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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> iPhone or Droid?
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09/09/2010 10:43:40 AM · #1
Sooooo... I lost my iPhone 3G the other day, so now it's time for an upgrade...

From what I can afford from ATT at the moment, I'm looking at:

the iPhone 3Gs
And three Droid phones
Motorola BackFlip
Sony Ericson Vivaz
And possibly the Droid
HTC Aria

I'd definitely like to hear your experiences with these, especially the Droids... I use my phone a lot for portfolio presentation on the go.


09/09/2010 10:46:46 AM · #2
Do you have the Samsung Galaxy in the US? - Android phone, perfect for showing portfolios as it has the best screen out there.
09/09/2010 10:53:28 AM · #3
Unfortunately no, ATT doesn't carry that phone.
09/09/2010 10:57:17 AM · #4
Although I like the iPhone OS and UI, and especially the apps. I think the droid phones are very tempting.

But, if you go for the iPhone3 instead of 4, you'll be persecuted with OS upgrades, missing functionality etc. I'm a few hardware versions behind with my iPod Touch, and it drives me round the bend.

I've got a Samsung at the moment, but I'm looking at HTC (Desire/Hero) for my next upgrade.
09/09/2010 10:58:27 AM · #5
The Galaxy is right up there and does have the best screen at the moment. I just went to the Droid X after looking at a number of phones and found it technological at the top of the heap with a great 4.3" screen, wonderful for HD movies and photos.

Can you switch carriers? If so Verizon has a couple of great Droid phones as does Sprint. The Droid x and Droid 2 from Motorola are at top of the technology pile right now and are carried by Verizon. The HTC Evo is also up there with them and carried by Sprint. I think the iPhone has fallen off for now as the leader but will Kiley come back eventually. Only issue with Droid is that some are concerned with the security issues as they do not take as much care in their marketplace for apps as does Apple.

Good luck in the search.
09/09/2010 11:01:15 AM · #6
My wife has an HTC phone with android... It is an awesome phone. Very user friendly and no problems with OS since obtaining the phone two months ago. Only thing she complains about is the on screen keyboard. It functions well but she misses being able to touch the buttons and know where you are on the keyboard without looking.
09/09/2010 11:18:17 AM · #7
I have a Nexus One, which was googles first phone and you could only buy it online. It runs Android 2.2.... it is by far the best phone I have ever had. The newer droid phones are just as good or better. The OS is sleek and easy to use. You really can't go wrong with any droid phone. Basically your choices are which carrier and if you want a keyboard or not. The verizon Droid 2 is heavier, but has a slide out keyboard, if that's what you want. They are all pretty similar otherwise.
09/09/2010 11:20:56 AM · #8
I have the original Droid, and my current recommendation is to avoid Android devices.

The system update to Android 2.2 (Froyo) removed a critical feature from the volume rocker--you can no longer go sound > vibrate > silent without digging through system menus.

Some more info on the removal of this feature here:

//code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=10602

IMO, this removal is crippling in terms of functionality, and the length of time that the issue goes without being fixed is directly proportional to the likelihood that I will be purchasing a non-Android device the next time I'm in the market.

Message edited by author 2010-09-09 11:23:33.
09/09/2010 11:40:17 AM · #9
Seems like a small issue... but I can see how it'd be annoying.
09/09/2010 12:07:42 PM · #10
It's amazing how these small issues on a phone can become incredibly irritating.

I've got the Samsung Jet, marketed as a 'smartphone' but not actually one i.e. it has the hardware features of a smartphone, but runs some unflexible proprietary Samsung OS with limited apps.

Things that annoy me.... 1) The 'Message Received' widget: When I click 'Read' half the time it thinks I'm moving the widget or it just ignores the click. 2) Random freezes and dialing: The UI freezes, and then tries to 'catch up' on keystrokes meaning it starts dialing someone I don't want to call. Ends up with me having to pop out the battery before they answer. 3) Predictive text: I can't remove words from the dictionary! - There are a load of common words now being replaced by not-so-common ones I've entered myself. e.g. I want to type 'at', I get 'cv' - I want to type 'is', I get 'hr' and so on. These are the main annoyances; essential and obvious UI design issues that affect the most basic of the phones functions - making calls and reading/sending texts.

It's got a great camera though. It's funny how the camera UI is easier to use and more responsive than the phone UI.

Anyway, that taught me a lesson; go with a phone OS I know, which is popular and well supported. At the moment that narrows it down to Android or iPhone.
09/09/2010 12:45:09 PM · #11
Originally posted by JH:


Anyway, that taught me a lesson; go with a phone OS I know, which is popular and well supported. At the moment that narrows it down to Android or iPhone.


Or possibly Palm or Blackberry, but yeah, I agree.
09/09/2010 12:52:23 PM · #12
For anyone who's switched from iPhone to Droid... can you find replacements for most of the apps you use?
09/09/2010 01:09:26 PM · #13
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

Seems like a small issue... but I can see how it'd be annoying.


Depending on how you use it and where you are--namely jobwise--it can either be a nonissue or a really big deal. For my purposes, I used to like to keep the phone on ring + vibrate (to maximize the chances I get calls/texts promptly when I'm mobile) and to be able to turn it on silent quickly (when in the office or other places where noise isn't appropriate). I can't do that any more, and a recurring minor inconvenience becomes a major one overall.

Plus, there's the principle involved: taking away basic features is a major no-no of design and engineering, and then completely ignoring the user base is another.
09/09/2010 01:35:11 PM · #14
Originally posted by mycelium:


Plus, there's the principle involved: taking away basic features is a major no-no of design and engineering, and then completely ignoring the user base is another.


So, is it Google that disabled the feature, or manufacturer specific?
09/09/2010 01:35:37 PM · #15
If going with another iPhone, I would seriously consider paying a little bit more to get the iPhone 4 vs the 3GS. The new 4th generation display is worlds better and so is the camera with its back-lit sensor. Apple just released a new firmware that gives the iPhone 4 camera a 3-shot HDR (or exposure bracketing) capability and in certain circumstances it is quite impressive yet natural looking.
Some of the Android phones have some nice features to consider too, but I would highly recommend getting the latest at this time if going with Apple :)
09/09/2010 01:38:41 PM · #16
Other than the price...that issue with the dropped calls and phone condom fix kinda concern me about the 4G.
09/09/2010 01:47:30 PM · #17
Originally posted by mycelium:


Depending on how you use it and where you are--namely jobwise--it can either be a nonissue or a really big deal. For my purposes, I used to like to keep the phone on ring + vibrate (to maximize the chances I get calls/texts promptly when I'm mobile) and to be able to turn it on silent quickly (when in the office or other places where noise isn't appropriate). I can't do that any more, and a recurring minor inconvenience becomes a major one overall.

Plus, there's the principle involved: taking away basic features is a major no-no of design and engineering, and then completely ignoring the user base is another.


Damon, there are plenty of apps that will let you switch quickly. I installed "Extended Controls." The bar on my homescreen has a button to quickly switch ring->vibrate->silent. "Beautiful Widgets" has buttons for the homescreen. "Power Controls" is another.

I love my Droid. My only regret is that I got the Droid 1 about 2 months before the Droid X was released. That's the phone I'd really like to have. But when your mother-in-law says "hey, I'm thinking about getting a droid phone, I'll get you one, too, and I'll pay the monthly bill," you don't say, "no thanks, I'll wait a few months to see what else comes along." :)
09/09/2010 01:50:40 PM · #18
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

Other than the price...that issue with the dropped calls and phone condom fix kinda concern me about the 4G.


All that is pretty much a non-issue if you don't touch the vulnerable area on the antenna (admittedly a lame design by Apple) or more likely use a case on the phone. I think Apple is still offering a free case to go with each phone too and if you care about your stuff any phone will stay nice longer if you use a case.

My reception has been great with no dropped calls, but then I am in one of the cities that does have good coverage with AT&T.
09/09/2010 02:03:27 PM · #19
I'll look into it... gotta take a trip to the ATT store this weekend, anyway... I want to touch a few of these phones.
09/09/2010 02:09:02 PM · #20
This might be of interest to phone techies.
Apple to allow aps.
09/09/2010 03:53:05 PM · #21
Android! All the way. I have the Nexus One it fricken' Rawks!

In a word "Tethering"

Nuff said ...
09/09/2010 04:07:18 PM · #22
I just had to make sure my most used app was available:
Sunrise/Sunset Calculator
//www.androlib.com/android.application.com-bcato-solar-jApE.aspx

And ofcourse the Weather Channel app.

Message edited by author 2010-09-09 16:08:09.
09/09/2010 04:13:00 PM · #23
ATT has the Captivate which is the Samsung Galaxy S.
09/09/2010 04:19:56 PM · #24
Please do not consider the "Black-FLip"---it does not get good reviews. I would look at the Captivate (Samsung Galaxy S) or the Sony Experia X-10. They are both AT&T androids. Aria is considered a mid-range anroid, and the Captivate and Experia are high-end, and considered the best androids AT&T carries at the moment.

oops...it is the Sony Xperia X10...spelled it wrong. Also, you might want to look at not getting it at the AT&T store...have a hands on experience with the different models at the store, but consider buying it from another source if possible...Amazon has great prices now on all carriers and phones, Walmart, Costco, etc...much better pricing. Even the AT&T website can be better priced than the actual store!!!

Message edited by author 2010-09-09 18:03:07.
09/09/2010 06:40:28 PM · #25
I own a Droid 2... My girlfriend owns a Droid 2... We're both super critical people who are not easily pleased.. We are both very pleased with the Droid 2.

(short and simple. Droid 2)
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