iPhone or Android: Making the Best Choice – Part One
It’s the debate that only gets more intense as smartphone ownership nears 50 percent of the American populace — which phone is right for me? Android or iPhone?
Choosing the right device can be a tough decision. After all, given a two-year commitment requirement with a mobile provider, the device you choose can be with you for quite a while unless you want to pay a hefty early termination fee.
If you’re on the fence as you consider buying an iPhone or an Android device, think about each of these factors to help hone in on the perfect smartphone for you:
1. Show Me the Money
Android
- Cost varies depending on phone, but typically costs less than iOS phones
- Most are $199 or less with a two-year plan, but $99 and free phones are widely available as well, although these tend to have the older versions of Android. Newer versions of Android are much easier to use and provide increased functionality. We would avoid any Android Smartphone uses less than Android 4.
- For the similarly priced iPhone, Android devices typically have larger screens, faster processors and higher megapixel cameras. Google makes their money from ads within the Android operating system, rather than collecting heavy profits from the purchase of the phone or selling the operating system to vendors, so the costs don’t come immediately out of your pocket.
iPhone (iOS)
- The latest model (currently the iPhone 5) is $199 with a two-year plan, while the 4S is $99 and the iPhone 4 is free.
- You will rarely find discounts on Apple products, apart from refurbished items.
Plan Costs
- Voice and data plans for Android and iPhone users typically cost the same.
- Prepaid Android phones have sold for as little as $50.
Over the 2 year lifetime of a typical service contract, users pay an average of $1,700 to the carrier. The $200 cost of a phone is just 12 percent of that total cost, and a difference of $100 for the newest model is 6 percent of what you’ll pay over two years. Compromising over $100 or $200 is just not wise.
Expert Tip: Don’t become fixated on the initial cost of your phone. If you can afford it, get the one you will be happy with for at least two years.
Smartphone Deals
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Posted by:
Google Store Holiday Sale
Great prices are back. Google Store has a Google Store Holiday Sale, with Free Shipping.
Pixel 8 Unlocked $599 Free Shipping ($699)
Pixel 8 Pro Up to $750 off with Trade in and Activation
- You can even buy a used phone on eBay to get trade-in. Google pixel phones are valued because they don't include any bloatware or shovelware on them, and they tend to get the security updates the fastest.
The Google Store can be a good place to buy Google-branded products and devices, but whether it's the right place for you to make a purchase depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:
- Official Source: The Google Store is the official online retail outlet for Google's own products, including Google Pixel phones, Google Nest smart home devices, Chromecast, and other hardware. When you buy from the Google Store, you can be reasonably confident that you're getting genuine and brand-new products.
- Warranty and Support: Purchasing directly from the Google Store often comes with manufacturer warranties and access to Google's customer support. This can be beneficial if you encounter any issues with your device.
- Product Selection: The Google Store is the primary place to find Google's latest product releases. If you want the newest Google hardware, this is where you'll find it.
Posted: December 6, 2023 6:01 AM PST
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Posted by:iPhone SE 64GB (Gen 3) No Contract Sale $149.00 + Free Shipping
($379.00)Big Price drop. Walmart has an iPhone SE 64GB (Gen 3) No Contract Sale, $149.00, Free Shipping. Expires Soon. In several colors.
For Walmart Family Mobile. Plans from $24.88/month for 5GB Data - Unlimited talk/text
- iPhone 13 speed at less than half the price! Time to upgrade that old iPhone
Includes
- 64GB Apple iPhone SE Smartphone (3rd Generation)
- 5G Network Support
- 13Mpixel camera
Posted: December 4, 2023 11:59 PM PST
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Posted by:Wireless Charging Stand - Airpods, iPhone, Watch Sale $19.93 + Free Shipping
($30.00)Black Friday. Amazon has a Wireless Charging Stand - Airpods, iPhone, Watch Sale, $19.93 after instant coupon, Free Shipping $35 or with Prime. Expires: 12/7/2023 - Rated at 4.3 out of 5 stars.
- 3 in 1 Wireless Charging Station: Free up your hands with our TRUE wireless charger! Unlike other phone chargers for iPhone, the GEEKERA wireless phone charger for iPhone can charge your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods simultaneously. Just juice up your phone in landscape or portrait as needed! (Note: Please upgrade your watch to OS 8.6 version or above for the optimum charging experience.)
- Home for All Your Devices: Your ultimate charger is here! The phone charging station can charge iPhone 15/14/13/12/11 series and much more, Apple Watch 9/8/7/6/5/4/3/2/Ultra/SE 2/SE 1, and AirPods Pro 2/Pro/3 (Mag Safe version)/2 (wireless version). Plus, the charging station also can charge Samsung phones and Galaxy earbuds. (Note: It’s NOT suitable for iPhone 13 mini/12 mini/AirPods 1 or Samsung Watch).
Pictured with compatible electronics. (not included)
Sales tax in: All Except AK, DE, MT, NH, OR
Posted: December 3, 2023 11:59 PM PST
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Posted by:Google Pixel 6a 128GB 6.1" 5G Straight Talk Sale $99.00 + Free Shipping
($200.00)Lowest price in 30 days. Walmart has the new Google Pixel 6a 128GB 6.1" 5G Straight Talk Sale for $99.00, with Free Shipping. Offer ends Expires: 12/9/2023 - Rated 4 out of 5 stars.
- Great Value, no need to pay $700-$1000 for an expensive flagship phone!
- If your phone stopped getting monthly security updates, it is time for a new phone
It does not have all the latest bells and whistles but does the job at half the price of top of the line phones. No waterproofing, so use a good case. Review calls it a feature rich budget smartphone
Google Pixel phones get all the latest updates and do not have junkware installed. Comes with 5 years of Android OS and security updates] and the custom-built Titan M chip.
- New, unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; unlocked smartphone works with T-Mobile, Sprint, AT&T, and other major carriers; not compatible with the Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband network
- Dual lenses: 12.2 Mpixel Wide, 12 MPixel Ultrawide camera
- 6GB RAM
- IP67 Water resistant
- 5G capable cell phone gives you an extra boost of speed[2] so you can download a movie in seconds,[3] enjoy smooth streaming in ultra clear HD, play games at home and on the go,[4] and even share your 5G speed with friends
- The all day battery can last up to 48 hours with Extreme Battery Saver[6]
- Your phone will automatically receive the latest OS and security updates for at least 3 years;[7] the custom-made Titan M chip helps secure the operating system and sensitive data, like passwords
- Take vibrant photos on your phone even in the dark with Night Sight, bring studio-quality light to your pictures of people with Portrait Light; and get more scenery and people in the shot with the rear-facing ultrawide lens
- Dual SIM (Single Nano SIM and eSIM)
Posted: December 1, 2023 5:59 AM PST
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Posted by:Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 40mm Smartwatch Sale $99.00 + Free Shipping
($159.00)Black Friday Sale. Walmart has a Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 40mm Smartwatch Sale Priced today only at $99.00, with Free Shipping. Highly rated at 4.5 out of 5.
About
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Smartwatch was the first of its kind to launch. The Galaxy Smartwatch is sleek and makes it easy to see incoming calls. However, the watch does lack email and social network support and it may not work on other Android devices.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Smart Watch Features
- 2 microphones
- Auto Lock
- Timer
- Safety Assist
- Voice Memo
- Find My Device
- Music Controller
- Memographer
- Pedometer
- MP4 Video with HD Playback & Recording
- Stopwatch
- Interactive S-View Window
- Dust and Water Resistant
Posted: November 30, 2023 6:59 AM PST
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2. Be Comfortable in Your Ecosystem
It makes sense to stick with what you know, and what will be most compatible with your computer and other devices. If you own an iPad or a MacBook Pro, for example, syncing your contacts, calendars and emails with an iPhone will be easier and more natural.
When choosing between Android and iPhone, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I already know how to use this device?
- Have I purchased apps, movies or music that are specific to this platform? (They typically cannot be transferred).
- Are my music files and other data in a format specific to iTunes or Google Play?
If the answer is yes to any of these questions , it may be smart to stick with the platform you’re comfortable with and integrated into.
Expert Tip: Consider this equation before switching between platforms:
Total cost already paid for apps
PLUS the value of your to learn a new operating system
PLUS the cost of the device
MINUS your eventual savings in time and money from making a switch =
The total cost of switching
3. Hardware is Your Foundation
Although software operating systems (reviewed in part 2 of this post) steer the ship, it’s the hardware that keeps you afloat.
Android
- Tons of options are on the market, with new models released constantly from different suppliers like Samsung, Motorola and HTC.
- The ‘latest and greatest’ from any maker likely uses the best CPU (central processing unit) available at the time, making most new high-end Android devices comparable to each other. They often boast better specs than the iPhone (the Samsung Galaxy S 4 features a 1.9 GHz Quad Core processor to the iPhone 5’s 1Ghz Dual Core, and 2GB of RAM to the iPhone 5’s 1GB). This translates into higher performance.
- Screens are generally larger than the iPhone 5’s 4” screen.
- Support for the latest technology such as Near Field Communication (NFC) to securely send data, and cable free charging are provided.
- Cameras typically have higher resolution than the iPhone.
- Many models have expandable storage capacity with a microSD card.
iPhone
- Apple has released one ‘state of the art’ iPhone a year, so your option for the best available is limited to the newest phone.
- The iPhone’s industrial design is strong, sturdy and sleek. In an informal test between the iPhone 5 and the Samsung Galaxy S III, the iPhone fared far better and remained functional when dropped on the ground or into a swimming pool.
Expert Tip: Although Apple makes more durable products, but don’t push your luck. It’s a good idea to protect any smartphone with a protective case.
The iPhone is not without its drawbacks and they keep some users loyal to Android:
- Because iPhone releases new models infrequently, the newest Android phones often provide better hardware.
- Expandable storage is not available on the iPhone.
- Accessories and chargers for Apple products are proprietary and can be costly.
Despite specs that out compete Apple on paper, the iPhone still leads competitors like the HTC One X and Samsung Galaxy S III in some computing tests. (LINK: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/iphone-5-benchmark-lightning,3312-3.html) Likewise, because battery life depends on usage style (GPS, WiFi and Bluetooth usage), it’s difficult to compare battery life,, but most user reviews find that the leading Android devices and iPhone 5 are near equals.
A final factor regarding hardware is anticipating when the next version of the device you covet will be released. If you know you want an iPhone and rumors circulating forecast that the latest model will be released soon (the latest reports predict the release of the iPhone 5S in July), you may want to hold out for what you really want. But if you can’t wait and you’re impartial toward both Android or iPhone, choosing a newly released Galaxy or Motorola Droid may be your best investment.
Expert Tip: There is no magic wand to pinpoint the ‘perfect’ smartphone hardware, but choosing the latest model of any phone will ensure speedy processing, longer device life, and is worth the extra upfront cost.
Stay tuned later this week when we dig in deeper to the software differences between iPhone or Android that dictate your user experience.
Tags: Android, iOS, iPhone, Smartphone
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