This is going to make some of you very angry indeed. Apparently, some Android owners treacherously harbour indecent thoughts about -- and you might want to sit down for this one -- the iPhone.
Android phone owners were four times more likely to desire an iPhone than the other way round, according to a poll by mobile comparison site MyPhoneDeals. A third of Android owners admitting to feeling passion for the ChristPhone, while only 7 per cent of iPhone owners owned up to preferring Google's green robot.
More than half of men who didn't own a smart phone would go for an iPhone, while only a fifth of non-smart phone owners would go Android. At first glance the survey looks like it's full of win for Jobs' mob, but it'll pay to look at the results a little more closely.
Unlike the few iPhone models, there are many types of Android smart phone, with both high-end expensive handsets and cheaper budget devices available. If the survey examined Android owners with cheaper models such as the HTC Hero or HTC Wildfire, then of course they might want a more expensive phone -- and the iPhone is the most obvious example of a desirable wallet-busting smart phone.
It probably would have made more sense if the survey had asked owners of phones such as the HTC Desire or Samsung Galaxy S were still lusting after the iPhone, because at least they're comparable.
The survey also showed that two thirds of iPhone owners could not manage without their iPhone compared to 29 per cent of Android owners. Similarly, this might be due to the fact that many people with cheaper, less feature-rich Android handsets just don't need or want to rely on a smart phone that much.
Google should probably be more concerned with a stat saying that only 16 per cent of respondents would like to own an Android phone. Many non-techies, even iPhone users, aren't aware of other OS options and this is a good example of Apple effectively out-branding the opposition. Android hasn't penetrated the mainstream consciousness -- yet.
What do you think? Do you Desire and Galaxy S owners think you made the wrong decision? Are you lusting after an iPhone? Or did you opt for Android precisely because it's not made by Apple?
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Comments 26
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Pokeh 10 November, 2010 12:47
As an Android user I'm thinking about jumping ship - though not necessarily to the iPhone. I'm mostly thinking about WinPhoSev. Hopefully when my contract ends in June there'll be some decent handsets around and the OS will have matured a little bit.
Giving app developers freedom to do what they like sounds like a good thing at first - but with the wide variety of Android handsets available (and the big differences in tech specs that accompanies this) you end up with some apps that don't run so smoothly on a lower end device. I never thought I'd say it - but app screening is a good thing for the customer, though it's a shame that Apple sometimes abuse this by declining apps that "compete" with their own.
Given that WinPhoSev has a set of minimum requirements, and has some good integration with Xbox Live (key selling point for a keen gamer such as myself) then it seems like the obvious choice really.
kaizr 10 November, 2010 12:47
I currently have an iPhone 4 (bought sim-free from having a iPhone 3G previously), but wish I waited and went for the HTC Desire HD or HD7.
Apart from the camera and design, there's not much in my upgrade from the 3G to the 4.
Jono70 10 November, 2010 13:42
I agree with Pokeh's comments; I'm halfway through a two year 3 contract with an HTC Hero. I like the openness of Android but that's also its achilles heel. I like many have suffered the long delays in receiving handset/carrier-specific OS updates, app compatibility etc.
My missus has a 3GS and I have to say that the touchscreen and keyboard are a big improvement over the Hero; it's also generally more intuitive to use though more restrictive. Other than that iPhone leaves me cold - mainly because I think they're very overpriced for what they are. Therefore I'm also pinning my hopes on WP7 being a success - it sounds as though it could be the happy medium between Android and iPhone. Here's hoping.
Anonymous 10 November, 2010 13:53
HOLD ON!
Am I right in thinking that Gingerbread (Android 3) will require minimum specs, similar to W7?
If so, that should give consumers clear choice over whether they want a lower-specced phone (2.1 or below) or whether they want a premium android phone (3 and above)
I have to say, seeing the iphone in action is great and it does just work, and the amount (and more importantly) the quality of the apps are amazing...
However, I have a Galaxy S - and I just can't let go of the freedom to customise my phone the way I want it...
I love to have a unique and different-looking phone which is unlike anyone else's in the world!
People's mums and dads have iphones, because they are what they are, technology for the masses - I know they compete, but fundamentally they are different - each with their own strengths and weaknesses...
I've thought about jumping to iphone, but seeing screen after screen of square icons with no individuality or soul (and the fact that many of my friends have had iphones and despite the apps get 'bored' with it) I could never do it....
Viva la Android!!!
:)
Anonymous 10 November, 2010 14:40
Apple. Think Different ;)
Not surprised they dropped that one, their tech for tards approach has earned them a huge user base, on the tube home last night I would say 7/10 people with their phones out had an iPhone!
The restrictions on use are just too much for me, I like to play with my toys - wouldn't mind the iPhone 4 screen on a decent device though I have to admit - don't really like the fake look of Amoled
Anonymous 10 November, 2010 14:55
I changed my loyalties from iPhone 3G to Android 2.2 on high spec HTC Desire, but there is no comparision of both. IOS has been built brilliantly, and is more user frendly. For the time i was using 3G, i almost did'nt used my laptop for email, social networking, and even for games. All my music, calender, appointments and reminders all were managed in iPhone, and it all worked perfectly.
Android did not offered same level of integration with hardware, and coordination / organising facilities, and after fafing around with Android for 2 months, i just bought iPhone 3GS 32GB and my life is back on track.
One strong point for iPhone is that IOS is developed specifically for that hardware, where for Android 2.2 (or any version) is more generic. For example, when rotating handset from horizental to vertical, there is a pause in Android, but its instant in iPhone.
Amount and quality of Apps available for iPhone are a tough ground for Android to match. There is virtually no quality standard for Apps to macth to qualify for Android Market, I even came across a 'Hello World' App, which didnt do anything but displays 'Hello World' when its ran. Anyone familiar with ANY programming language knows, its the first program, and Market let this 'App' to get on the Market.
Nick Hide 10 November, 2010 15:48
Cost is key. I've got a Hero and I'd love an iPhone, but I'm not paying £35 a month. Like Pokeh I'm considering WinPho7, but the apps aren't there yet.
anonymous 10 November, 2010 16:15
I switched to a HTC Desire after owning both an iPhone 3G & 3GS. Why did I jump ship? Because iOS is restrictive, outdated & boring. The open nature of Android means it has the potential to be tapped by developers to do almost anything.
I don't want to be confronted by screens full of little icons after passing through an unlock screen devoid of information. I want multiple screens full of interactive live widgets & a notification system that works instead of interrupting whatever you're doing.
At the end of the day, what I'm most pleased about is that there is choice in the smartphone market & Android, WinPhoSev & possible WebOS 2.0 offer an alternative to Steve's glass & steel slab. Admittedly Apple's marketing strategy is second to none & I think that this survey result just shows that the Cult of Apple grows ever stronger.
anonymous 10 November, 2010 16:43
I lasted 7 months on Android. Couldn't stand the absolute dog of an app store or the substandard dross within it. I got so fed up of being left out in the cold with all the good apps coming out on iPhone that I went back. Sorry Ian Morris.
jasonquinn351 10 November, 2010 16:46
I was an iPhone (have had the 3G,3GS and 4) user but have recently switched to Windows Phone 7 and I wouldn't go back if you paid me.
Anonymous 10 November, 2010 17:14
I love my galaxy S and do like the android platform, I may try other OS but can't see myself ever going over to Iphone.... mainly because I'm not a sheep and it does very little most android/wp7 phones can't do!
gary.mua 10 November, 2010 17:39
I have a desire and the last thing I would want is an iPhone! Now I'm not some crazy Android fanboy...I'm happy to admit that the iPhone is brilliant, but whenever I have a play on a friends iPhone I'm not particularly impressed! It's fine for some, but I'd much rather stick with my desire...and when my iPhone owning friends constantly ask to borrow my phone to check things online as it loads much quicker...I'm reminded why! Lol!
ekinlock 10 November, 2010 17:51
Have had all iterations of the iphone up to the 3gs, currently using a Desire and would not go back to Apple land..
Anonymous 10 November, 2010 21:33
After the wife saw her friends Iphone she had to have a 3G one, but after putting up the poor and unreliable reception for 3 months (returned to Apple shop twice, plus new sim card) it had to go.
Replaced it with a HTC Desire, which has been excellent, and performs much better. So much better I've now got one myself and I certainly would not change. I can now laugh at my friends trying to get reception on their Iphones.
John N
Anonymous 11 November, 2010 01:03
I got an Windows Phone 7 and love it. It's certainly better than android and at least a match for iphone if not better. It's just so fluid and pleasure to use. It may have some initial shortcomings but first update is out in 2 months. I already receive updates from apps I have and they work very well. I can't really complain, the screen is by the way amazing when compared to iphone 3, not sure about iphone 4.
Anonymous 11 November, 2010 01:56
All of them are both incredibly sophisticated and powerful tablet that are ideal companions for people who want complete control of their digital lives while on the go. I am also hesitating which one i should buy. who can help me , however,no matter which one i will buy, it is necessary to download a Aneesoft video converter.
Naryan 11 November, 2010 09:30
The iPhone is good. But Apple and their whole mentality towards everything make me want to be sick... and the software is like a virus... and it's too expensive.
Anonymous 11 November, 2010 10:37
Recently migrated from iPhone to HTC Desire HD. I have to say that both Apple and Android do certain things better. In reality we should probably thank Apple for making the other smartphone makers up their game. Personally, nothing beats the usability of the iPhone, but currently I'm rather enjoying the more customisable feel of Android 2.2. The apps argument is pretty redundant now. Android has caught up on the important ones. 90% of my iphone apps were unused and gimiky. I used the sat nav feature of my HTC yesterday - brilliant.
The market changes so fast, so who knows where we will be in 3 months, let alone 3 years, but happy with my HTC at the moment.
Anonymous 11 November, 2010 14:25
Jailbreak, jailbreak, jailbreak. All you Android users out there harping on about how 'open' the OS is compared to Apple's iOS should maybe do a bit more research. Jailbreaking takes all of 5 minutes and is piss easy to do. Not only can I get any official app store application for free, but I have access to the jailbroken app store called cydia. Uncontrolled by apple, it opens up a wealth of extra functionality and 'openness' that allows me to customise my phone in many ways.
Not only that, but it makes the phone even more feature rich. View flash based websites? Get frash. Want to turn your phone into a wi-fi hub with up to 10 other devices able to connect? Get MyWi. Want to video call with FaceTime over 3G instead of only over wi-fi? Get 3G unrestrictor. Want to properly multitask? Get backgrounder. I have been multitasking for over a year, long before iOS 4 came out.
I could go on and on. Combine the limitless possibilities from jailbreaking to the inherent sophistication and slickness of the hardware and in built features of the iPhone 4 and you'll come to realise there isn't a better choice of smartphone out there.
'Open' enough for you?
Anonymous 11 November, 2010 21:58
I just can't believe some of these comments on here. One guy said "there's not much in my upgrade from the 3G to the 4" which I think is total BS. The phones are two generations apart. iOS 4 practically killed the 3G from making it even useful. And this guy says there's no difference. From first-hand experience, the entire user experience is worlds apart.
Another guys said that he switched from iPhone to WinPhoSev and wouldn't go back if you paid him. So let's think about this...his entire app library just went out the window. He no longer has cut-and-paste. Judging from the fact that he states he had the 3G, the 3GS, and iPhone 4 makes it sound like he must've been very much settled into the platform. But he threw it all away for a 1.0 version of a completely new platform and he's so happy that he wouldn't go back if you paid him. Does that make any sense to anybody?
It's fine if you hate apple and all they stand for. But I just don't understand these FOX news tactics of twisting things around to sell your beliefs.
Anonymous 12 November, 2010 08:18
Jailbreak jailbreak jailbreak, warranty warranty warranty.
Anonymous 12 November, 2010 23:20
On thing that would make me leave Android is the Apps that iphone has...
... pretty sure that in a few years android will be there and everything will be available on both.
Really their ain't much to choose between them to the man on the street
Anonymous 15 November, 2010 03:07
I'm not sure how accurate the data is, but I know one thing: I am part of the 2/3 that will never join the iSheep.
Anonymous 15 November, 2010 03:49
Two Hundrad and Twelfthty percent of your readers now realise you are a chump!
Anonymous 15 November, 2010 04:31
Wow...I had an i*hone and I will never go back after getting my OG DROID. I think this is crock as everyone I know who has gone Andy (including all my interweb buddies) would never think about getting an i*hone. Why wouldn't you just get an i*hone if you wanted one anyway?
Anonymous 15 November, 2010 23:59
And 1/3 of iPhone users have no idea now good Android really is. The other 2/3 are fanboys who wouldn't leave if a gun were held to their head.
The smartphone OS war has now replaced the desktop OS war (I prefer Macs to PCs, but Android is the future for mobile devices, at least until the next new tech giant comes along).