Android or iPhone 4s

[ajoseph]

There's another thread talking about the iPhone 4s. It is quite technical, and thus substantially indecipherable to me.

I currently use a BlackBerry (Bold) and have been a loyal BlackBerry user for about 15 years (really, as long as I remember using a smart phone -- my original one was the big blue model with the scrolling feature on the side). Anyway, I am really proficient at typing on my BB, but, frankly, the rest of the features are antiquated. The apps stink, and the phone is really, well, boring.

My wife has been pressing me to make the switch to the iPhone, but I can't type on the thing. I have an iPad, and because of its size, I can type on the iPad, but the iPhones seem to give me trouble. I really love my iPad, and given my overall technical ignorance, sincerely appreciate how intuitive the device really is.

My BlackBerry is showing signs that its usable life is nearing its fuctional conclusion, and I will imminently need a new phone. I think it's time I made the switch to the touchscreen device. I hear from others that the Android is the "better" device, principally because it has "flash" capabilities. On the other hand, I hear the iphone is better because it is easier to use and there are no problems loading my iTunes library.

In short, I would appreciate advice on the pluses and minuses of the android and iphones (in language that even I can understand).

Many thanks ...

[GatorInSC]

Adobe is getting rid of mobile flash so it wont matter which one you get they both will get the same adobe video/image content. I have android and am making the switch to iPhone. Also you have an iPad which will make it easier for you to use the iPhone.

[helix139]

Get the Galaxy Nexus which is coming out in a couple weeks. Dual Core processor, Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0), big 4.6" HD screen that will make it easier for you to type on.

I also don't think you'll have any problems syncing your music with your phone as long as it isn't DRMed. As a matter of fact, Google Music will upload all of your music to the cloud so there is no need to take up any space on your device.

In short, you'll be fine with either. The iPhone will probably provide a cleaner experience (though I haven't actually used Ice Cream Sandwich yet, so I can't say), but it isn't as powerful or flexible. You'll do things apple's way or no way, and there are not nearly as many options for customization through the development community. If you have a need to tether, run a wifi hotspot without paying an extra tethering fee, run flash videos or objects, or want a larger screen, though, you should stay away from it and go with an Android device.

The HTC Rezound and Droid Razr are also viable android options depending on your preferences and whether or not you are on Verizon or would be willing to switch. I'm not too familiar with the other carriers but basically look for something dual core with an HD or qHD screen and by HTC, Samsung (the Galaxy S II is a great phone available on several carriers), or Motorola and you really won't go wrong.

[LeafUF]

My thought is if typing is an issue you might benefit from one of the Android phones with the bigger screens or one with a keyboard. I was a bb user for 5 years and initially switched to the first Droid bc I needed a physical keyboard. I recently upgraded to the Droid bionic and the bigger screen has made the digital keyboard easier for me.

[orangeblueorangeblue]

As per the other thread, I'm around iphones and android phones all the time. The short answer is they both do the exact same thing and you'll probably be happy with either. There is, of course, a much longer answer.

What do you plan/want to do with your phone beyond making calls? That might help a bit.

[rburnett]

I came from blackberry to iPhone 4 and the typing is a major pain in the @ss... If that's a major deal for you I would look for a droid that has an actual keyboard. Mine was provided by my emplorer so there wasn't a choice.

I am happy with the iPhone, but hands down the BB was better for business (setting up meetings, dialing into conferences, looking up contacts from exchange). iPhone is great for personal stuff.

[ajoseph]

As per the other thread, I'm around iphones and android phones all the time. The short answer is they both do the exact same thing and you'll probably be happy with either. There is, of course, a much longer answer.

What do you plan/want to do with your phone beyond making calls? That might help a bit.

I handle a ton of emails and texts; more so than calls. My phone is syched with my office calendar, and I am addicted to my phone for purposes of scheduling matters (we use Outlook). I also like to surf the web (and read Gatorcountry), and essentially catch up on news. I really can't do much surfing on the Blackberry (though the iPAd is great for that). And, frankly, my kids don't think I have a cool phone like my wife's, so that kind of sucks!

By the way, many thanks for the above responses! Very helpful

[KingGator81]

I have Had 25+ phones in my life from Blackberry to Android to iPhone.... I am a huge iPhone supporter but you not having a iPhone or Android I think the more important question for you is which carrier are you going w/. Your currently with AT&T if that is the case I would get 4Gs. If your with VZW I would get a RZR 4G over the iPhone.

[ajoseph]

I have Had 25+ phones in my life from Blackberry to Android to iPhone.... I am a huge iPhone supporter but you not having a iPhone or Android I think the more important question for you is which carrier are you going w/. Your currently with AT&T if that is the case I would get 4Gs. If your with VZW I would get a RZR 4G over the iPhone.

I am currently with AT&T, but I am looking to switch to Sprint

[KingGator81]

Sprint 4G and 3G speeds suck. I would get a iPhone4GS if I were going to Sprint. Why are u leaving AT&T?

[ajoseph]

Sprint 4G and 3G speeds suck. I would get a iPhone4GS if I were going to Sprint. Why are u leaving AT&T?

Because its substantially cheaper. No other reason. I am currently pay about $275 for family plan (only 2 smart phones - 1 blackberry and 1 iPhone; the other 2 phones are LG sliders for the kids. The Sprint rep told me he can get me same plan, with unlimited data, gps, etc., for $200 after tax. Seems like a no-brainer

[KingGator81]

If I were u I would look at TMO also... Galaxy 100.00 for 2 lines

[ajoseph]

Thanks!

[KingGator81]

If u have any other questions let me know... I have had all carriers and most types of phones. TMO's (so call) 4G in my opinion than Sprint.