Android

Browser choice. Actually browser ENGINE choice. And the ability to set my own default apps, including the launcher.

F-droid. Side loading.

Number of reasons

• F-droid(Basically not having to go through proprietary app store) and apps only on them
• Multitasking is leaps and bounds better(windowed mode, split screen...)
• Fingerprint
• SD card
• Connect phone on Win11 (I know it's microsoft but it works great and I don't ever plan to use Mac
• Customization, which is basically non-existent in iOS
• Samsung Dex. It's a bit more than a gimmik to me.
• File management. Iphone is a freaking joke

There are some things that iPhone is just better but all those things are things that I can live without.

This is probably specific to the Pixel phones, not sure how much if any is relevant to other manufacturers.

1. Call screening and spam filtering is amazing. Having the phone automatically screen unknown callers means I haven't had to deal with a spam caller in years. And valid callers don't seem to have any problems understanding whats happening anymore. I used to get several who confused it for a voice mail when it first came out, but now it seems they understand how to leave a screening message and wait for me to pick up.

2. The phone tree and hold for me when calling businesses. Being able to read the options and click the text makes it so much easier to get through the options without having to really pay attention, then having it hold for me until a person answers lets me do other things instead of having to keep listening.

3. Song identification on the lock screen. Whether I'm out at a bar or restaurant or at home watching a TV show and a song I like but don't know starts playing, being able to see exactly what it is without even touching my phone is so convenient. I've found so many cool new bands I never would have without this feature. Its also amazing how it can often identify covers made specifically for TV shows right when they first air.

4. Amazing camera and cool features like photo sphere and the new magic eraser. The camera might not be as head and shoulders above Samsung and Apple as it was in the past but it's still always amazing how well it does in different conditions.

Freedom. I feel so restricted on iOS. I want to do this, and this, and that there too!

Because I can use the real Firefox and not a Webkit imposter. I tried an iPhone for a year but it was too restrictive for me. Having a choice in phone manufacturer helps too. I've had phones from many different companies over the years.

In no particular order

• File management works like a charm
• USB-C and fast charging
• Customizations
• Custom ROMs
• Privacy (getting a Pixel soon for GrapheneOS)
• Easier to repair
• More efficient (takes less steps to do stuff)
• Looks better
• Sideloading
• More choices for phones

For me it's probably the ability to sideload apps, among other things. Apps like NewPipe which would never make it to the Play Store are apps that I use every day, because they are just good apps. Also, I just like the UX of my Pixel compared to an iPhone - I couldn't live without things like a back button, and I sort of don't like the iOS UI.

Don't like Apple's anti consumer attitude, same reason I don't buy Nintendo products.

I decide how I use my phone vs my phone decides how I use it

There is a lot more freedom on Android. I want to be able to side load.

Sideloading. And I refuse to pay Apple's insane prices tbh.

Originally for it's openess to "mess around", you can generally get as deep into it as you wish to.

Now days, it's mostly just to avoid Apple hardware surcharge and Apple lock in ( if you use Apple for anything they suck you into Apple for everything else things don't work).

I still love Android but yeah my primary motivator is now avoiding Apple hassles 😅

Mostly due to choice. Don't like Samsung anymore? I'm free to switch to a Pixel, or a Xiaomi, or whatever without losing most of my apps/setup.

If you use any app other than what Apple provides, you become a second class citizen on your own phone.

Third party apps simply don't integrate with iOS nicely unless Apple allows it. Even though you can choose a web browser, it has to use Safari's underlying code base.

I'm on a Pixel 7. A lot of people say it's like Google's iPhone, but I can use Firefox as my browser natively. Adblocking actually works, too. I can choose any app as a default for whatever. Lots of FOSS! Google doesn't own my Pixel the same way Apple owns the iPhone.

1. I can sideload apps. These apps are usually either obscure but useful or FOSS and designed for the user rather than for money.

2. Even the apps officially on the Google Play Store are more powerful, such as emulators and an app using an advanced algorithm to change the speed and pitch of music while having it still sound high-quality. And of course, a file manager is a must-have.

3. The ability to have Firefox+uBlock origin is a must-have for web browsing.

4. More powerful in automation tools. I didn't care too much about this until I found it extremely useful for work.

5. More hardware variety. I hate that you can't get a headphone jack on an iPhone and that the storage markups are absurd. Here I am with a $300 phone with a good performance, 256GB internal storage, a headphone jack, and a MicroSD slot. Bonus: The iPhone notch is incredibly ugly and the way Android does notches and punch holes is way better.

Unfortunately, we are beholden to greedy Google that actively is nerfing Android. Android 11 made it harder to access files, Android 12 replaced the WiFi and mobile toggles an incredibly poorly-designed internet toggle, and Android 14 is gonna restrict sideloading of older apps (which generally use less storage and are more optimized).

FDroid and custom ROMs

All my smart phones were Android, but not on purpose: Before buying one, I always entered my size and feature preferences (4G, NFC, water resistant, wireless charging, etc) in multiple sites like https://m.gsmarena.com/search.php3 and the best fits for the best price were always Android phones 🤷

Love the flexibility tbh. If I want to switch manufacturers my OS is the same Also much cheaper + I just love the app selection and the ability to put my own apps on here.

iOS is too restrictive for me and too expensive tbh. The ability to switch default apps is amazing. That said this is just for me tbh

1. Not an iPhone
2. Linux-based
3. Can install apps from external sources.
4. I can customize many aspects
5. I can root it and run more advanced software, customize it further, and debloat/remove unwanted builtin apps (unlocked phones only)

• custom homescreens and themes
• more advanced browsers like Firefox
• sideloading apps
• automation via Macrodroid/Bixby Routines/Home Assistant
• open source alternatives like K9 mail
• more native integration with Google services, though this has become less crucial over the years

I prefer Android because we all do not have much choice. Once I preferred Symbian, it was an inconvenient system for advertising salesmen, then there was Windows mobile, I liked it too, but it died quickly. I like the pushbutton phones with proprietary firmware the most, but unfortunately these days it's hard to live without mobile apps.

Customization and not being locked into one manufacturer/environment. I currently have a Pixel 7, but if Google made a hardware change that I absolutely couldn't stand, I have a dozen other manufacturers to choose from that might fit my taste better, while retaining all my apps, accounts, etc. If Apple drops a feature... Too bad for you.

I actually use iOS but I’ve had phones on both sides of the aisle several times in the last 15 years. I work in cybersec and android excels at that kind of thing. Infinitely more power to access systems, use terminal, pull up ip based webpages, and a far more comprehensive app suite to do so. Personally, I’ve just found iOS more stable in my day to day but I have an android tablet for best of both worlds.

Not being locked to one ecosystem and being forced to do everything the 'Apple' way. One of the biggest annoyances I have is being tech support for family with Apple products and they always ask why I am able to do stuff so easily with my 'cheap android'.

For me it's mostly the freedom and potential for customization and personalization. I like being able to install almost any app I want, being able to use 3rd party hardware like cables, bluetooth devices, etc. Not saying you can't do any of that on Apple devices but it just doesn't feel as free. I also don't feel like I'm rewarding the questionable choices Apple does with their devices, like making it difficult to repair yourself. Their phones don't feel like they're truly mine.

I only really use my phone for light browsing, texting, and calling.

I decided to splash out for my current phone, so that I could use it for 5+ years. $700 new in 2018, 8GB RAM, 256 Storage, Octacore CPU, 3700 mAh battery. OnePlus stopped pushing security updates, so I flashed another ROM that is still being updated. I expect this thing to run for a few more years.

The iPhone out in 2018 was the XS. the 256 GB version was $1150; worse CPU, worse battery, less RAM. I believe Apple is still supporting it for updates, but it should be near EOL.

The whole thing revolves around being ableto flash a ROM, though. For me it's a no-brainer, but I don't begrudge anyone for not being willing. If I wasn't going to do that.. I might actually get an iPhone, just for the extended shelf life. > Z Fold 3

I love the iPhone hardware. Especially the mini.

But I really don't like iOS. Or the lightning connector.

Same thing with Macs.

Overall I think Apple makes gorgeous hardware but the software just isn't for me.

I always tell people the best phone (or best one iPhone vs Android) is whatever is best for them.

My wife loves her iPhone and everything about it, and that's okay!