Droid vs. iPhone
Home with a sick girl today.
So a quick question for those of you more on top of the tech wave than I am:
Which would you recommend, and why?
It goes without saying that if either one has an app that turns the phone into a working phaser or lightsaber, that’s the winner. Unless one has a phaser and the other a lightsaber. Hm. Not sure how I’d call that one…
Jason Larke
September 27, 2010 @ 9:11 am
The iPhone 4 is a really impressive piece of work, and probably a little better, hardware-wise, than the Droid X. The iPhone also gets slightly more comprehensive app support, although Android market penetration is improving so fast that, unless there’s a specific app you want and know you can’t get on Android, I’m not sure I’d worry about it.
The iPhone remains the better media player.
The Droid runs on Verizon’s network, which has a wider coverage footprint and a better reputation for service.
The Droid X, like all Android phones, offers more space for customization. Two features I really like are the ability to change the soft keyboard and the existence of widgets. The ability to change the soft keyboard means you can get Swype on most Android phones, and for me, Swype has been such a huge improvement that I couldn’t ever go back. Widgets let you display dynamic content right on your home screen. I have them set up to show me the day’s weather and schedule. To get that info on an iPhone I’d have to run the weather app, then run the calendar app.
As you’ve probably guessed, I’m happy with my Droid.
Jim C. Hines
September 27, 2010 @ 9:15 am
Thanks, Jason. That’s really helpful.
I’ve heard people mention Swype, but I’m not actually familiar with it. Is this an alternate keyboard, or is it more of a software function (spell-check, autocomplete, that sort of thing)?
Jason Larke
September 27, 2010 @ 9:19 am
It’s an alternate keyboard, and actually it turns out to be a built-in option on the Droid X. See http://swypeinc.com/ for more on how it works.
Andrew Betts
September 27, 2010 @ 10:40 am
I definitely like the looks of the Droid X better than the iPhone. I will admit some of my dislike is kinda political as I have issues with Apple as a corporation. Their childish “antennagate” thing just pushed me over the edge.
I’m also big into customization and expandability which the iPhone doesn’t allow for, save for choosing your apps and where they go on the screen.
Verizon’s service has also been top notch over my experience with AT&T.
John Booth
September 27, 2010 @ 10:51 am
I went with Droid for the physical keyboard (which doesn’t seem to be an issue for you, since you’re looking at the X and not the Droid2), the Verizon connectivity and the reasonably-priced unlimited data plan. The latter made it possible for me to tether it to my netbook on a cross-country road trip, providing worry-free internet access in all but a few really remote corners. (I wrote about this over at GeekDad –
http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2010/07/on-the-road-with-droid/
And with the Google-map-based navigation system built in, it’s basically a free GPS, too.
I use it mostly for work and personal geekery, and honestly, the only time I’m a little iJealous is when my Apple-toting friends play Carcasonne.
Jim C. Hines
September 27, 2010 @ 11:27 am
Yeah, Verizon vs. AT&T seems to be a big factor, and one I hadn’t really thought about. Thanks!
Steve – Kestrel's Aerie
September 27, 2010 @ 11:38 am
I didn’t have an option: No AT&T coverage here in western South Dakota, so no iPhone. My daughter-in-law has one (and I have the newest iPod Touch, which is very similar but has no phone). However, the real clincher for me was the mobile hotspot capability of the DroidX: We vacation in California each year, in a home with no Internet connectivity. The 3G mobile hotspot ($20/month, and only as needed, on top of the regular data plan) is well worth it for me! (Where WiFi is available, the DroidX can serve as a wireless router.)
The iPhone’s camera is better than the one on the DroidX (whose camera is decent, and for stitching panoramic shots, unbelievably great), and it’s media playback is considerably better. That said, there is the whole dropped calls issue, which is endemic to AT&T, not necessarily the iPhone.
John Booth made an excellent point regarding the GPS: With my Droid X, there is no need for a Garmin or Tom Tom GPS unit in my car. (And although my Murano has a navigation system, I won’t be updating it at $100/year anymore, thanks to the Droid X GPS/Google Navigation apps.)
Swype is an outstanding feature: Simply drag your fingertip from letter to letter on the word (and you don’t have to be very precise). If the software is unsure of the word you spelled, it pops up a window from which to choose among 8 options. For new words to add to Swype’s lexicon, simply tap each letter and the spacebar when you’re done. The word is now permanently saved. Swype is simple, it’s intuitive, and, to steal a line from Apple, “It just works.” I could never go back to thumb-typing (well, due to arthritis in my left thumb, I can’t anyway).
And finally, as Jason Larke said, unless there is an app you know only exists for the iPhone, you can find just about any corresponding app for Android.
Jeff Linder
September 27, 2010 @ 12:21 pm
We have both in the house and they have pluses and minuses. I pretty much agree with everything above, but want to add a few points…
1> Despite the complaints about ATT, once out of the big cities I find them better than most (its more a matter of bandwith than network in my book. Here in the house, my iPhone is almost always 4-5 bars, her droid won’t work except by the front door and on the upper floor.
2> I think the android operating system on the droid is superior to iOS4. But I find the quality of apps to be significantly better on the iPhone, the android store folks do not seem to be as diligent about screening. Her apps crash a lot more than mine.
Neither of those are deal breakers, but should be considered.
zollmaniac
September 27, 2010 @ 1:26 pm
I have wanted an iPhone since the day they were released. Unfortunately, AT&T’s crappy network doesn’t get nearly the coverage that I get out of Verizon’s network. I’ve had other iPhone users over at my house and they can’t get any connectivity at all when I could get 2 – 3 bars easily on my Droid/Storm.
I’ll go ahead and put in a push for the Droid 2. Until I got the phone about a month ago, I was dying for the iPhone to come to Verizon so I could get one. However, the Droid 2 has far exceeded my expectations to the point that I actually ENJOY using it! (That’s a big step for a former Storm user) The option for a hard keyboard is really nice and very easy to use as well.
I’m not such a fan of the Droid X though because of its size. Just not my taste personally, but I know a few people who absolutely love it. Next thing you know, you’ll see people holding up an iPad to their ear! Plus… the Droid 2 fits in my pocket while the X only fits comfortably in one of those ultra-dork holsters.
I’m a dork and all, but even some things are beyond me.
zollmaniac
September 27, 2010 @ 1:29 pm
I like Verizon so much I worked for them for a while!
Nah. Not really. I didn’t have Verizon – or a cell phone at all – until I worked for them (great discount), but ever since then, I haven’t found a good reason to switch to another network.
Of course, I have heard that they will be using a new tiered data plan structure and the highest you can get is 2GB a month. Jump on board now before they change it, so you get grandfathered in!
Dhara
September 27, 2010 @ 3:12 pm
I just got the iPhone 4, and it’s lovely. Several of my friends have the 3GS, which is awesome, but the display on the new iPhone is so gorgeous it defies belief. It also has a 5 mp camera, automatic flash, and another camera mounted on the front of the phone, which can be used to video-call another iPhone 4 or just take photo/video of whatever is facing the screen. The speaker is powerful and clear, good sound quality. It’s just a beautiful device.
Also if you buy it before Sept 30th, you can get a free case from Apple or one of Apple’s chosen vendors. I got a case from Speck that I like very much; there are some very nice choices.
Steve Buchheit
September 27, 2010 @ 3:29 pm
Never hurts to keep a good blaster at your side, kid.
See, and my conundrum is iPad or iPod Touch. I keep listing all their pros and cons and how I want to use them and for what, and then think of a new way I’d want to use them, and the one I had settled on now wouldn’t work, so I choose the other one. Wash, rinse, repeat. It’s maddening.
M. Ellis
September 27, 2010 @ 4:14 pm
Let me put in an iPhone recommendation. I have an iPhone 4 and I love it. ‘Antennagate’ has proven to be a non issue. Reception is noticeably better than my old 3G. The OS is very quick and responsive. Typing is not a problem (typing this on the phone). Multitasking has proved to be overall very good, though the ten minute limit on background network apps has come up (IRC).
You will want to make sure that AT&T is ‘good enough’ where you are. Here in LA they have improved a Loy in the last three years. I do like the do phone and data at the same time; I’m not sure if Verizon has fixed their net, but last I checked, their phones were limited to one or the other at any given time.
Finally, let me put in my recommendation for the retina display. It really is amazing.
Jim C. Hines
September 28, 2010 @ 8:35 am
Thanks, John. Yeah, I’m not too worried about the keyboard, but Verizon seems to be the better network, and I’d rather get the unlimited data plan if possible…
Jim C. Hines
September 28, 2010 @ 8:35 am
Thanks!
Jim C. Hines
September 28, 2010 @ 8:37 am
I’ve found a number of sample photos from the iPhone, but haven’t found much out there about the camera capabilities or samples from the Droid. Which is annoying, because knowing me, that’s one of the features I’d probably use a lot.
From everything I’ve heard, Verizon definitely seems to be the better choice of networks. I’m wondering if I should just wait until they get on board with iPhone…
Jim C. Hines
September 28, 2010 @ 8:37 am
Thanks, Jeff. Most people have been pushing Verizon as the better network, so it’s good to get a counterexample.
Jim C. Hines
September 28, 2010 @ 8:38 am
I admit, from a purely physical/esthetic perspective, the iPhone definitely appeals to me more than the Droid X…
Jim C. Hines
September 28, 2010 @ 8:41 am
Thanks — I knew there was a deadline on their free case offer, but couldn’t remember exactly when that was. Looks like I need to make a decision soon 🙂
Jim C. Hines
September 28, 2010 @ 8:43 am
AT&T is pretty good around here, as far as I know. I’ll be double checking, though.
I’ve heard rumors Verizon might also be picking up the iPhone. I’m tempted to wait, if only to see if they’d continue to offer an unlimited data plan…
John Booth
September 28, 2010 @ 9:01 am
I’ve used my Droid as my default camera since this spring and have been awfully pleased. The only weaknesses I tend to find are managing crispness in large indoor areas and sometimes outside at dusk – though given the quality of most of the pictures, I suspect the fuzzier ones are more the result of my lack of photographic knowledge and camera settings than problems with the device itself.
I used it to document my entire road trip – though I don’t have all the pictures uploaded yet: http://www.flickr.com/photos/22343552@N02/collections/72157624303312827/
and most recently on a county fair visit:
http://johnbooth.wordpress.com/2010/09/21/wyandotcountyfair/
And at the risk of going overboard, Flickr has a “search by camera” option:
http://www.flickr.com/cameras/motorola/droid/
Jim C. Hines
September 28, 2010 @ 9:11 am
Excellent – thanks, John!
Jeff L
September 28, 2010 @ 10:59 am
I’d be very surprised if Verizon went unlimited data (at the very least I expect tiered options) even if they get the iPhone, to avoid AT+Ts bandwith issues.
Before I got my iPhone, I asked ATT to lend me a regular phone (not activated) in order to test signal strength walking around the house, you might see if your local store will do that.
Finally, just to add complexity, Sprint offers a really nice 4G unlimited android phone as well (a little bulky but nice keyboard and a panoramic camera…
Jason Larke
September 28, 2010 @ 11:03 am
Any wireless data system has fundamental bandwidth limits created by the frequencies in use. In the old wired networking world, ISPs could always lay or turn up more fiber to create more bandwidth when needed. In wireless, they have to convince the FCC to allocate more frequencies, which often means kicking old users off those frequencies. As devices which can usefully consume that bandwidth proliferate, some sort of mechanism for allocating that bandwidth will eventually be needed. Unlimited use of a limited resource does not create a functional situation.
zollmaniac
September 28, 2010 @ 3:33 pm
I can tell you this… I am very much impressed by the Android OS and the things it can do exceeded my wildest imagination. You can even view flash on its browser!
Although, you will probably want to get an AntiVirus program installed on the droid since all their programs are open source. I see that as a bit of a negative, personally.
zollmaniac
September 28, 2010 @ 3:39 pm
They supposedly are picking up an iPhone (or something similar) in early 2011. Apple has said they were working on a CDMA device (which is Verizon only… don’t know any other cell co that uses it).
Elizabeth
September 28, 2010 @ 3:41 pm
I have used my friend’s iPhones quite often, but to my knowledge none of them have an iPhone 4 so I’m not really an expert on that front.
I do, however, have a Droid X that I absolutely adore. For me, there was no contest between the two of these phones because I would never in a million years switch to AT&T for my wireless needs. Where I live, their network is not as good as Verizon by a long shot. When you add in the fact that 90% of the people I call are on Verizon and those calls are free, then there’s no reason in the world compelling enough for me to switch. I would point out again though that this is local to my area so your mileage may vary, but I would take network coverage into account, along with the company itself. The plans they offer, etc. Since the phone is more than just the gadget itself but also a data plan and a company with it’s own foibles and problems.
As for the device itself, I can’t even tell you how much I love my Droid X. The huge screen is wonderful, it feels sturdy and seems to hold up under stress pretty well since I’m rather mean to my electronics. I’ve found apps that do just about everything I can think of, and the customization is fantastic. It connects to my computer with no problems, and I’m sure I’m only just scratching the surface of what it can do. Since I’m constantly getting lost, the built in Google Turn by Turn navigation is also a life saver. Plus, they just added most of the walking trails in my town to the maps feature so I can even use it to walk to the store if I want. The integration with Google is a big plus for me because I’ve always used gmail and Google Calendar anyway, so it works out well for what I was already using to stay organized.
I admit, I’m also in love with it right now because I’ve just spent the morning using the barcode scanner and a free app to catalog my bookshelf and make an excel spreadsheet out of it, something I’ve been meaning to do for years. I’m sure the iPhone can probably do that too, but I really feel like the Droid can do almost anything the iPhone can do so in the end it’s a personal preference and an issue of the network and company that you want to go with.
zollmaniac
September 28, 2010 @ 3:42 pm
I don’t have any examples on the web as listed by John, but I can tell you, I love the camera on my Droid 2.
Elizabeth
September 28, 2010 @ 3:52 pm
My X fits in my pocket pretty comfortably, but I admit I wear pants with awfully big pockets ; ) I actually prefer the size of it because I wanted a screen where I actually could really read things on it, since I primarily use the phone function with a headset or with the speaker phone. I can hold it to my ear, I just usually don’t. I have actually read screenplays on it (though I admit it was a challenge) so having just that slightly larger screen was worth it for me.
That’s the kicker with picking a phone, you have to decide what you are going to use it for and what’s important to you personally and your habits (and location). I didn’t care for a physical keyboard and wanted a bigger screen and a few of the other things that the X had just ever so slightly more of.
I admit though that the R2 Droid 2 really tempted me.
Elizabeth
September 28, 2010 @ 3:56 pm
I can’t say I’m happy with the camera on my Droid X, but I place the blame for that solely on the fact that I haven’t had a chance to really explore the settings and wrangle it into submission. Since I can’t even figure out how to make the thing stop beeping I know I’ve probably got every other setting in a bad place for taking good pictures. But I find the shutter speed FAR too slow for one thing.
Again, probably all things I could change and fix but out of the box it has not come close to replacing my Cybershot. I still carry a real camera around with me instead.