I’ve been using iPhones for over 10 years. I first used Android, but the iPhone just got boring. The prices keep rising, and now I’m thinking about switching back to Android. But I know it’s going to be tough since I’m so tied into Apple’s ecosystem. It’s a big decision, but sometimes you gotta make a change…
I thought about trying a Pixel, but I’ve tested them in stores, and they feel a bit off to me. So, I’m mostly looking at the S24 and S24+. I’m not too worried about the new S25 that’s coming.
I’ve got three big questions I could really use some help with:
With RCS working on both iOS and Android now, do I need to do anything special with group chats, etc., when I switch? And do I still have to deregister my number from Apple?
How does Google Wallet compare to Apple Pay? I use Apple Pay all the time in the city, so I need to know if Google Wallet is up to the task.
What steps do I need to take with my photos and everything else when switching to make things as simple as possible?
Is Android battery life still worse than iPhone? I’ve got a Pro Max, and it lasts me all day as a heavy user with Safari and YouTube.
Are Android watches any good? I use a Watch Ultra, and I’m curious if I’ll be disappointed.
I switched from Apple to Samsung, and I’ll never go back. I can’t stand how Apple locks everything down. My first iPhone looked almost the same as today’s iPhone, just with a new home button. I’m a believer in ‘if it’s not broken, don’t fix it,’ but come on, it’s so boring. Same with the Apple Watch, which I honestly think looks pretty ugly. I haven’t had any issues since switching, and I love how customizable my Galaxy is. I can tweak it however I want or leave it simple, but at least I have that choice.
I switched from the iPhone 11 Pro Max after 4 years to a second-hand S23. I realized how many basic features I was missing on Android, and how overpriced Apple is for what it offers.
Here’s what I love about Android:
One-hand operation: Even with a big screen, I can use the phone easily with one hand.
Universal back button: I can swipe to go back, which is really convenient.
Viber call ID: This is only available on Android, and it shows who’s calling, which is handy for unknown numbers.
Swipe-down control center: No more reaching for the top of the screen.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: When I turn them off, they stay off until I choose to turn them back on.
Easy contact search: I can type part of a number and see if it’s in my contacts.
Close all apps: One tap to clear everything, which is great when I want to see what’s draining my battery.
App convenience: Apps like Messenger make saving and viewing photos much easier.
File sharing: Downloading PDFs and sending them through any app is way easier than on iOS.
These are just a few of the things that stand out. But, I’m still a little worried about Samsung’s hardware reliability, especially the green line issue that some people experience after just a year or two. I’ve never had that with an iPhone. But, honestly, I love my iPhone for just working. Everything is smooth and reliable, and it’s tempting to go back if Samsung’s hardware doesn’t hold up.
Yes, you still need to deregister from iMessage. I use Samsung Pay now, and it works just like Apple Pay. The only thing is, battery life on Android phones isn’t great at first, but it does improve over time. I also backed up my photos on Google Photos on my iPhone, and when I switched to Samsung, all my pictures were already there in the app.
RCS is good if your friends and family are on newer iPhones (iOS 18+). Unfortunately, that’s not the case for me.
Android watches are okay, but if you’re used to the Watch Ultra, I’d give it a 6/10. Honestly, if you really like the Apple Watch, you might not find the Galaxy Watch to compare.
I almost got the latest iPhone, but after trying it in the store, I wasn’t impressed. It was nice, but kind of boring. I personally like Android much better now. I’m waiting for the S25 to come out. I’ve been using an A15 as a backup, and honestly, I like it better than the iPhones right now.
Switching to Samsung can be a lot to figure out. I recommend watching YouTube tutorials to help with the setup. I decided to keep my iPhone 14 Pro Max for FaceTime since most of my family still uses iPhones. I agree, though—Apple has become so stale. It feels like they’re not innovating much.
I’ve been a month into switching. Samsung has their own version of the Watch Ultra, complete with a titanium frame and an orange band. I’ve had no issues with Samsung Pay—it works just like Apple Pay. If you want to switch, you’ll need to call your carrier to deregister your number. I also switched my iMessage to my Apple ID in the Messages Settings.
Battery life really depends on which model you get. If you go with an Ultra model, your battery life will probably be much better than a base S series like mine.
I’ve used both iPhones and Samsung Ultra phones for the past few years. Honestly, iPhones feel just a little bit better in some ways, but both phones have their pros and cons. For watches, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is still the best out there. I’ve used the Galaxy Watch Ultra, and while it’s nice, the Apple Watch is ahead in my opinion. If you prefer customization, battery life, and faster charging, then Samsung is the way to go. But if you want smooth performance, great cameras, and precision, the iPhone is a solid choice.
Two years ago, I switched from an iPhone 7 to the A54. The only issue I had was with transferring some music and pictures. Make sure you back everything up on your computer and then transfer it to your new phone to avoid losing anything.