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Iphone 4 or HTC Desire s

  • 16-08-2011 8:50am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,174 ✭✭✭


    Hi i am considering buying one of the above phones and was woundering if anyone can explain the difference between Apple and Android. Is one better than the other??


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 861 ✭✭✭yawnstretch


    Nothing comes close to the iPhone - it's the original and best smartphone (everything before it was junk and competitors haven't quite caught up yet).

    That said I'd wait for the iPhone 5 at this stage.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,060 ✭✭✭Kenny Logins


    Ignore the post above.

    It all depends on how you plan to use your phone and what exactly you need/want it for, each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses, but TBH if you need to ask, the iPhone is probably the best choice for you.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,584 ✭✭✭PCPhoto


    ok .... firstly the iPhone 5 should be here in a month or two (or three maybe) - are you willing to wait ?

    but then again the iphone 6 should be here in about 12months after that.

    I curently own a HTC desire (the girlfriend has an Iphone3GS) - from a basic viewpoint the iphone is lovely looking and easy to navigate, the HTC is also sleek in design.

    both iphone 4 and htc desire have crap cameras - quality is not what you could get from the nokia's a few years ago.

    if you have not had a smartphone or used an apple product then no matter which one you choose you will get used to it fairly fast - functionality is fairly similar.

    I have had a number of problems with my HTC - purchased dec 31 2010 - by mid February it was returned because it was not charging and overheating (this means it is gone for approx 3 weeks) .... and again sent off 18 July returned to me last week (the outside started blistering up - possibly overheating - I dont know and HTC didnt give me a reason for it)

    At the moment I also have problems with accessing https websites (secure websites - crashes the internet on my HTC) ... I have been told that a system/factory reset (temporarily) solves the solution - but that means wiping my phone every couple of weeks - so I have learned to just deal with it.

    o2 have told me that its a common enough issue and most people just use apps instead of using the browser - again ... something I'm not really happy with considering the terms/conditions of some apps.

    anyway - battery life on both (depending on usage) - you will be lucky to get a full day.

    Hope that helps - have a google for problems with either phone and do your research before purchasing - find out if you really need or just want a smartphone.

    I know my contract is up end of december and I'm thinking of going back to an old school phone.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 861 ✭✭✭yawnstretch


    Ignore the post above.

    It all depends on how you plan to use your phone and what exactly you need/want it for, each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses, but TBH if you need to ask, the iPhone is probably the best choice for you.

    The iPhone 4 is the best phone available.

    HTC is utter garbage. My father went down the HTC route and boy did he regret it. Can't even begin to list the problems he had but most recently his phone is repeatedly emailing everything he sends over and over until it wipes out the recipients storage.

    I had my gmail account closed because of his HTC malfunction so ignore my posts if you don't want the truth.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,060 ✭✭✭Kenny Logins


    The iPhone 4 is the best phone available.

    It's not as simple as that. You didn't even ask about what features are important, you just blindly replied with the very dull and standard 'iphone is best' response.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 861 ✭✭✭yawnstretch


    It's not as simple as that. You didn't even ask about what features are important, you just blindly replied with the very dull and standard 'iphone is best' response.

    It is the best and I've explained why.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,390 ✭✭✭Doublechinlolz


    .............

    FYP.
    Anyway, HTC Desire S. Its more affordable, takes 1080p recordings, has much more freedom of use. I had the iphone 3gsnow i have a Desire S. Desire S uses Sense UI which is waay more convienient than iOS and can do much more (proper customization for one). You can also download alternative appsto replace native ones on Androids, so if you dont like the music app, theres plenty more to choose from, iPhone on the other hand, you're stuck using something you dont like and can just about make minimal changes to apps.
    Desire S is where it's at.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,390 ✭✭✭Doublechinlolz


    PCPhoto wrote: »
    I curently own a HTC desire (the girlfriend has an Iphone3GS)
    Desire or Desire S?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 861 ✭✭✭yawnstretch


    MarkD09 wrote: »
    FYP.
    I couldn't afford the best so I'm justifying my cheap choice

    FYP

    HTC have done a reasonable job at approximating the original phone innovations from Apple. But the workmanship is not up to par.

    The apps and features on the iPhone 4 are unmatched in quality and quantity.

    HTC is good for tech curious but it is not superior. It has many issues and people only praise them because they offer an alternative.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,060 ✭✭✭Kenny Logins


    It is the best and I've explained why.

    How can you decide which is best without asking what the requirements are? All you've done is point out is which is best for you. We get it.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 861 ✭✭✭yawnstretch


    How can you decide which is best without asking what the requirements are? All you've done is point out is which is best for you. We get it.

    I pointed out that HTC phones are faulty products. I think anyone would want their phone to work as advertised.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,584 ✭✭✭PCPhoto


    MarkD09 wrote: »
    Desire or Desire S?

    Desire (no "s") ....I asked for the latest version on 31 December 2010 and this was what I got !!

    Its reception is better than the girlfriends iphone - but I would choose an iphone because it "appears" to have less problems - like I've mentioned earlier I have had problems with my HTC ...twice in 7months....never so much as an apology from them.

    Its possible they have figured out all the bugs - but I'm probably not willing to give them another chance.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,390 ✭✭✭Doublechinlolz


    FYP

    HTC have done a reasonable job at approximating the original phone innovations from Apple. But the workmanship is not up to par.

    The apps and features on the iPhone 4 are unmatched in quality and quantity.

    HTC is good for tech curious but it is not superior. It has many issues and people only praise them because they offer an alternative.

    HTC's are quality, they have picked up in recent years by a mile. And the price thing? iPhones could be alot less, you just pay for the apple logo.
    If iPhones quality was so up to par they wouldn't of ever had the 'death grip'.
    OP, thats another thing to look at, hold your iPhone in a particular way and you loose signal :rolleyes:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 139 ✭✭Ambush Rebel 2010


    I pointed out that HTC phones are faulty products. I think anyone would want their phone to work as advertised.

    I would imagine Iphones have faults too.

    I think the key question here is do you want to compare the product specification and preformance look and feel rather that the minority who have experienced issues with either a HTC OR an Iphone

    FYI i have had both so no favouritism.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 861 ✭✭✭yawnstretch


    MarkD09 wrote: »
    HTC's are quality, they have picked up in recent years by a mile. And the price thing? iPhones could be alot less, you just pay for the apple logo.
    If iPhones quality was so up to par they wouldn't of ever had the 'death grip'.
    OP, thats another thing to look at, hold your iPhone in a particular way and you loose signal :rolleyes:

    I didn't say it was perfect. I said it was the best available.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,390 ✭✭✭Doublechinlolz


    PCPhoto wrote: »
    Desire (no "s") ....I asked for the latest version on 31 December 2010 and this was what I got !!

    Its reception is better than the girlfriends iphone - but I would choose an iphone because it "appears" to have less problems - like I've mentioned earlier I have had problems with my HTC ...twice in 7months....never so much as an apology from them.

    Its possible they have figured out all the bugs - but I'm probably not willing to give them another chance.

    Ah yeah, i don't think Desire S was released at that stage..
    Well my Desire S has had no problems so far ;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,060 ✭✭✭Kenny Logins


    I pointed out that HTC phones are faulty products. I think anyone would want their phone to work as advertised.

    You pointed out one faulty HTC phone, or maybe it was the owner... Inconclusive.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 625 ✭✭✭NeitherJohn


    I have a Desire HD and am more than delighted with it. Got it in November 2010 from Meteor.

    @PCPhoto, the trouble with accessing the https sites is usually down to the carrier. My dad with a HTC Desire is on O2 and has had trouble connecting to PTSB's Open24 site before. My Desire HD on Meteor runs fine with it.

    I'd recommend the Desire S for the OP. Build quality is top notch, very customisable software, cheaper than iPhone, essentially the same apps (if not the same then the same functionality) as iPhone. Even some apps which you pay for on iPhone are free on Android e.g. Angry Birds.

    Cheaper contracts too. Meteor have a €45 euro plan for the iPhone that gives you 200 minutes, 200 texts and 5GB of data. 5 is a bit overkill unless you are a heavy user on the move.

    I am paying €25 a month (friend works there) for 400 texts 400 minutes and 2GB of data. I have rarely gone over 1GB of my allowance. I mainly use the WiFi at home and in college.

    The fact that Android has Adobe Flash built in is also a major point in Androids favour. Channel4.com and the RTE player work perfectly on my phone. BBC iPlayer can be accessed using SkyFire web browser as well but doesn't work sometimes.

    I don't think the iPhone is worth the premium when HTC and other Android phone manufacturers can offer the same functionality with more customisation abillity for a cheaper price.

    Just my 2 hundredths of a euro!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 114 ✭✭board_stiff




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 815 ✭✭✭jsd1004


    MarkD09 wrote: »
    HTC's are quality, they have picked up in recent years by a mile. And the price thing? iPhones could be alot less, you just pay for the apple logo.
    If iPhones quality was so up to par they wouldn't of ever had the 'death grip'.
    OP, thats another thing to look at, hold your iPhone in a particular way and you loose signal :rolleyes:

    Made of mine bought the HTC around the same time i bought an IP4. I was sceptical about the Iphone but have to say it is awesome. My mates HTC is crap. Just yesterday it started vibrating for no reason and he could not turn it off. Also the fact that all apps and websites are generally programmed or designed for the Iphone is advantageous for the Iphone. Services like cafes offering free chargers for iphones is useful too if an example of how ubiquitous they have become. Also on my friends phone it takes ages to access the net (could be provider?) but i find internet access to be a doddle on the iphone using several providers. One of the downsides of the iphone is not being able to acess flash.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 625 ✭✭✭NeitherJohn


    jsd1004 wrote: »
    Made of mine bought the HTC around the same time i bought an IP4. I was sceptical about the Iphone but have to say it is awesome. My mates HTC is crap. Just yesterday it started vibrating for no reason and he could not turn it off. Also the fact that all apps and websites are generally programmed or designed for the Iphone is advantageous for the Iphone. Services like cafes offering free chargers for iphones is useful too if an example of how ubiquitous they have become. Also on my friends phone it takes ages to access the net (could be provider?) but i find internet access to be a doddle on the iphone using several providers. One of the downsides of the iphone is not being able to acess flash.

    What do you mean there? Look at touch.boards.ie. Looks exactly the same on Android as on iPhone. Also, my phone charges with a microUSB cable. I can use any USB port to charge my phone. How ubiquitous can one get?

    OP if you want some smartphone features but don't want to shell out for top of the range model, at least with Android there is a choice of high-end, mid-range and low-end with suitable prices.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 205 ✭✭racer1


    Nothing comes close to the iPhone - it's the original and best smartphone (everything before it was junk and competitors haven't quite caught up yet).

    That said I'd wait for the iPhone 5 at this stage.

    Im no expert on what is the best smartphone available so i usually read sites like techradar and they all say the best phone available today is the Samsung Galaxy 2.

    I have had both iphone and HTC Desire. iphone would freeze now and again that was only problem i had with it. Never had a problem with desire. have nexus s now and no issues either. I prefer android as there is more freedom with it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 625 ✭✭✭NeitherJohn


    racer1 wrote: »
    Im no expert on what is the best smartphone available so i usually read sites like techradar and they all say the best phone available today is the Samsung Galaxy 2.

    I have had both iphone and HTC Desire. iphone would freeze now and again that was only problem i had with it. Never had a problem with desire. have nexus s now and no issues either. I prefer android as there is more freedom with it.

    Galaxy S2 is a nice phone. Gorgeous screen. Not a fan of how light and plasticy it is though. I prefer the all aluminium of my DHD.

    Another reason for Android ;-). If you don't like the build quality, you can get another similarly specced phone that will run all the apps in the world, with better build quality!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,148 ✭✭✭✭Raskolnikov


    I pointed out that HTC phones are faulty products.
    I must be using my HTC wrong then because I have never had any malfunctions, OS crashes or lock-up's in my few months of being a HTC user.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,148 ✭✭✭✭Raskolnikov


    One suggestion from me is to make sure that you definitely want a touchscreen-only phone before you buy. The Meteor shops will have an Iphone and HTC with the internet connected, so you really should go into the shop and try typing messages, browsing and filling out forms on the browser. I had an Android-based touchscreen phone and tried an IPhone and hated both. I then tried a HTC ChaCha (has a touchscreen and full keyboard) that I love using.

    There is no right or wrong phone to buy. Each person will have a preference, so don't allow anyone to tell you which phone you should, or should not buy.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,174 ✭✭✭fiestaman


    Thanks for all the replys. does anyone know if you can live streem video like golf and soccer matches on both or would you be limited with apple. ive heard from two people one with iphone4 and one with HTC that the HTC could watch a video on Today FM but the iphone couldnt,is this beacause of apples software that yee say your very restricted??


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,801 ✭✭✭Ah-Watch


    Im using the Samsung Galaxy S2 and the iPhone at the moment. I have to say I way way rather the Galaxy to the iphone. Theres more freedom to do what you want on it. Its sfraight forward and easy to use. This has never once frozen and im using the Galaxy to post this comment and the layout is perfect on touch.boards.ie I have the iphone because im depairing it for.someone, to me it feels horrible, feels cheap, almost like a knock off. I know people find the galaxy very light and plastic but the iphone doesnt feel right to me. The coverage is CONSTANTLY dropping on the iPhone, no im not imagining it, its cruel! The battery on my iphones before only lasted a day but I cant comment on this one seen as I cant use it properly because its always searching. To me, I rather Android because it lets you do more. Yes the apps arent as widespread as iphone but before long Android will have passed Apple out. Finally, someone mentioned chargers in cafes, ive never been able to get one but have heard of people finding places but majority of the newer phonds now have micro USB charger connections so a charger will be easier to get your hands on as all connections are set to be universal.


    All this aside it is hard to tell you what to get unless you can tell us what your requirements are


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 861 ✭✭✭yawnstretch


    fiestaman wrote: »
    Thanks for all the replys. does anyone know if you can live streem video like golf and soccer matches on both or would you be limited with apple. ive heard from two people one with iphone4 and one with HTC that the HTC could watch a video on Today FM but the iphone couldnt,is this beacause of apples software that yee say your very restricted??

    Major sites cater for iPhone. Apps like ustream cover many live streaming events.

    For flash video you have skyfire.

    People who say the iPhone 4 feels cheap are full of crap.

    Remember it's always hard to find video streams for some sporting events regardless of the mobile you're using.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,801 ✭✭✭Ah-Watch


    People who say the iPhone 4 feels cheap are full of crap.

    I am not. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I thought it felt cheap which I was very surprised at, I thought the iPhone 3GS felt more expensive lets say. Again its just a matter of ones own opinion


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,174 ✭✭✭fiestaman


    Well id like it for paddypower gaming and streaming live golf from pga tour & youtube videos which i can do on my laptop. also emails and general browsing.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 861 ✭✭✭yawnstretch


    Ah-Watch wrote: »
    I am not. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I thought it felt cheap which I was very surprised at, I thought the iPhone 3GS felt more expensive lets say. Again its just a matter of ones own opinion

    This the problem with boards posters. They do not reflect general consensus.

    I suggest the OP ignores the majority of comments in this thread. If you actually want to get a niche techy product with PC-like specifications then by all means get an android. If you are the type of person who appreciates or has ever used Linux for example.

    If you are a normal human being with regular sensibilities and typical needs then get an iPhone 4. Oh and try out any android phone and then an iPhone 4 and tell me which feels like a quality product.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 861 ✭✭✭yawnstretch


    fiestaman wrote: »
    Well id like it for paddypower gaming and streaming live golf from pga tour & youtube videos which i can do on my laptop. also emails and general browsing.

    YouTube on iPhone 4 is awesome.
    Emails and browsing are seamless/smooth and better than any other device.

    I don't know what sites do golf.

    Paddy power app:

    http://itunes.apple.com/ie/app/paddy-power/id382030091?mt=8


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 861 ✭✭✭yawnstretch


    And before anyone starts complaining here is why email and browsing are better on iPhone:

    Email - a donkey could set it up in less that 20 seconds
    Browsing - the refresh rate, render times, multi touch make browsing on a mobile actually work. Again, before apple this was not possible. Other makers are getting close but the performance and ease of experience is not quite there.

    I've tried all the other phones - I work in a company with loads of geeks who have the absolute latest and greatest. In some cases it's a close call. I'd again advise the op to wait a couple of weeks as the iPhone 5 is expected to be announced.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 625 ✭✭✭NeitherJohn


    Email is set up equally fast on any smartphone. I don't see how Apple innovation makes it faster. It's down to how fast the person types in their username and password. :confused:

    YouTube is pretty much awesome on any smartphone with a screen greater than 3.8 inches, not exclusive to iPhone 4.

    Render times isn't something to bandy about as a benchmark when it's dependent on so many other things e.g. network coverage, Flash content on the page etc... Apple also didn't invent or innovate multitouch. A company called FingerWorks invented it back in the late 90's. Apple bought it out in 2005 and then claimed that themselves had invented it.

    What's the point of a discussion on what phone to get when there are people essentially telling the OP to go with the general consensus?

    I think Apps have a bearing too. OP, what type of Apps are you interested in?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,060 ✭✭✭Kenny Logins



    I suggest the OP ignores the majority of comments in this thread.

    Ah, we agree on something.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,243 ✭✭✭✭Jesus Wept


    Is the general feeling that the iphone 4 has a **** camera? Has the iphone 3 got a good camera? How did they manage to **** that up?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,984 ✭✭✭Venom


    And before anyone starts complaining here is why email and browsing are better on iPhone:

    Email - a donkey could set it up in less that 20 seconds
    Browsing - the refresh rate, render times, multi touch make browsing on a mobile actually work. Again, before apple this was not possible. Other makers are getting close but the performance and ease of experience is not quite there.

    I've tried all the other phones - I work in a company with loads of geeks who have the absolute latest and greatest. In some cases it's a close call. I'd again advise the op to wait a couple of weeks as the iPhone 5 is expected to be announced.


    Being a original Desire owner from the fIrst day of its release I can honestly say Iv had zero problems with it. Setting up emails, contacts and every thing else connected with my google account took nothing more than signing in with my google info once during a very easy setup process.

    HTC's build quality is up there with Apples and unlike the iphone phone my Desire never suffered from major design issues like not being able to make phone calls :cool:

    The iphone 4 was a lackluster product when released and over a year its a very dated piece of kit compared to phone back then never mind the dual core monsters available now.


  • Posts: 23,339 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    ............
    HTC is utter garbage. My father went down the HTC route and boy did he regret it. Can't even begin to list the problems he had but most recently his phone is repeatedly emailing everything he sends over and over until it wipes out the recipients storage.

    I had my gmail account closed because of his HTC malfunction so ignore my posts if you don't want the truth.

    I have a HTC Desire for 12 months now, not one single issue or problem with it. I wouldn't buy an I phone as I'd feel like a knob end with one.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 861 ✭✭✭yawnstretch


    Got some junk mail in the post today from Sky tv.

    They have a picture of Live US PGA Golf Tour running on a laptop, an iPhone and an iPad. Apparently you can watch it free if you have Sky.

    No mention of other devices.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 625 ✭✭✭NeitherJohn


    Android app for that is coming soon. I was watching France v Ireland at the weekend on my Desire HD as I was away from home. Excellent quality from some random stream.

    I've not had one problem with my phone either. Dropped it a few times, not even a scratch on it.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,178 ✭✭✭xz


    @yawnstretch....apple this, iphone that, a lot of the internals on iphone are made by Samsung, so Apple are not the bees knees you make them out to be. They are not the exclusive phone they used to be, or as Apple want them to be, but in saying that it is a good phone. I am tossed between getting an iphone and a Samsung GalaxyS2, and when I enquired about both, I was immediately told "iphone", but when I mentioned what I was looking for in a phone, I was told, the Galaxy would be more suited to my needs, and I quote "it's a far superior phone", The iphone is pushed onto people who don't really know what they are looking for in a smartphone, as it is simple and easy to use and has stable apps. Granted Android apps can be hit and miss depending on your phone, but there is scope on Android systems to do a whole lot more than the rigidity of what Apple want you to do with an iphone


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,520 ✭✭✭Tea 1000


    I happen to own both the iPhone 4, and the HTC Sensation. I've also owned the iPhone 3GS. Previous iPhones weren't worth owning in my opinion. Here are my thoughts:
    The 3GS was a quality phone. Built well, looked well, nice to use, decent processor at the time. Android was still in its infancy, so it's probably fair to say it was the best phone available at the time. I didn't have many issues with my 3GS, reception wasn't great on it and battery life wasn't great either, nor was the camera spectacular, but aside from that it was fairly reliable, only giving one or two small issues after a year.
    The iPhone 4 - I'm on my second one and it also has some issues. Both had the death grip issue, but thats just a case of get used to it. Now I have a flaw on the screen which is small, but annoying, and sometimes the touch screen decides it doesn't want to respond. The first one was sent back to Apple twice and returned to me twice with no resolution, a phone call to a supervisor meant that the third time I was sent a new one. The microphone was the issue with that one, people couldn't hear me. Also the touch screen wasn't perfect, particularly in the corners of the screen, an issue which didn't exist on the 3GS.
    We have many iPhone 4's at work here, and I'd say well over half of them have been replaced under warranty. No apology from Apple, no more than the HTC complainer earlier didn't receive an apology from HTC. I don't think many companies issue apologies!
    The good stuff with the iPhone 4:
    The screen is excellent, retina display really is more than marketing bull. The iOS ease of use really is top notch. Even though it is much less powerful than many top end Android offerings, it doesn't feel it as the Apps and OS are designed to be optomised for the hardware. That's one big plus with Apple, only one piece of hardware to design an App for, if it works on that it'll work on all of them. That means that typically the Apps will work well. (certainly not always though). The camera quality is fine, good for a phone, but I always state that if you want to take pics use a proper camera.
    The HTC:
    So far flawless. Having had it a good few weeks now I would prefer it to the iPhone 4 by a good margin. Android certainly isn't as polished as iOS, but it's still very good and very customisable. Flash is a massive bonus, it's very restrictive not having it on the iOS devices. Apps - most of them are available on both, and most look identical on both, some are much better on the Android, others are better on the iOS. Depends on the App. By and large there are more useful free Apps available for Android.
    Major other benefits are things like sending a picture or App from my phone to another. Simple. Not like Apple, impossible for Apps and have to waste MMS or data to e-mail photos. Bluetooth on the Apple is useless, won't talk to any other device only an accessory.
    One key problem for Android is that the Apps can't really be tested and designed to be flawless on all the various makes, models and specs of phones out there, so some Apps do suffer as a result.
    Key problems for Apple include: iTunes - it sucks, why must I use it and why must I provide credit card details?, bluetooth - almost useless unless you have a car kit, Flash - doesn't do it (try paying the M50 toll for example!), and fanboys - they're annoying.

    By and large Apple have done a fantastic job in changing the mobile phone game. They also do have a great philosophy in that you do it our way and our way only and we'll guarantee it'll work. That does work, so if you don't mind the limitations, then by all means go with the slick iPhone.
    If you want more customisation, more hardware choices, wider App variety, flash support and a sense of "it's my device, I'll use it as I please" - go with Android.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 427 ✭✭bd250110


    xz wrote: »
    I was told, the Galaxy would be more suited to my needs, and I quote "it's a far superior phone", The iphone is pushed onto people who don't really know what they are looking for in a smartphone, as it is simple and easy to use and has stable apps.

    I used to work in a mobile phone retailler. I would generally recommend the iOS device over the android equivalent, for the average customer. People want their phone to be stable, have easy access to the internet, they want it to work right out of the box. That is most, but by no means all. So for many, many average customers iPhone is a sensible choice that is more than capable of doing what they want and need.

    I have had the Desire - which I did not rate at all. I returned three handsets to HTC, all of which overheated and crashed. I am now using the Galaxy S II - no doubt a good handset, but it dosent do much for me. Time and time again I go back to the iPhone, for me internet, e-mail, calendar and apps are the killer features. Browsing is better on the iPhone, despite the smaller screen, e-mails are far easier to manage on the iPhone, as are calendars. The iOS AppStore speaks for itself. So for me iOS is a clear winner, but thats an individual thing.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,520 ✭✭✭Tea 1000


    bd250110 wrote: »
    I used to work in a mobile phone retailler. I would generally recommend the iOS device over the android equivalent, for the average customer. People want their phone to be stable, have easy access to the internet, they want it to work right out of the box. That is most, but by no means all. So for many, many average customers iPhone is a sensible choice that is more than capable of doing what they want and need.

    I have had the Desire - which I did not rate at all. I returned three handsets to HTC, all of which overheated and crashed. I am now using the Galaxy S II - no doubt a good handset, but it dosent do much for me. Time and time again I go back to the iPhone, for me internet, e-mail, calendar and apps are the killer features. Browsing is better on the iPhone, despite the smaller screen, e-mails are far easier to manage on the iPhone, as are calendars. The iOS AppStore speaks for itself. So for me iOS is a clear winner, but thats an individual thing.
    I have to intervene here.... Calendars? The iPhone is the worst phone of all time for that! How many times have alarms and calendar reminders failed on the iPhone? Alarms don't even ring if the battery is dead or the phone is off! Phones from 15 years ago did that!!
    And you can't use an iPhone out of the box... not yet anyway.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,174 ✭✭✭fiestaman


    Flash support is for video and stuff is it??


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 427 ✭✭bd250110


    Tea 1000 wrote: »
    I have to intervene here.... Calendars? The iPhone is the worst phone of all time for that! How many times have alarms and calendar reminders failed on the iPhone? Alarms don't even ring if the battery is dead or the phone is off! Phones from 15 years ago did that!!
    And you can't use an iPhone out of the box... not yet anyway.

    My point related to ease of use and clarity of display. Android is by no means bad, but for my mind Apple's layout makes more sense and is easier to see at a quick glance. Again - a personal thing.

    Android Alarms and notifications dont work when the phone is powered down either, if you look on the board it is one of the biggest mentioned annoyances for users. There has been a bug with daylight saving time switching on the iPhone alright, Im not sure if that has been fixed, or not, just one bug though, not multiple. It was in the news multiple times over a month though.

    At my retailer we activated the iPhone before the customer left the shop, so it did work "right out of the box" for many. Of course if the customer uses Google services already getting your data on an Android device is a case of a username and password, which is pretty slick.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 625 ✭✭✭NeitherJohn


    fiestaman wrote: »
    Flash support is for video and stuff is it??


    Yeah the majority of video on the internet is in Adobe Flash. Slowly changing in favour of more efficient and higher quality ways of showing them. That's a while away though.

    The Czech Open was streamed by Flash yesterday. Handy watching it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,060 ✭✭✭Kenny Logins


    I have to agree; for the average or first time smartphone user the iPhone is probably the better option, it does what it says with little fuss and is very intuitive to use.
    I think other phones such as the Galaxy S2 are more suited to people that find some elements of the iPhone/iOS restrictive, and need the extra flexibility.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,984 ✭✭✭Venom


    I have to agree; for the average or first time smartphone user the iPhone is probably the better option, it does what it says with little fuss and is very intuitive to use.
    I think other phones such as the Galaxy S2 are more suited to people that find some elements of the iPhone/iOS restrictive, and need the extra flexibility.


    All this talk about "the average user" is a little bit outdated these days imho. Having used both IOS and HTC Sense Iv found both just as easy to use and would give HTC Sense the nod as being more user friendly due to its ability to have onscreen widgets for displaying information in an easier to see way.

    What part of IOS are you folks finding so much easier to grasp over other mobile OS's?


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,144 Mod ✭✭✭✭robinph


    If you want a recommendation of a phone with a picture of an apple on the back then to get an iPhone would be the answer.

    If you want a recommendation of a phone to meet some specific need then people need to say what that need and price range is.


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