The Switch To Android: Four Months Later
Back in early September 2010, I switched from the iPhone (AT&T) to Android (Verizon). I mentioned my initial thoughts in an article I wrote for Black Web 2.0. I have updated my observations with some quick additional thoughts after being with Team Android for four months.
- Battery Life was a concern. I could barely get through a while day with moderate usage of apps and the phone. The extended battery helped but the phone definitely needs to be charged nightly. This is still true but is less of an issue for me. It seems like the battery life is on par with the iPhone 3GS life (I have not used the iPhone 4 yet).
- The camera continues to be a welcome surprise. I have been able to take some very nice pictures and even record that looks very clear and detailed. The high quality camera has allowed me to expand my use of Evernote as well with the snapshot feature.
- The Android OS does take some getting used to. The addition of the 2.3 update has helped as the system continues to get more and more intuitive. I look forward to more updates.
- Although the number of apps will probably never catch up to Apple’s dominance, there are some very high quality apps available for Android users. The majority of the Apple mainstays are available for Android. They are also continuing to closely match the feature set included in Apple versions. The Instagram vs. PicPlz evolution is interesting to follow as these large communities are growing at a rapid pace.
With iPhone coming to Verizon as well, I still have no urge to switch back. I am excited to continue to learn how to use my Droid X to its full capabilities. I strongly feel that the open system of Android will end up winning in the long run.
I also made the switch and, aside from my phone, I’m fully invested in the Apple economy with an iMac, iPad, and Macbook Air. My wife has an iPod Touch. The extended battery I purchased for my Evo creates additional bulk but I can use the hotspot, GPS, and WiFi features extensively during the day with no concerns about losing power. The Android OS isn’t as intuitive as the iOS but it works well. Apple should be concerned as I really can’t say I’ve missed much other than having my music and photos readily available and the iPad fixes that.