Android users, opinions wanted.

[Jerri]

Okay. Now. This is an apple/android question but not wanting to turn it into the tired apple v android debate. I thought I'd ask here. Most other forums seem incapable of answered questions without turning it into an argument.

I am genuinely curious about how the android operating system is more open than iOS.

I have had a jailbroken iPhone since the release of the 3G. But android had improved so much and offers so much now, besides being cheaper. It's stupid, in this day and age to ignore it and blindly buy apple. I have to say I love my iPhone. It's been the perfect phone for me. But seeing how far android has come its just daft not to at least make it an option for myself.

Cash is tight. I decided to get a free Nexus 4 for my upgrade and sell my iPhone 5 (bought it outright - cash wasn't tight then lol).

Now please keep in mind I'm talking about jailbroken iPhones. Not stock. I've never had one that's stock. Always waited for the JB to come out before buying. And I rooted the Nexus as soon as it got here.

So currently I have both phones. They both seem to do the same. I'm not seeing more options than there is on the iPhone. In fact there's less customisation. I can't put folders into folders. I can't put the apps in the 'all apps' section into folders. Sounds trivial but I like everything in its place lol.

The Nexus 4 itself is gorgeous. No denying. Screen is better. Typing is so much easier. No more horizontal scrolling on Internet sites.

So for me, having both phones in my hand. Jailbroken iPhone 5 and a rooted Nexus 4. I honestly, truly don't see how one is 'more open' than the other.

But I assume I'm missing something as its posted over and over.

So, my question is can anyone enlighten me? Hopefully without this turning into the usual slanging match between apple and android users.

Thanks.

[DiscoDes]

I have a LG Nexus 4 and a Asus Nexus 7 tablet both are great. I've never owned a Apple PC or phone other than playing around on a Apple IIe in the 1980's. The open structure of the N4 and N7 are great, I don't like to be "locked out" as vanilla products I'd go for a N4 any day but when you JB a iphone there is little to choose. BTW I haven't even felt I needed to Root my N4 so it's vanilla, I can do what I need to with ES file Explorer. I may want to use a non orange sim card for my foreign holiday though, but don't want to lose all my files and settings by rooting it.

[fiddles]

I have both
iphone 4s & Galaxy Note

Ipad & Nexus 7 & Asus Transformer

Android is far more open from new ( no jail breaking or rooting ) you don't need to root to change launchers, install apps not recommended etc.
Apple likes to dictate what you can do or install try printing a photo without recommended printer, Bluetooth is crippled compared to Android ( its hit & miss if Bluetooth whatever works with Apple )
Jailbreaking a apple product about equals non-rooted Android. I like both Apple & Android, my take is Apple is ideal for technophobes & beginners where Android shines is for people who are more experienced & heavily into customization & flashing roms.

Also you can create folders in apps section, Changing launcher opens up lots more options

[Jerri]

Thank you.

I have nova launcher. How do I create folders in the all apps menu?

I actually only rooted to use titanium backup. As it seems to be the best.

It is more open from the start. It's like a jail broken iPhone with our having to jail break. But I suppose that's we're I'm spoilt. I've always jailbroken.

I thought I was just missing something because its new to me and is not figured it out lol.

Now I'm stuck having to pick a phone.

[DiscoDes]

ES Bookmark (free from playstore) lets you put folder shortcuts where you want them (I think).

Oh yes loads more free stuff on Android, I'd recommend Gtunes for music, Videomix is awesome for films and wathing old TV series - I'm watching the last BSG from the beginning again then Babylon 5 will be next and TV Catchup for watching TV when in bed (with headphones) or when you're out and about.

[fiddles]

Jerri unless you have paid version of nova you will not be able too. open app drawer, top right corner triple dots settings button, nova settings, drawer then draw groups

[Jerri]

I do have the paid version. Will give that a try. Thanks.

[dannnyh]

I went from iPhone 3/4/4s to the Galaxy S3 last year after hanging on for for the 5 to come and then being underwhelmed when it did.
The Tasker App can make your phone do some amazing stuff (even more so when rooted) but it does have a bit of a steep learning curve.

[stu1873]

May 29, 2013 15:16:46 GMT DiscoDes said:

I have a LG Nexus 4 and a Asus Nexus 7 tablet both are great. I've never owned a Apple PC or phone other than playing around on a Apple IIe in the 1980's. The open structure of the N4 and N7 are great, I don't like to be "locked out" as vanilla products I'd go for a N4 any day but when you JB a iphone there is little to choose. BTW I haven't even felt I needed to Root my N4 so it's vanilla, I can do what I need to with ES file Explorer. I may want to use a non orange sim card for my foreign holiday though, but don't want to lose all my files and settings by rooting it.

I also have the LG Nexus 4 and the Asus Nexus 7 and find the both of them to be fantastic devices. I am the same as you and see no need to root either of them as with them being Official Google devices they are free from bloatware.

I would say you get far more bang for you're buck with Android devices and you are just paying extra for the name Apple on you're phone.

[Jerri]

So what back up apps are you using?

I only rooted for titanium back up. But I would rather be stock for OTA updates.

[stu1873]

I have rooted my works phone which is a Sony Ericsson Mini pro (SK17i) and use my Backup instead of Titaniumn Backup.

[DiscoDes]

May 29, 2013 16:41:05 GMT Jerri said:

So what back up apps are you using?

I only rooted for titanium back up. But I would rather be stock for OTA updates.

Everything's synced to the cloud any way. When I got my N4 it downloaded everything that I had on my HTC phone to the N4. Also you can send downloads from the playstore to other devices. Last night I sent the fasttech tracking app to my phone from my N7 through playstore. Playstore knows what apps you have so you can just d/l again when you change devices.

[Jerri]

I'm mostly talking about app data. Settings etc. I have my contacts backed up in a few places so not worried about those. But say if I'm playing a game and for some reason have to reset. How do I back app data up?

[Jerri]

Downloaded helium.


One more question. I like to manually check FB, emails etc. how do I then off push?

[anythintreet]

Had 3 androids now, and the only thing that I envy ios for is that there's loads of apps that take ages - if ever - to get to android. Best thing is there's loads of ways of not paying for paid apps ;-)