Android vs iPhone for this summer?
April 1, 2009 2:49 PM Subscribe
My phone contract is going to expire this June and I am looking to get a new phone/contract. I am leaning toward getting an iPhone but I think that phones with Android might have more potential to be better in the future. Right now my hesitation about Android phones is that the only one out is the Tmobile G1, which is inferior to the iPhone. Does anyone know if there will be more Android options come June/July? What do you think I should get this summer, iPhone or Android based phone?
I wouldn't say that the G1 is inferior to the iphone, but I am biased. Still, it has a better camera, a really nice keyboard and a fantastic touchscreen. The G2 (HTC Magic is coming out in a month or two) which will not have a slide out keyboard, but will have a soft type touch keyboard like the iphone (not necessarily an upgrade from my pov but it will be slimmer as a result). Furthermore several additional manufacturers are coming out with android phones and that will result in a stronger developer pool for the software overall.
I like the android a lot, but it really depends on what you want.
posted by BobbyDigital at 3:23 PM on April 1, 2009
I like the android a lot, but it really depends on what you want.
posted by BobbyDigital at 3:23 PM on April 1, 2009
A new iPhone (featuring iPhone OS 3.0) is likely/inevitable this summer, at which point the iPhone will kick even more pants off Android (really, for me, at least -- I own neither, but have tried both. One I could figure out how to use. The G1 not so much). Also keep the Palm Pre on your list -- it may be overhyped, or it may be pretty cool.
posted by misterbrandt at 3:24 PM on April 1, 2009
posted by misterbrandt at 3:24 PM on April 1, 2009
Phandroid is a blog about Android phones where you can find the answers to many of your questions. You might also want to check out the Palm Pre. I'm not sure what its release date is, however.
posted by billtron at 3:27 PM on April 1, 2009
posted by billtron at 3:27 PM on April 1, 2009
Android Phones here - looks like there's a Samsung one in the works, and the HTC magic.
iPhone OS 3.0 IS coming out in the summer. Assuming there's no slippage, eheh.
I'm an iPhone user, I'll make no secret of that. A tactile keyboard is a definite advantage for typing, but the other uses of the iPhone's multi-touch screen are both extremely well implemented and intuitive, and it would take a lot to persuade me that the G1 - or even the Magic - was a better phone as opposed to a reasonable alternative. Both platforms have their downsides, but Apple have made it fun to use a phone, so I'm glad I have it.
posted by fearnothing at 3:40 PM on April 1, 2009
iPhone OS 3.0 IS coming out in the summer. Assuming there's no slippage, eheh.
I'm an iPhone user, I'll make no secret of that. A tactile keyboard is a definite advantage for typing, but the other uses of the iPhone's multi-touch screen are both extremely well implemented and intuitive, and it would take a lot to persuade me that the G1 - or even the Magic - was a better phone as opposed to a reasonable alternative. Both platforms have their downsides, but Apple have made it fun to use a phone, so I'm glad I have it.
posted by fearnothing at 3:40 PM on April 1, 2009
Personally, I own a G1 and consider it as good as an iPhone with the advantage of a proper keyboard for that important ability of typing as you go.
The forthcoming G2, I think, goes *backward* in not having a keyboard built in. But YMMV.
posted by almostwitty at 5:04 PM on April 1, 2009
The forthcoming G2, I think, goes *backward* in not having a keyboard built in. But YMMV.
posted by almostwitty at 5:04 PM on April 1, 2009
Shouldn't the OP consider a Blackberry Storm? Don't mean to derail.
posted by Clyde Mnestra at 6:26 PM on April 1, 2009
posted by Clyde Mnestra at 6:26 PM on April 1, 2009
Sprint is commited to the android platform. The rumors are to expect one this year sometime. I wouldnt be surprised if they go with the HTC magic platform. Some think it might be samsung. Or both.
Supposedly, Verizon is looking at android, but not as seriously as sprint.
posted by damn dirty ape at 7:16 PM on April 1, 2009
Supposedly, Verizon is looking at android, but not as seriously as sprint.
posted by damn dirty ape at 7:16 PM on April 1, 2009
I own both the G1 and the iPhone.
In its current state I don't think Android can compete. The software is simply clunky. The app store is terrible. The only positive thing I can say about it is there are some fun games.
I am with you on the belief that it may improve in the future but the big question is how long will that take.
I am currently running the iPhone 3.0beta2 and its fantastic. Every time I use the G1 it just makes me wish i was using the iPhone.
And I agree with Clyde might be worth checking out the blackberry camp
posted by moochoo at 12:55 AM on April 2, 2009 [1 favorite]
In its current state I don't think Android can compete. The software is simply clunky. The app store is terrible. The only positive thing I can say about it is there are some fun games.
I am with you on the belief that it may improve in the future but the big question is how long will that take.
I am currently running the iPhone 3.0beta2 and its fantastic. Every time I use the G1 it just makes me wish i was using the iPhone.
And I agree with Clyde might be worth checking out the blackberry camp
posted by moochoo at 12:55 AM on April 2, 2009 [1 favorite]
When this discussion starts about which phone (or computer) is best, it usually devolves into a debate about the capabilities of the various devices. What's frequently left out is a discussion of you, and how you interact with technology. If you are a no-frills, no-nonsense, get-the-job-done, kind of person, you will probably not find the iPhone much more useful than the other options. However, if you have a sense of wonder at what technology can accomplish, seriously consider it.
Disclaimer: I am in the second camp. One of my degrees is in Human Factors Engineering, and I am an iPhone user. It isn't the best communications device you can buy, and it certainly isn't on the best network. But it is a wonder of technology that makes me smile every time I pick it up. Why? Because it's a day-to-day, minute-to-minute problem solver. For every little problem that life (especially life on the road) throws at you, chances are there's an app to address it.
Hear a song you like? Shazam will ID it for you. Need a restaurant within walking distance? You've got a list, and directions, at your fingertips. Can't identify that star in the sky? Whip out your pocket planetarium. Got lots of info to keep track of? HanDBase has it covered. Want to do the New York Times crossword? It's in your pocket. Want to buy and read ebooks? It's a miniature Kindle. I could go on and on, but the sheer variety of apps, and the fantastic imaginations of the programmers, are a continuing delight.
So, if you're a gadget geek with a sense of awe at what creative minds can cram into an 11 centimeter slab, get the iPhone. You won't be disappointed. If, on the other hand, you're a shortest-distance-between kind of person, a simpler, cheaper alternative from a better provider will probably be your cup of tea.
MeMail me if you need a more detailed explanation of some of the various apps. Best of luck with your decision.
posted by dinger at 5:19 AM on April 2, 2009 [1 favorite]
Disclaimer: I am in the second camp. One of my degrees is in Human Factors Engineering, and I am an iPhone user. It isn't the best communications device you can buy, and it certainly isn't on the best network. But it is a wonder of technology that makes me smile every time I pick it up. Why? Because it's a day-to-day, minute-to-minute problem solver. For every little problem that life (especially life on the road) throws at you, chances are there's an app to address it.
Hear a song you like? Shazam will ID it for you. Need a restaurant within walking distance? You've got a list, and directions, at your fingertips. Can't identify that star in the sky? Whip out your pocket planetarium. Got lots of info to keep track of? HanDBase has it covered. Want to do the New York Times crossword? It's in your pocket. Want to buy and read ebooks? It's a miniature Kindle. I could go on and on, but the sheer variety of apps, and the fantastic imaginations of the programmers, are a continuing delight.
So, if you're a gadget geek with a sense of awe at what creative minds can cram into an 11 centimeter slab, get the iPhone. You won't be disappointed. If, on the other hand, you're a shortest-distance-between kind of person, a simpler, cheaper alternative from a better provider will probably be your cup of tea.
MeMail me if you need a more detailed explanation of some of the various apps. Best of luck with your decision.
posted by dinger at 5:19 AM on April 2, 2009 [1 favorite]
dinger, my G1 can do everything you listed, except for kindle specific ebooks (though other ebook formats are supported with some apps)
the iPhone has a head start on apps, but it feels to me that Android is catching up quickly. the G3 was just announced recently if you like the iPhone form factor, but this message would have taken much longer if I was using a soft keyboard instead of the one built into my G1.
OP, I'd suggest you find people who'd let you play with both phones for an hour or two, and then decide if you want to be tied to Apple and AT&T or part of a growing Open Source environment.
posted by jrishel at 12:12 PM on April 2, 2009 [1 favorite]
the iPhone has a head start on apps, but it feels to me that Android is catching up quickly. the G3 was just announced recently if you like the iPhone form factor, but this message would have taken much longer if I was using a soft keyboard instead of the one built into my G1.
OP, I'd suggest you find people who'd let you play with both phones for an hour or two, and then decide if you want to be tied to Apple and AT&T or part of a growing Open Source environment.
posted by jrishel at 12:12 PM on April 2, 2009 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
But if you really need a smartphone then here's the scoop.
posted by mrt at 2:55 PM on April 1, 2009