The next big thing is already here

[Yendall]

Motorola Defy is horrible.

[Mao]

Holy shit, i'm going to buy an Xperia S (probably) how is it?

Xperia S is not bad, it runs ICS and whatever buzz word is fashionable these days. It comes with all the standard Android problems, but it's okay for everyday use for its price. Though if I understand it correctly, it has already become obsolete (who still sells them? Optus/Telstra doesn't even have it on their websites anymore). The phone to buy right now is Galaxy S3 (the current flagship of Android), or if you can afford it, the Nokia Lumia 920 (the current flagship of Windows phone series). But I do recommend the Xperia S, it is a good phone that works most of the time, and considering its price currently, it's got a pretty good bang for buck.

I wouldn't jump on the iPhone 5 bandwagon just yet. For starters, iPhones are expensive as fuck, you wouldn't want to sink that much money into the rushed iOS 6, especially not with the horrible state that its Maps is currently in. You can't really blame Apple for that either, they were forced into getting a replacement maps system, and I might add it was an amazing feat for how fast they made the current system. Google Maps took many many years to reach its current maturity, including making its own many mistakes experienced in earlier Android, you don't simply build something like this in one year.

On one last note for Android, don't ever *EVER* upgrade the phone past its intended firmware version. If the phone is intended to work with 2.3, don't try to make it run 4.0, it'll end in tears and frustration for all involved. My previous phone was released on 1.6, intended for 2.1, but towards the end of its lifecycle a 2.3 update was released (read: a half-arsed port of the 2.3 firmware for their newest phones). I was silly enough to decide to update, and one thing after another, I now have a hole in my wall.

[MJRomeo81]

The UI lag.

All the UI glitching that happens around the place. (e.g. the UI for my messaging app screws up every other time)

The call log bugs (dials person Y when I selected person X)

Reception bugs (when I have full reception but everything directly goes to voicemail)

Bluetooth bugs (music skips when played over bluetooth)

Phantom SD card mounts/unmounts

Slow, *SLOW* transfer speed to computer

Dodgy wifi tethering (loses connection every 5 seconds)

Lack of accessories (you try finding a good functional case like this one for any Android phone, and don't invoke the "you can buy a motorola defy if you want waterproof" argument)

...I could go on.
And this is not just my phone (Xperia S, ICS), but across the board for the Galaxy range (S II, Nexus, S III), the HTC range, etc etc.

iOS doesn't lag because it doesn't do shit. No home screen, no widgets. I have minimal lag on my GS2 but yes I do agree that if you're a heavy user it can become noticeable. From experience, if you don't kill apps that you frequently use on android then the phone runs smooth. Nothing annoys me more than watching people use task managers on android.

Yeah the SD card isn't perfect you know what? At least I have the CHOICE on my GS2/other android phones to have some additional storage. I don't have to pay money for a different model of the phone either.

I think the iphone4 had some serious reception bugs. Does antenna-gate ring a bell?

I've never had problems transferring files to a computer. Maybe it's only with large files there's an issue? But hey, when I transfer files on an android phone I'm not forced to use a particular software package (itunes). And I can also transfer files through bluetooth (iphone can't do it without external apps).

I just feel that there's a different feel when using iOS. I feel that I'm basically handcuffed and forced to do things the way Apple wants me to. Now I can understand how this appeals to UI simplicity (for the elderly), but I like to be in COMPLETE control of my phone. Besides, iOS is ugly as hell. Every iPhone has the same generic lock screen. The same generic app drawer, etc. I have an app drawer too...it's just hidden under my 7 home screens of epicness.

[Mao]

iOS doesn't lag because it doesn't do shit. No home screen, no widgets. I have minimal lag on my GS2 but yes I do agree that if you're a heavy user it can become noticeable. From experience, if you don't kill apps that you frequently use on android then the phone runs smooth. Nothing annoys me more than watching people use task managers on android.

Quite the contrary. iOS is naturally lag free in the UI department, because of how the fundamental architecture is designed: UI has a higher priority in iOS, whereas in Android the UI runs on the normal priority shared with other processes. This lag is what kills multitouch gestures on Android (vs on iPhone where it is always smooth).

Re: widgets, home screen, various customisations, etc. I don't think any of them are necessary. My phone is an extension of my brain, I use it to manage calendars, tasks, contact people, check the news, etc. I don't need to look at prettified weather or access quick settings. If you want your phone to ring with a Darth Vader tune when your mum calls or have a flip clock, go right ahead and customize your toy. I want a phone, not a toy.

My android homescreen is blank. Completely blank. I have a static wallpaper, no widgets. I don't see a need for any of it.

Yeah the SD card isn't perfect you know what? At least I have the CHOICE on my GS2/other android phones to have some additional storage. I don't have to pay money for a different model of the phone either.

So you are telling me when you buy a phone, the 16 Gb SD card in your phone is not large enough, so you buy a 64 Gb card from ebay for $15, put that in, feel like a boss, then get disappointed when your phone cannot capture HD videos because SD card speeds cannot keep up?

Yeah, I have that problem too. You know what phones don't have that problem? The ones where the manufacturer weren't lazy and cost-cutting and incorporated a fast-access flash drive into the phone.

I think the iphone4 had some serious reception bugs. Does antenna-gate ring a bell?

And antenna-gate was easily fixable, you get a free bumper. Most people buy a case for it anyways, and the problem was fixed in 4S.

Android, on the other hand, I am still waiting on a software fix that means people can actually call me. I can tell you playing the "5 new voicemail messages" is a real fun game to play when you have family in hospital.

I've never had problems transferring files to a computer. Maybe it's only with large files there's an issue? But hey, when I transfer files on an android phone I'm not forced to use a particular software package (itunes). And I can also transfer files through bluetooth (iphone can't do it without external apps).

Transfer files via bluetooth? I prefer to watch grass grow, it's slightly faster than waiting for a file to transfer on bluetooth. Alternatively, dropbox.
The problem I have is not with how to transfer files, it's how long it takes. Again, this is the natural flaw of using an SD card.

I just feel that there's a different feel when using iOS. I feel that I'm basically handcuffed and forced to do things the way Apple wants me to. Now I can understand how this appeals to UI simplicity (for the elderly), but I like to be in COMPLETE control of my phone. Besides, iOS is ugly as hell. Every iPhone has the same generic lock screen. The same generic app drawer, etc. I have an app drawer too...it's just hidden under my 7 home screens of epicness.

Yes, Apple forces you to use iTunes (which I already do, because hell no I'm not switching to buggy alternatives). The simplicity of the Apple UI means you get into your phone, get the information you need, and get on with your life. I don't have any need to compare lock screens or home screens with other people. However, if you want the phone to 'show off' your customizations, then power to you, enjoy your toy.

I used to be into modding and custom roms and so forth, until I realised I am doing the work Android devs should already be doing. Which is stupid. Why do I *want* to control every aspect of the phone? I have other things to take care of. In my ideal, I want a phone that I don't have to control, a phone that manages itself.

And that is why I use my Android like an iPhone, and that is why I complain, because my Android doesn't work as well as an iPhone when being compared to an iPhone. (yes, switch to iPhone blah blah, unfortunately I put another 24 months of trust into Android ICS, and was thoroughly disappointed)

[MJRomeo81]

Re: widgets, home screen, various customisations, etc. I don't think any of them are necessary. My phone is an extension of my brain, I use it to manage calendars, tasks, contact people, check the news, etc. I don't need to look at prettified weather or access quick settings. If you want your phone to ring with a Darth Vader tune when your mum calls or have a flip clock, go right ahead and customize your toy. I want a phone, not a toy.

My android homescreen is blank. Completely blank. I have a static wallpaper, no widgets. I don't see a need for any of it.

I have widgets for a calendar, tasks (visible notepads on my home screens so I can instantly read/write stuff along with everything else), news, weather, and so on. The only ones that aren't necessary are gimmick widgets that don't serve a real purpose (like stupid translators or performance metrics). I don't mind having a shazam widget so that when a song comes on, I can instantly tap my widget instead of launching the app. Same as instant google searching, quick references to imdb, and so on.

Various customisations make a phone truly unique. I like the eye candy of my home screens. I like running different launchers and personalising my phone to suit my tastes. I still have an app drawer like the iPhone. And I can do all of this without hacking the phone. If I want my phone to be a 'toy' (which it isn't - who has a custom ring tone these days?), then I can go down that path. Alternatively, I can do whatever I want with it...something that simply isn't an option on iOS.

So you are telling me when you buy a phone, the 16 Gb SD card in your phone is not large enough, so you buy a 64 Gb card from ebay for $15, put that in, feel like a boss, then get disappointed when your phone cannot capture HD videos because SD card speeds cannot keep up?

Yeah, I have that problem too. You know what phones don't have that problem? The ones where the manufacturer weren't lazy and cost-cutting and incorporated a fast-access flash drive into the phone.

For me personally, no. I'd never fill up 16gb internal memory. But some people do. And I don't know why Apple can't provide the option. Oh wait I do. Money. All Apple have ever cared about is money. Like the new connector.

I don't think anyone expects to fill up 16gb and then wish to record HD videos on their SD card. SD cards are simply used to make life easier whether its a few GBs of extra storage or for taking out the card and passing it to someone else.

Android, on the other hand, I am still waiting on a software fix that means people can actually call me. I can tell you playing the "5 new voicemail messages" is a real fun game to play when you have family in hospital.

Never experienced this problem myself. I've never had much luck with sony ericsson either (let's not forget that there are different flavours of ICS depending on who the manufacturer/carrier is). I hated the whole timescape thing.

Yes, Apple forces you to use iTunes (which I already do, because hell no I'm not switching to buggy alternatives). The simplicity of the Apple UI means you get into your phone, get the information you need, and get on with your life.

Buggy alternatives? Is windows explorer buggy? You're claiming that Apple make it simple to get information in and out? Please. Everything you do on iOS is hidden behind a layer of abstraction. I don't even need to use a specific program to transfer files on my phone. I can simply navigate the directories and do as I please, whether it's on windows explorer or a similar app on the phone itself such as astro file manager.

iTunes forces you to do the whole backup/sync process every time you connect your phone.

[pi]

Couldn't resist posting this:

[Mao]

Yes, Apple forces you to use iTunes (which I already do, because hell no I'm not switching to buggy alternatives). The simplicity of the Apple UI means you get into your phone, get the information you need, and get on with your life.

Buggy alternatives? Is windows explorer buggy? You're claiming that Apple make it simple to get information in and out? Please. Everything you do on iOS is hidden behind a layer of abstraction. I don't even need to use a specific program to transfer files on my phone. I can simply navigate the directories and do as I please, whether it's on windows explorer or a similar app on the phone itself such as astro file manager.

iTunes forces you to do the whole backup/sync process every time you connect your phone.

Really? So I guess it's my incompetence that makes my android slower than every iPhone user in my office when it comes to finding a piece of information (next tram, weather, a translation, etc etc)? Fair enough.

And yes, Windows Explorer is buggy as hell, don't even get me started on Windoze vs OSX. To date, I have not found a usable folder syncing protocol on Windows for non-Apple devices (nothing wants to preserve times, compute hashes and copy incremental changes, it's crazy; and don't mention doubletwist, I do not know of any machine that has enough RAM to handle that unoptimised beast). Also, every alternative to managing a music library is buggy or requires a ton of effort to setup (foobar, winamp).

I cbf replying to your other points, but the theme of it is pretty obvious. Android fans say iOS is too limiting, iOS fans say Android features are unpolished and unnecessary. We can go around this circle for weeks, but it really comes down to taste and peer pressure. Android is not decisively better than iOS. I am saying this as a long time Android user, that unless a) you are cheap or b) you absolutely must have a certain Android feature, then the iOS experience isn't nearly as bad as criticisms go, and perhaps even better than your average Android experience.

[SDPHD]

The UI lag.

All the UI glitching that happens around the place. (e.g. the UI for my messaging app screws up every other time)

Are you using the stock Sony firmware? Because Sony are shiat at building nice firmware. You could alawys try something like CM9.1 which is faultless (IMO).

The UI lag is largely alleviated by Jelly Bean (Project Butter). CM10 and AOKP Jelly Bean ROMs are available for the LT26i although they're not 100% perfect (yet).

The call log bugs (dials person Y when I selected person X)

Bluetooth bugs (music skips when played over bluetooth)

Phantom SD card mounts/unmounts

Dodgy wifi tethering (loses connection every 5 seconds)

Could be related to the firmware/kernel you're using.

Haven't had much experience with music over BT though.

I've used WiFi tethering heaps since Gingerbread (with different types of firmware, from different manufacturers too) and I've never had a problem with it. Most tethering issues stem from issues with the carrier more than the OS.

Reception bugs (when I have full reception but everything directly goes to voicemail)

Sounds carrier related but I could be wrong.

Slow, *SLOW* transfer speed to computer

Related to the type of storage memory Sony used for the LT26i - not Android related.

Lack of accessories (you try finding a good functional case like this one for any Android phone, and don't invoke the "you can buy a motorola defy if you want waterproof" argument)

It's easier for manufacturers to make niche cases for one phone (the iPhone) rather than for the thousands(?) of Android phones out there - some of which may not even have a market for that particular type of case. But not Android OS related.

...I could go on.
And this is not just my phone (Xperia S, ICS), but across the board for the Galaxy range (S II, Nexus, S III), the HTC range, etc etc.

Yeah...I don't think so.

Though if I understand it correctly, it has already become obsolete (who still sells them? Optus/Telstra doesn't even have it on their websites anymore).

AFAIK Virgin still sells them on their $29 plan which I reckon is still good value for money. Can't really get a better phone for $29 a month (at the moment) and it'll end up costing less than half of what an S3 will over 24 months.

On one last note for Android, don't ever *EVER* upgrade the phone past its intended firmware version. If the phone is intended to work with 2.3, don't try to make it run 4.0, it'll end in tears and frustration for all involved. My previous phone was released on 1.6, intended for 2.1, but towards the end of its lifecycle a 2.3 update was released (read: a half-arsed port of the 2.3 firmware for their newest phones). I was silly enough to decide to update, and one thing after another, I now have a hole in my wall.

Either you're talking about the firmware from the manufacturer or you're doing something seriously wrong. My phone came out of the box with Gingerbread, it's currently running CM9.1 (ICS), has run CM10 (JB, Alpha), AOKP ICS and AOKP JB (RC) all of which are better than the firmware Sony offered.

But if you're unhappy with whatever firmware you're running, you can always go back to whatever firmware worked for you. You can do that with Android - it's not iOS where you need to save your SHSH blobs to revert back to an older firmware.

Quite the contrary. iOS is naturally lag free in the UI department, because of how the fundamental architecture is designed: UI has a higher priority in iOS, whereas in Android the UI runs on the normal priority shared with other processes. This lag is what kills multitouch gestures on Android (vs on iPhone where it is always smooth).

Jelly Bean. Remember, iOS wasn't born perfect. I remember using iOS 2.x.x and that was nothing to write home about. iOS has progressed and so has Android.

I've run iOS 5 on a 1Ghz single core iPod touch that came out of the box with iOS 4.1 and I've run Jelly Bean on a 800Mhz single core phone that came out of the box with Android 2.2 and I can honestly say the (lower spec'd) phone performed better.

I want a phone, not a toy.

Why not a Windows Phone?

Android, on the other hand, I am still waiting on a software fix that means people can actually call me. I can tell you playing the "5 new voicemail messages" is a real fun game to play when you have family in hospital.

There are a ton of ROMs available for the LT26i (http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1518). Take your pick and see how it goes.

The problem I have is not with how to transfer files, it's how long it takes. Again, this is the natural flaw of using an SD card.

Maybe if you'e from the last century and you're using a Class 2 microSD card. Buy a Class 10 (or UHS if your phone supports it) and happy days. But in your case, AFAIK the LT26i doesn't have a microSD card slot so the crap transfer speeds are caused by whatever crap inbuilt memory Sony used.

I used to be into modding and custom roms and so forth, until I realised I am doing the work Android devs should already be doing. Which is stupid. Why do I *want* to control every aspect of the phone? I have other things to take care of. In my ideal, I want a phone that I don't have to control, a phone that manages itself.

All your problems can be solved in one step. Buy an iPhone. Use a landline. They are free of all the issues that plague cellular phones.

[Mao]

@SDPHD, so what you are telling me is the phone doesn't work fine out of the box, the user have to hunt around for ROMs to get over the manufacturer and carrier's hurdles?

Thank you for proving my point.

Slow, *SLOW* transfer speed to computer

Related to the type of storage memory Sony used for the LT26i - not Android related.

Same problem exists for GS2, GN, various older iterations. The speed is limited because of the choice to use SD cards as the storage device, it is a design flaw in almost all Android manufacturers.

Lack of accessories (you try finding a good functional case like this one for any Android phone, and don't invoke the "you can buy a motorola defy if you want waterproof" argument)

It's easier for manufacturers to make niche cases for one phone (the iPhone) rather than for the thousands(?) of Android phones out there - some of which may not even have a market for that particular type of case. But not Android OS related.

But when someone suggests Android to someone else, you have already limited this option. It's not a problem with Android OS, it is a problem with every Android phone.

...I could go on.
And this is not just my phone (Xperia S, ICS), but across the board for the Galaxy range (S II, Nexus, S III), the HTC range, etc etc.

Yeah...I don't think so.

Feel free to not believe me, I have used all of these phones, and none seem to have all the problems fixed.

I want a phone, not a toy.

Why not a Windows Phone?

I actually like the philosophy behind Windows Phone very much. If I were to design a UI myself, it'll end up looking like WP. However, it is not yet mature (we'll see how Lumia920 fares), and I sure as hell am not going to use a Windows OS for a computer. Unless someone can show WP can work well with OSX, then I am keeping a safe distance away.

OFFTOPIC:

I used to be into modding and custom roms and so forth, until I realised I am doing the work Android devs should already be doing. Which is stupid. Why do I *want* to control every aspect of the phone? I have other things to take care of. In my ideal, I want a phone that I don't have to control, a phone that manages itself.

All your problems can be solved in one step. Buy an iPhone. Use a landline. They are free of all the issues that plague cellular phones.

On an off note, have you seen the Telstra T-Hub's?
It has got to be one of the most horrendous pieces of technology. I would be dialling to landline from my mobile, and the 'hub' would then try to load the ringtone for a whole 10 seconds before making a sound, and it'll take another 5s or so until the satellites start ringing. By the time every phone is ringing, the network takes me to voicemail.

[SenriAkane]

Nexus man with Custom ROM (CNA 3.6.0 or Nightly)here.
Jelly Bean has really taken android much further (It is actually much more smoother than ICS 4.0.4 and 4.0.2) and custom ROM's just sweetens it.
(Also I blame carrier for not releasing upgrades quicker) 

AOSP should really consider incorporates some of the custom ROM features such as unlock shortcuts management and variable softkeys (for those with softkeys)

[paulsterio]

Mao, my take on it is that Android and iOS are two OSes which are based on two completely different ideologies. Android is an open, highly customization and a very flexible platform, obviously this comes with its issues and benefits. Even though I like Android personally (my past three phones are all Android - Xperia X10, HTC Desire HD and currently on a HTC One X), I agree with many of the issues with Android that you have pointed out. However, like SDPHD has suggested, there are ways in which those issues can be fixed - that's the beauty of Android - that the user is in control.

Judging on the merits of each OS, I'd say that what everyone has said is right, it just comes down to what you want more. Like for what Mao has said, he'd probably be more suited to iOS, as that would suit him better, or as others have pointed out, possibly even Windows Phone. However, for others, such as myself or MJRomeo, Android will provide the better experience.

These are the features which really make Android appeal to me:

1) Home screen widgets, I have my timetable, reminders, power control, google search...etc. all on my home screen
2) Pattern unlock - I can do a pattern unlock in less than half the time it takes me to enter a non-repeating 4 digit number - I have timed with a stop watch
3) Custom Roms - I just like the ability to strip what I don't need out of the OS and put in what I need - I'm a tinkerer, I just love to tinker and customise for the sake of doing it - it might serve no practical use, but I do it as a hoppy.

Of course, all of Mao's criticisms of Android are valid as well - maybe the lesson is that neither iOS nor Android are really better than the other, they are just both different and hence, they appeal to different audiences.