Talk to me about Iphones vs other smartphones (NBR)

brianabrad · July 2012

Alright ladies, talk to me about Iphones vs other smartphones.

DH and I went into Best Buy yesterday ready to upgrade and get Iphones but the sales man was like why do you want Iphones? Our reply, basically it seemed like the thing to do. He recommended the Samsung Galaxy S3 and because we weren't sure what to do we left without new phones. We have done the research, read and watched reviews and both seem to have good and bad things about them.

Currently, DH has a Blackberry and I don't even have a smartphone so anything will be an upgrade for us but we want to make the best decision for the money.

mrsodonnell12 · July 2012

I absolutely LOVE my iPhone.....

osufan · July 2012

I love my iPhone and couldn't imagine switching to anything else.

amh04 · July 2012

Personally, I wouldn't get an iPhone - I think they are wayyyy too overhyped and seriously there is much better quality out there.

We were going to get iPhones about 2 years ago when I upgraded from my blackberry and went with Androids instead. I'm so thankful we did. With Droid's - we don't have to pay to use the navigation, it's free through google navigation. The screen quality is much bigger and better. It does just about everything the iPhone does (minus iTunes) and costs less, (accessories, car chargers etc) and you get a better quality phone. I also think the phone runs better - but I'm not sure what processor is in the iPhone.

That's just my two cents. You have people who love & hate both.

laurapacheco · July 2012

I'm going to add to the pro-Android info and point out that Android phones are much more customizable than iPhones, and there are more free apps out there because anyone can submit an app to the Android Market. Some of the newer Androids also have a MUCH longer battery life, which can be a huge issue with smartphones in general.

You're going to find people that love & hate both,.. in the end it's just personal preference choice. GL!

brianabrad · July 2012

amh04:
Personally, I wouldn't get an iPhone - I think they are wayyyy too overhyped and seriously there is much better quality out there.

We were going to get iPhones about 2 years ago when I upgraded from my blackberry and went with Androids instead. I'm so thankful we did. With Droid's - we don't have to pay to use the navigation, it's free through google navigation. The screen quality is much bigger and better. It does just about everything the iPhone does (minus iTunes) and costs less, (accessories, car chargers etc) and you get a better quality phone. I also think the phone runs better - but I'm not sure what processor is in the iPhone.

That's just my two cents. You have people who love & hate both.

What type of phone did you go with? The Samsung that was recommended is an Android.

We are trying to decide if there are things about the Iphone that we would miss vs. things that wouldn't such as iTunes since I don't plan to use it for music anyway.

When you say pay to use navigation, are you talking about like the GPS and maps?

Jessie333 · July 2012

Most of the androids (at least HTC for sure) have scratch proof screens that aren't glass (like the iPhone). So if you drop it, the screen won't break.

EAMommy · July 2012

I upgraded from a dumb phone to a smart phone about 3 months ago. I started off with a droid (the newest version--don't remember what it's called) it was beyond frustrating to me. I couldn't figure out how to do anything and had made 2 trips to the store just to get questions answered about how to use the thing.

I was under a 2 week trial, so after a week of being so frustrated, I went in and exchanged it for the iPhone. Best. Decision. Ever. I have had no issues with using it as it's very user friendly. I also love the size (the droid was awkward).

So, I would go with an iPhone....

betheppert · July 2012

Love my iphone- I also have an ipad too. Never tried the Samsung so I can't compare but I did have a similar phone to a blackberry before getting the iphone. It is awesome, light weight, tons of apps, gps, mail, etc.

My DS also has gotten to the point where he can entertain himself with the apps, plus I can load tv shows/movies when we are somewhere that he needs to be distracted- it totally comes in handy.

I use the GPS/map service all the time and you can sync calendars with your DH- we have a calendar for bills, my dr appts, our DS appts and school holidays, etc. Totally recommend the iphone. Takes great photos and videos too.

My new fav app is Path- it's like facebook but only available to iphone users. Nice way to keep in touch with fam/friends without having all your business out there.

brianabrad · July 2012

laurapacheco:
I'm going to add to the pro-Android info and point out that Android phones are much more customizable than iPhones, and there are more free apps out there because anyone can submit an app to the Android Market. Some of the newer Androids also have a MUCH longer battery life, which can be a huge issue with smartphones in general.

You're going to find people that love & hate both,.. in the end it's just personal preference choice. GL!

I think this is the hardest part! We would watch a review and think okay, we are going with the Samsung and then watch another and think nope, we are going with the Iphone.

Smiley-1980 · July 2012

I love my iPhone, DH has a BB and can't wait to switch to iPhone. I would never go to anything else.

Jen748 · July 2012

amh04:

Personally, I wouldn't get an iPhone - I think they are wayyyy too overhyped and seriously there is much better quality out there.

We were going to get iPhones about 2 years ago when I upgraded from my blackberry and went with Androids instead. I'm so thankful we did. With Droid's - we don't have to pay to use the navigation, it's free through google navigation. The screen quality is much bigger and better. It does just about everything the iPhone does (minus iTunes) and costs less, (accessories, car chargers etc) and you get a better quality phone. I also think the phone runs better - but I'm not sure what processor is in the iPhone.

That's just my two cents. You have people who love & hate both.

I have an iPhone and love it.

There is a free Mapquest app that does voice turn by turn navigation...so you don't have to pay for it on the iPhone.

amh04 · July 2012

brianabrad:
amh04:

Personally, I wouldn't get an iPhone - I think they are wayyyy too overhyped and seriously there is much better quality out there.

We were going to get iPhones about 2 years ago when I upgraded from my blackberry and went with Androids instead. I'm so thankful we did. With Droid's - we don't have to pay to use the navigation, it's free through google navigation. The screen quality is much bigger and better. It does just about everything the iPhone does (minus iTunes) and costs less, (accessories, car chargers etc) and you get a better quality phone. I also think the phone runs better - but I'm not sure what processor is in the iPhone.

That's just my two cents. You have people who love & hate both.

What type of phone did you go with? The Samsung that was recommended is an Android.

We are trying to decide if there are things about the Iphone that we would miss vs. things that wouldn't such as iTunes since I don't plan to use it for music anyway.

When you say pay to use navigation, are you talking about like the GPS and maps?

I just upgraded from a Motorola Droid X2, my work phone is a Samsung Galaxy and my personal phone is an LG Spectrum. I LOVED my X2. I'm not crazy about my Galaxy but thats because I don't use it hardly ever. And the Spectrum I like so far - I've only had it for about a week.

With navigation - it's done through Google Maps- you can search for food, read reviews, locate yourself etc and can plug in a destination and it will give you GPS services. It doesn't cost a penny - I've never used Verizons Navigation which there is a charge for. From what research I did with iPhones this feature isn't available without a charge at all. GPS is super important to us though and its nice having it on the phone rather than buying a Garmin and paying to update maps.

misscarter87 · July 2012

Personally i prefer smartphones anyday over the iphone!

amh04 · July 2012

Jen748:
amh04:

Personally, I wouldn't get an iPhone - I think they are wayyyy too overhyped and seriously there is much better quality out there.

We were going to get iPhones about 2 years ago when I upgraded from my blackberry and went with Androids instead. I'm so thankful we did. With Droid's - we don't have to pay to use the navigation, it's free through google navigation. The screen quality is much bigger and better. It does just about everything the iPhone does (minus iTunes) and costs less, (accessories, car chargers etc) and you get a better quality phone. I also think the phone runs better - but I'm not sure what processor is in the iPhone.

That's just my two cents. You have people who love & hate both.

I have an iPhone and love it.

There is a free Mapquest app that does voice turn by turn navigation...so you don't have to pay for it on the iPhone.

Gotcha - good to know they came out with something for the iPhone then

GraceyandTroy · July 2012

DH and I both have iPhones. My parents have Droids, not sure exactly the model. I have tried to use my mom's phone a few times to look up directions or reply to a text for her and I found it very cumbersome. I think the iPhone is far more user friendly (I feel this way about Apple in general). I have ended up using my iPhone far more often and for far more purposed than I ever thought I would. I listen to I Heart Radio, I look up directions or movie times or other random info on it, I use iTunes for music, podcasts, and audio books, I check my email, it's pretty much the only cameral I use both for pics and video... The uses are endless.

Of course, if you get a different phone, I'm sure you'l figure out how to use that one, too and end up very happy.

I will say, I had a couple blackberrys before, and I HATED them. Especially now that I know what good smartphone can do.

zonagirlie · July 2012

I'm addicted to my iPhone. It is seriously my favorite gadget. I would 100% recommend it. I teach classes on technology and it is "the thing to do" but with good reason. Get the Apple Care plan and enjoy nearly hassle free help with your phone. It is truly the best phone out there even with the draining battery. Everyone in my office has the Samsung HTC's and hate them. They all want my phone

Even the guy with the Blackberry said he wished he had gotten an iPhone!

landosmommy · July 2012

Well, the only smart phone I've had is my iPhone & I love it. MH has had a Droid & the iPhone, he prefers the iPhone.

Necack · July 2012

I HATE my Droid. It is so finicky I can't stand it. It just freezes all the time, randomly deletes apps, doesn't ring when people call, needs to be restarted constantly, ugh! HATE it. dH has an iPhone. I love it! I want one! I'm due for my upgrade, but DH doesn't want me to get a smartphone. Since I have an iPad and use that more than my phone anyway, he wants me to get a basic phone and save us some of the data charges since it's not unlimited anymore. I see his point and semi agree. But I don't use my phone, because it sucks and I can't give up my navigation. Plus we'd only save $10/month.

Alyssa102 · July 2012

My DH is a GM of Best Buy Mobile...So thanks for going to Best Buy lol

Anyway, he had a demo of the galaxy for a while and did really like it, but now he and I both have Iphones and they are really great.

It really depends what you want the phone for, both can pretty much do the same thing.

brianabrad · July 2012

Necack:
I HATE my Droid. It is so finicky I can't stand it. It just freezes all the time, randomly deletes apps, doesn't ring when people call, needs to be restarted constantly, ugh! HATE it. dH has an iPhone. I love it! I want one! I'm due for my upgrade, but DH doesn't want me to get a smartphone. Since I have an iPad and use that more than my phone anyway, he wants me to get a basic phone and save us some of the data charges since it's not unlimited anymore. I see his point and semi agree. But I don't use my phone, because it sucks and I can't give up my navigation. Plus we'd only save $10/month.

This is the exact reason I'm getting a smartphone. I've never had one but with the new Verizon share everything plan we can both have smartphones for the same price or a few bucks more per month than we are paying now. I told DH if I didn't get a smartphone I could save us $10 to $15 per month but he said with baby coming I'm going to love being able to take photos, videos, etc with my phone so I'm getting it.

brianabrad · July 2012

Alyssa102:
My DH is a GM of Best Buy Mobile...So thanks for going to Best Buy lol

Anyway, he had a demo of the galaxy for a while and did really like it, but now he and I both have Iphones and they are really great.

It really depends what you want the phone for, both can pretty much do the same thing.

You're more than welcome! Our local Verizon store is useless! If you go in with a questions, they basically answer by saying let me call customer service for you. What? Aren't you customer service?!

From the reviews and everything I've read, it seems like this is right, they are both a lot alike and both have pros and cons. I think my biggest con with the Samsung is the size. I worry it will feel way big in my hand and in DH's pocket compared to my small flip phone and his Blackberry.

I would have to say right now . . we are both leaning towards the Iphone.

chance_encounters · July 2012

I had a droid and switched to an iphone and HATED the smally display and prop. software. I went back and got the Motorolla Razr Maxx and I seriously LOVE my phone!!! I have talked to several friends about their Samsungs and do not know a single person happy with their phones. I am a serious research junkie and that is my personal opinion. Oh, I can also post from my phone on the bump just fine too. There are many smart phones that will not allow you to without changing settings. Hope this helps

hansonam446 · July 2012

I love my iPhone and would not get another phone. I've had a Droid for work before and while it functioned ok, I think the iPhone is simply more user friendly. It's easier to navigate and I upgraded to a 4G going on 2 years ago and have not had a problem with it. Whatever you do DON'T GET A WINDOWS PHONE. They're terrible.

BLPL101 · July 2012

I have an Iphone because my husband bought it for me because he has one and loves it. I really didn't care which smartphone I have. I'm so not into technology and my DH is an IT Consultant! HA! Opposites attract

. Anyway, I do like the Iphone and I have never met anyone who has an Iphone who dislikes it.

runlong3 · July 2012

I agree with PP that you could really go either way and be happy. I have a Galaxy SII and I love it. It is really large, which can make it kind of awkward to hold during a phone call, but I rarely make calls on my phone (or when I do I just use speakerphone). The awkwardness during the phone call is more than made up for when it comes to texting, apps, and browsing the internet when the large screen is awesome to have.

I debated about going for the iPhone, but decided against it as it didn't have 4G (Sprint, not sure if it's the same with Verizon) and I live in a 4G capable area and I would have had to figure something out for navigation as I use GPS all the time and it wasn't included.

As someone who had more experience with an Android phone, the iPhone actually confused me as it took forever to figure out how to go back a screen or home or pull up the menu when there are separate buttons for those on Android phones.

If you're looking at it mainly for pics/uploading to facebook/etc when baby gets here, the cameras on both are the same (the Galaxy 3 might actually be better, haven't looked at the specs) and you're going to be using the same apps for uploading.

I would just go with the one that has the most user friendly operating system to you. In the end you're pretty much getting the same thing quality-wise.

brianabrad · July 2012

chance_encounters:
I had a droid and switched to an iphone and HATED the smally display and prop. software. I went back and got the Motorolla Razr Maxx and I seriously LOVE my phone!!! I have talked to several friends about their Samsungs and do not know a single person happy with their phones. I am a serious research junkie and that is my personal opinion. Oh, I can also post from my phone on the bump just fine too. There are many smart phones that will not allow you to without changing settings. Hope this helps

Good to know.

Does anyone know if posting to TK and TB is difficult with the Iphone? I'd like to be able to use the Iphone to post here when I'm traveling, etc.

rinascita · July 2012

I've had a BB with at&t and a Motorola Droid 2 (currently) with Verizon.

I was an external financial auditor for one of the large cell phone companies and made the choice that DH and I needed to switch to VzW in 2010 for optimum performance. Back then they didn't have the iPhone, which I was sad about, but I LOVE my Droid.

I don't have the same issues that my friends complain about with their iPhones. Also, my father works for a large telecommunications company and HATES his iPhone for compatibility purposes but is required to have one for customer trainings and trade shows.

We're long over due for an upgrade but we've just loved our Droids so much we don't feel the need to get a new one. When we do upgrade - it won't be to an iPhone.

meganiobe · July 2012

I have an iPhone and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I use it for everything, I think that it's very user friendly, which to me was a big perk.

amh04 · July 2012

rinascita:
I've had a BB with at&t and a Motorola Droid 2 (currently) with Verizon.

I was an external financial auditor for one of the large cell phone companies and made the choice that DH and I needed to switch to VzW in 2010 for optimum performance. Back then they didn't have the iPhone, which I was sad about, but I LOVE my Droid.

I don't have the same issues that my friends complain about with their iPhones. Also, my father works for a large telecommunications company and HATES his iPhone for compatibility purposes but is required to have one for customer trainings and trade shows.

We're long over due for an upgrade but we've just loved our Droids so much we don't feel the need to get a new one. When we do upgrade - it won't be to an iPhone.

amh04 · July 2012

rinascita:

I've had a BB with at&t and a Motorola Droid 2 (currently) with Verizon.

I was an external financial auditor for one of the large cell phone companies and made the choice that DH and I needed to switch to VzW in 2010 for optimum performance. Back then they didn't have the iPhone, which I was sad about, but I LOVE my Droid.

I don't have the same issues that my friends complain about with their iPhones. Also, my father works for a large telecommunications company and HATES his iPhone for compatibility purposes but is required to have one for customer trainings and trade shows.

We're long over due for an upgrade but we've just loved our Droids so much we don't feel the need to get a new one. When we do upgrade - it won't be to an iPhone.

love verizons network. I never ever loose service. It's mainly because they're on a CDMA network - which means your phone is connected to two towers at once, in case one drops it still has the other, and then it automatically connects to another tower. DH switched to Verizon from AT&T a few years ago, and after previously working at sprint - where sprint and AT&T are on a GMA network - verizon is way better.

Also - with the share everything plan I HIGHLY recommend downloading My Data Manager to keep track of your useage. We just switched from the unlimited plan - and are trying to make sure we don't go over that useage, because its really easy to do so. It's a great app and keeps track of what you use on Wi-Fi (not charged for btw) and what you use on the Verizon Network.

kac22 · July 2012

I used to be an Apple genius, so I may be a little biased here (although I have also owned plenty on androids).

The iPhone is without a doubt the most user friendly smartphone out there. So if you're new to using them, it will be the easiest thing to learn.The main reason though that I will never have another phone is because, like you, our Verizon support or customer service is totally useless but Apple's is beyond amazing.

I'm someone who is not the most careful person in the world with my phone and drop it on a regular basis. And although they are glass, they sure can take a beating. Once though I slammed it really hard on the ground in a parking lot and it got a tiny little crack at the very top of it. Even though it wasn't that big a deal I'm a little OCD when it comes to stuff like that so I took it into an Apple store and they just gave me a new one! They have the best customer service and that alone is worth buying anything Apple IMO but of course I'm in love with all the products as well

And if you guys do or ever decide to get any other Apple products they will all sync up with the iCloud!

erkie · July 2012

brianabrad:

chance_encounters:
I had a droid and switched to an iphone and HATED the smally display and prop. software. I went back and got the Motorolla Razr Maxx and I seriously LOVE my phone!!! I have talked to several friends about their Samsungs and do not know a single person happy with their phones. I am a serious research junkie and that is my personal opinion. Oh, I can also post from my phone on the bump just fine too. There are many smart phones that will not allow you to without changing settings. Hope this helps

Good to know.

Does anyone know if posting to TK and TB is difficult with the Iphone? I'd like to be able to use the Iphone to post here when I'm traveling, etc.

I don't have a problem with posting to TB with my iPhone. Of course, its smaller, but that's going to be that way for all phones. I love my iPhone- had both the 3GS and the 4. Definitely go for at least the iPhone 4 (or 4S) if you do get it, because the camera is so much better than the older versions of the phone.

lulamagoo · July 2012

Love the iPhone! Had a droid and the iPhone is much more user friendly.

Also, in my opinion, the iPhone just looks better, not that that should be what your decision is based upon.

zonagirlie · July 2012

brianabrad:
chance_encounters:
I had a droid and switched to an iphone and HATED the smally display and prop. software. I went back and got the Motorolla Razr Maxx and I seriously LOVE my phone!!! I have talked to several friends about their Samsungs and do not know a single person happy with their phones. I am a serious research junkie and that is my personal opinion. Oh, I can also post from my phone on the bump just fine too. There are many smart phones that will not allow you to without changing settings. Hope this helps
Good to know.
Does anyone know if posting to TK and TB is difficult with the Iphone? I'd like to be able to use the Iphone to post here when I'm traveling, etc.

I can post just fine on my iPhone. I use it more than my laptop at home now. And someone said the iPhone charges to use GPS which mine doesn't. I think that has to do with your plan. I'd also recommend going with Verizon rather than AT&T unless you have Verizon outtages in your area. AT&T sucks in this area so it rendered a lot of iPhones useless.

Kie310 · July 2012

I have the Droid 2. Love it. Had it for almost 2 years & when I'm ready for a new phone I am 99% sure I'm going with another Android product. (not sure which one yet).

My husband has an iphone. Has had it for almost 2 years... He likes it, but he is planning to get an Android phone. More customizable, he feels the quality is better in most android products. And there are a couple of new phones slated to come out he is interested in. They are cheaper to buy

I agree you will find pros & cons on either side.

brianabrad · July 2012

amh04:
rinascita:

I've had a BB with at&t and a Motorola Droid 2 (currently) with Verizon.

I was an external financial auditor for one of the large cell phone companies and made the choice that DH and I needed to switch to VzW in 2010 for optimum performance. Back then they didn't have the iPhone, which I was sad about, but I LOVE my Droid.

I don't have the same issues that my friends complain about with their iPhones. Also, my father works for a large telecommunications company and HATES his iPhone for compatibility purposes but is required to have one for customer trainings and trade shows.

We're long over due for an upgrade but we've just loved our Droids so much we don't feel the need to get a new one. When we do upgrade - it won't be to an iPhone.

love verizons network. I never ever loose service. It's mainly because they're on a CDMA network - which means your phone is connected to two towers at once, in case one drops it still has the other, and then it automatically connects to another tower. DH switched to Verizon from AT&T a few years ago, and after previously working at sprint - where sprint and AT&T are on a GMA network - verizon is way better.

Also - with the share everything plan I HIGHLY recommend downloading My Data Manager to keep track of your useage. We just switched from the unlimited plan - and are trying to make sure we don't go over that useage, because its really easy to do so. It's a great app and keeps track of what you use on Wi-Fi (not charged for btw) and what you use on the Verizon Network.

Is this a free app from apple? Where will we be able to download it from? It sounds like a great idea and something I wanted to make sure we got anyway.

Allycat11 · July 2012

We are discussing the same thing right now in my house. Currently, we have Samsung smart phones and they are awful. When we bought them, reviews were great and we were steered toward them by salespeople. The phones worked well until they went through an automatic software update and now they are just terrible. This is something I have heard of happening on newer Samsung phones as well.

Right now I am leaning towards the iPhone because I have never heard anyone complain about it. I have heard complaints about blackberry, androids, and any other phone on the market but everyone I know loves their iPhone.

Just a heads up, I don't know if you looked online but the iPhone4 is only $49.99 on Best Buy's website, which is $50 less than our local store. In person, we were told they can't honor it, so we will probably be ordering online.

akating · July 2012

I have the Nokia Lumia 900 and I love it. It is really new but it is very easy to learn and it is very user friendly. The iphone has a really small screen and i don't like that about it. The iphone is also heat sensitive for the screen instead of touch sensitive so it wont work if you have gloves on. The Nokia works even if you use a pencil. Other than that I think they both have the same features. The buttons are in different spots and stuff but who cares.

+lisamarie+ · July 2012

brianabrad:

Alright ladies, talk to me about Iphones vs other smartphones.

DH and I went into Best Buy yesterday ready to upgrade and get Iphones but the sales man was like why do you want Iphones? Our reply, basically it seemed like the thing to do. He recommended the Samsung Galaxy S3 and because we weren't sure what to do we left without new phones. We have done the research, read and watched reviews and both seem to have good and bad things about them.

Currently, DH has a Blackberry and I don't even have a smartphone so anything will be an upgrade for us but we want to make the best decision for the money.

I really like my Samsung Galaxy S3!! The screen is huge and it is super fast!

brianabrad · July 2012

Allycat11:
We are discussing the same thing right now in my house. Currently, we have Samsung smart phones and they are awful. When we bought them, reviews were great and we were steered toward them by salespeople. The phones worked well until they went through an automatic software update and now they are just terrible. This is something I have heard of happening on newer Samsung phones as well.
Right now I am leaning towards the iPhone because I have never heard anyone complain about it. I have heard complaints about blackberry, androids, and any other phone on the market but everyone I know loves their iPhone.
Just a heads up, I don't know if you looked online but the iPhone4 is only $49.99 on Best Buy's website, which is $50 less than our local store. In person, we were told they can't honor it, so we will probably be ordering online.

Wow! That is an amazing deal. I'll be sure to look it up. We were considering the Iphone 4S because most of the reviews says its a little faster, etc. I'll be checking online though for Iphone 4S prices and maybe we can save a little bit.

Thanks for the Samsung comments. DH's Blackberry has been having problems since it did an auto update and I think it would be nice to have an Apple that we feel like will work well. It's basically like the Mac vs PC debate only with phones.

ETA - I just found the 4S online at Wal-Mart for $188. I know Best Buy claims to match prices so I wonder if they will honor this price or not. Hope so! Even if the discount is just through store credit the $11 we would save per phone will pay for part of one case. lol!

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