Browser choice. Actually browser ENGINE choice. And the ability to set my own default apps, including the launcher.
F-droid. Side loading.
This is probably specific to the Pixel phones, not sure how much if any is relevant to other manufacturers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In no particular order
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.
The camera on the pixel phones.
My friend recently went on a trip into the mountains for some hiking, they took some photos that made me ask if it was from a DSLR camera, but it was just from a Pixel 7 Pro. Amazing how far phone cameras have come.
Mostly Sideloading and GrapheneOS. And that it's mostly open source
Sideloading. And I refuse to pay Apple's insane prices tbh.
Don't like Apple's anti consumer attitude, same reason I don't buy Nintendo products.
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.
I want my app icons close to the bottom of the screen where my hands are and not at the top of the screen just because Apple demands it. Also I can have ad free apps like ReVanced
I could post why I do not like Apple, but that isn't why I prefer Android.
I like how there are a ton of options on Android. I can control what hardware I have, from an ultrabudget $100 phone to a $2000 foldable flagship. I can choose how I control my device, I can choose how my device looks. All of these things add up to letting me have the best experience.
I also like how you can install custom ROMs on many devices. This allows even more options in terms of personal control.
@Cameri I came to Android to use rif for reddit. It's gone now and now i'm using the mastodon app chatting with everyone on lemmy.world and other instances. I have a main account on lemmy.world but i just use it to moderate my sub check my notifications and that's about it. I really like my S23 though
other linux phones are not really viable. I dont like supporting apple and even if I didnt care about that, their iOS is far too restrictive.
also Tachiyomi
I decide how I use my phone vs my phone decides how I use it
There is a lot more freedom on Android. I want to be able to side load.
In Turkey, Apple products are exorbitantly priced due to factors such as exchange rates, taxes, and so on.
I like the variety of hardware available, and the customization available in the software, especially with third party launchers.
I recently started using Niagra Launcher, love the minimal design it has.
Curious if Niagra affects phone performance? I love the look of it, but my Pixel 3 is aging.
I haven't noticed performance issues or any battery drain on my S22 Ultra
Sideloading apps is the main reason. I couldn't use a phone without Adblock.
iPhones are also just way more expensive and the few times i've tried them the UX just sucked so much, form over function.
The simple act of trying to transfer ownership of an iPhone from one daughter to another this week almost broke me. I hate how difficult they make everything.
Was it more involved than sign out -> factory reset -> set up as a new phone? (I'm just curious, have been on android for a few years now)
Because Android is technically open source and the hardware is free enough that I can install an alternative OS if I want to.
Also, the phones are cheaper and have headphone jacks!
Just switched back to Android a few days ago after using the iPhone for quite some time. Customization and control were my favorite reasons for Android in the past and it stayed the same. I use a Pixel 7 Pro with GrapheneOS. The fact that I even have an option to use a different OS that focuses on privacy is amazing.
For me it's probably the ability to sideload apps, among other things. Apps like NewPipe which would never make it to the Play Store are apps that I use every day, because they are just good apps. Also, I just like the UX of my Pixel compared to an iPhone - I couldn't live without things like a back button, and I sort of don't like the iOS UI.
I love the iPhone hardware. Especially the mini.
But I really don't like iOS. Or the lightning connector.
Same thing with Macs.
Overall I think Apple makes gorgeous hardware but the software just isn't for me.
I always tell people the best phone (or best one iPhone vs Android) is whatever is best for them.
My wife loves her iPhone and everything about it, and that's okay!
I dislike Apple alot, stupidly Expensive, more than they devices worth, very restrictive on what you can do with them (treat their customers as kids) and their monopoly.
There is also a wide variety of Android phones with different price ranges, and features (like my beloved headphone jacks), wider customisation and a somewhat better repaiability sometimes.
things I dislike about Apple + things I like about android = preference.
I agree with almost everything you've said, but how do you consider Apple a monopoly?
Their ecosystem is closed is what he means.
I dislike Apple alot, stupidly Expensive, more than they devices worth, very restrictive on what you can do with them (treat their customers as kids) and their monopoly.
There is also a wide variety of Android phones with different price ranges, and features (like my beloved headphone jacks), wider customisation and a somewhat better repaiability sometimes.
I first made the switch to android after my iphone 5 died and found out the newer models wouldn't have an aux output. I have significantly more chances to use a 3.5mm plug than bluetooth in my life, so it was an easy choice.
7 years later, and I still have the same phone. No bloat, and updated the way I want it. I charge it once per day at high-performance mode, and the battery is holding strong.
I keep an iphone dongle in my car for friends, because I am a gentleman, but they always remark on how easy it would be to just have the damn aux port.
Which brand is your Android phone and are you running an alternative Android-based OS like /e/ or LineageOS?
I may be one of the last hangers-on for this issue, but: my Android phone has a headphone port! That was non-negotiable for me last time I got a new phone. Earbuds do not stay in my ears, are super uncomfortable, and I don't want to charge a wireless headset or mess with an adapter all the time. I have cheap wired headphones for going out and about that I don't lose when they fall out because the wire catches them, and really nice wired headphones at home that are much better quality than wireless ones. My car also has a 3.5 mm hookup that sounds a lot better than Bluetooth audio.
Besides that: Having more customization and control. Firefox + adblockers and other extensions. ReVanced for YouTube. Easier access to the phone's storage and files. Being able to block ads adds so much quality of life.
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