard: Allows you to copy to the clipboard on one device and paste content to another Apple device
- Phone calls: receive the call on all devices and pick up the one we want
- Forward text messages: Receive SMS and MMS messages on any Apple device
- Instant Hostpot: share the WiFi key between devices without having to enter the password
- Auto Unlock: Unlock your Mac or iPhone using Apple Watch
- Continuity Camera: Take a photo with your iPhone, iPad or Apple Touch to automatically scan documents and send them to your Mac
Double payment for applications
Something that bothers me about the distances between iOS and Android is double payment for apps. If I paid for an app on iOS, I have to pay for it again on Android. Google’s operating system opens the door to APKs, modified files, etc., but I’m one of those users who pays for an app to help the developer if it’s worth it.
I’ve been with iOS since iPhone 7, so hundreds of dollars are spent on apps. Some are important to my work, so pay them again It’s not an option.
There is no small high-end Android
I like “small” phones, not as much as an iPhone 13 Mini, but like an iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro. The closest thing I could test is the Google Pixel 5, and the closest in dimensions is an ASUS Zenfone 8. Neither suits me against an iPhone 13 Pro, to be honest.
Talking about a compact version on Android is generally talking about a version cut in specifications compared to the “Plus” or “Ultra”
Under Android, manufacturers have forgotten compact terminals and, when there’s a smaller version, it’s always worse, as in the case of a Samsung Galaxy S21 versus a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.
I would love to go back to Android, but I know it won’t happen
Going back to Android would require too many variables to give. What all manufacturers are updating at the pace of Google (something technically possible and which is not done because we do not want to spend so many resources), that social networks do not treat video so badly on Android, that nearby sharing is catching up with AirDrop and that certain manufacturers are encouraged with a high range, without cutting, less than 15 centimeters.
This is my experience and my personal use, very specific when I dedicate myself to the technological world and to the creation of content in RRSS. Faced with an average user without these specific requirements, I understand that the advantages of the iPhone may not seem like it. While, I stay on the dark side (for the moment).
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