I recently decided to make the switch to Android after being a loyal iPhone owner since 2009. I felt Apple had become a bit complacent with iPhone's design over the years, coming up short in both the screen size and hardware specs compared to flagship phones from HTC, Samsung, and Google/Motorola. After sorting through the reviews, I settled on Samsung's "Next Big Thing": the Galaxy S4, and I've come to regret it.
Shortly after setting up the Galaxy S4 I noticed the difference in philosophy between Google and Apple, one that mirrors the same philosophical differences between Microsoft and Apple on the desktop three decades ago. Apple still adheres to a tightly woven relationship between hardware and software, with no tinkering encouraged for the consumer. Apple takes a "father knows best" approach to their design, and want you to experience their product only as Apple has intended. There is little to no room for any customization, or tweaking of settings, because Apple has already optimized the experience for the user.
Goole on the other hand, has created an operating system designed by engineers for engineers. As an open platform, you can tinker with literally every setting, and customize any component. This makes Android flexible, intimidating, and (sadly) clunky in comparison to iOS. The skin and bloatware Samsung added to Android JellyBean doesn't help -- it's noticeable slower than the vanilla version and doesn't add any practical functionality for me. You cannot just jump into Android, you really have to dig in and understand the settings and adjust them to your liking. For instance, my phone was not switching between wireless and mobile data automatically if it couldn't establish a wireless connection. It took me 4 months before I was able to figure out the proper wireless settings for what comes as a default in iOS.
Another major issue with the Galaxy S4 is the camera. It has a hard time focusing, is generally very slow, and pictures tend to be grainy when I zoom in. Compared to the iPhone, it is just not that good for everyday use. I've seen the camera on the Nexus 5, and it's much faster...this has to be an issue with the software Samsung has layered onto Android.
While I won't completely write-off the Android OS, I will write off buying another Samsung phone. The better paper specs of this phone, does not make it superior. I'm willing to say that a Nexus 5 or MotoX are much better phones with faster versions of Android and better camera performance.
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