Why I Chose Android Over the iPhone 4

by Lori Cunningham

I used a Blackberry for the past 4 years.  Other than my brief stint with the Tilt2 Windows phone, I had not used the Android or the iPhone.  Due to my interest in home technology, I have been aware that the iPhone/iPad is the best solution for home control.  This is due to the number of applications created for the Apple platform from companies like Panasonic, Samsung, Control 4, Yamaha, Sonos, etc.

iPhone 4

So it made sense to convert to the Apple platform.  I have also been fascinated by the number of applications available on an iPhone.  Wow, no other platform can come close, although Android is fast on their trail.

About 8 months ago, I made the decision to buy the iPhone4, however, I wanted to wait until more carriers offered the iPhone 4.  After several delays, it was rumored that Verizon would carry the iPhone 4.  Since I use Verizon for my phone/data line/TV service, I figured this would work out nicely to bundle the services.  Unfortunately, many months went by without news when the iPhone 4 would be offered by Verizon.

I have written about comparisons on the iPad and Galaxy Tab (Android)  tablets before.  In doing my research, there are several things that the Droid has over Apple:

The Android has:

• support for Flash
• insertable memory cards
• support for multi-tasking
• Face to Face video calling over WiFi or cellular service (Qik) (Apple is only over WiFi and only with other Apple iPhone users)
• new Android phones with new features come out every month, iPhone is updated once a year
• swappable battery if needed
• you can customize most things and change the home page as desired
• free navigation tools
• choice of phone carrier
• free tethering – which means you can hook up your laptop to your phone to get an Internet connection (costs extra through AT&T)
• ability to download any app
• speech input throughout the system
• standard USB cables and chargers – not proprietary like Apple
• more phone color choices!
• 768MB RAM internal memory (my Touch) vs. the iPhone 4’s 512MB RAM
• 3.8 inch screen display(myTouch)  vs. 3.5 inch for the iPhone
• expandable memory up to 32GB (to upgrade memory on the iPhone, you need to buy a new iPhone)
• can take advantage of WiFi Hotspots (Apple can’t)
• HDMI capable (myTouch) (not  for Apple)
• tons of very usable free apps

After much research, I came to the conclusion, “so why again am I waiting  for the iPhone?”

True, iPhone has over 350,000 apps to Android’s 250,000+.  But it appears that the “holy grail” of phones is just a misnomer.  The iPhone appears to be “locked down” in areas and offers less choice, which is funny despite their 350k apps!  Now, I know I’m probably upsetting a lot of iPhone lovers out there – you are welcome to comment at the end of this post.  Nonetheless, to my husband’s dismay,….

I went out and purchased two myTouch Android phones through T-mobile, my carrier of 8 years.  I chose a black on for my husband and a red one for myself.  It’s been 3 months since I bought the myTouch and I have to say I’m tickled with it.  I’ve been having a field day adding free apps to the phone…from adding a QR code reader, to games  for the kids, to a car locator, to a breadcrumb finder (to help me find particular booths at trade shows!), to a heart rate reader (really, it’s pretty cool), to…well…you name it!  There are an amazing amount of free apps available through the Android market.  I feel like a kid in a candy store!

A Mom’s Perspective

350,000 vs 250,000 apps is a difference, however, I can’t possibly load 350,ooo apps on my phone anyways!  Most of the major apps found in the Apple store are also in the Android store.  As you can see, Android is quickly gaining on Apple and is predicted to outnumber Apples apps in the near future.

So, when it comes down to it, these are the major reasons why I chose Android over Apple:

My Touch 4G - My phone of choice

1.) Flexibility – I have the ability to use micro SD cards to increase memory as well as the convenience to move the card from phone to phone or computer.

2.)  Flash support – when I land on a webpage with Flash, I am able to see all the features right away.  Apple does not support Flash, so the Flash features will not work.

3.) Variety – Apple phones only come out once a year.  Android phones are coming out all the time, with new fantastic features.

4.)  Tethering – I can connect  my Android smartphone, with data service, to my laptop or tablet which shares Internet access with these devices.  No more $20 fees in hotels!

5.)  Choice – I was not forced to move cellular carriers just for the phone they carry.  I have enjoyed my service with T-mobile and I didn’t want to leave.  Android phones are available from ALL carriers which gives more flexibility and the option to get the best price of cellular service through price comparison.

I really don’t feel like I’m missing out by not having an iPhone.  And I’m confident that all of those neat home technology control apps will make their way over to the Android market.  It’s just a matter of time.

Which phone did you choose and why?  Tell us why you love your phone!!!