If you had told me a year ago that I was going to write a story about buying my first iPhone, I would have called you crazy. After all, I’ve been on Team Samsung Galaxy for nearly 10 years.
But here I am, the proud owner of the brand new iPhone 13 Pro. It’s a bit hard to believe given my longstanding relationship with Galaxy phones. But it’s real, and let me tell you, I’m glad I made the switch.
But why did you abandon Android for Apple? I was all set to get the Samsung Galaxy S22 just a few weeks ago. As I will detail below, the time was right for me to switch from Android to iPhone. And while I’m still getting to know my new device, I already know it’s one of the best investments I’ve made. I may be in love.
Before we get started, I want to say that this is not an iPhone vs Android opinion piece. I grapple with enough console war bullshit on Twitter to get into another discussion about the big brands. The purpose of this introductory article is to share my story and let Android users know what it’s like to transition from this platform to Apple. This might be the best decision you can make – it was for me.
Here’s why I switched from Android to iPhone and why I’ll never go back.
iOS provides a smoother experience over Android
As the computing writer for Tom’s Guide, I have had the opportunity to review Android and Apple products such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and iPad Air 5, respectively. I’ve also used a 14-inch MacBook Pro at various times. This last one was my first real experience with macOS and it was somewhat of a catchy encounter.
A review of Android and Apple devices revealed how tough the Android interface actually is. I’ve heard this complaint many times in the past, but since I mostly only use Android devices (Samsung phones and tablets), I haven’t found a problem with Android. Now I understand what people have been telling me all this time.
For example, my Android phone and tablets may occasionally shutdown or restart randomly. Apps can also become unresponsive and sometimes require me to uninstall and reinstall them. I’m a Windows user and I’m having the same issues on my PC. Android hiccups seemed perfectly normal. Operating systems are naturally messy, right?
Perhaps I was intentionally ignorant, but looking back, I didn’t encounter these issues on Apple devices. While being a computing writer has allowed me to become more familiar with Apple, I’m not completely unaware of the company’s hardware. I have used the first generation iPod touch for many years and also own the seventh generation iPad released in 2019. Both provide smooth and seamless experiences.
These Apple products just worked, something I can’t always say about my Galaxy phones and tablets. In the past, I knew the iPad 7 was better than the Galaxy Tab A. As an Android user, I didn’t want to admit that.
iPhone experience
Getting used to iOS 15.4 wasn’t difficult. In fact, it was a natural transition because I am very familiar with the basic functions of the operating system. Aside from downloading and logging in to all the apps I had on my old Android phone, it didn’t take long to use the iPhone 13 Pro like I’d owned an Apple phone for years. Then there are the new (or new to me) features that have enhanced the iPhone experience.
FaceID is easily my favorite iPhone 13 Pro feature. Instead of manually entering a password to unlock my phone or to log into apps, I can just look at my phone. I am amazed at how well this feature works. In fact, it’s kind of scary. FaceID worked when I check my phone at night with the lights off, while wearing a mask, and even when I glance to the side. Technology is the magic of the frontier.
MagSafe is another “How the hell did I live my life without this?” Property. I bought Anker MagSafe Charger And I love how it magnetically locks to the back of the iPhone 13 Pro. Best of all, you don’t have to remove a file Spigen Tough Armor The case for MagSafe to work. I’m glad this is a viable charging option because, for unknown reasons, iPhones still use lightning cables…but I won’t talk about that here. I also love to use Spigen MagSafe Wallet. While it only holds three cards, it’s a great accessory that spares me from having to carry both a wallet and a phone.
At the moment, I only have two complaints about the iPhone. The apps are not listed alphabetically as they are on Android. Moving apps on a phone screen is surprisingly cumbersome. Doing so feels like playing one of the sliding puzzle games since I was a kid, which is even more annoying.
I also wish there was a blinking light telling me if I got notifications. But given how I’m no longer distracted by the constant light of notice, I probably shouldn’t be complaining.
customization? I do not need it
One of the main reasons why people prefer Android over Apple is customization. Where Apple keeps its ecosystem under tight restrictions, Android allows for a deep level of customization. Honestly, I only used the basic Android features. I have no inclination to manually install programs that are not in the Google Play Store or dive into the operating system and tweak things. Restricted Apple operating systems are not a problem for me.
With that said, it’s not like I couldn’t customize the iPhone experience to my liking. I use different Google platforms for my work and personal life. The first thing I did with my new phone was to install every Google app I needed like Google, Chrome, Drive, Maps, Photos, etc. I removed Safari, Apple News, and the built-in calendar from the home screen and replaced them with their Google counterparts.
Bye Android
I’ve only owned an iPhone for two weeks, but I can safely say that I won’t be returning to Android phones anytime soon. Although Android is a quite viable platform and keeps getting better, it is still not compatible with Apple’s operating systems. As I said, I don’t care about customization. I just want a device that works and doesn’t give me a headache.
Managing Editor Roland Moore-Colyer said the iPhone Pro 13 is boring in his writing that has abandoned Android for iPhones — and these five things still bother me. I understand where it came from. The iPhone 13 Pro doesn’t have the Galaxy S22 Ultra’s S Pen or Dex mode, nor does the Pixel 6 Pro’s Magic Eraser and AI-focused Tensor chip. The iPhone is pretty basic, all things considered.
But as far as I’m concerned, the basic isn’t bad. I love the black coffee, vanilla ice cream, french fries without ketchup and the regular cheese pizza. Sometimes simplicity is best and that’s exactly what I get with the iPhone. So until Android becomes as easy to use as Apple’s operating systems, I don’t see myself going back.
Before I go, I want to apologize to all the iPhone users I’ve messaged over the years. I shouldn’t have introduced you to those glowing green looking text bubbles. Sorry to make you put up with that.